Lesley’s guidebook to Scarborough and the Surrounds
Beach fun
Two beaches each side of the headland with the impressive castle. Harbour is also worth a visit. South Beach has the lion share of tourist seaside attractions whereas North bay is an impressive sweep of beach with chalets that can be booked on a daily or weekly basis.
37 locals recommend
Scarborough Beach
Two beaches each side of the headland with the impressive castle. Harbour is also worth a visit. South Beach has the lion share of tourist seaside attractions whereas North bay is an impressive sweep of beach with chalets that can be booked on a daily or weekly basis.
A classic village, full of scenic little ginnels and a lovely beach at the bottom of the steep hill which is pedestrian access only unless you're a resident. Again I would recommend that you take the X93 and get off at Robin Hoods Bay as the bus stop is pretty close to the car park at the top of the incline, which fills up quickly during the busy season. The advantage of the bus is that you get to see a lot of scenery en route and no stress about parking. You can also all have a drink in the village itself without worrying too much about the designated driver. Sightseeing and the beach are both the attractions to this idyliic smugglers haunt and it has been voted one of Britain's most favourite places so it can get crowded especially on a sunny day.
156 locals recommend
Robin Hood's Bay
A classic village, full of scenic little ginnels and a lovely beach at the bottom of the steep hill which is pedestrian access only unless you're a resident. Again I would recommend that you take the X93 and get off at Robin Hoods Bay as the bus stop is pretty close to the car park at the top of the incline, which fills up quickly during the busy season. The advantage of the bus is that you get to see a lot of scenery en route and no stress about parking. You can also all have a drink in the village itself without worrying too much about the designated driver. Sightseeing and the beach are both the attractions to this idyliic smugglers haunt and it has been voted one of Britain's most favourite places so it can get crowded especially on a sunny day.
Recommended as the best beach for surfing near Scarborough, although there are surfing opportunities on South and North bays in Scarborough
14 locals recommend
Cayton Bay
Recommended as the best beach for surfing near Scarborough, although there are surfing opportunities on South and North bays in Scarborough
A days trip to an alternative beach front with dazzling clean beaches and an alternate feel to the seaside from Scarborough
67 locals recommend
Filey
A days trip to an alternative beach front with dazzling clean beaches and an alternate feel to the seaside from Scarborough
Sightseeing
14 acre site full of history of a royal castle that dates back to Roman times. Extensive but I firmly recommend the audio guides because they make so much more sense of the site. If not offered at the visitors centre, then ensure that you ask because its worth it. There are a large amount of EH properties in the area which can be visited in multiples depending on where you are and how much history you want to absorb so it may be worth considering membership of not members already. It can be easily visited from our home, just follow brown signs to castle.
87 locals recommend
Scarborough Castle
14 acre site full of history of a royal castle that dates back to Roman times. Extensive but I firmly recommend the audio guides because they make so much more sense of the site. If not offered at the visitors centre, then ensure that you ask because its worth it. There are a large amount of EH properties in the area which can be visited in multiples depending on where you are and how much history you want to absorb so it may be worth considering membership of not members already. It can be easily visited from our home, just follow brown signs to castle.
