Things to See & Do
This page is regularly updated below to list current and forthcoming attractions in the area – so check back regularly to see what’s happening!
The Yorkshire Coast has everything – beaches, castles, coastlines, Dracula, history, lighthouses, and world-class cuisine. There’s so much to do on the Yorkshire coastline that sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. When you book a stay with Anchor Bay Holidays, you don’t just get award-winning facilities (The Bay Filey) and luxurious properties, you also get to make use of our extensive local knowledge of the very best things to do on a day out in the area. We love Yorkshire and we’re happy to show you why. Check out some of our favourite recommendations of the best things to do on a day out on the Yorkshire Coast. From National Parks to local museums, golf courses to petting zoos, distilleries to stately homes, the area around Filey is full of fun activities and days out for the whole family. Whether you’re visiting Yorkshire for the first time or the hundredth, discover something new to do on a day out near Filey.
When you book with us, you get the ability to log in and manage your booking. Included in this area is a pop up to Love to Visit – where you can book attractions around the area easily and securely!
Available to book are places such as The Sea Life Centre, Go Ape and Whitby Abbey – with the list growing all the time.
The Bay Filey – A unique Holiday Village
In and Around the Village
Within the village there is always lots to do – check out our guide to the village and things nearby here
Swimming and Leisure
There is a swimming pool and leisure complex on the village and our guests get free access – check out the page all about this!
Food and Drink
We have a page about the fabulous eateries on site and nearby here – or just cook in your property as all of our properties have fully fitted kitchen. Our food and drink pages showcases local attractions and eateries too.
Yorkshire Coast
The Bay has direct access to miles of sandy beach – you wont believe how good this beach is and with lots of local towns to explore you are ideally based for exploring! The King Charles III England Coastal Path passes through the village – ideal for walking and exploring….
Local Events and Attractions
There is always something to do around the Coast – Check out these for a starter and the links you may need!
Coastal Towns Attractions
As Europe’s largest open air theatre, this iconic venue was re-opened in grand style back in the summer of 2010 by Her Majesty the Queen!
This historic site, situated on the Yorkshire Coast in the beautiful town of Scarborough, is proud to host some of the finest national and international acts.
With the likes of Elton John, Lionel Richie, Little Mix, James, Jesse J, Tom Jones, Elaine Paige, Kylie and UB40 having already performed to thousands of adoring fans, the stage is now set for many more years of entertainment at the Open Air Theatre!
For further information regarding tickets, box office opening times and accommodation availability, please click the button
York Christmas Markets (Late November / December)
Enjoy the Christmas cheer on offer in one of the UK’s most festive cities as York’s restaurants, shops and attractions are beautifully decorated and provide a wonderful winter experience, with an incredible range of festive events!
Scarborough Lights (Nov & December)
Illuminated art installations will once again light up Scarborough…..
Scarborough Lights is part of the first event in The Scarborough Fair programme and will see the whole town sparkle and shine from 15 November 2024 through to 23 December 2024, with many free light displays to enjoy.
Across Scarborough, illuminations will sparkle and light up some of Scarborough most loved places to visit. From 4pm through till 10pm each day between 15 November – 23 December, explore Scarborough and the beautiful illuminations at St Mary’s Church, Scarborough Town Hall, Rotunda Museum, Scarborough Spa and Scarborough Castle.
Sprit of Yorkshire – Distillery Tour Offer
We are excited to partner with the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery!
Guests booking through Anchor Bay Holidays will receive a 2-for-1 voucher for a one-hour tour at The Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery. Join the team at Spirit of Yorkshire, home of Filey Bay Whisky, to discover how Yorkshire’s first single malt is made.
Learn from Experts
On this guided tour, their expert tour guides will lead you through the still house, explaining the intricate process behind our single malt whisky. All guides undergo a comprehensive training program and are deeply passionate about whisky, the distillery, and our field-to-bottle philosophy.
Voucher Details
Your voucher code will be sent via email with your booking confirmation, including the terms and conditions. Please note, dogs are not allowed on the tour.
If you’re driving, you can taste the whisky’s later by opting for a “Driver-Dram” package for an additional £2, which covers the cost of the glass.
To learn more about The Spirit of Yorkshire, click the button below.
Filey Food & Drink Festival
“The Food Festival With A Sea View”
The Filey Food Festival is based within the Evron Centre gardens and the beautiful Crescent Gardens offering superb sea views of Filey Bay. The festival is home to over 70 stalls showcasing the very best of Yorkshire foods as well as fantastic produce from the region offering choice, quality and great value.
