Scarborough with Kids: Family Days Out and Seaside Ideas

From castle ramparts to rock pools, here is how to plan a family day in Scarborough that works for every age.

Beaches and rock pools: South Bay versus North Bay

South Bay is the classic bucket-and-spade beach: flat sand, donkey rides in season and a promenade lined with arcades. It is also the busiest, so arrive before 10am in July and August to claim space near the lifeboat station. North Bay is quieter, with a long sweep of sand backed by the Open Air Theatre and a meadow that is ideal for picnics. Parking at North Bay costs less and the walk into town along the seafront takes about 25 minutes.

Rock pooling is best at Filey Brigg, 15 minutes' drive south, or at Scalby Mills at the northern end of North Bay. Check tide times before you go — the best pools are exposed two hours either side of low water. Bring old trainers; the rocks are slippery. If your children are under five, South Bay's gentler slope and nearby toilets make it the easier choice, while older kids will enjoy the freedom of North Bay's dunes.

Castle, museums and rainy-day cover

Scarborough Castle sits on the headland between the bays and offers the best views in town. The climb from the harbour takes about 15 minutes and is steep in places, so consider the land train if you have a pushchair. English Heritage runs the site; family tickets are available and under-fives go free. Allow 90 minutes. For a wet afternoon, the Rotunda Museum on Vernon Road covers geology and local fossils in a compact space that suits children aged six and up.

The Sea Life Centre in North Bay is the obvious choice when rain sets in, with talks throughout the day and a turtle rescue area. It is more expensive than the council-run museums but keeps younger children engaged for two hours. The Wood End Museum, also on The Crescent, is free and has a small natural history collection. I would book the castle on a clear morning and keep the Sea Life Centre as a fallback rather than pre-booking both.

Getting around and where to stay

Scarborough is compact enough to walk between the bays, though the hill between them is steep. The land train runs along the South Bay seafront in summer, and local buses connect the town centre with North Bay every 15 minutes. If you are arriving by train, the station is a 10-minute walk from South Bay. Driving from York takes about 50 minutes via the A64, and from Leeds around 90 minutes. Parking is easiest at the North Bay car park or the Peasholm Park site.

For families, I would book a hotel in North Bay if you want space and quieter evenings, or in the town centre around Huntriss Row if you want to walk to restaurants. Peak season is late July to August, when prices are highest; May half-term and early September offer better value and fewer crowds. Self-catering apartments near Peasholm Park suit families who need a kitchen. Use IMPT North Yorkshire to compare options — and remember the £5 free credit goes towards carbon projects, not hotel credit.

Peasholm Park and beyond: free fun that works

Peasholm Park is free and has a boating lake, a miniature railway in summer and the famous naval warfare battle re-enactments on the water. The Japanese-themed gardens are pleasant for a shaded walk. The park is a 10-minute walk from North Bay beach, making it easy to combine both in one day. The café serves basic lunches; alternatively, pick up supplies from the nearby convenience stores on Columbus Ravine.

For a change of scene, drive 20 minutes north to Robin Hood's Bay for fossil hunting and narrow streets, or 30 minutes south to Filey for a quieter beach and a bird observatory. Whitby is 25 minutes up the coast and offers the Dracula Experience and a sandy beach at Tate Hill. I would skip the arcades on South Bay if you are watching the budget — they add up quickly — and put the money towards a boat trip instead.

Questions, answered

Which beach is best for young children in Scarborough?

South Bay has flatter sand and easier access to toilets and cafés, making it better for toddlers. North Bay is quieter and better for older children who want space to run. Both have lifeguards in summer.

Do I need to book Scarborough Castle in advance?

Booking online saves time at the gate, but you can usually pay on arrival. Family tickets are available and under-fives enter free. Allow 90 minutes for the visit, and wear sturdy shoes for the uneven paths.

What is there to do in Scarborough when it rains?

The Sea Life Centre in North Bay and the Rotunda Museum on Vernon Road are both indoors. The Wood End Museum is free. The Spa complex also has a theatre with family shows; check listings locally.

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