Scarborough sits high on the list of England’s best seaside towns thanks to its blend of magnificent beaches, rich history, and vibrant attractions. Here, you will find sandy shores, winding streets bustling with families and couples, and historic, tree-lined hills overlooking the town.
When it comes to Scarborough beaches, visitors are spoiled with a choice of three fantastic stretches of sand. As well as other Yorkshire beaches nearby, these Scarborough beaches differ in their own charming ways, and we’re on hand to explain why.
If you’re planning a seaside trip to Scarborough, then why not extend your visit by booking a night in one of our holiday cottages? Click the button below to explore our coastal collection.
Holiday cottages in Scarborough
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Scarborough beaches FAQs
Scarborough North Bay Beach and South Bay Beach are in the town of Scarborough in North Yorkshire, on the North East coast of England.
This depends on what you’re looking for - for a quieter day by the sea with fewer crowds, head to North Bay Beach or Cayton Bay Beach. For a busier beach with better access to the town’s attractions, visit South Bay Beach.
Yes, dogs are allowed on both North Bay Beach and South Bay Beach. However, seasonal restrictions do apply between May and September. For a local beach without dog restrictions, head to Cayton Bay Beach just outside of Scarborough.
Both Scarborough beaches offer a long list of facilities including cafes and restaurants, public WCs, disabled facilities, first aid points, lost child centres, beach hut and deck chair hire, and plenty more.
While free Scarborough beach parking is hard to find, we suggest looking in residential streets during the day, or at night some council car parks are free after 6pm.
If you’re on the hunt for Scarborough beach huts, head to Scarborough Beach Chalets at North Bay Beach. With a choice of three chalet types, daily prices start at £60 out of season, and £80 in the high season.
Scarborough North Bay Beach
Sandwiched between two headlands - the rocky outcrops of Scalby Ness to the north and the remains of Scarborough Castle to the south - Scarborough North Bay Beach offers a stunning, mile-long stretch of golden sands.
The beach’s sheltered position means that the waters are calmer compared to its sandy sibling, South Bay Beach. Combined with lifeguard patrols, this allows visitors to play safely in the sea, where swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking are common sights.
If you haven’t got your own water sports equipment, then head to Dexters Surf Shop at the beach to hire a wide range of kit. If you’re visiting as a family, then you’ll find all the room to throw your towels down and enjoy a traditional day by the sea. The rock pools to the north of the beach beckon memorable afternoons with the kids, fishing nets in hand, while the range of attractions nearby will tick all your holiday boxes.
Need to know
- Dog friendly: There are no dog restrictions out of season. However, between May and September, dogs can only use the south part of the beach towards Scarborough Castle which is clearly marked by signs
- Lifeguards: North Bay Beach is an RNLI lifeguarded beach, meaning you’ll find daily lifeguard patrols between 10am and 6pm from 25 May to 1 September, and on weekends and bank holidays between 4 May to 19 May
- Facilities: A choice of cafes and restaurants, public WCs with disabled access, a first aid point and lost child centre, beach hut hire, water sports equipment hire, and a slipway for easy access
- Parking: Northstead Upper Car Park and Northstead Lower Car Park (both paid)
Scarborough South Bay Beach
Due to its central location in the town, Scarborough South Bay Beach offers a livelier, more bustling atmosphere, with great proximity to attractions, restaurants, and local shops. Wider and longer than North Bay Beach, this stretch of soft sand is the place to be for an exciting, traditional day out by the sea.
If you’re planning a Yorkshire surf holiday, then South Bay’s exposed position results in a greater swell, where you’ll find small waves for beginners, and larger waves beyond that are perfect for more experienced boarders.
Little ones will love building sandcastles in the golden sand, while older kids can head to the beach’s rocky edges to see what ocean artefacts await in the rock pools. Away from the beach, you’ll find a wide range of local attractions within a mile, including the live events at Scarborough Spa, and a delightful walk around Scarborough Harbour.
Need to know
- Dog friendly: There are no dog restrictions out of season. However, between May and September, dogs are not allowed between the Lifeboat Station and Spa Bridge which is clearly marked by signs
- Lifeguards: South Bay Beach is an RNLI lifeguarded beach, so you can rely on daily lifeguard patrols between 10am and 6pm from 25 May to 1 September, and on weekends and bank holidays between 4 May to 19 May
- Facilities: A range of cafes, pubs and restaurants, public WCs with disabled facilities, a first aid point and lost child centre, deck chair hire, local shops, and a slipway for ease of access
- Parking: South Bay Car Park and Brunswick Shopping Centre (both paid)
Cayton Bay Beach
For a more rugged day out on the beach, look no further than the whitewashed shores of Cayton Bay. Although this scenic surf spot is outside of Scarborough (just under 4 miles), it’s still considered part of the town, offering a lesser-known, third option when you’re hunting for Scarborough beaches.
Stretching for almost a mile and backed by rolling green hills that make for great walking territory, this glorious beach offers stunning views of the North Sea. Thanks to consistent and reliable waves, it’s a hot spot for surfers, and you’ll find the long-established Scarborough Surf School just a few steps inland.
If you’re visiting as a family, then you’ll find plenty of space on the sand to set up camp for the day. And if you fancy a swim, you’ll benefit from the beach’s RNLI lifeguard patrols, but be cautious of the larger waves and many surfers – Scarborough’s North and South Bay beaches are better for paddling.
