Armed Forces Day 2026 - All You Need To Know!
Scarborough is once again hosting one of the biggest Armed Forces Day events in the UK on Saturday 27th June 2026. Events will be centred around South Bay along Foreshore Road and Sandside, which will be closed to traffic all day.
11am Welcome by the Scarborough Town Crier
11.30am RAF Chinook flypast
11.40amRAF Tutor T Mark 1 air display
11.55am to 12.30pm Formal opening
Scarborough Standards march into the Formal Area
Chairman of North Yorkshire Council, Councillor David Chance and Cdre Thomas Knowles Naval Regional Commander – Northern England and the Isle of Man will review the Standards
Scarborough Town Crier calls on all assembled to the opening of the event, the Yorkshire Volunteers Band marches into the Formal Area.
Formal opening and welcome by the Chairman of North Yorkshire Council
The Yorkshire Volunteers Band display
Presentation of awards by Cdre Thomas Knowles
Standards & The Yorkshire Volunteers Band marches off, and event officially starts
12:45pm The Royal Hospital Chelsea Pensioners Pace Stick Team
1pm Royal Air Force Cadets display of banner drill
1.15pm Scarborough Sea Cadet continuity drill display team
2.30pm Calidus AutoGyro – air display
3pm Scarborough Sea Cadet Band performance
3.30pm Hawker Fury – a relative of the famous Sea Fury – air display
3.45pm East Riding Pipe Band performance
4.05pm RAF Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 – air display
4.20pm Standards, veterans and cadets parade steps off led by Queen’s Own Yeomanry and Yorkshire Volunteers Band
4.30pm Review of Parade at the formal area
Parade Marshal to invite Reviewing Officer; Cdre Thomas Knowles with VIPs to review the parade
Presentation of the Armed Forces Day Flag to Executive Officer Lie Bellens of Geel Sea Cadets, Belgium
Closing words by Cdre Thomas Knowles
Prayers and blessings by Reverend Sam Tredwell
4.45pm Closing Ceremony
Exhortation by Matthew O’Brien, Chairman of the RBL
Sunset ceremony including the Yorkshire Volunteers Band
Scarborough Sea Cadets lower the Armed Forces flag and present to Cdre Thomas Knowles
Yorkshire Volunteers Band perform and conclude with the National Anthem
Three cheers for HM Armed Forces led by Cdre Thomas Knowles
4.55pm Parade marches off
5pm Event finishes
Please use the Park & Ride sites on the A64 Seamer Road and the A165 Filey Road. Scarborough will be very busy, with Richard Ashcroft performing at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Saturday evening too.
The weather is forecast to be very warm with sunny spells. There will be free water refill points along the seafront. Make sure you are wearing suncream and / or are covered up from the sun.
Veteran Focused Highlights
- Recognition and celebration: Veterans will be publicly acknowledged throughout the day, with speeches and tributes that highlight their service and sacrifice.
- Veterans’ Village: A dedicated area where veterans can connect with support organisations, charities, and fellow service members.
- Access to Support Services: Information and advice from military charities and organisations offering health, wellbeing, housing, and financial support.
- Discount Opportunities: Veterans can register for the Defence Privilege Card, which offers access to online and high street discounts
Naval Warfare Returns To Peasholm Park – Armed Forces Day Special
Prepare for action as the legendary Naval Warfare show launches its summer season with a spectacular Armed Forces Day special at Peasholm Park!
On Saturday 27 June, the tranquil lake will transform into a dramatic battle zone as 20-foot replica warships recreate a thrilling sea battle, complete with explosions, smoke, and sound effects. This unique and much-loved Scarborough tradition is a must-see for visitors of all ages.
- Time: 3:00pm
- Location: Peasholm Park, North Bay, Scarborough
Join us for this unforgettable spectacle as part of Scarborough’s Armed Forces Day celebrations—a powerful tribute to naval history and the courage of those who serve.
North Yorkshire Council will be taking photos and film footage at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please speak to a member of the team.
Images and videos may be used by North Yorkshire council, our partners and our commercial services for press and printed information and digital channels.
Images and video will be stored for three years and may continue to be used by the council unless advised otherwise. If you do not wish for them to be used, you can contact North Yorkshire Council via their website.
Dogs On Leads
Well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome at Scarborough Armed Forces Day. We know they’re part of the family too!
