Discover Scarborough

Scarborough SEA LIFE and Marine Sanctuary will introduce you to many strange, beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep. Prepare for astonishing close views of everything from humble starfish to mighty sharks, all in displays which carefully recreate their natural habitats.Explore freshwater rivers and streams, the rugged UK coastline, the shallows and the dark depths of the North Sea and the crystal clear warm waters of the Barrier Reef. At every step there are different amazing creatures to find, to watch and to learn about.

Cayton Bay beach is an unspoilt and quiet bay located 5km south of Scarborough and a similar distance north of Filey. The bay is a wide, sandy beach backed by cliffs, and one of the best surfing locations in North Yorkshire. The centre of the bay has a reef that creates a flat lagoon which is perfect for kayaking, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding and windsurfing. If you don’t want to sit still then why not explore the remains of WWII fortifications or why not search for some fossils. Some of the cliffs and rocks were formed in the upper Jurassic period. Facilities include seasonal lifeguards, parking, toilets, cafe/restaurant, shops all located in the local village.

Filey is a historic Victorian fishing and Edwardian seaside resort. The town is a wonderfully restful seaside base with miles of sandy beaches, local linx golf courses, gardens, birdwatching, walking, fishing, diving, surfing and sailing are all popular in the area. Five miles of beautiful sandy beach: Filey sands, Muston sands, Hunmanby sands, Reighton sands, Speeton sands. Families with younger children may want to stay close to the town but those with older children may want to head North to Filey Brigg which has some good rock pools and caves to explore. Filey Museum explores the town’s fishing heritage and local history. Facilities include toilets, cafes, shops, beach huts, deck chairs, lifeguard service on this beach in the main summer season.

Scarborough Castle occupies one of the most dramatic castle sites in England. This natural fortress location has dramatic coastline views.

Scarborough lifeboat station was established in 1801 and operates two lifeboats. Station open daily and shop has restricted opening times.

The older part of the Scarborough lies around the harbour and is protected by the Castle Headland in the sheltered South Bay.

Scarborough is one of Yorkshire’s and the UK’s most traditional Victorian era coastal resort towns. North Bay is one of the two sandy beaches in Scarborough and is the larger although slightly quieter of the two bays. A half moon strip of sand that stretches north from the headland in to the centre of Scarborough. Popular surfing beach suitable for all levels of ability. Car Park behind the beach along with toilets, restaurants, cafes and pub.

Scarborough South Bay beach is a sandy, quiet beach ideal for families a castle situated on the cliff tops overlooking the beach Scarborough is one of Yorkshire’s and the UK’s most traditional Victorian era coastal resort towns. The South Bay is the smaller of the two Scarborough beaches and often the one with more people. Facilities include toilets, cafe/restaurants, beach huts, parking and Scarborough’s town facilities.

Cloughton Wyke Beach sits on very noice coastline but more an exploration beach than sun bathing. Popular stop off point when walking the Clevland Way or the old Scarborough to Whitby railway line. Popular for sea angling. The word ‘ wyke ‘ is of Scandinavian origin and denotes a narrow inlet sheltered by headlands. No facilities at beach but tea room at the old station in Cloughton.

Ravenscar beach is a mix of sand and rock pools backed by cliffs. The beach is at the far end of Robin Hood’s Bay and in Ravenscar village you have the Ravenscar Visitor Centre which is managed by the National Trust. Parking available on the road.

Hayburn Wyke is a delightful and isolated bay 6 miles north of Scarborough with the beach being pebble and rocks and in some places difficult to access. The word ‘ wyke ‘ is of Scandinavian origin and denotes a narrow inlet sheltered by headlands. The surrounding woodland is protected as a nature reserve and managed by the National Trust and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Its most unusual feature is a twin waterfall which cascades over a rocky ledge onto the boulder-strewn beach. The beach is a haven for wildlife and a wide range of plants – badgers, foxes, deer and many other small mammals, birds and insects. Very limited facilities although an Inn nearby.