Scarborough 400
Celebrating the original seaside resort
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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 400 - Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre
2026 marks the 400th anniversary since the discovery of Spa water by Mrs… 2026 marks the 400th anniversary since the discovery of Spa water by Mrs Farrer and the start of Scarborough being Britain's first seaside resort. See our special exhibition explaining the past 400…
Of Land and Sea - Scarborough Art Gallery
In this exhibition, you're invited to pause, reflect, and recharge as you… In this exhibition, you're invited to pause, reflect, and recharge as you discover artworks from Scarborough’s collections that explore the shifting boundaries between coast and land.‘Of Land and…
Pied Piper: A Hip-Hop Family Musical - Scarborough Spa
Get ready for a theatre experience like no other with Pied Piper: A… Get ready for a theatre experience like no other with Pied Piper: A Hip-Hop Family Musical!Let go of everything you think you know about the Pied Piper. This adaptation fuses beatboxing,…
Big Ideas by the Sea
Bringing you inspiring talks, live performances, exhibitions and free… Bringing you inspiring talks, live performances, exhibitions and free activities by the sea.
Scarborough Seafest
Seafest will be sailing on down to the Scarborough Spa this summer Seafest will be sailing on down to the Scarborough Spa this summer
Scarborough 400 giant deckchair trail
Take a seat back in time and discover the history of Britain’s original… Take a seat back in time and discover the history of Britain’s original seaside resort as we celebrate 400 years since the discovery of Scarborough’s spa waters.
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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