Scarborough has two lovely sandy beaches separated by the castle headland: Scarborough North and South Bay! South Bay is the more vibrant of the two. South Bay offers a truly British seaside experience, with numerous shops and arcades as well as a beautiful beach.
If you are looking for a taste of the classic seaside experience, then Scarborough South Bay is just the beach for you! Nestled beside the vibrant resort town of Scarborough, the South Bay is overflowing with a great assortment of amenities and facilities. From amusement arcades, cafés, restaurants, shops, ice cream parlours and stalls right by the bay, there is plenty for you to fill up your whole day!
The beach itself is quite wide and gently arching. The clean sands are excellent for sandcastle building and the waters are perfect for a paddle. With all of the seaside delights, you could ever ask for, Scarborough South Bay is a must-visit!
To the south, you will come across the famous Scarborough Harbour. The harbour shelters the beach and here you can hop aboard The Hispaniola for a voyage along the bay. However, if that isn’t enough for you, you can also zoom across the waters on a speedboat ride! From here you can also spot the dramatic ruins of Scarborough Castle, an 11th-century castle that sat atop a rocky promontory.
A fine Victorian promenade skirts the bay. This promenade is evenly levelled and offers excellent views out across the bay. The nearby arcades are also evenly levelled, as well as the numerous shops and restaurants. The South Bay can be reached by ramps at low tide and the sand is flat and hard-packed. Therefore, most wheelchair and pushchair users can also enjoy the beach. You can hop on the Central Tramway beside the bay to head back up into the town centre without struggling up the hill.
If you find the commotion of the bay too much, we recommend a trip to the quieter neighbouring beach of North Bay. Though, if you’d like to stretch your legs, a walk to the quaint Cayton Bay would not go amiss. The walk lasts about 3.5 miles and takes you along a scenic cliff-top trail, with magnificent coastal views. If you fancy seeing all the area has to offer, why not hop aboard the North Bay Railway for splendid views over the city and beach?
Dog restrictions apply from 1st May to 30th September. These restrictions apply to certain areas of the beach. All areas where dogs are permitted are clearly signposted.
Car parks right beside the beach include South Bay car park (YO11 2HD) and Spa Forecourt car park (YO11 2HD). Both car parks require you to buy tickets.
Both of the aforementioned car parks include several disabled bays.
Visit https://www.scarborough.gov.uk/home/parking/car-parks to find further car parks, learn more about pricing and car park opening hours.
There are public toilets available at the beach front. Here you can also find a disabled toilet. There are also numerous public toilets facilities available throughout the town.
RNLI lifeguards patrol the South Bay only during the summer months.
You can visit the following website for further information regarding pricing and chalet availability: https://www.scarborough.gov.uk/home/sport-and-leisure/beach-chalets.
They are available all year round - though you should book well in advance for the summer!
Your request has been submitted successfully.
Own or work here? 
