Villa Esplanade

Commonly regarded as the UK’s first seaside resort, Scarborough has a population of over 50,000 and is the largest holiday resort on the Yorkshire coast providing a wide selection of quality hotels – a great choice for a UK holiday or short break.

One of the town’s most striking features is its rocky headland, on top of which sits the 11th century ruins of Scarborough Castle, which was bombarded by the German warships in the First World War.Jutting out eastward into the North Sea, the headland splits Scarborough’s two sandy beaches, North Bay and South Bay, which are linked by Marine Drive, an extensive Victorian promenade, built around the base of the headland. Both bays are renowned for their sandy beaches and rock pools with a host of other local attractions.

South Bay

With sandy beaches, cafes, amusements, arcades, theatres and entertainment facilities The South Bay is one of the main focuses for tourism in Scarborough and is on the site of the original medieval settlement.

Scarborough harbour has undergone major regeneration in recent years including new pontoons; free WiFi for visiting vessels and more pedestrian-friendly promenade, street lighting and seating.

North Bay

North Bay is definitely the more peaceful end of the resort, with its Blue Flag award winning beach it’s popular with families and couples alike.

With it’s reconstructed pagoda and Japanese theme, Peasholm Park is situated on the North Bay and is ideal for a leisurely stroll. The lake which centers the park also plays host to it’s famous ‘Naval Warfare’ which is a mock maritime battle with large model boats and a display of fireworks which takes place over the summer holidays.

Within the park you will also find The North Bay Railway, a historic 20” gauge miniature railway, operating since 1931 and running for around 3/4 of a mile from Peasholm Park to Scalby Mills, home of the Scarborough Sea Life & Marine Sanctuary.

Recently renovated and opened by her Majesty the Queen Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre is currently Europe’s largest located near the North Bay it hosts music events and entertainment.

South Cliff

The South Cliff Esplanade is situated above the historic Scarborough Spa and South Cliff Gardens and is slightly less well known amongst tourists.Commanding excellent views of the South Bay and the old town and from which many iconic postcard views are taken. Its splendid Regency and Victorian terraces are still intact and the mix of quality Scarborough hotels and desirable apartments form a backdrop to the South Bay.

Two TV shows are also filmed on Scarborough’s South Cliff ITV television drama The Royal and it’s recent spin-off series, The Royal Today.

Scarborough Town Centre

The town centre is located approximately a quarter mile north-west of the harbour, where you will find the main transport links services, shopping, nightlife, town centre and Scarborough hotels.

The resorts centre provides a great choice of high street shops and boutiques. With thirty one retail outlets The Brunswick Centre is a prestigious all weather shopping centre. The centre is located in Scarborough’s pedestrianised shopping precinct, which, with the surrounding streets, has many individual boutiques, specialist shops and inviting cafes, restaurants and bars.

Scarborough Accommodation

If you are planning a holiday or short break in Scarborough you sure to find accommodation to suit your needs. There is a range of ways to holiday with Scarborough accommodation including self catering accommodation, cheap hotels, country houses and luxury hotels.

Restaurants, bars and clubs make up Scarborough’s vibrant nightlife whilst the town is cram packed with culture with four theatres. Amongst the theatres is the legendary Futurist Theatre, Spa Theatre, YMCA and the Stephen Joseph where Sir Alan Ayckbourn plays have premiered.

Scarborough Nightlife & Entertainment

British pubs, modern wine bars, and chains such as Weatherspoons and Barracuda mean Scarborough will never disappoint when it comes to it’s nightlife. The great Scarborough pub run starts at the top of town at Lord Roseberry leading down to St Thomas Street home of Mist Bar, The Opera House Casino and Boleyn’s Nightclub.

If loud music and discos aren’t your cup of tea, then check out the Scarborough jazz festival held in September or take a stroll down to the Scarborough Spa, where orchestras play at this fantastic Victorian complex on the seafront in South Bay (an ideal venue to enjoy a dinner and dance).

Whatever evening entertainment you are looking for, Scarborough won’t disappoint with shows galore for all the family throughout the year, including variety, musicals, comedies and big name acts side by side with contemporary plays and dramas. If you’re into a more informal evening look out for Scarborough pub legend ‘Danny Wilde’ or any of the other pub acts that grace the town it’s all good fun and all the local pubs are a friendly and hospitable environment.

There’s a huge range of first class local attractions in Scarborough, day or night you will be entertained with The Sea Life Centre, Rotunda Museum, Scarborough Art Gallery and much more. Plus there’s a whole host of Scarborough festivals including ‘Acoustic Gathering’, a free one day music festival held annually in Peasholm Park, Seafest, the Scarborough Jazz Festival, Bike week, Scarborough Fayre and the Scarborough Cricket Festival, providing you with all year round events. If you’re still struggling about what to do in Scarborough we have plenty of Scarborough tourist information on our local attractions section.

If your looking to indulge in the fine taste of the town’s local produce why not check out Scarborough’s long list of quality restaurants. From a la carte to seafood Scarborough restaurants cater for all kinds of taste including Italian, Greek, Indian , Chinese and Thai cuisine. There are literally hundreds to choose from but be sure to check out the Multi-award winning Italian Restaurant Lanterna as well as the Michelin recommended restaurants Peppers, The Sea View Restaurant at The Royal Hotel and Wrea Head Country House Hotel’s Four Seasons Restaurant. Walk in service is available at these restaurants, however, due their popularity, we strongly advise that you to pre-book to avoid disappointment.

One thing is for sure regardless of what you do or visit in Scarborough the town is always hospitable to tourists and you will receive a warm Yorkshire welcome!