Why Scarborough Has Been a Favourite for UK Holidays for Generations

There’s a handful of destinations that immediately spring to mind when people think of traditional British seaside holidays, and Scarborough is one of them.

Located on the North Yorkshire coast, Scarborough has been welcoming holidaymakers for centuries. 

From sandy beaches and amusement arcades, to dramatic coastal scenery and family-friendly attractions, it remains one of the UK’s most recognisable seaside towns.

Whether you’re planning to buy a static caravan for sale in North Yorkshire or you’re looking for a new family-friendly holiday destination to check out this year, Scarborough continues to prove why it’s such a popular spot for UK breaks.

Where is Scarborough?

Scarborough is a seaside town in North Yorkshire, on the north east coast of England.

It sits between the North York Moors National Park and the North Sea, giving visitors a mix of coastline, countryside and traditional seaside attractions all in one place.

The town is well connected and easy to reach from elsewhere in Yorkshire and beyond, making it a favourite for short breaks, summer holidays with the whole family and amongst caravan owners looking for regular coastal escapes.

Scarborough’s Popularity in Numbers

Scarborough is one of the UK’s most established holiday resorts, with tourism playing a huge role in the local economy.

• Scarborough is one of the top short stay locations in the UK, with 706,000 guest nights between June and August 2024.
• Scarborough has a population of around 61,000 residents, but numbers increase significantly during summer months.
• Scarborough was one of Britain’s first seaside resorts, becoming popular as early as the 1600s thanks to its waters and coastal setting.

Its combination of beaches, attractions and traditional seaside atmosphere has helped it to remain one of the UK’s best known holiday destinations for generations.

What is Scarborough Famous For?

Scarborough is famous for being one of Britain’s original seaside resorts.

It became well known in the 17th century after the discovery of natural spa waters, helping to establish the town as a fashionable holiday destination.

Today, Scarborough is best known for:

• Its two large sandy bays
• Scarborough Castle overlooking the coastline
• Traditional seaside attractions and arcades
• Fish and chips on the seafront
• Family-friendly holidays
• Being one of Yorkshire’s most popular coastal towns

For many families, Scarborough has become a classic UK holiday destination that people return to year after year.

Top Things to Do in Scarborough

Scarborough Beach and South Bay

Scarborough’s South Bay is the heart of the action, packed with arcades, cafés, amusement rides and traditional seaside entertainment.

The sandy beach is ideal for families, especially during summer.

Scarborough Castle

Scarborough Castle overlooks the coastline from the headland, and has over 3,000 years of history.

It offers some of the best views on the Yorkshire coast.

Peasholm Park

Peasholm Park is one of Scarborough’s most loved attractions.

It’s famous for its boating lake, gardens and family-friendly atmosphere.

SEA LIFE Scarborough

SEA LIFE Scarborough features sharks, penguins, seals and interactive exhibits.

It’s ideal for families, and a good choice if you need somewhere to hide away on a rainy day.

North York Moors and Coastal Walks

Scarborough is a great base for exploring the Yorkshire coastline and nearby countryside, including the North York Moors National Park.

5 Reasons Why Scarborough is So Popular for Family Holidays

1. Traditional Seaside Attractions

Scarborough still offers the classic British seaside experience, complete with arcades, ice cream, fish and chips and amusement rides.

2. Large Sandy Beaches

The town’s beaches are spacious and family-friendly, giving children plenty of room to play.

3. Lots to Do in All Weather

From SEA LIFE and arcades, to museums and indoor attractions, there’s always something to do even if the weather changes.

4. Easy to Reach

Scarborough is accessible from major cities across Yorkshire and the North of England, making it ideal for short breaks.

5. Great Value for Money

Compared to some UK coastal hotspots, Scarborough can still offer affordable family holidays and accommodation options.

Scarborough is Ideal for Static Caravan Ownership

Scarborough has long been a popular destination for caravan ownership thanks to its strong tourism appeal and coastal location.

Owning a holiday home here gives you:

• Easy access to one of the UK’s best-known seaside resorts
• A reliable base for family holidays and weekend breaks
• Access to beaches, countryside and attractions year-round
• Strong long-term popularity as a holiday destination

If you’re searching locally, explore static caravans for sale in Scarborough to discover holiday parks in and around the area.

You can also browse static caravans for sale in Yorkshire for even more options.

Is a Family Holiday in Scarborough Right for You?

If you’re looking for a destination that combines nostalgia, family attractions and classic British seaside charm, Scarborough is hard to beat.

It’s ideal for:

• Families wanting a traditional UK seaside holiday
• Couples looking for a coastal break with plenty to do
• Buyers exploring caravan ownership in a proven holiday destination

For generations of holidaymakers, Scarborough has remained one of the UK’s top seaside towns, and that’s not going to change anytime soon. 

Sources

This is Scarborough

Citypopulation

Visit Scarborough