Please ensure your dog is kept on a lead at all times and that you clean up after them to help keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Let’s make it a great day for all—two-legged and four-legged visitors alike!
Scarborough Spa Express - Guided Walking Tour For Passengers Today
Armed Forces Day 2026 Timings Confirmed...
Scarborough Open Air Theatre's Record-Breaking Season Starts On Friday!
Scarborough Named As One Of The UK's Top Staycation Spots!
Scarborough isn't just a seaside resort; it's a giant, open-air history book spanning nearly 200 million years. From its iconic castle headland to the "dinosaur footprints" hidden on its beaches, the town's landscape tells a story of ancient deep oceans, tropical swamps, and dramatic landslides. The Tale of Two Bays Scarborough is famous for its two distinct bays—North and South—separated by a massive rocky promontory. This headland, where Scarborough Castle now stands, exists because it is made of much tougher stuff than the surrounding coast. The Castle Headland: This is a "downfaulted outlier" of Middle and Late Jurassic rocks. The top layer is a hard, honey-coloured sandstone known as the Corallian Group, which sits on top of the much softer Oxford Clay. Because the sandstone is so resistant to erosion, it juts out into the North Sea, while the softer rocks on either side have been carved into the bays we see today. The Bays: The cliffs around the North and South bays are made of softer clays and sandstones that are roughly 170 million years old. These were formed during the Jurassic period, a time of river channels, swamps, and deep oceans. Walking with Dinosaurs: You don't need a time machine to find evidence of Jurassic life here. Scarborough is often called the "British capital of dinosaur trackways." Dinosaur Footprints: At low tide, you can find fossilised footprints of giant sauropods and theropods (meat-eaters) on the rocks of the South Cliff. More than 50 footprints have been recorded in this area. Rotunda Museum: To see these finds up close without getting your feet wet, visit the Rotunda Museum. Opened in 1829, it is one of the world's first purpose-built museums. It was designed based on suggestions from William Smith, the "Father of English Geology," who lived in Scarborough. Inside, you'll find the Gristhorpe Man (a Bronze Age tree burial) and the Speeton Plesiosaur. A Coast in Motion The geology of Scarborough is still active today, sometimes with dramatic results. Holbeck Hall Landslide: In 1993, the nation watched as the four-star Holbeck Hall Hotel slowly tumbled into the sea. This happened because heavy glacial deposits from the last Ice Age (about 11,000 years ago) sit on top of slippery Jurassic clay. When it rains heavily, the water gets trapped, causing the land to slide. Sea Defences: To combat this erosion, you’ll see modern sea defences like those along Marine Drive. These include huge blocks of Larvikite, a beautiful, dark-grey igneous rock imported all the way from Norway because of its extreme durability. Tips for Geological Explorers Check the Tides: Many of the best geological features, including the rock pools and dinosaur tracks, are only visible at low tide. Stay Safe: The cliffs to the south are active landslide zones. Always stay on the marked paths and keep a safe distance from the cliff edge and the base of the cliffs on the beach. Look for Pebbles: The beaches are full of "erratic" pebbles—stones carried here from hundreds of miles away by glaciers during the last Ice Age.
