Scarborough population (Population 60,000) is the largest town anywhere in the area. York is the nearest city over 40 miles away. There is a bustling character in Scarborough and it can get extremely busy at times with almost a small city feel with summer traffic and hold ups. Scarborough has more and larger everything in terms of facilities and attractions from amusements and night clubs to the Yorkshire Coast’s only 24hr A and E. Scarborough has two sandy bays separated by Scarborough Castle sat on its rocky promontory sheltering the harbour.

The marine Drive connects the two bays near sea level by going around the promontory the castle sits on. The marine drive does get closed in very rough seas. Scarborough’s South Bay is nearer the town centre. It is the bigger part of the resort and a more sheltered and busier than the North Bay. The town of Scarborough is much higher than the seafront and there are many ways down what was the steep cliff including two cliff lifts. One from South cliff down to the Spa and one from near the town centre.

Scarborough’s South Bay sea front is extensive with many amusement arcades and ice cream shops as well as a small funfair with rides near the harbour. The North Bay has different attractions and is quieter and less crowded.

Scarborough South bay

To the South of Scarborough is the South Cliff area which has some large grand houses and hotels. The cliffs are threaded by paths through the trees down to the shore. Below on the seafront is Scarborough Spa and it can be reached from the cliff top by a lift. All sorts of events are put on here. This is not a busy part of Scarborough.

Moving North, we then come to The Valley Road with its pedestrian bridge and then onto the seafront proper. There is no real sea wall between the South bay beach and the road and shops. In fact when there is a tidal surge in winter properties do get flooded. Some of the beach is above normal high water and is cleaned regularly. Nowhere on the coast has so many amusements and facilities so close to the actual beach.

Scarborough Harbour

Heading North you then come to Scarborough harbour which is again backed by mainly eating places and gift shops. There are various boat trips including speedboat rides and at times trips to see the seals beyond Cayton Bay.

The small funfair is in the corner of the harbour. Scarborough harbour was until recently a very busy fishing port but the number of full time fisherman has plummeted. There are various boat rides including ones to the seals which live near Cayton bay to the south, speed boat rides and angling trips.

Marine Drive and North Bay

The Marine Drive connects the South bay to the North bay for cars and pedestrians but it is a long walk. It used to be popular with anglers but the rock armour has made it a difficult if not impossible place to fish now. It does get closed in rough seas. Scarborough’s North Bay tends to be quieter than the South Bay.

The beach has patches of rocks in places and is popular with surfers as it can get rough. Near high water there is very little beach if any. There are no amusement arcades. A hundred yards inland  is attractive Peasholm Park with its  boats for hire and its re-enactment of a naval battle.TripAdvisor rates it highly.
There is also the North Bay Railway, always a hit with young children which goes to Scalby where the Sea Life Centre is. The station is at the entrance to the recently refurbished Open Air Theatre which hosts all sorts of major events. There is also the new Alpamare water park. So the North Bay has quite a concentration of good attractions.