Pre-Raphaelite church full of William Morris and Co art including fantastic windows. Free guided tours on Tuesday and Thursday at 10am which make the visit informative as it includes the iconography incorporated into the design. Recently seen on Britain by Beach episode 4. There is also a cafe inside the church which is open 11-4 everyday except Sundays so you can combine a visit with some food. It serves light lunches and is a unique in church cafe (don't be fooled into thinking its a typical church cafe)
St Martin-on-the-Hill
Albion RoadPre-Raphaelite church full of William Morris and Co art including fantastic windows. Free guided tours on Tuesday and Thursday at 10am which make the visit informative as it includes the iconography incorporated into the design. Recently seen on Britain by Beach episode 4. There is also a cafe inside the church which is open 11-4 everyday except Sundays so you can combine a visit with some food. It serves light lunches and is a unique in church cafe (don't be fooled into thinking its a typical church cafe)
A quick place to visit on way to or from the castle. A sad reminder of the tragedy of the Bronte family. It is situated in the additional graveyard attached to the original parish church of Scarborough, St Marys. The carpark is pay and display so is ideal for visiting the castle and accessing South Bay via the old town
Anne Bronte Grave
168 Castle RdA quick place to visit on way to or from the castle. A sad reminder of the tragedy of the Bronte family. It is situated in the additional graveyard attached to the original parish church of Scarborough, St Marys. The carpark is pay and display so is ideal for visiting the castle and accessing South Bay via the old town
A fantastic opulent Victorian building which often hosts events. It has a unique orchestra which perform free concerts. Check out website for details. Spa Cliff lift is currently closed, unfortunately
42 locals recommend
Scarborough Spa
A fantastic opulent Victorian building which often hosts events. It has a unique orchestra which perform free concerts. Check out website for details. Spa Cliff lift is currently closed, unfortunately
The Crescent is a beautiful part of Scarborough, sitting above valley road which accesses south bay from the A64. The gallery is next door to Londesborough Lodge, now a Buddist centre, where Edward when Prince of Wales caught typhoid whilst staying there not long after his father Albert died of the disease. A bit of history that helps understand Scarborough as a fashionable Spa seaside resort reflected in some of the architecture around this area
17 locals recommend
Scarborough Art Gallery
The CrescentThe Crescent is a beautiful part of Scarborough, sitting above valley road which accesses south bay from the A64. The gallery is next door to Londesborough Lodge, now a Buddist centre, where Edward when Prince of Wales caught typhoid whilst staying there not long after his father Albert died of the disease. A bit of history that helps understand Scarborough as a fashionable Spa seaside resort reflected in some of the architecture around this area
Stunning waterfall which cascades onto a beach. Combine this circular walk with a visit to the Hayburn Wyke Inn and its a perfect combination.
7 locals recommend
Hayburn Wyke waterfall
Stunning waterfall which cascades onto a beach. Combine this circular walk with a visit to the Hayburn Wyke Inn and its a perfect combination.
A fantastic railway bed which can be cycled in a day or perhaps a more leisurely walk out, measuring approx 23 miles. It can be accessed from many points but actually starts in Sainsburys car park, Scarborugh. Fantastic views and very popular with walkers, with or without dogs or indeed cyclists. There is a PDF map/leaflet which can be downloaded by searching for the Cinder Track which is well worth it as it gives the route and access points. It goes through Ravenscar and Robin Hoods Bay
10 locals recommend
Cinder Track
Old Scarborough to Whitby Railway (Cinder Track)A fantastic railway bed which can be cycled in a day or perhaps a more leisurely walk out, measuring approx 23 miles. It can be accessed from many points but actually starts in Sainsburys car park, Scarborugh. Fantastic views and very popular with walkers, with or without dogs or indeed cyclists. There is a PDF map/leaflet which can be downloaded by searching for the Cinder Track which is well worth it as it gives the route and access points. It goes through Ravenscar and Robin Hoods Bay
A fantastic set of weathered rocks in the centre of Dalby Forest, itself a beautiful extensive area of land to the north west of Scarborough. There is a circular walk that you can take around this area which is well worth it for the views and scenery. Dalby forest is a traffic controlled road so you have to pay to enter the area but the area is huge with plentiful carparks so well worth the expense
National Trust - Bridestones, Crosscliff & Blakey Topping
StaindaleA fantastic set of weathered rocks in the centre of Dalby Forest, itself a beautiful extensive area of land to the north west of Scarborough. There is a circular walk that you can take around this area which is well worth it for the views and scenery. Dalby forest is a traffic controlled road so you have to pay to enter the area but the area is huge with plentiful carparks so well worth the expense
A white horse cut into the hillside very close to the A 170 Sutton Bank. There is a carpark at the top from which you can take part of the Cleveland way to see it from the top. A good place to call in on the way to or from Thirsk
7 locals recommend
White Horse
Low Town Bank RoadA white horse cut into the hillside very close to the A 170 Sutton Bank. There is a carpark at the top from which you can take part of the Cleveland way to see it from the top. A good place to call in on the way to or from Thirsk
A visit to this park is well worth it especially for the Battle of the River Plate on the boating lake in the summer. The trees are amazing in the Great Glen.
