7 Best Things To Do In Scarborough, UK: The 'Brighton Of The North'

1. Feel like royalty at the Scarborough Castle

Have you ever been watching Game of Thrones and found yourself secretly that you could experience what it feels like to walk down the Royal Mile? If so, then Scarborough Castle is the place for you. With more than 2500 years of dramatic history behind it, this castle stands tall on the promontory that separates the North and South Bays. Though mostly in ruins, the castle still remains an awe-inspiring attraction. Having served as a haven for prehistoric men, Romans and then the Vikings, today this castle offers not only a faint glimpse of the past but also panoramic views of the present day coastline. Before leaving, do remember to enjoy a cup of tea in the Master Gunner’s House, which dates back to the 18th century. For more insight on the history of this place, one can opt for the audio tour.

Scarborough Castle

Address: Castle Rd, Scarborough YO11 1HY, UK

Website: Scarborough Castle

2. Increase your knowledge at Rotunda Museum

The Rotunda Museum of Geology is the oldest geology museum in Britain. With a unique circular design, this two-floor museum has collectables that are millions of years old. The impressive collection ranges from dinosaur fossils to the skeleton of a man belonging to the Bronze Age. In addition to these treasures, there is also an informative and interactive exhibit on dinosaurs. This place will definitely be of interest for palaeontology and geology enthusiasts. The best part is that the entrance ticket is valid for a year and also includes entry to an art gallery, which is just a short walk away from the museum.

Rotunda Museum

Address: Vernon Rd, Scarborough YO11 2NH, UK

Opening hours: 10 AM - 5 PM

3. Take a walk on the Scarborough Beach

Having been blessed with a reasonably long coastline, Scarborough has a number of lovely beaches. There are two large, sandy bays formed due to the headland separating the North Bay from the south one, thus giving rise to the stunning beaches. With soft sand, clear waters, a beautiful promenade and bobbing fishing boats, the atmosphere here is a very vibrant and lively one. Aside from swimming, tourists can also indulge in surfing or boat trips here.

Scarborough Beach

Address: Foreshore Road, Scarborough, England

4. Enjoy nature at its best at Peasholm Park

Peasholm is a beautiful park with a serene lake, perfect for a family day out. It is a lovely little park to take a stroll in while observing a variety of birds along your way. If walking doesn’t interest you, there are also boat trips available. You can hire canoes or row boats here and chart your own course. You can enjoy some quality private time with your loved ones in this park or opt to take a scenic countryside ride on the miniature Northern Bay Railway, which has a station at Peasholm Park. It’s an easy way to access many of the other attractions that are located in Scarborough.

Peasholm Park

Address: North Bay, Scarborough YO12 7TR, UK

Website: Peasholm Park

5. Soothe your musical senses at The Spa Scarborough

The Spa is Scarborough’s famous conference, exhibition and entertainment venue. The Spa has excellent banquet and catering facilities and can be used as a venue for all types of events. The Scarborough Spa Orchestra conducts events throughout the year here, such as the Jazz Festival. Located on the Southern Bay, The Spa complex has lovely white architecture and glass walls that not only provide alluring views of the sea but also provide protection against the strong sea winds. It is a distinctive experience to relax in the sun-court, listening to the live orchestra and watching the vast sea.

The Spa Scarborough

Address: The Spa | South Bay, Scarborough YO11 2HD, England

Website: The Spa Scarborough

6. Get wooed by vintage wonders at The Scarborough Fair Collection

The Scarborough Fair Collection houses some really cool and unusual vintage stuff. The magnificent collection ranges from steam engines and vintage cars to mechanical organs. Many of these have been restored to full working condition. In addition to these highlights, there are also bumper cars and other fun rides for children here. The Scarborough Fair Collection also regularly organizes events such as tea dances. This venue is even available for weddings.

The Scarborough Fair Collection

Address: Flower of May Holiday Park, Stone Pit Lane, Scarborough YO11 3NU

Website: The Scarborough Fair Collection

7. Play with animals at Playdale Farm Park

A great location for family picnics, Playdale Farm Park houses a large variety of farm animals. Once at this animal barn, you get to meet and greet different types of animals like alpacas, ponies, donkeys, llamas, guinea pigs, cheeky chipmunks and hens. Visitors can even bottle feed a lamb or hold a guinea pig on their laps. This park also has a lovely cafe that serves delicious finger foods. Playdale Farm Park is definitely a great place for kids and animal lovers alike.

Playdale Farm Park

Address: Carr Ln, Cayton, Scarborough YO11 3TL, UK

Opening hours: 10 AM - 5 PM

Website: Playdale Farm Park

Scarborough, the Queen of Yorkshire Coast

Be it gorgeous beaches, exquisite parks, fascinating vintage fairs, informative museums or a lively town centre, Scarborough has all that a tourist could ask for. It’s hardly surprising, then, that it is often referred to as the Queen of Yorkshire Coast. Isn’t it about time you paid the Queen a visit?