They have a wide variety of stalls offering a huge choice including Seafood including lobster, crab, caviar served with Prosecco – Cretan olives and olive oil , Gourmet Scotch Eggs and a large variety of cheeses. There are also Home made Cakes , curry Sauces , chutney and jams, artisan chocolates and many more. We have street food from Greece, Thailand, Germany, Italy, South Africa and the Caribbean . A Yorkshire Real Ale Star bar with seating area is based in Crescent Gardens for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, plus many stalls offering a wide variety of Wines ,Gin, Vodkas and Rum.
2024 Dates – Last One – October – 12 and 13th 2024
2025 Dates to follow in due course
Scarborough Open Air Theatre
As Europe’s largest open air theatre, this iconic venue was re-opened in grand style back in the summer of 2010 by Her Majesty the Queen!
This historic site, situated on the Yorkshire Coast in the beautiful town of Scarborough, is proud to host some of the finest national and international acts.
With the likes of Elton John, Lionel Richie, Little Mix, James, Jesse J, Tom Jones, Elaine Paige, Kylie and UB40 having already performed to thousands of adoring fans, the stage is now set for many more years of entertainment at the Open Air Theatre!
For further information regarding tickets, box office opening times and accommodation availability, please click the button
The Scarborough Fair
Established under Royal Charter in 1253, the original Scarborough Fair drew merchants from all over the world to sell to visitors each Augustand September. The last event was held in 1788 and brought back to lifeby Simon and Garfunkel who recorded a version for their 1966 album’Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme’.
In 2023, the Fair was reinstated, and launched with Scarborough Lights, the first event in a brand new, year-round programme of cultural regeneration including:
- Scarborough Lights– Spectacular light festival: November to December 2024, 2025 and 2026
- Scarborough Streets– A three-day festival featuring a parade with outdoor events created by local arts organisations and visiting performers: May 2024 (4-6 May), May 2025 and May 2026
- Scarborough Arts – Discover incredible artwork by following an open-submission affordable art trail that will take you on a journey around Scarborough and beyond: June to August 2024 (15 June – 4 August), 2025 and 2026
- Scarborough Fringe– Enjoy the best of contemporary theatre, comedy, music and other forms of varied entertainment across 10 days, on the Yorkshire Coast: June 2024 (21-30 June), 2025 and 2026
- Scarborough Extreme– An extravaganza of action sports and music with pilot events in September 2024, followed by full-sized, major festivals in 2025 and 2026
Scarborough Fair Collection
One of the best kept secrets just down the coast and an ideal family bad weather friendly day out. Featuring:
- Steam Engines
- Vintage Penny Arcade Machines
- Fairground Organs
- Mechanical Organs
- Vintage Cars, Vehicles and Motorbike Collection
- Indoor Fairground – Running on the hour, every hour, you can twirl on the Tidman Golden Galloping Horses and enjoy times gone by. They were originally built in 1893 and have had several previous owners before finding their home at the Scarborough Fair Collection. The collection also has a rare caterpillar ride, a ghost train, an mini Austin car ride, The Cake Walk, Dodgems and 20th Century Thriller Noah’s Ark. All that nostalgia set alongside classic fairground games such the Coconut Shy, a Strength Tester and ring throwing games.
York
Once voted ‘the best place to live in the UK’ by the Sunday Times, York is a much-loved city by locals and visitors. Although known as quite a small city, there’s lots of exciting things to see and do during in your visit! From museums and historic buildings to shopping and theatre, you’ll find there is something to suit everyone.
A popular place amongst those who love food and drink, York is home to a wide selection of bars and restaurants. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a meal with the family or indulge in a romantic meal for two, York has everything you need!
Alpamere Water Park
Check out Alpamere – an amazing indoor and outdoor water park in Scarborough……
“If you love adventure, it’s time to experience the biggest, the fastest, the wettest, the warmest, the cleanest, the waviest, the newest, the funnest, the most unlike-any-waterpark-you’ve-seen before waterpark. Choose from our gigantic wave pool, warm outdoor garden pool, Splash and Play area or stunning outdoor infinity pool. Four exhilarating state-of-the-art long water rides will take your breath away and give you the adrenaline ride of your life.”
Please note that Alpamere now operates seasonal opening hours and you should check their website to confirm if / when they are open during your stay. (The website is currently closed – we will update the link when it is rectified.)
Sea Life (Centre)
Scarborough hosts the Sea Life Centre – a short drive away on North Bay In Scarborough (or catch the train from Piesholme Park)
“Dive into our amazing underwater world at SEA LIFE Scarborough! Waddle with our adorable Humboldt penguins in their walk-through home at Penguin island- this specialist enclosure was designed to let our guests get closer than ever before to our incredible feathered friends and they’re not shy about saying hello! Stop by our specialist Seal Hospital and meet seal pup patients our teams have saved from our local coastal waters. Follow their journey through rescue, rehabilitation and release. Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary is a unique indoor and outdoor attraction ideal for a family day out as well as an unforgettable entertaining and educational experience!”
