Scarborough is the ultimate British summer holiday getaway. This classic seaside town packs golden beaches, thrilling rides, and rich history into one vibrant trip. With arcades, dramatic cliffs, and top-tier food, families will never run out of things to do. Here is your ultimate guide to 35 amazing activities...

1. South & South Bay Beaches: Enjoy traditional seaside fun on this wide stretch of golden sand. Great for paddling and perfect for building sandcastles. Looking for a quieter beach day? Head to North bay Beach for a vast expanse of sand, great surf, and colourful beach huts.
2. Visit Scarborough Guided Walking Tour: Contact us to arrange a bespoke guided walking tour designed to fit around your visit!
3. Cayton Bay: This wilder, sweeping bay is just south of town. It is a top spot for bodyboarding and surfing.
4. Donkey Rides: Grab a classic ice cream and enjoy a traditional donkey ride along the soft sand of South Bay.
5. Rock Pooling: When the tide goes out, the rocky areas become a haven for tiny sea creatures. It is great for little explorers. Make sure you check tide times!
6. Deckchair Trail: 10 giant deckchairs have been placed around Scarborough
7. Marine Drive: Take a scenic walk or bike ride along this sweeping coastal road connecting the two bays.
8. Scarborough Castle: Head through the imposing gatehouse and explore 3,000 years of history. It sits high on a cliff offering sweeping coastal views.
9. SEA LIFE Scarborough: Dive into an underwater world. Walk through the penguin enclosure and see blacktip reef sharks up close.
10. North Bay Railway: Take a ride on the country's biggest miniature railway. It travels a mile from Peasholm Park to Scalby Mills.
11. Alpamare Waterpark: Cool off at this huge Swiss-themed water park. It features an outdoor heated wave pool, splash zones, and thrilling slides.
12. Scarborough Fair Collection: Discover vintage fairground rides, mechanical organs, and vintage cars at this unique museum.
13. Cliff Trams: Ride Britain’s oldest funicular cliff railway next to Scarborough Spa. Or take a trip on the Central Tramway which whisks you from the beach up to the town centre.
14. Luna Park: Enjoy classic seaside amusement park rides and fairground games right on the seafront.
15. Peasholm Park: Hire a pedalo or rowing boat on the oriental-themed boating lake. Watch the famous mock Naval Warfare battle. Make sure you explore Peasholm Glen too!
16. Oliver’s Mount: Drive up to the war memorial for panoramic views of the town. It is the perfect spot for a picnic.
17. South Cliff Dino Hunt: Follow a fun family trail to find 160-million-year-old dinosaur footprints.
18. The Rotunda Museum: Learn about Scarborough's geological past at this unique, circular, heritage museum.
19. Scarborough Art Gallery: Visit this historic Italianate villa for family-friendly exhibitions and craft activities.
20. Traditional Fish and Chips: Some of the top rated places include Catch 55 and The Lifeboat Fish & Chips.
21. The Harbour Bar: Step back in time at this retro 1950s ice cream parlour on the seafront. They serve incredible sundaes.
22. Fresh Seafood: Buy freshly caught crab and lobster straight from the boats on the bustling West Pier.
23. Beachside Cafes: Grab a drink at The Watermark Cafe, The Teapot, or others while enjoying sweeping sea views.
24. Boat Trips: You might be lucky and spot dolphins on a trip on Becca-Marie or Hispaniola.
25. Scarborough Open Air Theatre: Book tickets to watch world-famous music acts perform at Europe’s largest open-air theatre.
26. Stephen Joseph Theatre: Catch a family-friendly play or interactive workshop at this renowned local theatre.
27. The Spa: Visit this Victorian entertainment complex to watch summer variety shows, family films, or outdoor festivals.
28. Amusement Arcades: Spend your spare change on classic 2p pushers and claw machines on the bustling Foreshore Road.
29. YMCA Theatre: See Frozen The Musical during the summer holidays from the YMCA Productions Team!
30. Open Top Buses: Hop on an open top bus for a unique journey along Scarborough's seafront!
31. Scarborough Footgolf: Scarborough Footgolf near Cayton is lots of fun with 2 different courses
32. Crazy Golf: There are loads of courses to choose from, many in and around North Bay
33. The Big Wheel: Back for summer 2026, the giant Ferris Wheel in South Bay
34. Shopping: Scarborough has a large mixture of independent shops and big national chains in a busy town centre. Don't miss Scarborough Indoor Market Hall for amazing independent shops.
35. Planet Circus OMG: Back for the summer holidays, Planet Circus OMG promises to deliver a truly jaw-dropping show at Lebberston on the A165 just outside Scarborough.