Beyond the sandy beaches and bustling amusement arcades, Scarborough holds a treasure trove of little-known history. As the UK's first seaside resort, it boasts the world's oldest theatre-in-the-round, a Grand Hotel designed around the calendar, and a prehistoric past deeper than many realise. Discover the secret stories behind the resort. Here are some of the most fascinating rare facts about Scarborough: 1. The "Stonehenge" of the North Did you know the oldest house in Britain was found just outside Scarborough? Excavations at Star Carr near Seamer discovered a house dated back to 8,500 BC. This incredible Mesolithic site is considered as significant to archaeological history as Stonehenge is to the Neolithic period. 2. A Hotel Built by the Calendar When the Grand Hotel was completed in 1867, it was the largest in Europe. Its design is a masterpiece of hidden symbolism representing time: 4 Towers: Representing the four seasons.12 Floors: Representing the months.52 Chimneys: Representing the weeks of the year.365 Bedrooms: Originally, one for every day. 3. Birthplace of "Web Search" Technology The technology behind modern search engines has roots in Scarborough. Jonathon Fletcher, who created JumpStation—generally regarded as the world's first true web-crawling search engine—comes from the town. 4. A Record-Breaking Tuna Fishery In 1933, a massive tunny (tuna) weighing \(851 \text{lbs}\) (\(386 \text{kg}\)) was caught off the Scarborough coast, breaking the British record. This cemented the town's reputation in the early 20th century as a premier destination for big-game fishing. 5. The World's First Seaside Resort Long before it was a family seaside favourite, Scarborough was a health destination. The discovery of mineral springs in 1626 led to the creation of the Scarborough Spa, making it one of the earliest, if not the first, seaside resorts in the world. 6. Anne Brontë's Final Resting Place The celebrated novelist Anne Brontë passed away in Scarborough on May 28, 1849, while visiting for her health. She was only 29 years old. She is buried in the graveyard of St. Mary's Church, which overlooks the South Bay and the castle. 7. The Original "Theatre in the Round" Scarborough is home to the first-ever Stephen Joseph Theatre in the round in the UK, established in 1955. This venue is famous for being the venue where many of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's plays premiered. 8. The Dinosaur Coast The Scarborough coastline is a vital location for paleontologists. So many fossils have been found there that it is nicknamed the "Dinosaur Coast". The Rotunda Museum is dedicated to this rich geological history. 9. Hidden Viking Heritage The town was founded around 966 AD by a Viking raider named Thorgils Skarthi. The name "Scarborough" actually stems from this Viking heritage, meaning "Skarthi’s fort". 10. The First WWI Bombardment Scarborough suffered significantly during World War I. On December 16, 1914, the town was bombarded by German warships, causing the first civilian deaths on British soil during the conflict
Scarborough Food and Drink Festival: Taking place at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre on 11–12 April 2026 (Sat: 10am–5pm, Sun: 10am–4pm). Highlights: Features over 60 international food stalls, including bao buns, wood-fired pizza, and artisan gins. Family Fun: Includes fairground rides from O'Briens Funfair and a dedicated craft room with local makers. Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair-friendly and dog-friendly (on leads). Spring Daze at Peasholm Park: A dedicated nature-themed family fun day on Wednesday, 1 April 2026 from 10am to 4pm. Activities: Hands-on bushcraft, fire-lighting, leaf rubbing, and sunflower potting. Entertainment: Live music from the bandstand, birds of prey displays, and performances by children's entertainer Kathy Seabrook in the tipi. Scarborough Record Fair: Located at the Scarborough Market Hall & Vaults on Sunday, 12 April 2026 from 10am to 4pm. What to Expect: Roughly 25 tables of vinyl and CD traders. Extras: Live local DJs spinning tracks from various decades and food available from Deli Delicious and the Market Tavern Bar. Giant Deckchair Trail: Part of the "Scarborough 400" anniversary celebrations. The Experience: Grab a map and hunt for oversized, artist-designed deckchairs hidden in scenic spots across town—ideal for family photos. Easter Clay Workshops at Scarborough Library: A creative session on 2 April 2026 at Scarborough Library. Activity: Children can design and make their own clay egg cups. The library also hosts an ongoing Easter Trail and Lego sessions during the holidays. The Easter "Wild Ones" Biodiversity Arts & Crafts Workshop: A free, hands-on event taking place on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, in Cayton. Organised by Cayton Parish Council, the workshop is designed to help children connect with nature through creativity. Beeforth’s Hive Activities: Located in the South Cliff Gardens, this community hub offers free drop-in nature and craft activities for families throughout the school holidays. Marine Drive Sea Watching Hub: A newly opened visitor attraction for 2026 in a repurposed Victorian-style shelter on Marine Drive. Equipment: Features free-to-use high-powered telescopes positioned specifically for spotting bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoise, and minke whales. Art: Features a mosaic installation by Turner Prize winner Jeremy Deller to help identify local species. Peregrine Falcon Watching: The cliffs below Scarborough Castle are a prime nesting spot for these birds, the fastest in the world. Best Spot: Enthusiasts recommend sitting near lamp post 54 on Marine Drive and looking up at the high ledges, especially active during the April–July breeding season. Rockpooling at North Bay: A classic, cost-free activity. Details: At low tide, the rocky areas of North Bay reveal a miniature marine world of crabs, anemones, and small fish. Make sure you know the tide times to avoid being cut off by the incoming tide!
