THERE’S no doubt Scarborough has a lot of great things to offer residents and tourists, but which attractions are the best?
The seaside town has everything from Idyllic parks to an Open Air Theatre and all of them share high reviews across the board.
Time spent at these attractions will certainly vary, with some places offering a quick stroll around or an opportunity to get outdoors for half an hour to some places offering a bit more of an involved experience.
1. Peasholm Park, Columbus Ravine, Scarborough
This park is open all year round 24 hours a day for visitors to enjoy for as long as they like – and it’s all for free.
The Park welcomes well behaved dogs as long as they are held on a lead and owners can use the numerous litter bins for disposing of their dogs mess.
With a tranquil lake contained in the park, visitors can also hire boats in the summer months and have a gentle row around the waters.
The park has also received a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award and has garnered 3,090 “excellent” five-star reviews and 1,505 “very good” four-star reviews out of a total of 5,029 reviews
One person said: “Well kept gardens and had a lovely Japanese theme throughout. We loved the waterfall and boating lake with the dragon boats.
“The park has lots of squirrels who are tame enough to take nuts from your hand. We had a lovely stroll round and crossed the bridge to go to the temple at the centre of the lake.
“A magical place which we will visit when we return to Scarborough.”
2. Scarborough Beach, Scarborough
You’d be hard pressed to visit Scarborough and not visit the towns famous beach, and the reviews speak for themselves.
Being described as a “clean beach with plenty to do” by some and “excellent for families, friends and couples,” on a sunny day this beach can be an excellent place to enjoy an ice cream or picnic.
The location has received 2,120 “excellent” five star reviews and 1,001 “very good” four-star reviews out of a total of 3,464 reviews all together.
One person said: “We'd never been to Scarborough before we visited with our two boys this summer.
“We'll definitely go back! The North beach is wonderful for a quiet day of beach fun. Long sandy beach and very few amenities - beautiful!
“The South beach is surrounded by lots of shops for a typical victorian seaside resort. Less relaxing, but lots to do.”
3. Scarborough Castle, Castle Road, Scarborough
Next on our list is a spot filled with history and an opportunity to spend hours soaking in historic architecture.
Suggested duration for this attraction is two to three hours and with it picking up a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, it’s certainly worth a visit.
According to the description on TripAdvisor you can “head through the imposing gatehouse and step into 3,000 years of history.”
“Explore the castle headland with one of our experienced guides for free or embark on your own journey through history with one of our audio tours and gain a fascinating insight into its past.”
The castle was reportedly built in the 12 century when it was developed by Henry II and King John.
The attraction has received 1,203 “excellent” five-star reviews and 719 “very good” reviews out of a total of 2,173 reviews all together.
One person said: “Was pleasantly surprised on our visit. Thought it was going to be small and not much to see but wow.
“Areas of the castle left are well preserved and accessible. Amazing views of your brave enough to go up the lookout.”
4. The Scarborough Fair Collecton, Stone Pit Lane Flower of May Holiday Park, Scarborough
Hosting a “magnificent” working collection of vintage cars, steam engines, vintage fairground rides, and mechanical organs.
According to the TripAdvisor description, the attraction host tea dances every Wednesday afternoon and Michael Lester who plays the “Mighty” Wurlitzer every Thursday afternoon.
The venue has received 589 “excellent” five-star reviews and 131 “very good” four-star reviews out of a total of 776 reviews all together.
One person said: “An absolute gem of a museum, tucked away near the coast.
“Amazing collection of a wide array of items, with something to interest everyone! I’m interested in all vehicles, machinery, models etc.
“So I could have spent the whole day there! Very reasonable admission charge too - I have certainly paid a lot more to see a lot less!”
5. Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Burniston Road, Scarborough
Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre is the largest in Europe according to TripAdvisor, with the original being built by Scarborough Corporation in the 1930s.
The venue was re-launched in 2010 by her Majesty the Queen, after a £3.5 million refurbishment.
Jessie J, Boyzone are just some of the acts that the theatre has played host to, including Elton John, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, JLS, Status Qu, and McFly.
The location has picked up 382 “excellent” five-star reviews, 159 “very good” four-star reviews out of a total of 617 reviews all together.
