Scarborough North Bay Railway

Location

Places to Stay Near Scarborough North Bay Railway"There are lots of adventure things to do and our kids loved it."

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides

Description

If you’re looking for a classic seaside experience with a twist of nostalgia, Scarborough North Bay Railway is an absolute must-see in North Yorkshire. This miniature railway, located just off Burniston Road in Scarborough, has been delighting visitors since 1931. I’ll admit, on my first visit, I underestimated how much fun a little train ride could be, especially beside the seaside, but the North Bay Railway surprised me at every turn.

The railway is more than just a short ride—it’s an experience that seamlessly blends old-school charm with modern family fun. You’ll board quaint, open-sided carriages pulled by historic steam-style locomotives, winding your way along scenic tracks with stunning views of Scarborough’s North Bay and coastline. For me, it brought back memories of classic British seaside holidays, and if you’re traveling with family, kids absolutely adore the ride.

But Scarborough North Bay Railway isn’t limited to train enthusiasts or families with young children. There’s also a well-loved water chute—a rare surviving example of the traditional British lido attraction—as well as a challenging Sky Trail Adventure ropes course. There’s a charming gift shop, popular with visitors of all ages, and the service here was genuinely warm and friendly during every visit I’ve made. I noticed thoughtful touches, like full wheelchair accessibility and plenty of space for prams or mobility scooters, which makes it an inclusive attraction.

Overall, the North Bay Railway manages to give you that spark of seaside adventure, with plenty of unexpected extras for those who take the time to explore its full offering.

Key Features

• Historic Railway Journey: Ride in authentic, 1930s-era miniature trains for a 3/4 mile trip along the scenic North Bay, with fantastic photo opportunities of the coastline.
• Steam and Diesel Locomotives: Operates both classic steam-style and vintage diesel engines—always a hit with trainspotters and kids alike.
• Sky Trail Adventure: An elevated ropes course adjacent to the station, perfect if you (or your kids) want to add some high-up fun to your visit. It’s more challenging than it looks!
• Historic Water Chute: One of the oldest operating water chutes in the country. There’s something oddly thrilling about riding the chute down and splashing into the pool below.
• Accessible for All: Step-free access from car parks and platforms, accessible toilets, and friendly staff happy to help with additional needs.
• Gift Shop & Café: Features a variety of railway-themed souvenirs, local gifts, and snacks—you can easily pick up a memory of your visit or a treat for the journey.
• Special Events: Themed train services, such as “Santa Specials” at Christmas and family-focused days during school holidays.
• Seaside Location: Just steps from North Bay Beach and close to other attractions like the Sea Life Centre, it’s an easy centrepiece for any Scarborough day out.

Best Time to Visit

Scarborough North Bay Railway is open most of the year, but the main season runs from Easter through to the end of September. Personally, I find the late spring and early autumn months to be the sweet spot—May, June, and September are a delight. The weather tends to be milder, the crowds a bit thinner (especially on weekdays), and the sea air is just right for a leisurely train ride.

If you’re traveling with children or want to experience all the activities at their liveliest, school holiday periods and summer weekends are full of energy. That’s when the railway often runs its extra services and theme days (the Halloween ghost trains are surprisingly popular!). However, these peak times do mean you might need to queue for the Sky Trail or the water chute.

Don’t dismiss winter entirely. While the full service schedule is slimmer, the railway still puts on spectacular festive trains leading up to Christmas—riding along North Bay with twinkling lights and a warm drink is pretty magical.

In all seasons, aim to visit earlier in the day if you’d prefer a quieter experience. Early morning sun glinting off the carriages and calm sea views make for a peaceful start, while late afternoon often brings a lovely, golden coastal light for photos.

How to Get There

Scarborough North Bay Railway is tucked just north of the town centre, at Burniston Rd, Scarborough YO12 6PF. If you’re arriving by car, follow signs for North Bay and look for the station near Peasholm Park—a huge advantage is the abundance of parking (and yes, there are accessible spaces right by the entrance). I’ve never struggled to find a spot, even on busy event days.

For those traveling by public transport, Scarborough’s main train station is about 1.5 miles away. From there, it’s a gentle 25-minute walk (follow the well-marked coastal route) or just hop on a local bus headed towards the North Bay. Buses are regular, and stops are close to the railway entrance.

Cyclists can make the trip easily, with flat cycleways running along the North Bay promenade. There are bike racks available near the station entrance, so you don’t need to worry about securing your bike.

If you’re combining your visit with a day at the beach or the nearby Scarborough Sea Life Centre, it’s only a short stroll between attractions—making the railway a terrific way to round out a classic North Bay day.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan for at least 2-3 hours: The train journey itself is around 15 minutes each way, but you’ll want time to explore the Sky Trail, take a turn on the water chute, browse the shop, and maybe relax with an ice cream or snack at the café.
• Check train times before you go: Service intervals can vary based on season and demand—sometimes it’s every 15 minutes in summer, less in quieter times. It’s worth timing your visit accordingly, especially if you’re coordinating with events or the water chute schedule.
• Dress for the weather: The open-sided carriages offer wonderful views, but you’ll want a light jacket in spring or autumn, and sunblock or hats in the summer. Scarborough breezes can catch you unaware!
• Buy a return ticket: This is usually better value than two singles, and you get to enjoy both stations at leisure. Some tickets include discounts on nearby attractions or cafés—ask at the ticket desk.
• Accessibility is excellent: The entire site is wheelchair accessible, including toilets and platform access. Staff were happy to assist during my visits—just give them a heads up if you need any particular help.
• Great for birthdays and groups: The railway hosts birthday parties and group visits, and it’s a firm favourite for school trips. Early booking is advised for group packages, especially in peak season.
• Combine with the beach or Peasholm Park: North Bay Beach is just a few minutes away, and Peasholm Park’s oriental gardens are especially lovely on a sunny day. It’s very easy to fit multiple attractions into a relaxed itinerary.
• Card and contactless payments accepted: No need to worry about cash; you can use credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments throughout the site.

Scarborough North Bay Railway manages to capture a sense of traditional British seaside adventure, but it’s also a practical, family-friendly and accessible attraction well worth seeking out. Whether you’re a train lover, a history buff, or simply want a unique experience by the coast, you’ll likely find yourself smiling all the way down the line!