The Best Coastal Walks Around Scarborough (With Stunning Yorkshire Coast Views)
The Yorkshire Coast is famous for its dramatic scenery, sweeping beaches and spectacular cliff-top paths. Scarborough sits right in the middle of some of the most beautiful coastal walking routes in the country, making it the perfect base for exploring the coastline on foot.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll along the seafront or a longer walk along the cliffs of the Cleveland Way, Scarborough offers a variety of routes that combine sea views, history and fresh coastal air.
If you're planning a walking break on the Yorkshire Coast, staying close to the best routes makes all the difference. Many of our guests use our walking guide to plan their routes and explore the coastline at their own pace.
Many visitors discover that some of the best experiences in the town happen away from the busiest areas — walking along the coast, watching the waves roll in and taking in the incredible views across the North Sea.
If you’re planning a visit during the quieter months of the year, you may also enjoy our guide to spring breaks in Scarborough, when the coastline is particularly peaceful and perfect for exploring.
These routes are all easily accessible from Scarborough, with several starting points just a short walk from the hotel, making it easy to explore without needing the car.
North Bay to Scarborough Castle Walk
One of the most popular walks in Scarborough begins at North Bay and follows the coastline towards the historic headland of Scarborough Castle. This route offers some of the most iconic views of the town, with sweeping scenery across the bay and dramatic cliffs rising above the sea.
Starting at North Bay’s wide sandy beach, the walk gradually climbs towards the castle headland, where visitors are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views across both North Bay and South Bay. On clear days you can see miles along the Yorkshire Coast.
The route is relatively short but incredibly scenic, making it perfect for a relaxed morning walk before exploring the town itself.
The Cleveland Way: Scarborough to Ravenscar
The Cleveland Way National Trail runs along the cliffs above Scarborough and forms part of one of the most dramatic walking routes in England. Heading north from the town towards Ravenscar, walkers are treated to stunning views of the coastline, rolling cliffs and wide open sea.
This stretch of the Cleveland Way feels wonderfully wild compared with the town below. The path winds its way along grassy cliff tops and quiet stretches of coastline, making it a favourite route for walkers who want to experience the raw beauty of the Yorkshire Coast.
Even walking a short section of the trail offers incredible scenery and a sense of space that makes the Yorkshire Coast so special.
Planning a walking break in Scarborough?
North Bay is one of the best places to stay if you're looking to explore the Yorkshire Coast on foot. With the Cleveland Way and coastal paths nearby, you can head straight out from the hotel and start your walk.
Take a look at our rooms or explore more routes in our Scarborough walking guide
Scarborough Castle Headland Walk
The headland around Scarborough Castle provides one of the most scenic walking spots in the town. Surrounded by sea on three sides, the elevated position gives visitors breathtaking views across the coastline and harbour below.
Walking around the castle grounds allows you to appreciate the dramatic setting that has made this site strategically important for centuries. The views over South Bay, the harbour and the North Sea are some of the most photographed in Scarborough.
It’s an ideal location for a short but memorable walk, combining coastal scenery with a fascinating piece of the town’s history.
Peasholm Park to North Bay Promenade
For a gentler coastal stroll, the walk from Peasholm Park to North Bay promenade is perfect. Starting beside the peaceful lake in Peasholm Park, the route leads through landscaped gardens before opening out onto the seafront.
From here you can enjoy a relaxed walk along the promenade, with views of the beach and the sweeping curve of North Bay stretching out in front of you.
This route is particularly enjoyable in spring and early summer when the gardens of Peasholm Park begin to bloom and the coastline feels calm and unhurried.
Why Scarborough Is Perfect for Coastal Walking
Scarborough’s unique position on the Yorkshire Coast makes it an ideal base for coastal walking. Within minutes you can move from the town centre to quiet beaches, dramatic cliffs and miles of open coastline.
Whether you're exploring the Cleveland Way, wandering along North Bay or discovering the historic headland around Scarborough Castle, every walk offers incredible views and the refreshing sea air that makes the coast so special.
For visitors who enjoy combining coastal scenery with comfortable accommodation, Scarborough provides the perfect balance of nature, history and traditional seaside charm.
If you're planning a visit, you can also explore our guide to spring breaks in Scarborough to discover why this season is one of the best times to enjoy the Yorkshire Coast.
Staying close to the coastline makes it easy to enjoy these walks at your own pace. Seaside Hideaway Hotel is located near North Bay, providing a peaceful base for exploring the beaches, coastal paths and scenic viewpoints that make Scarborough such a special destination.
Spring is one of the best times to enjoy these walks, when the coastline is quieter and the sea air feels especially refreshing. If you're planning an early-season visit, our article on spring on the Yorkshire Coast explains why this is such a wonderful time to explore Scarborough.
If you’re planning a seaside escape, you can check current availability at Seaside Hideaway Hotel and start exploring the Yorkshire Coast on foot.
Stay by the coast and explore at your own pace
If you're planning a few days of walking, staying in Scarborough’s North Bay gives you easy access to some of the best routes along the Yorkshire Coast.
At Seaside Hideaway Hotel, you’re just minutes from the Cleveland Way, Peasholm Park and the seafront, making it the perfect base for a relaxed coastal walking break.
Check availability for your dates or browse our rooms here.