Scarborough Museums and Art Galleries

(Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, UK)



View of the Rotunda William Smith Museum of GeologySeaside fun and culture don't always mix, but at Scarborough there are some excellent museums close to the beachfront. Located on the cliff tops above the South Bay and near to the famous Grand Hotel, the Rotunda William Smith Museum of Geology is known for its distinctive architecture, since it features a tall central column structure.

The Scarborough Art Gallery is also very much of note and contains the town's most extensive and precious collections of fine art. Housed within a beautiful Italian-style villa dating back to the mid-19th century, this beautiful art museum was formerly an opulent private residence for around 100 years.


Close-up picture of the Rotunda William Smith Museum of Geology

Rotunda William Smith Museum of Geology

Address: Vernon Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2NN, England, UK
Tel: +44 01723 353665
This popular attraction has recently enjoyed a multi-million refurbishment and has long been an important national centre for geology. New additions include interactive exhibits and a display entitled 'Creative Coast', which incorporates art works created by local North Yorkshire artists. The central Rotunda Gallery is a particular highlight, as is the 'Dinosaur Coast Gallery' and the 'Shell Gallery' on the first floor.
Open hours: March to December, Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children under 18 years old are free

Scarborough Art Gallery

Address: The Crescent, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2PW, England, UK
Tel: +44 01723 374753
The Scarborough Art Gallery officially opened in 1974 as an art gallery and soon began to grow in stature. Many of the paintings depict local scenery, being painted by the likes of Atkinson Grimshaw, Ernest Dade, Tom Laughton, Frank Mason and Matthew Smith. Throughout the year, various temporary visiting exhibitions provide further interest on the first floor, together with seasonal workshops and art-related events. The surrounding landscaped Crescent Gardens offer a tranquil setting for the gallery, while the onsite gift shops sells everything from prints and posters, to greetings cards, books and ceramics.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, children under 18 years old are free, day and yearly tickets available

Spital Farm Dickensian Craft Centre

Address: Staxton, Near Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 4NW, England, UK
Tel: +44 01944 711377
Located in the neighbouring village of Staxton, some 10 km / 6 miles to the south of Scarborough, the rather splendid Spital Farm Dickensian Craft Centre is nothing short of a recreation of Victorian times, and appears almost as if it has jumped right off the pages of a classic Dickens novel. Period shops, a working bakery (on Baker's Lane) and Ye Olde Ridings Tea Room all add to the overall atmosphere. This is a good place to pick up some interesting Yorkshire handicrafts, whilst learning a little about the lives of Victorians and enjoying the costumed characters milling around.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: free


Further museums in the Scarborough area include the following selection:

Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Address: Grape Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4BA, England, UK
Tel: +44 01947 601900

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum
Address: Deepdale, Skinningrove, Saltburn by the Sea, Redcar and Cleveland, TS13 4AP, England, UK
Tel: +44 01287 642877

Filey Museum
Address: 8 - 10 Queen Street, Filey, North Yorkshire, YO14 9HB, England, UK
Tel: +44 01723 515013

Kirkleatham Museum
Address: Kirkleatham, Redcar and Cleveland, TS10 5NW, England, UK
Tel: +44 01642 496418

Life In Miniature
Address: 8 Sandgate, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4DB, England, UK
Tel: +44 01947 601478

Museum of Victorian Science
Address: Woodberry, Glaisdale, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 2QL, England, UK
Tel: +44 01947 897440

Old Coastguard Station
Address: The Dock, Robin Hoods Bay, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4SJ, England, UK
Tel: +44 01947 885900

Scarborough Fair Collection
Address: Flower of May Holiday Park, Lebberston, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 3NU, England, UK
Tel: +44 01723 586698

Whitby Lifeboat Museum (RNLI)
Address: Pier Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3PU, England, UK
Tel: +44 01947 606094

Whitby Museum
Address: Pannett Park, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1RE, England, UK
Tel: +44 01947 602908