Things To See and Do at Scarborough Castle
Take a trip to Scarborough Castle and you can enjoy exploring the ruined castle with a free audio tour; look around the Scarborough Castle museum which features historical artefacts from prehistoric times up until the First World War; and enjoy a vast outdoor space to run around in, play games and enjoy picnics. These highlights, along with the eating and shopping opportunities at Scarborough Castle, are explained below.
Explore the Castle
Head through the imposing gatehouse at Scarborough Castle and step into 3,000 years of history. Explore the castle headland with our entertaining Scarborough Castle Audio Tour. Listen and you can learn all about this site’s past, from an Iron Age settlement, to the Roman signal station and medieval chapel.
The castle's heyday was in the 12th century when it was developed by Henry II and King John. This mighty castle has seen action in some of England's most defining battles. It was twice besieged by Parliamentarians in the Civil War, and has defended king and country from the Jacobites, Napoleon and the German Kaiser during the First World War.
Enjoy views of the North Sea
Watch for invaders in the North Sea from the ruins of the Roman signal station. The castle is the only place in the town where you can enjoy fantastic views of both the north and south bays of Scarborough.
Take a stroll around the perimeter of this vast, 16-acre site – bigger than 12 football pitches. It’s now maintained as a gigantic wildflower meadow. Spread a picnic blanket on the headland grass, it’s a perfect place to relax with the family.
Explore the Exhibition
Explore the story of Scarborough through the exhibition in the Master Gunner's House. Discover artefacts spanning the whole period of Scarborough Castle's past, uncovered during site excavations.
Come and see tools and pottery from prehistoric times; a replica Bronze Age sword; a Civil War cannonball; and the nose-cap of a shell fired at Scarborough in 1914 during a bombardment by German warship.
Stop for a treat
Enjoy a locally made treat from our coffee shed or ice cream van alongside uninterrupted views across the castle grounds. We serve hot and cold snacks, tea and coffee and of course, scrumptious cakes and ice creams.
You can find allergen and nutritional information here.
On your way out, browse the gifts in the castle shop and take home a little memento of your visit. Or browse the secondhand bookshop and find something by a favourite author or a brand-new read. Thank you! Every souvenir, book or sweet treat you buy helps the charity look after England’s heritage.