The many attractions of Scarborough bring millions of people to the coastal town every year. Whether here for a family holiday, a couple weekend, a solo exploration, or a day out with friends, there is so much for visitors of all preferences to do and see. Your main issue might be having the time and energy to get to everything!
So, to help everyone do that, during the summer you can travel across Scarborough in speed, style and comfort on the Beachcomber open top bus. Unlimited rides all day cost only £7 for adults, £4.50 for children, or even better, 4 people can travel together for just £16. This allows you to transport all over town, hopping on and off at your leisure.
Here’s a Beachcomber bus route you could take from one side of Scarborough to the other and back, with the best open top views along the way…
- Starting at Scarborough train station in the town centre, hop on the bus at West Square and head northbound to Grand Hotel. From arriving in Scarborough, this first journey immediately offers unmissable attractions.
The Grand Hotel is an iconic and prominent building from the 1860s which evokes Scarborough’s rich history and ritzy glamour. This step back in time continues to operate today, and all around here are many modern seaside delights keeping the timeless Scarborough charm alive.
- Walk to St Nicholas Gardens to enjoy the view before hopping back on at Bland’s Cliff
A short walk takes you to St Nicholas Gardens, a beautifully presented area of plants and trees which connects the town centre to the South Beach. It’s a lovely place to sit on one of the well placed benches and take in the coastal scene below, with paths and steps to meander down to the seafront.
- Ride from Bland’s Cliff all the way to The Sands, then a short walk to the Scarborough North Bay Railway
Take a seat on the open top to experience Scarborough’s glorious coastline, travelling from the South Bay to the North Bay. Within a few minutes of alighting you’re at Scarborough North Bay Railway – this is Britain’s biggest miniature railway and provides plenty to do. As well as riding behind historic locomotives, there’s a sky trail, a water chute, a boats & balls lake, and a snack shack.
- Once you’ve checked this out, walk back towards the same stop for lunch at Taylor’s Bar and Kitchen
Amongst the relaxing places to stop off next to the North Bay Beach, Taylor’s Bar and Kitchen stands out for its outdoor courtyard with breathtaking views. Indoors ain’t bad either, and wherever you manage to grab a table, you’ll be satisfied by a lunch menu of favourites, from light bites and wraps to burgers and pizzas, and of course fish & chips. And a wide range of soft drinks or booze keeps everyone refreshed for your afternoon ahead.
- Walk along the beach to get to Scarborough Castle
Time to step on the Scarborough sand, perhaps stop to play in the sea or relax on the beach, before strolling a stretch towards Scarborough Castle. The castle is a distinctive sight overlooking the town, and the view is even better when you reach it. The ancient ruins are surrounded by nature, and it’s well worth stretching your legs before resting your legs back on the Beachcomber.
- Spend the rest of the day on Scarborough beach
Scarborough’s South Bay Beach contains all the seaside favourites. A vibrant promenade is filled with visitors enjoying amusement arcades and fish & chips, whilst the sandy beach attracts all-comers. As iconic as it is popular, lay back on the sands, brave the North Sea, and immerse yourself in a day at Scarborough beach.
- Get back on the bus at West Pier until the Newcastle Packet stop
The Beachcomber travels along the south promenade, so you can take in the fun from the open top deck, before hopping off to experience it some more. There are a selection of pubs along here too, so if you fancy treating yourself to a drink, the Newcastle Packet is right beside a Beachcomber stop.
- Grab fish and chips at Winking Willy’s then ice cream at Alonzi’s then jump back on to Scarborough train station
When in Scarborough, fish & chips are a must-eat. There are plenty of places to choose from, especially in this part of town, from eat-in restaurants to tasty takeaways. Winking Willy’s offers both options, as the famous fish shop and cafe fries up the good stuff to scoff on indoors or out. Finish off with a sweet treat only a few doors down, where Alonzi’s tempts us in with its fun retro look and keeps us here with their amazing ice cream. Full of food, you’ll be grateful for the Beachcomber to bus you back to Scarborough train station.
Images- @taylorsbarandkitchen,