Visitor Experiences
Scarborough and the Yorkshire Coast offer a wealth of attractions, from cool, leafy forests to one of Britain’s most stunning museums. Visitors to Scarborough can experience the charm of a miniature railway or explore the grandeur of a 12th-century castle. Sports enthusiasts have plenty of options, while theatre and music lovers can enjoy world premieres and performances from internationally renowned artists, all drawn to the area’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Further afield why not visit Castle Howard stately home or even spend a day in the beautiful historic city of York. It's well worth a trip on the North York Moors Railway from Pickering to Whitby or for younger ones, how about a day out at Flamingoland Theme Park & Zoo.
Here's just a selection in and around Scarborough
Scarborough Spa
Scarborough Spa is a beautiful Grade II listed building located in Scarborough's South Bay. Nestled right alongside the Yorkshire Coast, it’s a popular spot for conferences, exhibitions, live music, and all sorts of events. Originally built around the town’s famous spa waters, it’s now run by North Yorkshire Council.
Inside, you’ll find the stunning Grand Hall, which seats 1,500 and hosts everything from live concerts to performances by the Scarborough Spa Orchestra and the Scarborough Jazz Festival. There’s also the charming 557-seat Spa Theatre, known for its summer shows and festive pantomimes. The versatile Spa Ocean Room hosts dances, conferences, and special events like Coastival.
To get there, why not take a ride on the Victorian Cliff Tramway? This historic funicular railway connects the Spa to South Cliff, offering lovely views as it climbs 200 feet above South Bay.
Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Scarborough's Open Air Theatre is the largest of its kind in Europe, originally constructed by Scarborough Corporation in the 1930s.
Following a £3.5 million refurbishment, the theatre was officially re-opened in 2010 by Her Majesty the Queen.
Since then, it has welcomed some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Elton John, Jessie J, Boyzone, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, JLS, Status Quo, and McFly, among many others.
See what's on by visiting their website.
North Bay Railway & Skytrail Adventure
Experience a journey on Britain’s most historic seaside miniature railway, running for ¾ of a mile through Scarborough’s scenic North Bay. Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, historic headland, and Scarborough Castle as you travel aboard the same iconic locomotives and coaches that have been in service since 1931. With regular trains to the Sea Life Centre, the railway is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are also welcome.
For those seeking adventure, take on the Sky Trail Adventure—one of the few in the country—featuring a thrilling two-level rope bridge and beam course. Other attractions include the Historic Water Chute, Water Walking Ball, Boating Lake, Boatman’s Tavern, and the delicious Scampi Shack. A day of fun and excitement awaits!
Stephen Joseph Theatre
The Stephen Joseph Theatre, home to Alan Ayckbourn—one of the world’s most performed living playwrights—features two distinct auditoria: The Round and The McCarthy, the latter also serving as a cinema. The venue is licensed for weddings and receptions, which can be held in either theatre or in our function room. In addition to theatrical productions, we host conferences, seminars, charity events, and corporate functions, offering tailored catering options to suit all needs and budgets.
Scarborough Art Gallery
Scarborough Art Gallery, an Italianate villa built in the 1840s as part of The Crescent, is home to Scarborough's fine art collection. The gallery showcases stunning seascapes and views of Scarborough, with works by notable artists such as Atkinson Grimshaw, H.B. Carter, Frank Mason, and Ernest Dade. It also features pieces by Lord Leighton, Ivon Hitchens, Matthew Smith, Edward Bawden, and Eric Ravilious. With a vibrant temporary exhibition programme, the gallery regularly presents contemporary works by professional artists, along with talks and family-friendly holiday activities.
Scarborough Castle
With over 2,500 years of rich and turbulent history, Scarborough Castle stands proudly on a prominent headland between the north and south bays, its steep cliffs dropping dramatically to the sea. Before the castle’s construction, this natural stronghold was chosen by prehistoric settlers, later serving as a Roman signal station and a Viking refuge. The castle has withstood medieval sieges, attacks by Civil War armies, and even German naval bombardment during WWII. Today, visitors can climb to the battlement viewing platforms for breathtaking views of the coastline and enjoy a cup of tea in the charming 18th-century Master Gunner’s House.
South Cliff Golf Club
At South Cliff Golf Club, we take pride in being known as 'the friendly club,' offering a fantastic blend of excellent facilities and a stunning course with sweeping views of the sea. Regarded by many as one of the finest courses in the North of England, we frequently host regional, county, and national events. In 2016, we were proud to be joint hosts of the prestigious English Amateur Championship
Scarborough Cricket Club
Welcome to Scarborough Cricket Club, Yorkshire's premier first-class cricket outground and your ideal venue for both social and business events. Players of all ages, genders, and abilities are always welcome at North Marine Road. We field three senior teams and junior sides across all age groups, with our 1st XI competing in the ECB Yorkshire Premier League North. We're particularly passionate about expanding women's and girls' cricket and are eager to welcome new players, as well as those interested in coaching and team management roles.
