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    Scarborough - travel guide
    1. Home
    2. Cities
    3. Scarborough
    1. Home
    2. Home
    3. Cities
    4. Scarborough

    Scarborough

    Scarborough is a historic seaside town in North Yorkshire, featuring sandy bays, castle ruins, and a lively harbour.

    Find tours, hotels, restaurants, and guides in Scarborough

    Things to See and Do

    Scarborough Castle stands on a headland overlooking the sea, with remains dating back to the 12th century and offering extensive views. The South Bay beach provides traditional seaside fun, including the Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary located on Marine Drive, home to seals, turtles, and various marine species. The Scarborough Open Air Theatre hosts concerts and events during the summer months. Peasholm Park is a Japanese-style garden with boating lakes and an open-air theatre staging naval battle reenactments. The Rotunda Museum focuses on geology and natural history, featuring fossils from the Yorkshire coast. The North Bay provides quieter beaches and the Scalby Mills Amusement Park for family entertainment. The Harbour area features fishing boats and seafood stalls, reflecting Scarborough's maritime heritage.

    Food and Drink

    The Plough Inn on St Thomas Street serves traditional ales and hearty Yorkshire fare. The Seafood Restaurant on Foreshore Road provides fresh fish dishes caught locally. Scarborough Coffee House provides artisan coffee and homemade cakes near the town centre. The Crescent Hotel’s restaurant provides fine dining with views over the South Bay. The Harbour Bar is a popular spot for seafood and drinks close to the harbour. For local produce and casual dining, the Scarborough Market on Eastborough has various food stalls during the week.

    Getting There

    Scarborough is accessible by train with direct services from Leeds, York, and Sheffield, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. The A64 road connects Scarborough to York and the M62 motorway, making car travel convenient. Several pay-and-display car parks are located near the seafront, including the Central Car Park and the Esplanade Car Park. The town centre and seafront are pedestrian-friendly, with promenades linking major attractions. Bus services operate locally and connect Scarborough with nearby towns. Cycling routes are also available along the coast and into the surrounding countryside.

    Where to Stay (50)

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    The Plough Hotel building lit up at dusk with hanging flower baskets and Tudor-style upper facade
    Hotels
    Booking.com
    5 Star Rating
    9/10
    Excellent
    (464 reviews)
    The Plough Inn & Cottages

    5-star historic inn in Scarborough with a restaurant, bar, sun terrace, and free WiFi. Rooms include private bathrooms and air conditioning.

    ~€135
    per night
    View →
    Book on Booking.com
    Modern beachfront apartments with balconies facing the sea and wooded hills in the background
    Apartments
    Booking.com
    5 Star Rating
    9/10
    Excellent
    (640 reviews)
    The Sands Sea Front Apartments

    Stylish and contemporary, these 5-star luxury apartments have a magnificent location on Scarborough’s North Bay, on Yorkshire's rugged and beautiful East Coast.The Sands Sea Front Apartments are luxurious, award-winning…

    ~€164
    per night
    View →
    Book on Booking.com
    Bedroom with large bed, yellow and striped cushions, two armchairs by bay window, and neutral decor
    Hotels
    Booking.com
    5 Star Rating
    9/10
    Excellent
    (459 reviews)
    Seaside Hideaway

    5-star guest house in Scarborough with garden, sun terrace, restaurant, and free WiFi. Features include a games room, lounge, and daily housekeeping.

    ~€117
    per night
    View →
    Book on Booking.com
    hotel room with large bed, two armchairs, wooden table, and window showing sea view
    Hotels
    Booking.com
    5 Star Rating
    9/10
    Excellent
    (651 reviews)
    The Helaina

    5-star hotel near Scarborough beaches and harbor with North Bay views. Free WiFi and a varied breakfast menu including full English and vegetarian options.

    ~€94
    per night
    View →
    Book on Booking.com
    Living room with a fireplace, wall-mounted TV, leather armchair, white dresser, and blue sofa with cushions
    Hotels
    Booking.com
    5 Star Rating
    9/10
    Excellent
    (468 reviews)
    Five Star Stays

    5-star holiday home in Scarborough with a garden, restaurant, bar, and family rooms. Features private bathrooms, modern kitchen appliances, and free WiFi.

