The Clifton Hotel

Scarborough with a population of over 50,000 is commonly regarded as the UK’s first seaside resort , now the largest holiday resort on the Yorkshire coast it’s a great choice for a UK holiday or short break with a wide selection of quality hotels.

One of the town’s most striking features is its rocky headland, on top of which sits the 11th century ruins of Scarborough Castle, which was bombarded by the German warships in the First World War. Scarborough’s two sandy beaches the North and South Bay’s are split by the headland with the Victorian promenade of the Marine Drive connecting them it’s a great walk and popular amongst locals. Both bays are renowned for their sandy beaches and rock pools with a host of other local attractions.

South Bay

The South Bay is part of the old town of Scarborough , built on the original medieval settlement it remains the main focus of the town, with cafes, amusements, sandy beaches, theatre and entertainments to satisfy any tourist visiting the town.

Scarborough harbour has undergone major regeneration in recent years including new pontoons; free WiFi for visiting vessels and more pedestrian-friendly promenade, street lighting and seating.

North Bay

The North Bay is popular with families and couples who want to enjoy the more peaceful side of Scarborough , it’s Blue Flag award winning beach make it great for tourists wanting to relax.

With it’s reconstructed pagoda and Japanese theme, Peasholm Park is situated on the North Bay and is ideal for a leisurely stroll. The park still features its famous ‘Naval Warfare’ attraction – a mock maritime battle (based on the Battle of the River Plate) re-enacted on the boating lake with large model boats and fireworks throughout the summer holiday season.

The North side also has the North Bay railway a historic 20 gauge miniature railway operating since 1931 which runs ¾ of a mile The North Bay to the Scarborough Sea Life Centre.

Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre is also located near The North Bay, recently renovated the theatre is Europe’s largest Open Air Theatre and hosts music events and entertainment, it was recently opened by her Majesty the Queen.

South Cliff

Situated above the historic Scarborough Spa and South Cliff Gardens is the slightly less well known South Cliff Esplanade. With it’s splendid mix of quality Scarborough hotels and Victorian terraces that are still intact the South Cliff has plenty to offer with commandingly beautiful views which have been pictures for iconic postcards of the South Bay and The Old Town.

ITV drama The Royal and it’s spin off series The Royal Today are filmed on Scarborough’s South Cliff and continue to be a success.

Scarborough Town Centre

With many great services such as shopping, nightlife, Scarborough hotels and transport links services the town centre located only a quarter of a mile from the harbour is a vibrant and friendly place.

The seaside resort hosts a great selection of high street shops and boutiques. The Brunswick Centre is a prestigious all-weather shopping centre with a department store and thirty one other retail outlets. The centre is surrounded by individual shops, tempting cafes, delightful restaurants, bars and is centralised in the pedestrianised shopping district of the town.

Scarborough Accommodation

If you are planning a holiday or short break in Scarborough you sure to find accommodation to suit your needs. There’s plenty of ways to enjoy Scarborough accommodation including cheap hotels, luxury hotels, beautiful country houses and great value for money self catering accommodation.

Scarborough has a vibrant nightlife and offers a wide range of bars, restaurants and clubs, and for those seeking a little more culture, there are four theatres. The most famous of these is the Stephen Joseph Theatre where most of Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s plays have premiered. The others are the Futurist Theatre, the Spa Theatre and the YMCA Theatre.

Scarborough Nightlife & Entertainment

British pubs, modern wine bars, and chains such as Weatherspoons and Barracuda mean Scarborough will never disappoint when it comes to it’s nightlife. The main ‘pub run’ starts at the top of the town at The Lord Roseberry and winds through the streets of Scarborough to St. Thomas Street home of Boleyn’s Nightclub, Mist bar and The Opera House Casino.

If loud music and discos aren’t your cup of tea, then check out the Scarborough jazz festival held in September or take a stroll down to the Scarborough Spa, where orchestras play at this fantastic Victorian complex on the seafront in South Bay (an ideal venue to enjoy a dinner and dance).

For Family shows Scarborough is great whatever entertainment you are looking for the town won’t disappoint with variety, musicals, comedies and big name acts with plays and dramas making up a fantastic schedule of events for holidaymakers. If you’re into a more informal evening look out for Scarborough pub legend ‘Danny Wilde’ or any of the other pub acts that grace the town it’s all good fun and all the local pubs are a friendly and hospitable environment.

The Sea Life Centre, Scarborough Art Galley, the newly refurbished Rotunda Museum and much more make up the list of first class local attractions in Scarborough. Plus there’s a whole host of Scarborough festivals including ‘Acoustic Gathering’, a free one day music festival held annually in Peasholm Park, Seafest, the Scarborough Jazz Festival, Bike week, Scarborough Fayre and the Scarborough Cricket Festival, providing you with all year round events. If your in need of some Scarborough tourist information and is still struggling about what to do in Scarborough visit our local attractions section for more information.

If your looking to indulge in the fine taste of the town’s local produce why not check out Scarborough’s long list of quality restaurants. Scarborough restaurants cater for different taste with a la carte and seafood restaurants to Greek, Indian, Chinese, Italian and Thai cuisine also featuring in the town. There is literally hundreds of restaurants to choose from but Michelin recommended Peppers is divine as is Italian restaurant Lanterna , The Sea View Restaurant at The Royal Hotel and Wrea Head Country House Four Seasons Restaurant are two examples of great hotel food. Due to the popularity of these hotels we strongly suggest you book in advance however if you’re want to remain ambiguous many Scarborough restaurants have a walk in service.

When visiting Scarborough, one thing is for certain; whatever you decide to do or wherever you decide to visit you will always receive that warm Yorkshire welcome!