Scarborough is a classic British seaside town with a range of attractions for visiting families.
There are two main areas where activities are focussed: North Bay beach and South Bay Beach which are separated by a headland with the castle on top.
North Bay has a beach, skatepark, playground, bike track, beach huts and some of the bigger attractions.
South Bay has a beach, the Spa, the harbour, lots or arcades and classic British seaside charm with fish and chips etc.
Family Highlights
Beaches: North bay has cafes and sandy beaches. At high tide the southerly section will be underwater. Go in front of the beach huts to have the longest beach time.
South bay beach stays sandy at high tide in front of the arcades. Further down towards the Spa the tide will come all the way up.
Surfing: Both beaches are suitable for surfing. South bay offers a more sheltered area for smaller waves near the harbour. Surf lessons and equipment hire available. In summer time it is rare to get big waves and the sea can often be completely flat calm.
Peasolm Park: A large park with a boating lake, gardens, and gentle walks perfect for all ages. With dragon boat rides and mock naval battles in summer. Very friendly squirrels that you can feed out of your hands.
North Bay Railway: Miniature train ride linking the SEA LIFE Centre with Peasolm Park area.
SEA LIFE Scarborough: Aquarium with interactive exhibits and marine animals including seals, penguins, otters, rays and sharks amongst others.
Alpamare UK: An indoor and outdoor swimming pool with wave machine, water slides and splash area for smaller children. Outdoor pools are very warm. Great whatever the weather, though can be expensive in peak season.
Scarborough Castle: Historic castle with great views and large cliff top grounds to explore. Run by English Heritage. The novelist and poet Anne Bronte’s grave is next to the castle in the church yard of St Mary’s Church.
Luna Park: Open March until October a child friendly miniature theme park filled with fairground rides and games. With rides for smaller children, hook a duck, dodgems and more
Central Tramway: Victorian funicular takes you from the beach up the cliff into town. A fun bit of history.
Rainy Day Highlights
Alpamare UK: An indoor and outdoor swimming pool with wave machine, water slides and splash area for smaller children. Outdoor pools are very warm. Great whatever the weather, though can be expensive in peak season.
SEA LIFE Scarborough: Offers a mostly covered aquarium, with some outdoor exhibits.
South Bay Amusement Arcades: A run of seaside amusement arcades along south bay, with ten pin bowling (at Olympia Leisure), 2p machines, grabber machines and all manner of games to play amongst the noise and flashing lights.
Rotunda Museum: Museum of Coastal Heritage and Geology with lots of impressive fossils on display. Free for under 18s. Adults £5 for the year including admission to Scarborough Art Gallery. Closed Monday and Sunday.
Scarborough Art Gallery: Free for under 18s. Adults £5 for the year. Closed Monday and Sunday.
Practical Info for Families
Parking: Various pay-and-display carparks around the town. Most of north bay is a carpark along the sea front, also Northstead car park near North Bay railway.
In South Bay an underground carpark by the roundabout near the Spa. Other popular car parks include the Palm Court hotel and parking along the Crescent near the art gallery.
Dogs: Dogs are banned from the main parts of both beaches from May to September. Signs indicate these areas. Dogs will have to remain in the quieter areas of the beaches. Please note that the areas of beach dogs are allowed on will be mostly underwater at high tides, so if you’re bringing a dog check the tide times.
Tide times for Scarborough:
Tides explained very simply:
It takes 6 hours for the tide to come all the way in.
30 minutes standing water as it changes direction
6 hours for the tide to go all the way out.
30 minutes standing water.
So each day the tide times will be roughly 1 hour later than the day before.