For visitors to the Yorkshire coast in 2026, arriving by vintage rail offers a majestic alternative to the modern commute. Whether you seek the rhythmic chuff of a steam engine or the sleek power of a heritage diesel, several high-profile excursions are scheduled to bring you directly to the heart of the "First Seaside Resort." Mainline Steam Excursions The Coast to Coast Express Date: Saturday, 6 June 2026 Operator: The Railway Touring Company Experience: This ambitious day trip links the Irish Sea to the North Sea, crossing the dramatic Pennines. It features a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool for the outward journey and is often diesel-hauled for portions of the return. Approximate Timetable: Liverpool Lime Street: Departs 06:20 | Returns 21:40 Manchester Victoria: Departs ~07:15 Sheffield: Departs 09:50 York: Arrives 11:50 | Departs 16:50 Scarborough: Arrives 13:10 | Departs 15:50 The Scarborough Spa Express Travel coast to coast across spectacular Lancashire and Yorkshire landscapes from Carnforth or Lancaster, to York or Scarborough - Steam Hauled all the way! North Route To York or Scarborough Via Skipton and Leeds: Running Wednesdays on 17th June, 29th July and 19th August 2026. Departing from Carnforth, Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Woodlesford (Leeds), Church Fenton and York. South Route To York or Scarborough Via Preston and Wakefield: Running Wednesday 15th July and 2nd September 2026. Departing from Lancaster, Preston, Blackburn, Brighouse, Wakefield (Kirkgate), Castleford and York. Luxury Diesel Charters Yorkshire Coast Pullman Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026 Operator: Midland Pullman Experience: Travel in a restored Class 43 HST luxury set. This tour includes fine dining options as you traverse the heart of England. Approximate Timetable: Paignton: Departs 06:20 | Returns 22:50 Bristol Temple Meads: Departs 08:20 | Returns 20:40 Scarborough: Arrives ~13:00 | Departs 16:00 Yorkshire Coast Pullman (East Anglia) Date: Wednesday, 1 July 2026 Operator: Midland Pullman Boarding Locations: Manningtree (06:30), Ipswich (06:45), Stowmarket (07:00), and Bury St Edmunds (07:20). Multi-Day Rail Holidays York and Railways of Yorkshire Dates: Saturday, 18 July – Saturday, 25 July 2026 Operator: The Railway Touring Company Experience: An 8-day comprehensive tour of the county’s rail heritage, featuring a dedicated visit to Scarborough and the nearby North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
It’s official! Alfred Wainwright’s legendary 197-mile Coast to Coast Walk has been formally designated as a National Trail, with the grand opening celebrated on 26 March 2026. For years, this iconic trek from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay has been a "bucket list" challenge for hikers worldwide. Now, with official recognition and a £5.6 million investment, the journey is more accessible and well-maintained than ever. While the trail concludes in the charming village of Robin Hood’s Bay, this new status is fantastic news for visitors to Scarborough, located just a short trip down the coast. What This Means for Your Next Adventure The upgrade ensures that the path meets the highest "National Trail Quality Standards," offering several key benefits for both long-distance hikers and casual day-trippers: Better Waymarking: Say goodbye to getting lost! High-quality, consistent signage—featuring the iconic acorn symbol—now marks the entire route. Improved Accessibility: Many stiles have been replaced with accessible gates, and path surfaces have been strengthened to accommodate people of varying abilities. New "Passport" Scheme : Walkers can now carry a Coast to Coast Passport, collecting stamps at 29 locations along the way to earn a completion certificate and local discounts. Here is why Scarborough is the ultimate "finish line" retreat 1. The Ultimate Victory Meal After weeks of pub grub and trail snacks, you deserve a feast. Scarborough offers everything from award-winning seafood at the harbour to high-end bistros and international cuisine. Whether you want a celebratory steak or a classic portion of the North's best fish and chips by the sea, the variety here is unbeatable. 2. Serious Post-Walk Pampering Your muscles will thank you. Scarborough is home to historic spa facilities and modern wellness centres. Many hikers book a night at a seafront hotel with a sauna or steam room to soak away the miles. There’s no better way to recover than with a professional massage and a view of the castle. 3. Transport Made Easy Logistically, Scarborough is the most convenient hub for your journey home. With a direct railway station connecting you to York, Leeds, and Manchester, you can transition from the wilderness back to reality without the stress of complicated bus transfers or expensive taxis from more remote villages. 4. Space to Stretch Out While the trail’s end at Robin Hood's Bay is iconic, it can get very crowded. Scarborough’s huge sandy bays (North and South) offer miles of level promenade and soft sand. It’s the perfect place for a gentle "recovery walk" where you can admire the North Sea without having to climb another 500-foot ridge. 5. Gear Refresh and Retail Therapy If you’ve worn a hole in your favourite socks or your boots didn’t survive the Cleveland Hills, Scarborough’s town centre is packed with outdoor retailers. It’s the ideal spot to replace your kit or pick up some high-quality souvenirs to remember your trek.
