Scarborough Castle sits majestically atop a headland between the North and South Bays, offering sweeping views of the town and the coastline. Its dramatic position has been a key strategic stronghold for over 3,000 years. Originally a Roman signal station, the site evolved into a medieval fortress in the 12th century and has seen action during the English Civil War and both World Wars.
The remains of the massive curtain walls, the towering gatehouse, and the great hall offer a glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the atmospheric ruins and enjoy panoramic sea views from various vantage points. The visitor centre provides context and displays artefacts unearthed from the site, helping to bring its long and fascinating history to life.
The castle often hosts family-friendly events such as medieval reenactments, outdoor theatre, and seasonal activities. These events are designed to entertain as well as educate, making the castle an excellent destination for visitors of all ages. Paths around the site are well maintained, and the surrounding grassy areas provide ideal spots for picnics.
Beyond the stone walls and turrets, the cliffs are also home to nesting seabirds and offer excellent views out to sea. It’s a perfect place for both history lovers and nature enthusiasts. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes Scarborough Castle a must-visit.
Peasholm Park is one of Scarborough’s most charming and tranquil green spaces. Located near North Bay, it offers visitors an enchanting blend of landscaped gardens, streams, waterfalls, and Japanese-inspired architecture. Opened in 1912, the park has retained its unique character and continues to attract generations of visitors.
At the heart of the park lies a central lake where visitors can hire pedal boats, rowboats, and dragon boats during the warmer months. The lake is also the setting for the famous Naval Warfare event, a mock battle featuring model ships, complete with smoke and sound effects. This quirky spectacle is beloved by families and adds a whimsical touch to the peaceful surroundings.
Walking trails weave through the park’s gardens, under ornate bridges and alongside colourful flowerbeds. The themed pagoda and island are key focal points, creating a picturesque setting ideal for photos or a relaxing sit-down. A putting green, mini golf, and cafés add to the park’s appeal, offering gentle activities and refreshments.
The park is dog-friendly, with plenty of shaded spots and open areas for strolling or picnicking. Wildlife is abundant, from ducks and geese on the lake to squirrels in the trees. It’s also a great spot for photography, particularly in spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom.
Whether you're looking to relax, entertain the kids, or enjoy a romantic walk, Peasholm Park offers a peaceful retreat with a touch of magic.
Scarborough Open Air Theatre is a premier venue for live outdoor entertainment and the largest of its kind in Europe. Located in Northstead Manor Gardens near the North Bay, the theatre has undergone major refurbishments to transform it into a modern performance space that retains its natural beauty.
The theatre's unique lakeside setting creates an impressive natural amphitheatre, making every concert or performance a memorable experience. With a seating capacity of around 8,000, it regularly hosts some of the biggest names in music and entertainment during the summer season. Past performers have included pop stars, rock bands, comedians, and orchestras.
The venue offers tiered seating and standing areas, with clear sightlines to the stage and plenty of space to enjoy the open-air atmosphere. On event nights, the entire area comes alive with lighting, music, and a festival feel. Food and drink vendors are on-site, providing refreshments and enhancing the overall experience.
Even when there’s no concert scheduled, the theatre’s location in a landscaped park makes it a nice place to stroll or relax. Its proximity to Peasholm Park and the North Bay beach means you can easily combine a visit with other nearby attractions.
This is an ideal venue for music lovers or anyone looking to enjoy live events in a picturesque coastal setting. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for headline acts during the summer.
The Rotunda Museum is a fascinating, family-friendly attraction that offers a glimpse into Scarborough’s rich geological and archaeological past. Housed in one of the world’s first purpose-built museums, its distinctive round shape and classical design make it a landmark in its own right.
Inside, the museum showcases a wide range of exhibits, from fossilised dinosaur footprints to ancient human artefacts. The displays are well-curated, with interactive elements for younger visitors, making it an engaging experience for children and adults alike. The building itself has historical value, designed in the early 19th century to reflect the geological layers of the Yorkshire coast.
One of the museum’s standout features is the gallery dedicated to William Smith, the pioneer of geological mapping. His influence is seen throughout the museum’s exhibits, which explain how the surrounding cliffs and rock formations reveal millions of years of Earth’s history.
The museum is compact but rich in content, ideal for a visit of one to two hours. It’s especially suited to rainy days or when you want a quieter alternative to the beach. There’s also a small shop and access to knowledgeable staff who are happy to answer questions or offer extra insight into the displays.
Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or a family looking for an educational outing, the Rotunda Museum offers a rewarding visit in the heart of Scarborough.
Scarborough Spa is an elegant seafront complex that combines Victorian charm with modern cultural life. Originally developed around a natural spring, the spa became one of Britain’s most fashionable resorts during the 19th century. Today, it serves as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and conferences while maintaining its architectural grandeur.
The main building features a Grand Hall, Sun Court, and Spa Theatre, all of which host a range of events from classical music and comedy to dance and exhibitions. The Spa Orchestra performs regularly during the summer, offering light classical music in a unique open-air setting.
Outside, the sweeping terrace offers stunning views over the South Bay and is a favourite spot for morning coffee or afternoon tea. The spa’s clifftop location is connected to the beach by the Scarborough Cliff Tramway, one of the oldest funicular railways in the UK. A short ride in its vintage carriages adds a nostalgic charm to any visit.
The spa is a great place to catch a performance, relax with sea views, or simply appreciate the blend of history and culture. Whether attending an event or just stopping by to admire the view, the Scarborough Spa offers a relaxing and cultured break from the traditional seaside attractions.
