Scarborough Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Scarborough Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Scarborough packs a lot into a small area. The town is split between two bays, each with its own character. The South Bay has the harbour, amusements and fish and chip shops, while the North Bay offers a more peaceful experience with its colourful beach huts.

Scarborough Castle (YO11 1HY, open 10am-5pm daily) sits on the headland between the two bays and gives amazing views across both. English Heritage runs it and it scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The keep dates from the 1150s, making it nearly 900 years old!

Peasholm Park (YO12 7TR) is a bit different - it's Japanese-themed with a pagoda on an island in the middle of the lake. In summer they do naval warfare displays with miniature ships that kids love. It's free to enter and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

The Rotunda Museum (YO11 2NN, open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm) is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in Britain, opening in 1829. It focuses on local geology and fossils, which makes sense as Scarborough sits on the Jurassic Coast. TripAdvisor gives it 4/5.

Pet Friendly

I've visited Scarborough with my dog many times and it's great for four-legged visitors. North Bay Beach allows dogs all year round on certain sections, while South Bay has seasonal restrictions (usually May-September).

The Cleveland Way coastal path runs right through Scarborough and offers spectacular walking in both directions. Head north towards Robin Hood's Bay for dramatic clifftop views, or south to Filey across wide sandy beaches.

For food, The Cow Shed (YO11 1UG) welcomes dogs inside and out, serving great burgers. The Harbour Bar ice cream parlour (YO11 1PD) even does doggy ice cream! Farrer's Bar on the seafront has a dog-friendly section too.

Many cottages with hot tubs accept pets, but always check if there are restrictions about dogs using outdoor areas where the tub is located. We recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - sand gets everywhere!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Scarborough

Scarborough SEA LIFE (YO12 7RP) sits on the North Bay and houses more than 2,500 sea creatures. The ocean tunnel lets you walk underneath sharks and rays, while the penguin enclosure is always popular. They've recently added a seal hospital where you can learn about their rescue work. Open 10am-4pm daily, it scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor. One visitor wrote: "The talks by staff were informative and passionate - our 5-year-old was fascinated."

The North Bay Railway (YO12 7TT) is a miniature railway that's been running since 1931. The track runs for nearly a mile along the coastline from Peasholm Park to Scalby Mills. Kids love the steam and diesel locomotives and the views across the bay are fantastic. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and costs about £5 return. They run trains from March to November, more frequently during school holidays.

Alpamare Waterpark (YO12 7TT) opened in 2016 and features four slides, a wave pool and outdoor infinity pool heated to 35°C - almost as warm as your cottage hot tub! The "Snow Storm" slide reaches speeds of 30mph. It's not cheap (around £20 per adult) but makes a great rainy day option. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor. Open daily 10am-6pm with later opening during school holidays.

When is the best time to visit Scarborough?

July and August are busiest but have the best weather. June and September offer a good balance of decent weather and fewer crowds. Winter visits have their own charm - storm watching from your hot tub can be spectacular!

Do I need a car in Scarborough?

No - the town centre and both bays are walkable. Buses run to nearby towns like Whitby and Filey. The train station connects to York (1 hour) and Leeds (1.5 hours).

What's parking like in Scarborough?

Most cottages offer parking, but check before booking. Town centre parking can be expensive (£8+ per day). The Park and Ride (YO12 4NU) costs £5 for all-day parking with free bus travel.

Are there any good walks from Scarborough?

The Cleveland Way runs through town. The Cinder Track (old railway line) offers 21 miles of flat walking/cycling to Whitby. Raincliffe Woods has lovely forest trails just outside town.

Where's the best fish and chips?

The Harbour View Cafe (YO11 1PP) on the seafront is my favourite. North Bay Fisheries (YO12 7PE) wins awards regularly. Papa's on the pier has great views but can be busy.

What's the best beach in Scarborough?

South Bay is sandier and more sheltered but busier. North Bay is more rugged with rock pools. Cayton Bay (3 miles south) is quieter and popular with surfers.

Some helpful links:

1. Official Scarborough Tourism Website
2. Scarborough Castle Information
3. North Bay Railway Timetables
4. SEA LIFE Centre Booking
5. Alpamare Waterpark Tickets