Scarborough 400

Celebrating the original seaside resort

2026 is a landmark year for Scarborough as it celebrates 400 years since the discovery of its spa waters, a moment that shaped the town’s history and established it as one of England’s first seaside resorts.

Scarborough 400 Events

Scarborough - Coast

A special exhibition explaining the past 400 years of Scarborough Spa and…

Scarborough - Coast

Big Ideas by the Sea

15 May - 30 May 26

Bringing you inspiring talks, live performances, exhibitions and free…

Scarborough - Coast

Scarborough Coble Market brings together a carefully curated mix of…

Scarborough - Coast

Join us at St. Marys to help create a number of large scale feature…

Scarborough - Coast

A weekend festival featuring outdoor events created by local arts…

Scarborough - Coast

Scarborough Fringe is an open-access arts festival, featuring theatre,…

Scarborough - Coast

Scarborough 400 giant deckchair trail

27 Jun - 6 Sept 26

Take a seat back in time and discover the history of Britain’s original…

Scarborough - Coast

Unleash your inner creativity! Discover new work from artists or take part…

Scarborough - Coast

Scarborough Seafest

17 Jul - 19 Jul 26

Seafest will be sailing on down to the Scarborough Spa this summer

Scarborough - Coast

Join us at the community space in Scarborough Library for an exhibition…

Scarborough - Coast

The silent disco experience the whole family can enjoy together — and…

Scarborough - Coast

Grab your headphones and get ready to dance — Awesome Silent Discos are…

Scarborough - Coast

Celebrating Oliver's Mount race circuit 80th anniversary and Scarborough…

Scarborough - Coast

Scarborough Extreme is a showcase of activities that will push you to your…

Scarborough - Coast

Dive In! is a brand new exhibition celebrating 400 years since…

Scarborough - Coast

The Scarborough Fair - Autumn Streets

10 Oct - 11 Oct 26

Join us for a two-day festival of free outdoor events and performances,…

Scarborough - Coast

Scarborough Lights

11 Nov - 20 Dec 26

Get ready to be dazzled this winter with a range of free and affordable…

There are events taking place throughout the year in Scarborough with festivals, concerts, exhibitions and so much more, find all the details and explore our main Scarborough page.

Scarborough’s spa legacy began in 1626 when Thomasin Farrer discovered mineral springs beneath the cliffs near to the Scarborough Spa. These waters, which stained the rocks a russet colour, tasted slightly bitter and were discovered to cure minor ailments. Neighbours and friends were told about the beneficial effects and soon, ‘drinking the waters’ became the accepted medicine for Scarborough’s townspeople. Dr. Robert Wittie published a book about the waters in 1660, and Scarborough soon transformed into a fashionable health resort.

By 1700, local entrepreneur Dicky Dickinson had built the first spa buildings and introduced a fee for visitors to “take the waters,” laying the foundation for Scarborough’s reputation as a health retreat and paving the way for its status as “Britain’s first seaside resort”.

Today Scarborough is a lively seaside town with a vibrant cultural calendar across its many venues, both indoor and out.  Across the two bays and beaches are host to a variety of seaside fun and entertainments and the streets above them are packed with busy shops and attractions.

Discover Scarborough's Spa History

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