    ~€139
    per night
    View →
    Book on Booking.com
    Bedroom with large bed, green headboard, two armchairs by bay window with floral curtains, and lamps
    Hotels
    Booking.com
    5 Star Rating
    9/10
    Excellent
    (572 reviews)
    The Cordelia

    This Victorian guest house is near the South Cliff, less than a mile (0.7 mi) from Scarborough Rail Station and the town center.

    ~€116
    per night
    View →
    Book on Booking.com

    Restaurants (15)

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    Embers restaurant in ScarboroughInternational

    Embers

    · ⭐ 4.9

    Embers is a international restaurant in Scarborough, Yorkshire, rated 4.9/5 with 240 reviews.

    Askim’s Turkish Restaurant Scarborough restaurant in ScarboroughBar

    Askim’s Turkish Restaurant Scarborough

    · ⭐ 4.8

    Askim’s Turkish Restaurant Scarborough is a affordable bar restaurant in Scarborough, Yorkshire, rated 4.8/5 with 1240 reviews.

    Lezzet Mediterranean bistro restaurant in ScarboroughMediterranean

    Lezzet Mediterranean bistro

    · ⭐ 4.8

    Lezzet Mediterranean bistro is a affordable mediterranean restaurant in Scarborough, Yorkshire, rated 4.8/5 with 657 reviews.

    Lanterna Restaurant restaurant in ScarboroughInternational

    Lanterna Restaurant

    · ⭐ 4.8

    Lanterna Restaurant is a moderately priced international restaurant in Scarborough, Yorkshire, rated 4.8/5 with 142 reviews.

    The Hideout Cafe Kitchen & Bar restaurant in ScarboroughCafe

    The Hideout Cafe Kitchen & Bar

    · ⭐ 4.6

    The Hideout Cafe Kitchen & Bar is a affordable cafe restaurant in Scarborough, Yorkshire, rated 4.6/5 with 886 reviews.

    Giannis Italian Restaurant restaurant in ScarboroughItalian

    Giannis Italian Restaurant

    · ⭐ 4.6

    Giannis Italian Restaurant is a affordable italian restaurant in Scarborough, Yorkshire, rated 4.6/5 with 1627 reviews.

    Practical Info

    Food & Drink
    🍜 Food & Drink

    The Plough Inn on St Thomas Street serves traditional ales and hearty Yorkshire fare. The Seafood Restaurant on Foreshore Road provides fresh fish dishes caught locally. Scarborough Coffee House provides artisan coffee and homemade cakes near the town centre. The Crescent Hotel’s restaurant provides...

    Attractions
    🏛️ Attractions

    Scarborough Castle stands on a headland overlooking the sea, with remains dating back to the 12th century and offering extensive views. The South Bay beach provides traditional seaside fun, including the Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary located on Marine Drive, home to seals, turtles, and various mari...

    Getting Around
    🚕 Getting Around

    Scarborough is accessible by train with direct services from Leeds, York, and Sheffield, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. The A64 road connects Scarborough to York and the M62 motorway, making car travel convenient. Several pay-and-display car parks are located near the seafront, including the Central ...

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is parking readily available in Scarborough?
    There are multiple pay-and-display car parks near the seafront and town centre, but spaces can be limited during busy summer weekends.
    When is the best time to visit Scarborough?
    Late spring through early autumn offers the best weather and access to outdoor events, particularly between May and September.
    Are there activities suitable for families in Scarborough?
    Yes, family-friendly options include Peasholm Park, the Sea Life Sanctuary, Scalby Mills Amusement Park, and the beaches on both the South and North Bays.
    What are the typical weather conditions in Scarborough?
    Scarborough has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year.
    Is Scarborough accessible by public transport from major cities?
    Yes, direct trains connect Scarborough with Leeds, York, and Sheffield, and regular bus services link nearby towns.

    Scarborough at a Glance

    Population
    61,000
    Founded
    7th century (Anglo-Saxon settlement)
    County
    North Yorkshire
    Elevation
    30m
    Best time to visit
    May to September
    Summer temp
    17°C
    Nearest airport
    Leeds Bradford (50 miles)
    Postcode
    YO11/YO12
    Known for