Top Things to do in Scarborough - With Visitors Itineary

When to Go

Scarborough’s coastal charm shines year-round, and each season offers something unique—whether you’re after seaside energy or peaceful off-peak escapes. Here's what to expect when planning your visit.

Spring (March–May)

Spring brings fresh sea air, blooming gardens, and a sense of calm before the summer crowds arrive. It’s a fantastic time for coastal walks, especially along the Cleveland Way, where you’ll spot early wildflowers and sweeping clifftop views. Visit open-air landmarks like Scarborough Castle or stroll through South Cliff Gardens at their most colourful. With fewer visitors, it’s easier to explore at your own pace and grab a seat at popular cafés.

Summer (June–August)

This is Scarborough in full swing. The beaches buzz with life, the Open Air Theatre hosts live music and events, and the town is full of energy. Families will love the beach huts, amusements, and donkey rides, while foodies can enjoy seafood festivals and seafront dining. Long daylight hours mean more time outdoors—but be sure to book your cottage early, especially during school holidays.

Autumn (September–October)

Autumn is an underrated gem. The sea remains relatively warm, the sunsets are spectacular, and the pace of life slows down. Enjoy seafood restaurants without the queues, quieter beaches, and walks framed by golden leaves in Peasholm Glen or Oliver’s Mount. It’s a great time for photographers, couples, and anyone looking for a laid-back coastal experience.

Winter (November–February)

If you’re after peace and stormy coastal drama, winter delivers. Watch waves crash against Marine Drive, then cosy up in your cottages.com cottage with a book or a board game. The town has a festive buzz in December, with Christmas markets and light displays, while January and February offer a truly tranquil escape. Some attractions operate reduced hours, so check ahead.

Local Tip:

Late spring (April–early June) and early autumn (late September) offer the perfect balance—mild weather, space to explore, and great availability at local eateries and attractions. You’ll enjoy Scarborough at its most authentic.

How to Get There

With a Car:

• From the South: Take the A64 from York, which offers scenic drives through the Yorkshire Wolds.

• Parking: Ample paid parking is available near the beach and town centre. Many cottages also provide private parking or permits.

Without a Car:

• Train: Direct services run to Scarborough from York, Leeds, and Sheffield.

• Bus: The Coastliner service (from Leeds/York) is scenic and well-rated. Local buses connect nearby villages and attractions.

Local Tip: Once in Scarborough, much of the town is walkable. Use the Spa Cliff Lift or North Bay Railway for a fun, accessible way to get around.

Accessibility Tips

Scarborough is one of the UK’s most inclusive coastal destinations, offering a wide range of accessible attractions, transport options, and facilities for visitors with mobility needs. Whether you're exploring the seafront, taking in cultural sites, or relaxing in the parks, the town is equipped to help everyone enjoy a stress-free stay.

Town Centre & Promenade Access

Scarborough’s town centre, beachfront promenades, and major shopping streets are flat and paved, making them ideal for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Ramps are common at street crossings and many shops, cafés, and arcades offer step-free access. Marine Drive, which curves around the base of the castle headland, offers a fully level, scenic coastal path that connects the North and South Bays—perfect for a pushchair or mobility scooter outing.

Accessible Attractions

• The Scarborough Spa Complex features accessible entrances, lifts, wheelchair seating for events, and adapted toilets.

• The Rotunda Museum, which explores Scarborough’s geological past, is fully wheelchair-accessible and has friendly, helpful staff.

• Peasholm Park has smooth footpaths, a level boating lake perimeter, and accessible public toilets.

• Scarborough Castle, while situated on a hill with some uneven and grassy areas, offers designated accessible routes, free companion tickets, and stunning panoramic viewpoints that are reachable via more even paths.

Accessible Transport

• Local Buses: Most buses operated by East Yorkshire Buses and Arriva in the Scarborough area are fitted with low floors and space for wheelchairs or mobility aids.

• Taxis: A number of local taxi firms offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, but booking in advance—especially in the summer or on weekends—is strongly recommended to avoid delays.

• Parking: Blue Badge holders will find designated parking bays across the town, including close to the beach, South Cliff Gardens, and main attractions.

Local Tip

Make use of the free Accessible Scarborough Guide, available from the Tourist Information Centre or downloadable online. It includes detailed information on step-free routes, accessible toilets, and transport options, as well as tips for planning your visit around specific needs.

Free Things to Do in Scarborough

A trip to Scarborough doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The town is full of scenic walks, historical landmarks, and cultural curiosities that are completely free to enjoy. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, these activities showcase the very best of Scarborough's charm—without breaking the bank.

Peasholm Park

Step into a tranquil world inspired by Japanese design. This beloved park features a serene lake, wooden bridges, waterfalls, and manicured gardens. It’s the perfect spot for a morning walk or a peaceful picnic. During summer, keep an eye out for free open-air musical performances and mini naval re-enactments on the boating lake.

Scarborough Castle Grounds

While access to the main castle requires a ticket, the surrounding cliffside paths and outer ruins are free to roam. These dramatic, elevated trails offer some of the most spectacular views in town, looking out over both North and South Bays.

North Bay Beach & Marine Drive

This sweeping stretch of beach is ideal for rock pooling, paddling, or sea-air strolls. Walk the full arc of Marine Drive, a smooth, scenic promenade that connects the bays. It’s great for buggies and mobility scooters and gives you front-row seats to crashing waves and seabirds.

