Scarborough is a seaside town with loads of things to do. The town is split into two bays, with Scarborough castle perched on a cliff in between. Each bay has its own personality. The North Bay of Scarborough has a little bit of everything, and it is this side that we always gravitate to. There’s a sandy beach, rock pools, attractions and a stunning park, so plenty to keep kids and grown-ups amused.
North Bay Beach Scarborough
At low tide, the North Bay beach stretches from Scalby Beck’s mouth in the north to Scarborough castle in the south. Acres of wet sand and rockpools are uncovered. At high tide, the North Sea comes right up to the sea wall in the north and south ends of the bay, shrinking the available beach. However, there is still a sizeable sand area in the middle that fills with families on hot days.
Scarborough North Bay Railway
As a family, we can never resist jumping on a miniature railway whenever we come across one. Scarborough’s North Bay Railway runs around the bay from Northstead Manor Gardens to Scalby. It isn’t the longest stretch of track, but it is worth doing as it commands some of the best views in the North Bay. It is also an easy way to get to Scalby and all the attractions in the bay’s north end. These include the SEALife centre, mini-golf and the walks.
Top Things to do With Kids in Scarborough North Bay
Top Things to Do for Free in Scarborough North Bay
- Lakeside – Pleasure beach style activities.
- SEALife Centre – Scarborough’s aquarium.
- North Bay Beach – Sand and waves.
- North Bay Railway – Mini train ride.
- Peasholm Park – Shady walks and dragon boats.
- Peasholm Park – 30 acres of walks.
- Scarborough North Bay Beach – Plenty of beach for all.
- Scalby Mills – Walks and views of the Yorkshire coast.
- Freddie Gilroy Sculpture – Poignant photo spot.
Lakeside at Northstead Manor Gardens
The North Bay Railway complex includes a host of family-friendly activities, including a historic water chute and boating lake. Pedalos and water walkers can be taken out on the lake and a Skywalk overlooks the train station. Lakeside adds many attractions and things to do to the Scarborough North Bay area. The gardens also host Scarborough’s open-air theatre.
Scalby Mills
Scalby Mills marks the northernmost part of the North Bay in Scarborough. It feels secluded here where the Cleveland Way winds its way into town from Ravenscar 9 miles away. It’s a steep path up the cliff in this direction but the vistas at the top are stunning. The rocks on the beach and around the headland are great spots to search for fossils as well as living sea creatures. There’s a pub here too if you need a pit stop.
SEALife Centre
Also near Scalby Mills is Scarborough SEALife centre. You can’t miss the distinctive white pyramid buildings which are visible all around the bay. It also has a good-sized car park. SEALife Centres are top quality aquariums wherever they are situated. The main attraction at this centre is the group of rehabilitated seals. The four of them are entertaining characters. An underwater tunnel, touch pool and penguin enclosure are all aquarium staples that can be found here too.
Freddie Gilroy and the Belsen Stragglers Sculpture
Frieddie Gilroy is a twice lifesize sculpture that looks over the North Bay of Scarborough. It is a popular photo spot. In real life, Freddie Gilroy was a friend of the artist, Ray Lonsdale. Gilroy was a former soldier who was involved in the liberation of the Bergen-Belson concentration camp. The piece is a memorial to the artist’s friend as well as to the holocaust.
Peasholm Park
Peashom Park is a magical park built around a lake and given a Chinese aesthetic. The low hanging lights and bridge are fabulous. The central island also has an eye-catching waterfall tumbling down into the lake. Away from the lake, a surprising number of paths and trails wind through the woodlands. Walking around this park feels like walking in the wilderness rather than a town.
Peasholm Park Dragon Boats
Sticking with the Chinese theme, dragon-shaped pedalos are available for hire to take around the lake. Their friendly faces bring life to the lake.
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