One person said: “We came here to watch Duran Duran in concert, not been to this area for years, it is fabulous! The staff are amazing, very professional but very friendly with it.
“The car park marshall’s on the field opposite the old indoor swimming baths went above and beyond with their help and advice, I wouldn’t hesitate to return to this venue again.”
6. Central Tramway Company, Scarborough
This iconic attraction is another must-visit for visitors to Scarborough and has been a staple of the seaside town for many years.
Opened in 1881 the Central Tramway is Scarborough’s Victorian cliff railway on the historic South Bay.
According to the TripAdvisor description, the tram carries “500,000 passengers a year and is preserving the heritage of the site for future generations.”
The historic transport service has picked up a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award and has received 521 “excellent” five-star reviews out of a total of 686 reviews all together.
One person said: “Good value and unique experience. Saved what would be a lot of huffing and puffing and was also an interesting throwback to days gone by.”
Another person said: “Beautifully kept bit of working history! Well worth a quid twenty for the experience and so interesting. One of my highlights of the day.”
7. Scarborough North Bay Railway, Scarborough
This dog-friendly railway is a great attraction for the whole family and is, according to TripAdvisor, one of Scarborough’s top seaside attractions.
The description continues to say “the North Bay Heritage Railway, Sky Trail and Historic Water Chute are a great family day out.
“The locomotives, scenery and history of the railway all add up to make it a fantastic day.
The Scampi Shack takeaway offers Whitby Seafood as well as drinks and takeaway tea and coffee.”
Another spot to pick up a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, the location has received 658 “excellent” five star reviews and 269 “very good” four-star reviews.
One person said: “Oh where do I start? It’s like I step back in time I’m in my fifties now and the park/train remains the same.
“I purchased my ticket and boarded the train with as much excitement as a little child. Excellent customer service from beginning to the end.
“Very clean train and no worries over covid issues. The train has a number of pram and wheelchair spaces too.”
8. Freddie Gilory and the Belsen Stragglers, Royal Albert Drive, Scarborough
Described as “well worth a visit” and a “great photo opportunity” by reviewers, Freddie Gilory and the Belsen Stragglers is a beautiful sculpture by Ray Longsdale looking over Scarborough.
The sculpture depicts Freddie Gilroy, a former soldier who took part in the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, sitting on a bench in his old age.
Gilroy was a friend of the sculpture and Londsdale made the piece partly as tribute to him.
The location has picked up a TripAdvisor 2021 Travellers Choice Award received 269 “excellent” five star reviews and 86 “very good” reviews out of a total of 372 reviews.
One person said: “This rather large statue does make you smile as it appears out of nowhere. It is a fitting tribute to a very ordinary person who served his country and tried to save the Jewish refugees from the Belsen camp. He has now got the best view in Scarborough North Bay.”
9. Scarborough Spa, South Bay, Scarborough
Described on TripAdvisor as “North Yorkshire’s premier entertainment and conference venue” this spot is the best place to visit to see what’s on the beautiful North Yorkshire coast.
The Spa is reportedly home to Scarborough’s Jazz Festival , The Scarborough Spa Orchestra and “host entertainment all year round.”
Scarborough Spa also sports a restaurant and bar for you to enjoy some drinks and refreshments called “Farrer’s”
The attraction has received 394 “excellent” five-star reviews and 226 “very-good” four-star reviews out of a total of 730 reviews all together.
One person said: “We just visited the outdoor Spa whilst on a mini break in Scarborough. It is a magnificent attraction with wonderful views.
“It is well kept and there was an informative member of staff who gladly answered our many questions.
“We did go to a concert at the open air theatre so we have put this on our list of attending a performance at this venue next time.”
10. Playdale Farm Park, Station Road Killerby Grange, Cayton
This family-fun park boasts farm animals, play areas, a gift shop and a café for the whole family to enjoy.
Reviewers have praised the friendly staff working at the park as well as the food produced by the café.
The place has picked up 458 “excellent” five-star reviews and 144 “very-good” four-star reviews, out of a total of 677 reviews all together.
One person said: “We have had a fun filled day at playdale farm. We have spent to whole day, having lots of fun in all the different play equipment, feeding the animals and in the sandpit.
“The kids loved it there was so much to do. Kids age 3 and 2.Would highly recommend. Brilliant value for money.”
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