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10 Fun Things to Do in Scarborough
Feel like making your way up to one of Yorkshire’s glorious seaside towns? Beyond the sea, there are so many things to do in Scarborough, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with the family.
Scarborough is one of the best seaside towns in Yorkshire. Give yourselves a half-term treat with miniature golf, spooks and good old-fashioned chips on the sand. Or if you’re into the more cultural side of things, be sure to explore Scarborough’s rich coastal heritage.
With so much on offer, you’ll need at least a week to get a real feel of things. So book your next staycation and check out the best 10 things to do in Scarborough…
1. Scarborough Beach
Of course, the main attraction and the reason why more than 10 million people flock to Scarborough each year is its famous seaside. You’ll find the beach divided into bays, with Scarborough’s South Bay making a very respectable second place in our top 7 beaches in Yorkshire. It’s the perfect commercial spot for arcades, sailboat rides and of course, a delectable portion of Harry Ramsden’s fish and chips. If you’re after something more scenic, take a wander along the North Bay.
After a morning strolling along this idyllic beach, why not head to one of these Scarborough Pubs for a refreshing pint!
2. Scarborough Castle
Looking for things to do in Scarborough with dogs besides the usual parks? Head up to Scarborough Castle, a stunning 12th Century ruin that has fought off Vikings, Tudor rebels and much more. Dogs are allowed on leads here as you explore the grounds. You can hook up to an audio tour and find out more about the castle’s ancient Roman signal stations, as well as climb tall viewing platforms. This one’s ideal for those who love getting active and learning more about history. Put on your walking shoes and take a step back in time at one of Yorkshire’s best castles.
3. Sea Life Scarborough
British weather letting you down? The Sea Life Centre is a prime example of things to do in Scarborough in the rain – even if there’s more water here! At Sea Life Scarborough, you’re invited to discover an underwater world featuring penguins, seals, coral reef inhabitants and of course – sharks. Take the little ones to the Rainforest Adventure or try your hand at a spot of Pirate Adventure Mini Golf. The centre also regularly runs events such as seasonal Halloween shows, so keep an eye on the website calendar.
4. Scarborough North Bay Railway
If you’re into your locomotive history, you’ll love a ride on the Scarborough North Bay Railway. While it’s great for the little ones, it’s also one of the best things to do in Scarborough for couples – offering sprawling views of the coast and all the attractions in Scarborough. The railway will also transport you to other fun activities, including the Water Chute and the Scarborough Sky Trail Adventure.
5. Peasholm Park
Perhaps one of the most relaxing free things to do in Scarborough, Peasholm Park offers panoramic views of lush greenery – a world away from Scarborough’s sandy beaches. Take a stroll around and admire the well-kept gardens, or bring the whole family for a quick trip on the pedaloes. With rockeries, lakes, seating areas and putting greens, there’s something for everybody to do. Don’t forget to bring your camera for an amazing day out.
6. Alpamare Scarborough
Alpamare Scarborough makes its customers a daring promise: if you think you know waterparks, think again. There’s something for kids and mums and dads here – thanks to the site’s four incredible waterslides and an in-house spa. After plunging down the Olympic Run slide, cool off in the infinity pool or sit back and relax with an Elemis treatment at the spa. It’s a little way off from the main beach, but totally worth the trip.
7. Rotunda Museum
Right up there with some of the more unusual things to do in Scarborough, we have the Rotunda Museum. As a museum of coastal heritage and geology, this historic structure features a huge collection of fossils, sculptures and much more. It’s also got a few years behind it, created as one of the world’s first purpose-built museums in 1829. Make your way through vast exhibits featuring artefacts as many as 11,000 years old – great for a bit of culture after you’ve finished your fish and chips.
8. Terror Tower
Feel like adding an extra thrill to your trip to Scarborough? You can’t go wrong with the Terror Tower. Paying tribute to some of history’s best horror films, this haunted house attraction features live actors and special effects. Make your way through 11 different scenes across two buildings, including horrors from Psycho, Halloween, Dracula and more. This one’s not for the faint-hearted, so it may be best to take the little ones elsewhere!
9. Scarborough Sky Trail Adventure
Keeping the thrill alive, make sure you head to the Scarborough Sky Trail Adventure for unstoppable views of the coast. Thankfully, this one is perfect for both kids and adults – as long as you don’t mind getting active at height. This course offers a 2-level rope bridge and series of beams, perfect for facing your fears. If you want to calm down afterwards, there’s also the boating lake nearby.
10. Hairy Bob’s Cave
With a spooky exterior and a cheeky name to match, Hairy Bob’s Cave is a natural phenomenon based on Scarborough’s Marine Drive. The origins of the cave are not known, but it appears to have a window and door carved into a large boulder, with evidence dating as far back as 1919. Some say it was part of a larger construction project of Marine Drive – whatever it is, and whoever Bob is, it makes for a great photo opportunity.
Once you’re done exploring the town top to bottom, don’t forget to stop by other places and find things to do near Scarborough, such as a jaunt to Filey Beach. From gorgeous clifftop views and amusements and activities for the kids, you can’t do better than the Yorkshire seaside!
Have our top 10 things to do in Scarborough got you planning your next trip? Take a look at our selection of Scarborough cottages and book your Yorkshire getaway.