Scarborough - Family

7 Best Family Things to Do in Scarborough

What to Do for Fun in Scarborough with Your Kids?

Scarborough gives families great entertainment. The 2 sprawling beaches will keep everyone entertained for hours. While parents sunbathe on the sand, kids can build sandcastles, or the whole family can stroll along this beautiful coastline. There’s plenty of fun to be had away from the sand, too, in the myriad amusement arcades which flash and beep along most of Scarborough’s South Bay promenade.

Scarborough’s family-friendly attractions aren’t limited to sandy beaches and retro promenades. The rolling countryside surrounding Scarborough also offers great opportunities to get the whole family active. Day trips from the town will delight even if just hiking up the hills on the outskirts and taking in the views.

1. Scarborough Castle

A dramatic clifftop castle with epic views

A view looking down at a castle along the coastline.

Categorías: Historia, Fotos


Standing atop a massive rock above the North Sea, Scarborough Castle looks super dramatic and will undoubtedly excite little ones eager for exploration. Its great tower was built in the 12th century by Henry II, but the site itself has been a fortress for nearly 3000 years. There’s a vast outdoor space for kids to run around, then enjoy a picnic in the wildflower meadows while absorbing incredible views of the north and south Scarborough bays.

Within the ruined castle, there’s a free audio tour and a great museum, bursting with artefacts from prehistoric times up to the First World War. And, don’t forget to complete your day with locally made treats from their coffee shed and ice cream van.


Dirección: Castle Road, Scarborough YO11 1HY, UK

Horario: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

Teléfono: +44 (0)370 333 1181

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Scarborough Castle

Castle Road, Scarborough YO11 1HY, UK

2. North Bay Railway

Britain’s biggest miniature railway

North Bay Railway

Categorías: Familias, Fotos


The line of Britain’s longest miniature railway runs all the way from Peasholm Park to Scalby Mills, and it’s a charming and scenic journey for all ages. Their 4 locomotives, in the style of traditional steam trains, have a long history dating back to 1931 but have been lovingly maintained and are still running today. And, the best news of all, children under 2 years of age ride for free.


A great surprise is that at North Bay Railway, there’s actually loads more to do than just ride the train. Their recently refurbished Victorian Water Chute ride will bring excitement galore, as your little ones whizz down a ramp in their boat-shaped carriage and splash into the lake below.


Dirección: Peasholm Station, Burniston Road, Scarborough YO12 6PF, UK

Horario: Hours vary by season

Teléfono: +44 (0)172 336 8791

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North Bay Railway

Peasholm Station, Burniston Road, Scarborough YO12 6PF, UK

3. Olympia Leisure

The largest arcade in Yorkshire

Olympia Leisure

Categorías: Familias


Downstairs, Olympia Leisure brims with popular arcade games and plenty of activities that are appropriate for kids, such as crane/grab machines, Transformers and Jurassic Park games, children’s rides and even coin-operated floating UFO orbs that your family can race.

Upstairs, there’s a quieter play area for little ones, along with a ten pin bowling alley and a go-kart track. If looking to get away from the crowds altogether, you can book one of Olympia Leisure’s private karaoke rooms. Your kids will love letting rip impersonating their favourite pop star, while you enjoy personal room service at the press of a button.


Dirección: Foreshore Road, Scarborough YO11 1NU, UK

Horario: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm

Teléfono: +44 (0)172 337 7960

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Olympia Leisure

Foreshore Road, Scarborough YO11 1NU, UK

4. Harbour Bar

All the ice cream your family can eat

Banana split

Categorías: Familias, Comida


When it’s time for a break from the beach, make sure you stop by nearby Harbour Bar, an award-winning, ‘50s-style ice cream parlour. There’s a dazzling array of sweet treats to delight kids of all ages. Popular choices include classic Knickerbocker Glories or Banana Splits, super tall sundaes with layers of fresh fruit and tempting toasted waffles with a range of delicious toppings.


If your family need a more substantial meal before taking on the sugar rush, there’s also a range of hot and cold sandwiches to enjoy within their delightful retro ambience. This parlour was established in 1945, so has a long history of providing top-notch treats, even winning The Prince of Wales Award for outstanding quality.


Dirección: 1-3 Sandside, Scarborough YO11 1PE, UK

Horario: September–March: Monday–Friday from 9.30 am to 4.15 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. April–September: hours vary daily

Teléfono: +44 (0)172 337 3662

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Harbour Bar

1-3 Sandside, Scarborough YO11 1PE, UK

5. Peasholm Park

A mystical oriental landscape to explore

Peasholm Park

Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Asequible


Just a few minutes walk from the beach, this stunning park is an absolute wonderland to explore with your family. With a mystical oriental theme throughout, you can adventure to your hearts’ content through a beautiful system of streams, waterfalls and miniature bridges, encountering plenty of wildlife along the way.

Hiring a rowing boat, or even dragon pedalo, will delight little ones while you enjoy one of the floating bandstand’s free concerts. Take the tree walk path to the Chinese pagoda at the top of the hill for fabulous views across the glen, or head to the putting green for mini golf fun. When ready for a recharge, Peasholm Cafe serves great hot and cold food with waterfall views.


Dirección: North Bay, Scarborough YO12 7TR, UK

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Peasholm Park

North Bay, Scarborough YO12 7TR, UK

6. Scarborough Market Hall & Vaults

Three quirky floors of shopping fun

Scarborough Market Hall & Vaults

Categorías: Familias, Ir de compras, Fotos, Comida, Asequible


Recently transformed by a £2.7-million development, Scarborough Market Hall is an exciting maze of fresh local produce and eclectic independent retailers selling everything from hand-made jewellery to toys. The town’s weekly food market takes place in the main halls, where you can snap up fresh meat, fruit and cheese. If you head down to the vaults, you’ll find a plethora of vendors selling quirky crafts, antiques and collectibles.

There’s plenty of pop-up stalls providing extra variety and when you’re exhausted from your shopping frenzy, head up to the mezzanine food court where you’ll find great food with views of Scarborough Castle. In the evenings, concerts are often held here. Check their website for evening listings and advance tickets.


Dirección: St. Helen’s Square, Scarborough YO11 1EU, UK

Horario: Monday–Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)

Teléfono: +44 (0)172 337 3579

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Scarborough Market Hall & Vaults

St. Helen's Square, Scarborough YO11 1EU, UK

7. Dalby Forest

Family-friendly forest adventures

Dalby Forest

Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Fotos, Asequible


In the heart of the North York Moors National Park, Dalby Forest offers tonnes of family fun surrounded by nature’s beauty. There’s great walking and cycling trails from easy to challenging. Younger kids will adore the Gruffalo Orienteering Course or Stick Man Adventure Trail, while everyone will love spotting the unique sculptures dotted throughout the forest. Dalby Forest is even home to world’s largest dry-stone-wall maze.

When you’ve worked up a sweat exploring the woodland, head to one of the two onsite cafes for a refuel. Or, if there’s energy to spare, little ones will love scaling the heights of the playground while bigger kids can even clamber among the high treetops on the Go Ape rope course.


Dirección: Dalby Forest Drive, Low Dalby, Pickering YO18 7LT, UK

Horario: March–October: daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm. November–February: daily from 9 am to 4 pm

Teléfono: +44 (0)175 146 0295

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Dalby Forest

Dalby Forest Drive, Low Dalby, Pickering YO18 7LT, UK

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