Scarborough Castle
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Three thousand years of history on a headland between two bays, and one of the largest open sites here, so your dog gets real room to roam.
Scarborough Castle crowns a spectacular headland dividing the town's two bays, and the sheer size of the site is what makes it work. There has been occupation here for 3,000 years, from an Iron Age settlement through a Roman signal station to the Norman great tower and the Civil War sieges that wrecked it.
Whilst you work through the keep and the barbican, your dog gets the headland, which is enormous: wide open grassy expanses to wander with the North Sea on three sides and views along the coast in both directions. It is one of the largest open sites English Heritage manage, and on a clear day the walk round the headland edge is worth the ticket on its own.
Dogs are allowed on lead and assistance dogs are welcome. There is no parking on site, and English Heritage recommend the Park and Ride or the pay and display Marine Drive car park, then a walk up. There is a café, shop, toilets, museum and picnic seating. The viewing platform closes occasionally for maintenance, and the headland is very exposed in bad weather.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- On-lead in the grounds
- Dogs allowed on lead. Assistance dogs welcome.
- Site Type
- Castle & Fort
- Entry
- £10.20 adult
- £5.10 child · £25.50 family
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Café / restaurant, Museum, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
- Telephone
- 01723 372451
- Parking
- As there is no parking on site, we recommend use of the Park and Ride or the pay and display Marine Drive car park. Parking is only available for disabled visitors, which must be pre-booked. Please contact Scarborough Castle on 01723 372451 to book a space.
English Heritage Membership
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Planning Your Visit
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday
- 10:00 - 17:00
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scarborough Castle dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Scarborough Castle and it's a brilliant spot to bring them. Dogs must be kept on lead throughout the site, and assistance dogs are always welcome. The headland itself is enormous, so even on a lead your dog gets plenty of space to wander with the North Sea on three sides.
Are dogs allowed at Scarborough Castle year round?
The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, so they appear to be welcome throughout the year. That said, the headland is very exposed in bad weather, so it's worth checking the forecast before you visit — a blustery winter day up there can be pretty wild.
What should I know before visiting Scarborough Castle with my dog?
The most important thing to plan ahead is parking — there's no on-site car park for general visitors, so English Heritage recommend the Park and Ride or the pay and display Marine Drive car park, followed by a walk up to the site. Dogs must be kept on lead at all times, and it's worth noting that the viewing platform closes occasionally for maintenance. The headland is very exposed in poor weather, so a windproof layer for both of you is a good idea.
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