A Sunny Day In Scarborough

It is a glorious summer day in Scarborough. Across the town, people are making the most of the warm weather, from families setting up on the sand to visitors walking along the seafront between the famous North and South Bays.

For local hotels and guest houses, days like this can change the whole feel of the place.

Jim, who runs The Seaside Hideaway Hotel in Scarborough, said the sunshine makes an immediate difference to guests.

“What changes is the whole persona of our guests,” he said.

“They’ve got a smilier atmosphere, they’ve got a better feel about themselves, they’ve got more things that are going to go and attract them from outside.

“And the amazing place that the Yorkshire Coast is, it gives them more places to go off and explore and just really understand what the Yorkshire Coast has to offer.”

It is not just The Holiday Hideaway that benefits. Annie, who runs St Michael’s Guest House with Alex, said the town feels different as soon as the sun appears.

“There’s a real buzz about the place,” she said.

“Guests are up and out earlier, making plans for the day, and we see a noticeable increase in inquiries from people looking to have last-minute stays.

“Everyone seems to have a bit more energy and the whole atmosphere becomes more vibrant and fun.”

For many visitors, the beach is still the first stop. Wether it be the bustling south beach or the quieter north bay, guests still enjoy a trip down to the sea side.

Jim said: “Most guests, regardless of the time of year, head down to the beach.

“One of the most amazing things we’ve got is this sense of space that comes with the beach, and our guests absolutely love that.

“When the sun’s out, it’s always part of what they do. When we’ve got slightly duller weather, they might go inland or elsewhere, but essentially it is 100% down to: let’s get down to the beach, let’s go and get our feet wet.”

However, Scarborough is not just about the beach.

One of its most unique features is Peasholm Park. Located on the north side of the town, away from the busier seafront, it offers visitors somewhere quieter to explore.

Annie said many guests at St Michael’s Guest House also enjoy visiting the park, where they can feed the birds and squirrels, while Alex added that the summer naval battle is also a popular attraction.

Beyond that, Scarborough offers cliff-top walks, the castle, the harbour, the promenade, seafront cafes, the Sea Life Centre and several crazy golf courses.

Annie said some guests even turn crazy golf into their own competition, visiting different venues to see who comes out on top.

Asked why Scarborough is seen by many as Yorkshire’s home of a seaside day out, Jim said he would go even further.

“I’d almost argue that it’s actually the UK’s best idea of a seaside day out,” he said.

“The Yorkshire Coast has everything for everybody. You want nice long walks, you want coastal beaches, you want secluded beaches, you want forestry, do you want the moors, do you want steam railways?

“I can keep going and going and going, but ultimately there’s something for everybody here.”

For Annie and Alex, who run St Michael’s Guest House together, Scarborough’s strength is in the mix of coast, history and culture.

Annie said: “Scarborough has got it all. It has a unique combination of stunning coastline, historic landmarks and architecture, like the iconic Grand Hotel and Scarborough Spa, and it’s got a real sense of character.

“The views across the bays, the presence of the castle overlooking the bays and the town, and the mix of traditional seaside charm and natural beauty make it feel truly special, especially when the sun is shining.”

Alex added that there is always something happening in Scarborough, even outside the busiest months.

“It’s just the culture, the buzz of the town,” he said.

“Even in the quiet season, there’s always something going on, whether it’s art, lectures, dance, theatre, readings, classes, gigs, karaoke, open mic evenings or quizzes. It’s a real cultural town.”

On a day where temperatures reached the high twenties, Jim said the sunshine shows Scarborough at its best.

“Days like today, where we’ve got 27, 28 degrees and clear skies, show that people realise we are an absolute destination,” he said.

“You come for the sun, the space, the sand, but you realise that there’s so much more to the town that comes with it.”

Annie said days like this highlight why Scarborough remains one of the UK’s most loved seaside resorts.

“When the weather is good, you can really appreciate everything that the town has to offer,” she said.

“Beautiful scenery, a welcoming atmosphere, great attractions and something for visitors of all ages.”

For local businesses, sunshine clearly helps. More visitors come into town, people stay out longer, and spending increases across hotels, guest houses, restaurants, shops and attractions.

Alex said sunny days “play a very valuable role in supporting the local tourism economy.”

Annie added, with a smile, that even her butcher notices the difference.

“His sausage sales peak during sunny periods,” she said.

For Scarborough, the sunshine does not create its character.

It simply brings it out.