North Bay Beach is located just around the corner from the bustling South Bay and a stone’s throw from Peasholm Park. Awarded the Blue Flag status, the North Bay features an expansive sandy shoreline. It provides a more relaxed environment without the arcades or the immediate hustle and bustle of the town centre. Yet, this North Yorkshire beach is extremely popular and offers many alternative activities right on its doorstep.
Things to Do at North Bay
Due to its extensive stretch of sand, North Bay Beach is a favourite spot for those who enjoy beach games and ideal for kids who enjoy building sandcastles. For sea swimming enthusiasts, North Bay presents a superior option over South Bay because of its higher water quality. This, along with the fantastic waves, makes North Bay Beach the preferred seaside destination for various watersports.
Watersports: Lessons & Hire
North Bay Beach is the best location for a range of watersports, including surfing, paddleboarding, bodyboarding, and kayaking. Dexters Surf Shop, located at North Bay, provides comprehensive rental services for all the necessary equipment for these activities, including wetsuits.
As well as equipment hire, Dexters offers instructional lessons in surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as kayaking and bodyboarding. These lessons cater to all skill levels, from beginners to more advanced enthusiasts. They also offer one-and-a-half-hour kayak tours around the stunning coastline of the North Bay, where you may even spot porpoises and seals!
Rock Pooling
People of all ages will enjoy rock pooling at North Bay Beach. The area offers abundant opportunities to discover crabs and other sea creatures among the rocks, particularly towards the far end near the Sea Life Centre. Rockpool nets and buckets are available at shops located by the beach. Rocks can be slippery and uncomfortable on your feet so it’s recommended you wear Aqua shoes when rock pooling.
Mini Golf
Miniature golf enthusiasts have three exciting crazy golf courses to choose from near North Bay Beach.
- The first is North Bay Golf, a 12-hole mini-golf course located in Peasholm Gap, conveniently situated by the beach shops.
- A short walk past the beach chalets will take you to North Bay Adventure Golf, where those not participating in the crazy golf experience can sit on the decking and enjoy a hot drink or ice cream.
- Further along, next to the Sea Life Centre, lies the Pirate Adventure Mini Golf. Each course offers a unique and entertaining experience for families looking to enjoy competitive fun.
Scarborough North Bay Railway
The North Bay Miniature Railway is Britain’s largest miniature railway, providing a scenic journey between Scalby Mills, located at the far end of North Bay near the Sea Life Centre, and Peasholm Park. This railway is a favourite among young children and offers a delightful way to travel between attractions.
In addition to the miniature railway, North Bay Railway is home to several other attractions, appealing to both adults and children. These include a Sky Trail Adventure, a water chute, bumper boats, miniport boats, and water walkerz, ensuring a day full of fun and adventure.
Sea Life Centre
Positioned at the far end of North Bay, the Sea Life Centre is an excellent choice for a day out, especially on rainy days.
The Sea Life Centre in Scarborough showcases a variety of attractions, including Penguin Island, a Tropical Ocean Tunnel, and Rainforest Adventure. Home to over 2500 creatures, it promises an engaging and educational experience for the whole family.
Peasholm Park
Directly across from North Bay, Scarborough’s Peasholm Park is a picturesque haven with a Japanese theme.
The park provides attractions suitable for visitors of all ages, including a boating lake, tree trail, cafes, and stunning natural scenery accentuated by wood sculptures. Throughout the year, Peasholm Park hosts various events, with the naval battles on the lake being a particular highlight and crowd-pleaser.
Rent a Beach Chalet
Along the North Bay Promenade, rows of colourful beach huts offer picturesque views of the beach.
These chalets are available for rent daily or weekly, providing amenities including deckchairs and kitchen equipment. Additionally, they offer ample space for sunbathing, making them a perfect home base for a day at the seaside.
Cliff Walks
For those interested in experiencing the more tranquil side of North Bay, the Cleveland Way cliff path offers a stunning scenic route worth exploring.
Starting from the vicinity of the Scalby Mills Pub and ascending onto the cliffs, walkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the North Yorkshire coastline and countryside, offering a peaceful respite and a chance to connect with nature.
Freddie Gilroy and the Belsen Stragglers Sculpture
Dominating the landscape with its poignant presence, the supersized imposing steel sculpture of Freddie Gilroy, seated on a bench overlooking North Bay, is an unmissable landmark.
This sculpture tells the story of Freddie Gilroy, a native of County Durham who served as a soldier and played a role in the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Generously purchased by Maureen Robinson and donated to the people of Scarborough, it stands as a lasting tribute for both locals and visitors to reflect upon and appreciate.
Open Air Theatre
The Open Air Theatre, renowned as Europe’s largest open-air musical venue, stands as a beacon for music lovers in Scarborough. It has hosted an impressive list of well-known performers, including Kylie Minogue, Blondie, Sting, Elbow, Rag’n’Bone Man, among other luminaries in the music industry.
The venue’s reputation for attracting famous names ensures that tickets are in high demand. Make sure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Places to Eat in North Bay
North Bay offers a variety of places to eat, from quick snacks and treats to hearty meals like a full English breakfast or traditional fish and chips. Except for the ice cream parlour, all the eateries mentioned below provide stunning sea views, enhancing your dining experience.
