Day Trips to Whitby & Scarborough - Ideas for things to do

I have not been paid or asked to share this post, I just know a lot of you are always on the lookout for days out by public transport and thought this was worth a share. 

We absolutely love visiting both Whitby and Scarborough and think it is brilliant news that Go North East have launched a daily bus service from the North East. This service allows you to spend 7 hours in Whitby or 6 hours in Scarborough which is more than enough time to enjoy a few attractions. 

Timetable and Prices 

I have screenshot the current X11 timetable and prices below (May 2021) but please double check details on the Go North East website here before making plans as things do change. 

This service runs on weekends from 17 April - 30 May and then daily from 31 May - 3 September before going back to weekends only from 4 September - 31 October. 

Tickets are super reasonable (for example £40 for a family of 4) and include travel on connecting Go North East buses. As a bonus, if you travel to Scarborough, your ticket also gives you free travel on the Beachcomber open top bus which runs along the seafront, this is usually £5 per day per adult and £3 per day per child so an excellent saving. 

Tickets do not need to be pre-booked - simply purchase from your Go North East driver or purchase via the Go North East app (ask for the X11 Seasider to Scarborough or Whitby). 

The service is operated by premium X line coaches which include free WiFi and USB charging on board and comfy high back seats. I haven't been able to find out if there are loos on board so let me know if you know! 

The service stops at Newcastle, Gateshead, Heworth, Washington, Peterlee, Billingham and Middlesbrough. 

What to do in Whitby

Whitby is a lush place for a day out and somewhere we have visited many times. Here are a few ideas for things to do: 

1 - Climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey, it is free to do this and the views are worth it. 

2 - Visit Whitby Abbey, it is managed by English Heritage (check pre-booking requirements) and has links to Dracula! 

3 - Visit the beach, it is beautiful and sandy with beach huts, donkey rides, a mini fairground, a small set of amusements and ice creams for sale. 

4 - Catch a boat trip from the harbour, they are only a couple of £. No need to book ahead, just book/pay on the day. 

5 - Visit the famous Magpie Cafe for fish and chips. There's nearly always a queue but the staff are used to this and it is well managed/ goes down fairly quickly. The fish and chips do live up to the hype. 

6 - Walk around the harbour and town. There are loads of little indie shops to pop in and out of and bars / cafes to stop for a drink. 

7 - Go crabbing! Lots of families try this along the harbour, you can buy nets and buckets from the shops/stands close by. 

8 - Visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.

9 - Check out The Dracula Experience (not really suitable for younger ones but a good laugh if you like that kind of thing). 

What to do in Scarborough 

Scarborough is a town of two halves - North Bay near Peasholm Park and the Sealife Centre (aka the 'quiet' end) and South Bay which is where the main town and prom is. You can easily walk between the two sides along the seafront but I would use your bus ticket to ride the open top bus which is way more fun. 

Scarborough North Bay 

I don't know why North Bay is known as the quiet end as there is actually loads going on. Activities to try include: 

1 - A walk around Peasholm Park, you can spot the squirrels, hire a peddle boat, play mini golf or visit the cafe. 

2 - Ride the mini train to the Sealife Centre. 

3 - Book the high ropes Sky Trail course. 

4 - Enjoy a ride on the vintage water chute, water walkers or pedalos 

5 - Visit the Alpamare outdoor water park 

6 - Visit the Sealife Centre (they also have crazy golf). 

7 - Catch a show at the Open Air Theatre

8 - Visit the Beach / hire a beach hut 

Scarborough South Bay 

1 - Ride the Tramway 

2 - Visit the Beach 

3 - Enjoy the Funfair - it is right on the harbour, you can't miss it. 

4 - Take a boat trip - there are several to choose from including pirate boats and speedboats, just turn up and book on the day. 

5 - Enjoy the amusements - there are loads along the prom 

6 - Visit an ice cream parlour 

7 - Tuck into Fish & Chips 

8 - Visit the Italian Gardens 

9 - Go Shopping - there are so many traditional gift shops in Scarborough and it is fab for a browse. 

• Over the years we have enjoyed lots of meals in Scarborough. Our favourite spots are: 
• Peasholm Park cafe for a cheap light lunch with gorgeous views overlooking the park
• Ask Italian  which has a prime location on the harbour overlooking the beach - look out for offers before you go as it can work out to be expensive
• I have a soft spot for Tricolores in the town centre, I haven't been in years but used to take the kids all of the time when they were little and we always loved it. 
• I love the cute little cafes that are dotted around and offer super cheap 3 course meals, I think that is a lot of nostalgia for me though. 
• Last time we visited Scarborough we enjoyed a lush lunch at The Seafood Social - they are a social enterprise and well worth looking up. 
  
  
  
  
  

You can walk along the cliff tops between North and South Bay and visit Scarborough Castle (English Heritage). There is a little park up there too which is rarely too busy. 

Or you can walk all along the coast - look out for the Freddie Gilroy sculpture. 

Don't forget to double check up to date info and booking details with venues direct and Go North East before planning a trip as information may have changed since this post was published. 

You can find out more about the Go North East service to Whitby and Scarborough here.