A one-day Scarborough walking tour from the North Bay

Begin beside North Bay, where the promenade and beach set the route’s seaside starting point. Peasholm Park is in Scarborough’s North Bay, a few minutes’ walk from the beach, so it makes a natural first stop before heading towards the castle.

Keep the first stretch flexible: take in the seafront, then make your way to the park rather than trying to cover the whole day’s route at once. North Bay parking options include Northstead Upper, Northstead Lower, Scalby Mills and pay-and-display spaces along Royal Albert Drive.

Peasholm Park is about a 10-minute walk from Boston Hotel, which offers three-star hotel rooms.

Peasholm Park’s lake and wooded paths make a calm pause between the North Bay seafront and the castle headland.

Peasholm Lake surrounds a tree-covered island, reached by a bridge and a winding path through the trees. Allow time to follow the paths around the water before continuing towards the castle. For more detail on the park and the two bays, read what to know about Peasholm Park and Scarborough’s beaches.

Scarborough Castle occupies the headland between North Bay and South Bay, making it the central landmark on this walking route.

English Heritage gives the castle’s address as Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1HY. The grounds include the remains of a Roman signal station and an Anglo-Saxon church built on its site.

The headland also has a wildflower meadow larger than 12 football pitches, while viewing platforms at the Inner Bailey and Great Tower look over the town, harbour and bay. Scarborough’s museums include the Rotunda Museum; what to know about Scarborough’s museums can help you plan a museum stop alongside the castle.

The castle grounds are reached mainly over grass, cobbles and some bound gravel. Steps lead to the Castle Keep, but alternative routes can avoid them; English Heritage recommends a strong pusher for wheelchair users.

Tramper hire is available through the site, with booking by telephone or email. Disabled parking is limited, needs to be reserved by calling 01723 372451, and is on grass.

For the castle’s history and practical visiting details, see a practical guide to Scarborough Castle. Opening hours and ticket arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.

Finish by walking around the castle headland to the harbour and South Bay; the North Bay–South Bay route follows Royal Albert Drive and takes around 30 minutes.

The walk is described as steady and flat, making it a useful final stretch after the park and castle. At South Bay, the harbour and waterfront mark the end of the route.

If you want to extend the walk, North Yorkshire Council’s Castle Trail is 2.3 miles long and includes a 200-foot incline. It passes Peasholm Pagodas, Scarborough Castle, St. Mary’s Church, the Butter Cross, the Grand Hotel, Spa Bridge and the Spa.

For a different way to cover part of the North Bay, the Scarborough North Bay Railway runs seven-eighths of a mile between Peasholm Park and Scalby Mills station. It has operated since 1931.

How long is the walk between North Bay and South Bay?

The route around the castle headland takes around 30 minutes and follows a steady, flat stretch of Royal Albert Drive.

What is the Castle Trail like?

It is 2.3 miles long, includes a 200-foot incline and passes several landmarks, including the castle, St. Mary’s Church and the Spa.

Can you reach the island in Peasholm Lake?

Yes. A bridge and a winding tree-walk path lead to the tree-covered island.

Where does Scarborough North Bay Railway run?

The railway runs between Peasholm Park and Scalby Mills station for seven-eighths of a mile.