- The Watermark Cafe comes complete with a sea view and is known for its breakfast butties, sandwiches, and hot food, but its homemade cakes steal the show. It is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
- Peaches & Cream, an ice cream parlour ideally situated between the beach and Peasholm Park, serves Yorkshire-made ice cream with a variety of cone options and an array of flavours, including bubblegum, sea-salted caramel, and rocky road. They also offer sausage rolls, paninis, pasties, waffles, milkshakes, tea, and coffee for a quick bite.
- Taylor’s Bar: This restaurant is located right by the beach entrance and offers a fantastic sea view and an extensive menu ranging from a full English breakfast to pizza, burgers, steak, and a vegan menu.
- Saltwater, situated right next to Taylor’s, invites you to enjoy classic favourites like fish and chips, chilli, burgers, and more, presenting the perfect setting for a casual meal.
- Scalby Mills Pub, nestled at the base of the North Bay cliffs and opposite the Sea Life Centre, presents a friendly local dining experience. This beautiful old pub combines tasteful, modern furnishings inside with the option to dine outdoors on warmer days, enjoying stunning sea views. The menu features dishes like steak baguette, scampi and chips, Yorkshire pudding with roast beef, and burgers, ensuring a satisfying meal for every visitor.
Places to Stay Near North Bay
When looking for accommodation near North Bay in Scarborough, UK, several excellent options are within walking distance of the beach. Here’s a guide to some of the nearest places to stay:
- The Sands Holiday Apartments: These 1-3-bedroom holiday apartments, situated directly beside the beach, feature well-designed, open-plan layouts that offer breathtaking sunrise views. Additionally, some of the units are dog-friendly.
- Columbus Ravine Guest Houses: Located about a 7-minute walk from North Bay, Columbus Ravine has numerous guest houses with excellent reviews, offering bed and breakfast. Some notable B&Bs along this road include The Beaches Bed and Breakfast, Dolphin Guesthouse, The Almar, Toulson Court Bed & Breakfast, and North Bay Guest House.
- Peasholm Park Vegan B&B: Managed by a welcoming couple and located just an 8-minute stroll from the beach, this 3-star hotel provides outstanding accommodation specifically catering to vegans. The hotel has immaculately spotless rooms and serves a full English vegan breakfast alongside lighter options, ensuring a delightful stay for their guests.
- Premier Inn: Located on Burniston Road, this well-known chain hotel offers comfortable accommodation and is about a 15-minute walk from North Bay Beach. Premier Inn is known for its consistency and quality, making it a reliable choice for visitors to Scarborough.
Facilities
North Bay has plenty of public conveniences at various locations along the stretch of the bay. They are fully accessible to individuals in wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free visit for everyone.
- Between South and North Bay: A modern block of toilets is situated between South and North Bay. These facilities are particularly convenient for those walking between the two beaches.
- Beach Management Centre: Visitors can find public conveniences at the Beach Management Centre, which is located near the Beach Chalets and by the beach, making it easily accessible for beachgoers
- Peasholm Park Car Park: For those near Peasholm Park, a newly built block of public toilets is available in the car park. It’s just a minute’s walk away from the beach shops.
How to Get to North Bay Beach
The address and postcode for North Bay Beach is North Bay Promenade, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO12 7TN.
From South Bay Beach
- Walk along the coastal road, passing by the historic Scarborough Castle for a picturesque journey that lasts just under 30 minutes.
- Hop on the open-top, double-decker Beachcomber bus. The bus runs from Scarborough Spa, then on to South Bay, Luna Park, and North Bay, with the bus departing every 15 minutes for your convenience.
From Scarborough Train Station
You have several convenient options to reach North Bay Beach from the train station:
- Bus: Catch the 843 Coastliner, which departs just outside the train station and drops you off near Peasholm Park. From there, it’s a mere 3-minute walk to the beach.
- Taxi: A taxi ride from the station to North Bay Beach typically takes about 4 minutes, offering a quick and direct route.
- Walk: If you prefer to walk, it’s approximately a 22-minute journey from the station to North Bay Beach.
North Bay Parking
Several parking options are available near North Bay, but it’s important to note that these are all paid spaces between 1st March 1st and 31st October.
- Royal Albert Drive: You can find numerous parking spaces along Royal Albert Drive, the main road into North Bay. These roadside parking spots offer convenient access to North Bay and its attractions.
- Peasholm Park Car Park: Located just a minute’s walk from the beach, the car park next to Peasholm Park provides an easy and accessible parking option for visitors.
- Scalby Mills Car Park: Situated at the end of North Bay, near the Sea Life Centre, the Scalby Mills car park offers another convenient parking choice for those exploring North Bay and its surrounding attractions.
While there’s no direct park-and-ride service to North Bay, visitors can use the service to South Bay and then transfer to the Beachcomber open-top bus, providing a scenic and convenient route to complete your trip to North Bay.
FAQs
Is Scarborough’s North Bay Beach Dog-Friendly?
Yes, Scarborough’s North Bay Beach is dog-friendly, with certain restrictions. Dogs are permitted all year round on the section of the beach closer to the Sea Life Centre. However, there’s a seasonal restriction on the rest of North Bay Beach, where dogs are not allowed from 1st May to 30th September. It is also worth noting that many cafes, pubs, and hotels in the North Bay welcome dogs.
Are there lifeguards on North Bay Beach?
Yes, lifeguards patrol North Bay between 10 am and 6 pm. These are the dates for 2024:
- 04 May -19 May (weekends and bank holidays only)
- 25 May-01 September: every day