Scarborough North Bay Beach

About Scarborough North Bay Beach

Scarborough has two main beaches, North Bay and South Bay, both offering different atmospheres and experiences.

Getting between the two beaches is easy – you can either take the walk down Marine Drive which offers fantastic views out to sea, or you can jump on the hop-on-hop-off bus service that will take you from one beach to another in less than 5 minutes.

Scarborough’s North Bay is away from the hustle and bustle of the main ‘strip’ where all the amusements and fish & chip shops are situated so it’s generally a much quieter beach to visit. There’s no rides or donkeys at North Bay, but you’ll find the colourful beach huts and the SEALife Centre within easy reach.

North Bay is most popular with surfers and those who like to be out in the water as the tide is generally much better for these kinds of activities.

Are dogs allowed on Scarborough’s North Bay?

Dogs are permitted to be exercised at Scarborough’s North Bay, but only on the south side nearest to Marine Drive. Once you reach the beach huts, you will see there are signs that say dogs aren’t permitted on that area of the beach.

Getting to Scarborough North Bay Beach

Address: Scarborough North Bay Beach, Scarborough, YO12 7TN

Scarborough’s North Bay is located just outside of the main town area and is closer to Peasholm Park and Alpamare Waterpark. It’s also conveniently located close to Scarborough Castle.

On foot

To get to North Bay, simple head towards the harbour where you will meet the funfair on the corner near the mini roundabout. From here, continue down Marine Drive (the red paved footpaths with the cliffs on your left). The walk is around 3/4 of a mile but it is enjoyable on the most part, with views out to sea and plenty of information about Scarborough on the conveniently located plaques on the sea walls.

As you pass the toilets, you will continue onto Royal Albert Drive until you reach The Sands and a range of shops and cafes. Once you reach the beach huts, you’ve arrived at North Bay.

By car

Driving to Scarborough’s North Bay is easy and stress free, with ample parking (364 spaces) down Marine Drive, although spaces nearest the beach tend to get full up quicker. Marine Drive parking charges apply between March 31st and October 31st (high season). 6 hours of parking will cost £7 and there are dedicated spaces for oversized vehicles such as Motorhomes.

There are a few car parks within a 2 minute walk from the beach, including Northstead Lower Car Park (Burniston Road, Scarborough, YO12 6PF) and Scalby Mills Car Park (Scalby Mills, Scarborough, YO12 6RP). Both of these car parks cost £7 to park for 6 hours so you can spend plenty of time at North Bay.

By bus

There is a local Beachcomber hop-on-hop-off bus which will take you from South Bay or other areas of the town straight to North Bay. Prices are around £5 for an adult and £3 for a child, but your ticket lasts all day so you can do a circle of the town and get your money’s worth.