on 17th March 2026
Things to do in Scarborough at Easter
2 minute well spent
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Easter is one of the best times to visit Scarborough, the town becomes brighter after the winter period with attractions reopening, and the coastline looks its best with longer, brighter days. Whether you are visiting as a couple, with friends or family, there’s plenty to fill your time.
Easter Quest at Scarborough Castle
Running between 28th March and 19th April, you can enjoy a fun activity filled quest at the Scarborough castle. For just £2, you can follow the Easter trail, hunt for eggs and answer questions along the way to be in with the chance of winning a tasty chocolate reward.
Easter Egg Hunts & Family Trails
Who doesn’t enjoy an Easter egg hunt? Children and adults can enjoy themed trails and hunts around Scarborough.
At Scarborough castle and Whitby Abbey, you can find adventure quests. Solve clues around historic ruins with a chocolate treat at the end.
Scarborough Food & Drink Festival
Returning for Easter 2026, we have the food & drink festival at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre on 11th and 12th April. You can enjoy a mix of global flavours, sweet treats and craft drinks, from bao buns and wood-fired pizza to waffles, donuts and artisan gins. The venue is wheelchair-friendly and parking is available at Lower and Upper Northstead car parks and North Marine Drive.
Easter Eggspress
Scarborough North Bay Railway is transforming into the ‘Easter Eggspress’ between 28th March and 12th April. You can take a scenic train ride along the North Bay, taking in the stunning coastal views while the little one’s hunt for hidden Easter surprises. You will also find face painting, Easter-themed treats and plenty of photo opportunities.
VFM Scarborough Scooter Rally
The VFM Scarborough Scooter Rally is back between 3rd and 5th April at Scarborough Spa. Enjoy a weekend filled with scooters, music, and an exciting atmosphere. You can expect displays of scooters and live music from top bands. Tickets are no longer available online, but you can pay on the door, strictly cash only.
Did You Know?
The date of Easter was standardised following a major decision made in Whitby in AD 664. At the Synod of Whitby, church leaders gathered in the Whitby Abbey to resolve a dispute between different Christian traditions and when Easter should be celebrated. The Northumbrian church had been following the Celtic method, while others were using the Roman system.
It concluded with King Oswiu ruling in favour of the Roman calculation, aligning England with the wider Western Church. This meant Easter would be observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox – A formula that is still used today.
There are many benefits to visiting Scarborough at Easter, open attractions, weather improvements and fewer crowds than at peak season. It’s suitable for a short break or even a day trip, with enough variety to keep everyone entertained and occupied.