Things to do in South Cliff

Activities, attractions and tours

South Cliff
South Cliff
South Bay Beach featuring a beach and a coastal town
South Cliff
South Bay Beach showing a hotel, heritage architecture and a coastal town
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Top places to visit

1. Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Scarborough Open Air Theatre is a mixed entertainment venue set on a lake in Scarborough’s Northstead Manor Gardens. Its stage is on an island in the middle of the water while the audience has seating on the eastern bank. Throughout the summer months Scarborough Open Air Theatre has a busy schedule of music, theater and sporting events.
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Watch productions and performances by world-famous music acts at one of the largest outdoor theaters in Europe, a venue with a stage in an unusual setting.

2. Robin Hood's Bay Beach

Robin Hood’s Bay Beach is a charming sandy opening on the eastern side of a small fishing village. The picturesque beach lies at the foot of the quaint hilly streets of its namesake village and is a part of the North York Moors National Park. Enjoy the steep walk down to the beach via narrow alleys from the summit of the village.
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Robin Hood\'s Bay Beach showing signage, café scenes and a coastal town

3. North Bay Beach

North Bay Beach is a tranquil stretch of golden sand with restaurants, beach cabins and family activities. It is the quieter and wilder of Scarborough’s two main beaches, a little farther out from the town center. Trek with your family past the picturesque outcrops and rock pools to the main sandy area and headland.
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North Bay Beach featuring a sandy beach and a coastal town as well as a large group of people

4. Scarborough Spa

Scarborough Spa is a vast complex offering many events and activities in an impressive heritage-listed cliffside building. As its name suggests, the site was built around the region’s spa waters, although it is now known for its Jazz Festival, Spa Orchestra, dances and concerts. Move around the complex to appreciate its excellent views of the sea.
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Scarborough Spa featuring performance art, general coastal views and theatre scenes

5. Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey is a set of gothic clifftop ruins that inspired the literary legend of Dracula. In addition to its ecclesiastical role, the monastery served for centuries as a landmark for sailors and inspiration for writer Bram Stoker. Enjoy a picnic on a grassy patch nearby and amble through the ruins to get a sense of the abbey’s history.
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Whitby Abbey showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

What to do in South Cliff

Popular places to visit

Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Watch productions and performances by world-famous music acts at one of the largest outdoor theaters in Europe, a venue with a stage in an unusual setting.

Scarborough Open Air Theatre
North Bay Beach featuring a sandy beach and a coastal town as well as a large group of people

North Bay Beach

Enjoy the tranquil setting of this spacious sandy haven flanked by a miniature railway and an aquarium with Humboldt penguins.

North Bay Beach
Scarborough Spa featuring performance art, general coastal views and theatre scenes

Scarborough Spa

Stroll through the majestic rooms of this Victorian venue for dances and orchestras and learn about its origins as a spa in the 1600s.

Scarborough Spa
South Bay Beach featuring a bay or harbour and a coastal town

South Bay Beach

Marvel at the dynamic setting of this traditional British coastal resort, where you will find arcade games, a harbor and boutiques.

South Bay Beach
Peasholm Park showing a garden and a river or creek

Peasholm Park

Ascend to the top of the island pagoda for excellent views of a park full of attractions and nature paths.

Peasholm Park
Scarborough Castle which includes heritage elements, a beach and a sunset

Scarborough Castle

Delve through 3,000 years of history at the ruins of this headland castle with panoramic views of the North Sea.

Scarborough Castle
alpamare

alpamare

Ride thrilling waterslides, swim in rolling waves, relax in an infinity pool and stroll around a scenic garden at this alpine-themed amusement park.

alpamare
Scarborough Cricket Club

Scarborough Cricket Club

This charming ground hosts matches throughout the summer but is best known for its annual cricket festival, which has taken place almost every summer since 1876.

Scarborough Cricket Club
Scarborough Harbour

Scarborough Harbour

Explore the waterfront in Scarborough with a trip to Scarborough Harbour. Stroll along the seaside or experience the entertainment choices in this family-friendly area.

Scarborough Harbour
Scarborough

Scarborough

Frequently asked questions

Is South Cliff worth visiting?
Whether you plan to discover the local charm and cultural highlights or try regional foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in South Cliff.
How do I spend a day in South Cliff?
Kick your day off with a visit to alpamare. Then, explore different parts of South Cliff for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in South Cliff?
Spend a day at alpamare and experience why it's rated as the top tourist attraction near South Cliff.
Is three days enough to stay in South Cliff?
Three days in South Cliff is plenty of time to explore the nearby hotspots. Many travellers love alpamare and Scarborough Castle, so why not put them on the to-do list when you're in the area?
Is South Cliff a walkable neighbourhood?
Strolling around South Cliff is easy, with key attractions like alpamare and Scarborough Castle just a short walk away. Popular neighbourhoods like Scarborough City Centre and Crossgates are also located only 2 kilometres and 3 kilometres from the centre of South Cliff, so you can see and do more — no car needed.
What are some activities to do in South Cliff with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our recommendations for what to do in South Cliff with kids.

What to do in South Cliff for adults?
Dean Road & Manor Road Cemetery is one of the main things to do in South Cliff. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in South Cliff?
One of the favourite free things to do in South Cliff is check out Cayton Sands. You can also stroll around nearby neighbourhoods and spend time in parks and other open spaces in this area. If you need more suggestions, just speak with a local tour guide.