Scarborough in 2026 has become a premier destination for nature lovers. From the return of endangered seabirds to the opening of dedicated observation hubs, here is what you can see and where to find it this year. 1. The Marine Drive Sea Watching Hub (New for 2026) A major highlight for 2026 is the opening of the Sea Watching Hub on Marine Drive. This repurposed Victorian-style shelter now serves as a free visitor attraction featuring: High-Powered Telescopes : Free-to-use stations specifically positioned to help you spot harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphins, and minke whales. Artistic Education: The hub features floor and wall panels, including a mosaic installation by Turner Prize winner Jeremy Deller, to help visitors identify local species. Pro Tip: For the best chance of a sighting, head to lamppost number 54 on Marine Drive, a known hotspot for harbour porpoises just beyond the sea wall. 2. The Return of the Puffins at Bempton Cliffs Just a short trip south of Scarborough, RSPB Bempton Cliffs is currently hosting the UK's largest mainland seabird colony. Spring Arrival: The first puffins of the year were officially spotted on 4 March 2026. Peak Viewing: While birds are arriving now, the best time to see them nesting is between April and July. Seabird Cruises: The RSPB has organised 30 special cruises aboard the Yorkshire Belle starting 6 May 2026, offering a unique view of the 500,000 birds from the water. 3. Seals and Cetaceans: What to Watch For Scarborough's waters are teeming with activity this year: Dolphins: Charismatic bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen in pods of up to 15, often performing acrobatic displays close to shore. Whales: While harbour porpoises are year-round residents, minke whales are most common between June and October, following migrating herring. Seals: You can spot seals lounging at Cayton Bay or the nearby Ravenscar colony. Important: If a seal looks at you, you are too close. Visitors are urged to keep a significant distance to avoid disturbing resting mothers and pups. 4. Inside SEA LIFE Scarborough For guaranteed sightings and conservation education, the SEA LIFE centre at North Bay remains a must-visit: New Otter Enclosure: Unveiled in early 2026, this major investment allows visitors to watch playful otters in a specially designed habitat. Resident Favorites: The centre continues to house Humboldt penguins, rescue seals, and the majestic sea turtle, Antiopi. Scarborough 400 Deals: To celebrate the town's 400th anniversary as a resort, look out for special ticket giveaways and conservation events throughout the year. 5. Peregrine Falcons Of Scarborough Castle Headland Optimal Spotting: For the best views of the falcons, head to Marine Drive. A popular specific location is near lamp post 54; enthusiasts suggest sitting with your back to the sea and looking up at the high cliff ledges where the birds often perch. Action & Speed: Visitors can witness these birds—the fastest in the world—reaching speeds over 200mph as they dive (stoop) from the headland to hunt. Breeding Season: The most activity occurs between April and July. Females typically disappear from sight to lay eggs in late April or early May, with chicks appearing shortly after. Kittiwake Interaction: The falcons nest amidst a large colony of kittiwakes. While they occasionally hunt them, the peregrines are sometimes seen using the kittiwakes as "teaching aids" for their young, dragging them through the air to help chicks learn hunting techniques. 6. Rockpool Treasures At low tide, Scarborough’s rocky shores become a "mini-marine" world. The best spots are around the Castle Headland and North Bay. Crustaceans: Look for shore crabs, hermit crabs, and if you’re lucky, the more elusive velvet swimming crab. Exotic Finds : Keep an eye out for beadlet anemones (deep red blobs when the tide is out) and snakelocks anemones with their long, wavy green tentacles. Fish: Small, hardy fish like blennies (often called shannies) and butterfish can be found darting under rocks.