Peasholm Park
Peasholm Park, ranked 6th Best Park in the UK and 25th Best Park in Europe in the Trip Advisor Traveller's Choice Awards, is located in Scarborough’s North Bay and is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Yorkshire Coast. With a rich history and a recent recipient of the prestigious Green Flag Award, this oriental-themed municipal park boasts a stunning network of streams, waterfalls, mini bridges, and enchanting gardens for all ages to enjoy. The park is also home to the world-renowned Naval Warfare – a unique miniature sea battle that has captivated audiences on television screens worldwide!
South Cliff Italian Gardens
Designed in the early 20th century, the Italian Gardens are one of the many remarkable creations of renowned landscape designer Harry W. Smith. These sheltered gardens boast formal planting, seating areas, and a tranquil fishpond, all overseen by Mercury, the winged Roman god of communication. The gardens also gained fame through their frequent appearances in the ITV drama series The Royal.
Playdale Farm Park
This attraction is a must-visit for everyone, no matter the weather. Get up close and personal with all our animals, including rare and unusual breeds such as pigs, alpacas, chinchillas, hens, ducks, geese, cows, rabbits, and guinea pigs. On rainy days, there are plenty of undercover areas to explore, including an undercover picnic spot and a straw barn where the whole family can run around and play among the bales!
And further afield...
Flamingoland Theme Park & Zoo
A single-price family adventure park featuring over 100 rides and attractions, including the UK’s only motorbike launch rollercoaster, the thrilling free-fall Cliff Hanger, and Kamali, a suspended looping coaster. Visitors can also enjoy five family-friendly shows and explore the UK’s largest privately owned zoo, home to a variety of exotic species such as giraffes, lions, rhinoceroses, and tigers.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
One of the UK’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacles and the country’s most accessible seabird colony, this site is home to over a quarter of a million seabirds soaring, swooping, and calling around dramatic chalk cliffs. From March to October, visitors can spot puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, herring gulls, fulmars, and shags, along with the UK’s largest seabird—the majestic gannet. The 25,000-strong gannet colony here is the largest on the UK mainland. Six secure viewpoints along the cliff tops offer stunning views of the nesting birds and the striking coastline, with knowledgeable volunteers on hand to help identify species and highlight key moments of the spectacle.
Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum
A visit to our unique, award-winning museum will transport you back to wartime Britain. Step into expertly recreated scenes and tableaux that bring to life the sights, sounds, and smells of both the Home Front and the Front Line. The first half of the museum covers key moments such as The Blitz, the Street at War (with rationing and fashion), the Home Guard, Evacuation, the Battle of Britain, and VE & VJ Day. The second half explores world conflicts and battles. Additionally, the museum covers both World Wars and the role of British military forces worldwide since 1945.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Hop aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a day of vintage charm and breathtaking scenery on one of the world’s most renowned heritage railways. Let our fleet of steam and heritage diesel trains take you on a 24-mile journey through the stunning Yorkshire countryside, transporting you back in time to experience the nostalgia of a bygone era. Stop at our 1930s-style station in Pickering and discover the vibrant market town, brimming with beautiful historic attractions.
Ampleforth Monastery
Welcome to Ampleforth Abbey. Founded in 1802, Ampleforth Abbey is home to a community of over 55 monks who dedicate their lives to seeking God through the Gospel and the Rule of St. Benedict. We warmly welcome all visitors, whether you're seeking peace in our serene valley or exploring a potential vocation. We invite you to explore our site to learn more about the work of Ampleforth and, of course, to 'Come and See' (John 1:39). We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Castle Howard
Enjoy a peaceful rural retreat at Castle Howard's serene Lakeside Holiday Park. Nestled between the Great Lake and the charming village of Coneysthorpe, this tranquil site offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, ideal for back-to-basics tents and tourers. The park also offers a selection of new and pre-owned holiday homes for sale. With nearly 10,000 acres of land to explore, the Castle Howard Estate boasts a vast network of footpaths and bridleways. Combine your stay with a visit to the house and grounds or the stable courtyard, and enjoy walking or cycling through the Howardian Hills. Don’t forget to explore the North York Moors National Park, the rugged Yorkshire coastline, and the picturesque nearby market towns.