Need to know
- Dog friendly: There are no dog restrictions, and they can run off the leash at Cayton Bay throughout the year – keep a close eye on them around the choppy waters
- Lifeguards: Cayton Bay is an RNLI lifeguarded beach and benefits from patrols every day during May Half Term and between 6 July to 1 September, and on weekends between 4 May to 19 May, and 8 June to 30 June
- Facilities: Public WCs, food and drinks cafe, surf shop and hire, village amenities within 0.5 miles
- Parking: Cayton Bay Beach Car Park (paid)
Holiday cottages near Cayton Bay
Dog-friendly Scarborough beaches
If you’re sniffing out dog-friendly beaches in Scarborough, then your four-pawed friend will love the range of options nearby. Both North Bay Beach and South Bay Beach will let your pooch run wild for most of the year, but seasonal restrictions do apply.
Between May and September, North Bay Beach only allows dogs at the Castle end of the beach (right of the slipway), while South Bay Beach restricts dogs between the Lifeboat Station and Spa Bridge.
For dog-friendly beaches in Scarborough without restrictions, head 4 miles out of town to Cayton Bay, where Fido is free to splash in the waves throughout the year. For more inspiration, check out our blog on the best dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire.
Things to do at Scarborough beaches
If you’re looking for things to do in Scarborough, then you’ll be happy to hear that the town offers all the attractions you’d expect from a traditional seaside resort.
At Scarborough North Bay Beach, start with a journey on the Scarborough North Bay Railway, Britain’s longest miniature railway, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the North Sea coastline. Within a mile of the beach, visit the popular sights of Peasholm Park and SEA LIFE Scarborough; both of which are perfect places to visit on a rainy day.
Scarborough South Bay Beach plays host to the town’s famous amusements and arcades where you can spend any remaining pennies. On a sunny day, no trip to Scarborough is complete without a visit to Scarborough Castle, just half a mile away along the coast path. If the rain arrives, take cover in the Rotunda Museum or Olympia Scarborough.
Set 4 miles up the coast from Scarborough, Cayton Bay doesn’t offer many attractions, which is ideal if you’re looking for a quieter day on the beach. Here, enjoy the simple pleasures of long walks along the dunes, family beach games, and rock pooling at low tide.
Places to eat near Scarborough beaches
No beach day is complete without a bite to eat in the sun; be it fish and chips wrapped in newspaper or some classic pub grub. For a traditional chippy near North Bay Beach, head to North Bay Fisheries, less than 500 metres away. Enjoy a feast at Cowshed Burgers, or dinner with a view at The Hideout - both are within half a mile. For a scenic pint and bite, visit the sun-soaked pub of Old Scalby Mills.
Set in the town centre, Scarborough South Bay Beach offers a wider choice of places to eat. Unravel your fish and chips on the beach after a visit to Lifeboat Fish Bar, just a few steps away from the sand. For another seaside takeaway, head to Pepe Verde, where the North meets Italy, or to Cecil’s Restaurant for a post-beach evening meal. If you fancy a pint with a view, dive into The Rooftop.
If stomachs start to rumble at Cayton Bay and you haven’t packed a picnic, then worry not. The Salty Dog overlooks the beach from its exposed position where you can find fresh coffee and homemade food.
Scarborough beach parking
Thanks to their proximity to both Scarborough beaches; North Street Car Park, NCP Scarborough Balmoral, and Castle Road Car Park are convenient and charge a reasonable price. All three sites offer plenty of spaces, including disabled bays.
If you’re looking for Scarborough beach parking near North Bay Beach, then both Northstead Upper and Lower car parks are within half a mile of the beach and offer over 650 spaces, including disabled bays.
For parking near Scarborough South Bay Beach, head to South Bay Car Park or Brunswick Shopping Centre; both are within half a mile and offer over 500 spaces combined, including disabled bays.
If you’ve made the short journey up to Cayton Bay, then park in the grassy Cayton Bay Beach Car Park. Overlooking the water, this convenient spot charges a reasonable price and offers great beach proximity.
Discover more Yorkshire beaches
If the choice of Scarborough beaches has left you wanting more days by the sea in Yorkshire, then you’ll be happy to hear that there are plenty more sandy options, all within 20 miles.
Filey Beach
Just 8 miles up the coast, you’ll find the enormous Filey Beach - one of the biggest and best beaches in Yorkshire. A haven for traditional seaside holidays and coastal walking, check out our Filey Beach guide for all you need to know about this stretch of golden sand.
Robin Hood’s Bay
The winding streets and fishing cottages that make Robin Hood’s Bay so popular are just 16 miles north of Scarborough. The delightful beach, made up of sand and pebbles, is popular amongst families, dog walkers and fossil hunters.
Whitby beaches
Slightly further up the coast is the popular seaside town of Whitby, a place for lovers of sandy beaches, seafood, and history. With plenty of charm and character, Whitby lures visitors with its choice of sandy stretches. To find out more, check out our guide to Whitby beaches.
Map of Scarborough beaches, places to eat, and things to do
To help you find your favourite Scarborough beaches, the best things to do nearby, and places to eat, see our map below – you’re welcome!
Holiday cottages in Scarborough
Now you’re armed with all the knowledge you need for a visit to Scarborough, why not extend your getaway with a stay in one of our cottages nearby? Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family holiday, or a reunion of friends, our collection of properties will have something for you.
Holiday cottages in Scarborough