Blog.

May 30, 2025
Top 5 Family-Friendly Beaches in Scarborough and Why Locals Love Them Most holiday guests miss the best spots. We've lived in Scarborough for years and still discover hidden gems along our coastline. Your guests deserve to know where locals actually go. Forget the tourist traps. The beaches we're about to share offer something special that keeps families coming back year after year. North Bay Beach: The Adventure Playground Kids bored at the beach? Not here. North Bay offers more than just sand and sea. The colourful beach huts create the perfect backdrop for family photos while the rock pools keep little explorers busy for hours. What makes it special? The water quality. North Bay consistently earns excellent ratings for its clean swimming waters, making it perfect for families with young children who want to splash safely. "We always recommend North Bay to our holiday home guests with children," says Louise. "The clean beach and nearby amenities make it easy for families to spend the whole day without any stress." South Bay Beach: The Classic Seaside Experience Sometimes the obvious choice is popular for good reasons. South Bay delivers everything you expect from a traditional British seaside holiday. The golden sand stretches for miles, perfect for building sandcastles or playing beach cricket. But here's what most tourists miss... The best time to visit is early morning. Before 9am, you'll have much of the beach to yourself, and watching the fishing boats return with their catch creates magical memories for children. We've seen countless guests fall in love with South Bay's charm, especially when they discover the hidden coves at the southern end. Cayton Bay: The Surfer's Paradise Want to see your guests' children stand up on a surfboard for the first time? Cayton Bay offers gentle waves perfect for beginners, with surf schools that cater specifically to families. The wide, open beach means plenty of space even during peak summer. The secret? The microclimate. Cayton Bay is often sheltered from stronger winds, making it warmer than other beaches in the area. Perfect for families who want to extend their beach day into the evening with a sunset picnic. Scarborough Castle Beach: The History Lesson Beach days can be educational too. Nestled beneath the impressive Scarborough Castle, this small but charming beach combines history with natural beauty. Children can collect shells while learning about the 12th-century fortress towering above. What locals know... The beach has some of the most interesting rock formations along the coast, perfect for budding geologists. Cornelian Bay: The Secret Escape Ever wanted to feel like you've discovered something special? Cornelian Bay remains Scarborough's best-kept secret. This hidden cove requires a short walk through woodland to access, but the reward is worth it – a peaceful beach often with just a handful of other visitors. Why families love it... The sense of adventure getting there creates lasting memories. The shallow, calm waters make it ideal for paddling with toddlers, and the surrounding cliffs offer natural shade during hot summer days. Richard shares: "When guests return from Cornelian Bay, they always thank us for the recommendation. It's these little local insights that make staying in a personally managed holiday home so special." Why These Beaches Matter to Your Holiday Home Your guests don't just book accommodation – they book experiences. Knowing where to send families based on their specific needs shows you care about their entire holiday, not just their stay. This attention to detail is exactly what sets personally managed holiday homes apart from corporate alternatives. We regularly create personalised beach guides for our holiday homeowners, tailored to their specific properties and the typical guests they attract. Want to give your guests the inside scoop on Scarborough's best beaches? Let's chat about how we can help your holiday home stand out with local knowledge that keeps families coming back year after year.