South Cliff Gardens

A lesser-known gem, this peaceful network of Victorian gardens runs along the cliff above South Bay. Wander past flowerbeds, quiet benches, and tucked-away shelters, all while soaking up beautiful coastal views. Fewer tourists make it a great place for reading, sketching, or simply escaping the crowds.

Watch the Surfers

Scarborough’s North Bay is a popular surf spot, and watching the locals ride the waves—especially on a breezy day—is strangely hypnotic. Bring a hot drink, grab a bench or perch on the sea wall, and enjoy the simple pleasure of wave-watching.

Hidden Gem: Hairy Bob’s Skatepark & Art Rocks

Tucked beneath the castle cliffs near Marine Drive, Hairy Bob’s Skatepark is more than a skate zone—it’s home to an ever-evolving collection of painted rocks, sculptures, and quirky installations made by local artists and children. It’s playful, creative, and a fun discovery for all ages.

3-Night, 4-Day Itinerary – Explore Scarborough Like a Local

Staying in a cottages.com cottage gives you the perfect home base to experience Scarborough at your own pace—unrushed, unraveled, and uniquely yours. This easygoing itinerary blends the best of the coast, heritage, and local life, with a few hidden gems along the way.

Day 1: Arrival & Seaside Welcome

• Afternoon: Arrive at your cottages.com cottage, get settled in, and take a short stroll to stretch your legs. Head down toward South Bay, where the salty sea breeze, pastel beach huts, and gentle bustle of the seafront give you a classic Scarborough welcome.

• Evening: Treat yourself to traditional fish and chips from local legends like Winking Willy’s or Lifeboat Fish Bar. Find a spot along the promenade or perch on the low sea wall to enjoy your dinner with the sound of waves and gulls in the background.

• Local tip: Top off your evening with a stop at Harbour Bar, a retro ice cream parlour offering sundaes, sodas, and unbeatable nostalgia since 1945.

Day 2: History, Parks & Local Life

• Morning: Begin your day with a walk up to the dramatic headland of Scarborough Castle. While you can pay to explore the inner ruins, the outer cliffs and walkways are free and offer sweeping views over both North and South Bays—perfect for photos and quiet reflection.

• Lunch: Take a picnic lunch to the beautiful South Cliff Gardens. Quieter than the main promenade, this leafy network of paths and terraces is a favourite for readers, birdwatchers, and those seeking a slower pace.

• Afternoon: Wander through Peasholm Park, where ornamental bridges, cascading streams, and tranquil walkways create an oasis away from the busier beach areas. In summer, you may catch a free musical performance or a naval re-enactment on the boating lake.

• Evening: Head back to your cottage and prepare a relaxed dinner with fresh ingredients picked up from Boyes Food Hall or the Scarborough Market Hall, both offering a taste of local produce and handmade treats.

• Hidden Gem: Don’t miss St Mary’s Churchyard, tucked behind the castle ruins. It’s the peaceful resting place of Anne Brontë, with a sea-facing bench and a gentle sense of timelessness.

Day 3: Coastal Adventures & Hidden Corners

• Morning: Walk or cycle along Marine Drive, the scenic seafront route that wraps around the castle headland. For something whimsical, hop aboard the historic North Bay Railway, a miniature train that trundles you along the coast to Scalby Mills.

• Midday: Stop for a well-earned coffee or light lunch at The Watermark Café, perched right by the sands of North Bay. It's a popular spot with surfers and locals for its warm atmosphere and sea views.

• Afternoon: Pay a visit to the Rotunda Museum—one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the UK. It offers fascinating insights into Scarborough’s prehistoric and geological past. If museums aren’t your thing, continue your walk along the sea wall, which is free and offers plenty of scenic viewpoints.

• Evening: Book a table at Eat Me Café, a quirky, award-winning spot loved for its creative global menu and colourful interior. It’s a brilliant way to experience Scarborough’s modern food scene.

• Local tip: If the tide is low, follow the beach path toward the Danish Hole caves, a hidden fossil-hunting spot cherished by locals. Just bring sturdy shoes and check tide times in advance.

Day 4: Shopping, Souvenirs & Farewell Views

• Morning: Begin with a coffee from Boddy’s Café, a Scarborough institution with a friendly vibe and great pastries. Spend a relaxed hour browsing the independent shops along Bar Street and Eastborough, where you’ll find everything from handcrafted jewellery to vintage books.

• Late Morning: Head to Albion Road viewpoint—a quiet, elevated spot offering panoramic views of the South Bay and beyond. It’s the perfect place to pause and soak up the last views before departure.

• Bonus Tip: Swing by the harbour stalls to pick up a painted rock or a mini canvas from a local artist. These affordable, handmade souvenirs are a lovely way to bring a piece of Scarborough home with you.

Plan the Perfect Coastal Escape: Your 4-Day Scarborough Itinerary

Scarborough offers the best of the British seaside—golden beaches, historic charm, and a warm community spirit. With a self-catered cottages.com cottage as your base, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, from clifftop walks and castle ruins to tranquil gardens and quirky cafés. This 4-day itinerary blends iconic sights with hidden gems, including Peasholm Park, Scarborough Castle’s dramatic headland, and the lesser-known Danish Hole caves. You’ll stroll scenic promenades, picnic in peaceful gardens, and enjoy the flavours of local eateries like Eat Me Café and Harbour Bar. With tips on when to go, how to get there, accessibility advice, and free activities to enjoy, this guide is your go-to plan for making the most of a longer stay in one of Yorkshire’s most beloved coastal towns.

Bookmark this page now and come back to it when you're ready to plan your next Scarborough escape!

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