73 locals recommend
Peasholm Park
A visit to this park is well worth it especially for the Battle of the River Plate on the boating lake in the summer. The trees are amazing in the Great Glen.
City/town information
Full of history and a great day out including Bettys. I recommend that you travel by train as its an hour from station to station and the views are fantastic as you travel. Easy access to the Railway museum and a short walk into the city centre. Lots to do and see
409 locals recommend
York
Full of history and a great day out including Bettys. I recommend that you travel by train as its an hour from station to station and the views are fantastic as you travel. Easy access to the Railway museum and a short walk into the city centre. Lots to do and see
A typical example of a seaside town but its so much more! You will find the people lovely but driving can be a bit of a nightmare as patience isn't one of local drivers strong points. My advice is catch the bus or walk to where you want to go in the centre of Scarborough . It has hidden gems but you will need to find them. There is a Borough blue plaque scheme which takes in various areas of Scarborough plus there are a large amount of guides on the Internet. The old town has some quaint cottages and cobbled streets but suffered heavily during both wars and underwent slum clearance. Like all towns it has fantastic and not so fantastic areas but the architecture is Victorian opulence at its best. I've listed quite a few attractions for themselves but I can advise guests myself depending one their preference
125 locals recommend
Scarborough
A typical example of a seaside town but its so much more! You will find the people lovely but driving can be a bit of a nightmare as patience isn't one of local drivers strong points. My advice is catch the bus or walk to where you want to go in the centre of Scarborough . It has hidden gems but you will need to find them. There is a Borough blue plaque scheme which takes in various areas of Scarborough plus there are a large amount of guides on the Internet. The old town has some quaint cottages and cobbled streets but suffered heavily during both wars and underwent slum clearance. Like all towns it has fantastic and not so fantastic areas but the architecture is Victorian opulence at its best. I've listed quite a few attractions for themselves but I can advise guests myself depending one their preference
A visit to Whitby should include a walk up the 190 steps past the church to the Abbey, which is run by EH. Whitby can get very busy and parking is often difficult unless you get there early which is why I will always recommend the X93 from Scarborough. A lot is made of Whitby due to its Dracula association and its hosting of various festivals including Goth, stem punk and Folk. Easy access to these from our house will be a solution if accommodation can't be found in Whitby or surrounding areas especially for pairs of friends. The road to Whitby is often busy so travel times can vary. It is 20 miles
252 locals recommend
Whitby
A visit to Whitby should include a walk up the 190 steps past the church to the Abbey, which is run by EH. Whitby can get very busy and parking is often difficult unless you get there early which is why I will always recommend the X93 from Scarborough. A lot is made of Whitby due to its Dracula association and its hosting of various festivals including Goth, stem punk and Folk. Easy access to these from our house will be a solution if accommodation can't be found in Whitby or surrounding areas especially for pairs of friends. The road to Whitby is often busy so travel times can vary. It is 20 miles
Food scene
One of my favourite Italian restaurants which is at the end of the pedestrian shopping precinct just before the old town area down to South Bay. It might not look particularly inviting from the outside but trust me the food is amazing. Word of caution, very popular so I suggest that you book. It has a facebook page
9 locals recommend
Pomodoro Pizzeria restaurant
24-25 NewboroughOne of my favourite Italian restaurants which is at the end of the pedestrian shopping precinct just before the old town area down to South Bay. It might not look particularly inviting from the outside but trust me the food is amazing. Word of caution, very popular so I suggest that you book. It has a facebook page
Great food but check Facebook page for opening hours. Really homely feeling but very popular in summer. Fantastic in winter months. Accessed as part of Cinder Track
9 locals recommend
The Hayburn Wyke Inn
Great food but check Facebook page for opening hours. Really homely feeling but very popular in summer. Fantastic in winter months. Accessed as part of Cinder Track
Located inside the Stephen Joseph theatre, this is a popular venue and probably best to book. They do, however, excellent cocktails as a call in venue before going else where.
