Local Attractions

You will never be stuck for things to do in Scarborough. There’s a huge range of attractions and events to keep you entertained throughout your stay.

Explore the beautiful Scarborough coastline, forestry, countryside, parks and gardens. Visit parks, castles, farms, galleries, museums, bars, restaurants and more. Experience activities such as surfing, sailing, walking, climbing and cycling. Or, for those looking for something a little more leisurely, browse local boutiques, craft shops or high street shops.

Here’s just a few local attractions in Scarborough and the surrounding area for you to consider during your visit to Scarborough.

Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Watch a show at Europe’s largest open air theatre. Originally opened by the Lord Mayor of London in 1932, the Open Air Theatre was fully refurbished in 2010 and has since hosted many big name acts including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, José Carreras, Sir Elton John, The Hoosiers and N-Dubz.

Sea Life & Marine Sanctuary
Take an amazing voyage beneath the waves with a visit Scarborough SEA LIFE and Marine Sanctuary. Check out the amazing Crab Kingdom, hold a sea creature in the Rockpool Discovery, go beneath the sea in the underwater tunnel and meet the resident otters, seals and penguins.

Scarborough Castle
Scarborough Castle is over 2,500 years old, and offers visitors some of the Yorkshire Coast’s most stunning panoramic views. Scarborough Castle started life as an Iron Age Fort, was occupied by both Romans and Viking and had its heyday under Henry II and was then bombarded during the First World War. English Heritage regard Scarborough Castle as one of the finest tourist attractions in the North.

The Hispaniola
Few people who have grown up in Scarborough, or enjoyed a holiday here, have not heard of the Hispaniola. Scarborough’s very own pirate ship has been a part of the town’s history for over 60 years and is still sailing today. Originally the Hispaniola would ferry people to Treasure Island on Scarborough Mere to seek hidden ‘Dubloons’, these days, she sails on the seven seas taking passengers on a trip around Scarborough’s South Bay.

Olympia Leisure
Olympia is the self proclaimed best amusement centre in Yorkshire. Family entertainment includes 10 pin bowling, arcade games, fruit machines, snooker, kart track, soft play area and snack bar.

Rotunda Museum of Geology
One of the oldest purpose-built museums in Britain, The Rotunda was built in 1829 to the specifications of William Smith, the father of English geology. The museum reopened in 2008 following a 2-year refurbishment programme costing £4.4 million and was renamed The Rotunda – The William Smith Museum of Geology.

Scarborough Spa Complex
Scarborough Spa is a multi purpose conference, exhibition and entertainment venue where visitors to Scarborough can enjoy live shows including music, theatre, ballet, children’s entertainment, panto and comedy.

The Brunswick Shopping Centre
The Brunswick is Scarborough’s premier shopping destination and is home to over 30 shops including fashion, home-ware, accessories, toys and gifts. As well as shopping The Brunswick also offers cafe’s, bakery, car parking and customer toilets.

The Harbour Bar
No trip to Scarborough is complete without a trip to The Harbour Bar, a genuine 1950s ice cream bar. The Harbour Bar serves award winning ice cream sundaes and still maintains many original features including hand painted signs and pyramids of preserved fruit in jars.

The Stephen Joseph Theatre
The Stephen Joseph Theatre was the first theatre in the round in Britain and was first established by Stephen Joseph in 1955. The theatre moved to its current location following the closure of Scarborough’s Odeon cinema but did not reopen until 1996. Today The SJT comprises or two auditoria: The Round, a 404-seat in the round and The McCarthy, a 165-seat endstage/cinema, as well as a restaurant and shop.

Playdale Farm
Playdale farm is packed with things to do for kids in Scarborough, whatever the weather. As well as the animal barns and paddocks the farm also features a huge indoor play area with ball pool, tractor zone, adventure trail and more.

Playzone
Playzone is a giant indoor adventure play area featuring slides, climbing Wall, football, baby area and toddler area. There’s also a cafe so Mums and Dads can enjoy a cuppa whilst the kids play.

North Bay Railway
The North Bay Miniature Railway has been operating trains in Scarborough since 1931. Passengers can jump onboard at Peasholm Park and take the ¾ mile journey to Scalby Mills, home od Scarborough SeaLife Centre, offering beautiful views of North Bay along the way. Other attractions at the site including the Glass House Bistro, Boating Lake and Scarborough’s Historic Water Chute.

Peasholm Park
Peasholm Park is an oriental themed park located in North Bay. At the centre of the park is a tranquil lake with rowing boats, canoes, dragon boats and pedaloes for hired. There is also a bandstand in the middle of the lake which hosts a number of bands and musicians throughout the summer. From May until September Peasholm Park is home to a Scarborough institution, the “Battle of Peasholm”, a miniature Naval Warfare event performed on the lake.

The Futurist Theatre
Built in 1921 The Futurist Theatre is a theatre and cinema located on the Foreshore. The Futurist has the fifth largest capacity outside London and hosts a variety of acts throughout the year.

Hairy Bob’s Skate Park
Designed by skaters, for skaters, Hairy Bob’s Skate Park is a free, fully featured, high quality, floodlit skate park located on Scarborough’s North Bay and includes a concrete skate park and dirt jump track.