North Yorkshire Water Park
Check out North Yorkshire Water Park
“North Yorkshire Water Park, at Wykeham Lakes near Scarborough, is home to one of the largest natural watersport lakes in North Yorkshire. The Water Park, spanning 250 hectares, offers a range of fun filled activities suitable for the whole family! Create unforgettable adventures and experience the thrills of Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Open Water Swimming and Fishing. Whether you are looking to develop your watersport skills, challenge yourself to learn something new, or simply want to take in the beautiful lakeside views, there’s an activity to suit everyone! Take a leisurely stroll, jog, or cycle along our new 2.5km all-terrain gravelled track with views of the beautiful natural landscape, or hop on a pedalo to enjoy the views from the water! The Water Park is dog friendly, but make sure to keep them on a lead so wildlife and nesting birds aren’t disturbed.”
Wet Weather Days / Indoor Activities
We know we don’t always get sunshine but we can help! We have a guide to making the most of our wet weather when on holiday including:
- John Bull Rock Centre
- North York Moors Railway
- Rotunda Museum
- Olympia Leisure and Bowling
Simply click the button to find out more and link to their websites.
If you are thinking of popping out for a bite to eat then visit our food and drink section too!
Action, Adventure and Amazing Forest!
The Bay village is ideally located for young (and not so young) adventures.
Flamingo Land
Less than an hour away from The Village and featuring many roller coasters, a zoo and family attractions. this family friendly theme park is ideal for all the family.
Dalby Forest
Home to over 8,500 acres of breath-taking views, endless walking, running and cycle trails and Gruffalo adventures, a great day out awaits at Dalby Forest. A visit to Dalby will uncover many magical things such as The Gruffalo orienteering course, Zog trail, some of the very best mountain biking trails and endless stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest, get the adrenaline pumping at Dalby Activity Centre or test your nerve and swing amongst the trees on our Go Ape courses.
Dalby Forest is home to an abundance of internationally important wildlife species and is also a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, where you can experience the magicof seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Get your skates on…….
Did you know that Filey now boasts a state of the art floodlit skate park?
The £360,000 venue in Filey has been designed for skateboard, BMX bike, scooter and wheelchair motocross users.
The park on West Avenue, next to the multi-use games area, opened recently and features low-energy movement-activated floodlighting that switches off at 10pm.
Sewerby Hall and Gardens
Uniquely situated in a dramatic clifftop position with spectacular views over Bridlington and set in 50 acres of early 19th Century parkland, Sewerby Hall and Gardens offers something for everyone, from the magnificent gardens and zoo to the deep rooted heritage of the house.
Gardens – The gardens are a great place to visit whatever the season; with the Walled, Pleasure and Rose Gardens taking centre stage throughout the summer months. Why not take a stroll along the Woodland Walk and discover the hidden delights nature has to offer?
Zoo – Our furry family in the zoo includes creatures great and small, from guinea pigs and micropigs, to sika deer and Cameroon sheep. Catch the capuchin monkeys playing around their home, watch the mischievous pygmy goats or go see the cute raccoon dogs in their enclosures. With penguins, donkeys, coatis, llamas and more too, you’ll fall in love with all our animals.
House – A delightful house in a spectacular setting, come and relive history at Grade I listed Sewerby Hall. The Georgian core of the house was built 1714-1720 by John Greame with later additions in 1808, 1830s, 40s, and 90s; Sewerby is a tour through architectural history. A total restoration in 2013-2014 has re-presented the hall as an Edwardian Country house, circa 1910. The rooms are furnished with impressive pieces from the Victoria and Albert Museum as well as other important collections.
North York Moors Railway
A short drive away why not take a ride on the North York Moors Railway – a fantastic heritage railway running from the market town of Pickering through to the seaside treasure of Whitby, you’ll pass villages, hamlets, miles of lush countryside – and even a Harry Potter film set.
Use the button below to learn all about the North York Moors Railway’s history, routes, and special itineraries.
Discover Yorkshire Coast – Events, Activities and Much More!
There are lots of activities and attractions on The Yorkshire Coast – from Boat trips, to theatrical productions as well as night walks around the local towns and villages. There is now a FREE app Love Exploring to explore Scarborough Whitby and Filey which will really bring your visits to life. To look at a range of experiences as well as the app simple check out the Discover Yorkshire Coast Website.