25 locals recommend
Eat Me Cafe
WestboroughLocated inside the Stephen Joseph theatre, this is a popular venue and probably best to book. They do, however, excellent cocktails as a call in venue before going else where.
Huntriss Road, Scarborough Centre. Quite nice, old fashioned tea room. There are other tea shops along this road which connects Westborough pedestrian area to the Grand Hotel
Bonnet & Sons
38 Huntriss RowHuntriss Road, Scarborough Centre. Quite nice, old fashioned tea room. There are other tea shops along this road which connects Westborough pedestrian area to the Grand Hotel
Specialist attraction
Thornton Le Dale is a stunning village with a beautiful stream, also the home of Bangers and Cash so a popular venue for car enthusiasts with its own small museum. En route to Pickering so could be worth a call in with little effort. Parking can be an issue
33 locals recommend
Thornton Dale
Thornton Le Dale is a stunning village with a beautiful stream, also the home of Bangers and Cash so a popular venue for car enthusiasts with its own small museum. En route to Pickering so could be worth a call in with little effort. Parking can be an issue
Stephen Joseph Theatre
WestboroughA fantastic theatre very close to the railway station
This is a huge venue and has a great vibe. If you stay with us I would recommend walking to this venue as it hosts 8000 guests so is pretty busy. Being completely in the open you are vulnerable to the weather but don't let this spoil your enjoyment. I would also suggest that you eat in earlier town as the food outlets around this area are slightly more limited and invariably crowded.
78 locals recommend
Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Burniston RoadThis is a huge venue and has a great vibe. If you stay with us I would recommend walking to this venue as it hosts 8000 guests so is pretty busy. Being completely in the open you are vulnerable to the weather but don't let this spoil your enjoyment. I would also suggest that you eat in earlier town as the food outlets around this area are slightly more limited and invariably crowded.
Part of the far end of South Bay towards Filey. Part of the Spa complex and gardens which have recently been undergoing quite an extensive refurbishment. Perfect combination with a visit to St Martins
11 locals recommend
Italian Gardens
47-49 EsplanadePart of the far end of South Bay towards Filey. Part of the Spa complex and gardens which have recently been undergoing quite an extensive refurbishment. Perfect combination with a visit to St Martins
A great place to study the work of Strata Smith, the first geologist who lived in Scarborough in Bar Street. This is a fantastic museum located at the bottom of Plantation Hill and Valley Road. Part of the area that has the Art Gallery at the top. Walk down to South beach or up the hill to the town centre, paths and gardens to explore and some of the Regency elegance is captured in this area
30 locals recommend
Rotunda Museum
Vernon RoadA great place to study the work of Strata Smith, the first geologist who lived in Scarborough in Bar Street. This is a fantastic museum located at the bottom of Plantation Hill and Valley Road. Part of the area that has the Art Gallery at the top. Walk down to South beach or up the hill to the town centre, paths and gardens to explore and some of the Regency elegance is captured in this area
A smallish castle at the top of the town of Pickering but well worth a visit especially if combined with Helmsley castle and Rievaulx Abbey as they are all situated along the A170.
16 locals recommend
Pickering Castle
CastlegateA smallish castle at the top of the town of Pickering but well worth a visit especially if combined with Helmsley castle and Rievaulx Abbey as they are all situated along the A170.
If you are interested in ancient walkways or moorland walking then this will grab your fancy. Managed by EH and information can be found via their website. It has aspects of Roman design especially the ditches on either side of the pavement
Wheeldale Roman Road
Wheeldale RoadIf you are interested in ancient walkways or moorland walking then this will grab your fancy. Managed by EH and information can be found via their website. It has aspects of Roman design especially the ditches on either side of the pavement
A must visit if you enjoy steam travel with spectacular views of the North Yorkshire Moors. All the stations are accesible by car but if you are going to start at Whitby then I recommend you take the bus as the bus station is right next to the train station. Personally I'd start at Pickering, the other terminus, take the train to Whitby for sightseeing and then catch the train back getting off and on as you please. Goathland is, of course, the village Aidensfield in Heartbeat and so is an attraction in itself
69 locals recommend
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
A must visit if you enjoy steam travel with spectacular views of the North Yorkshire Moors. All the stations are accesible by car but if you are going to start at Whitby then I recommend you take the bus as the bus station is right next to the train station. Personally I'd start at Pickering, the other terminus, take the train to Whitby for sightseeing and then catch the train back getting off and on as you please. Goathland is, of course, the village Aidensfield in Heartbeat and so is an attraction in itself
A stunning example of a Yorkshire monastery destroyed in the Dissolution during the reign of Henry VIII. It is a beautiful place set in rolling countryside. The visitors centre has an excellent cafe and I recommend the section of the Cleveland way that joins Helmsley to Rievaulx as a good walk
68 locals recommend
Rievaulx Abbey
Rievaulx BankA stunning example of a Yorkshire monastery destroyed in the Dissolution during the reign of Henry VIII. It is a beautiful place set in rolling countryside. The visitors centre has an excellent cafe and I recommend the section of the Cleveland way that joins Helmsley to Rievaulx as a good walk
Another slighted castle but worth a visit combined with Rievaulx. I recommend parking in the walled pay and display car park behind the castle and taking the Cleveland way to Rievaulx, indulging in lunch at the Abbey and then a walk back.
25 locals recommend
Helmsley Castle
CastlegateAnother slighted castle but worth a visit combined with Rievaulx. I recommend parking in the walled pay and display car park behind the castle and taking the Cleveland way to Rievaulx, indulging in lunch at the Abbey and then a walk back.
A lovely museum capturing rural life with a variety of historical buildings. It has an extensive website which includes opening hours so worth a check. Ticket is valid for a year plus the village itself is a classic North Yorkshire village. For those who fancy a drive through the moors then take the road through Hutton le Hole which will eventually join up with the A171 near Whitby
25 locals recommend
Ryedale Folk Museum
A lovely museum capturing rural life with a variety of historical buildings. It has an extensive website which includes opening hours so worth a check. Ticket is valid for a year plus the village itself is a classic North Yorkshire village. For those who fancy a drive through the moors then take the road through Hutton le Hole which will eventually join up with the A171 near Whitby
If you are into gothic Victorian graveyards combined with
a keen interest in photography then this is the place for you. It also holds the majority of the graves of the victims from WW1. Walk through Manor road cemetery to access the top of Peasholm park and then either North Bay or the Open Air Theatre. Its downhill all the way so a bit of a slog back up but well worth it.
Manor Road Cemetery
Manor RoadIf you are into gothic Victorian graveyards combined with
a keen interest in photography then this is the place for you. It also holds the majority of the graves of the victims from WW1. Walk through Manor road cemetery to access the top of Peasholm park and then either North Bay or the Open Air Theatre. Its downhill all the way so a bit of a slog back up but well worth it.
City advice
Getting around
Easier by bus or train
I suggest for ease that a visit to York from Scarborough is by train (about an hour from station to station) and by bus (X93) to Whitby to avoid difficult car parking. The same applies for Robin Hoods Bay and its the same bus. Discs are available for free disc zone parking
Book before you go
Restaurants in Scarborough
If you are hoping to get a bite to eat in the evening, then be careful as many restaurants close at 9pm plus they get extremely busy so if you are looking to go somewhere then I advise that you book in advance.
Getting around
Fill up with fuel
I advise that if you're going anywhere by car then you fill up with appropriate fuel as petrol stations are not always where you need them and its better to be safe than sorry.
What to pack
Take spare clothes
Due to the unpredictable North coast weather I would always advise taking spare clothes or shoes with you because the weather may take a turn for the worse or hopefully better on your day out. If you do get wet shoes etc we are more than happy to dry them for you. That extra woolly or sunhat may come in useful and never fail to carry sunglasses, just in case, because you just never know. Also make sure you have change for parking or indeed a parking disc. Don't worry, if you're not sure we can explain the mysterious ways of zone parking