🌸🐣 Hop Into Easter: Things to Do Around Scarborough This Easter Weekend

As the North Yorkshire coast bursts into bloom, Easter weekend 2025 promises a packed programme of festive fun, family-friendly adventures, and traditional seaside charm.

From Scarborough’s historic headland to Whitby’s Gothic skyline, the long weekend (Friday 18th to Monday 21st April) is brimming with events and activities designed for every age and interest.

Whether you're plotting a day trip or a full coastal escape, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of Easter weekend around Scarborough, Whitby, Filey, and beyond.

1. Easter Egg Hunts & Family Trails

If you’re travelling with little ones, there’s no shortage of egg-cellent adventures to get involved in:

• Scarborough Castle & Whitby Abbey are both hosting English Heritage's “Easter Adventure Quests” daily (10:00–17:00). For just £2 on top of entry, kids can follow clues around the historic ruins and earn a chocolate treat. Pre-booking admission online is advised for guaranteed access and savings.

• Ravenscar Visitor Centre (between Scarborough and Robin Hood’s Bay) holds a charming National Trust egg hunt across all four days (10:00–14:00). For £3.50, participants get bunny ears, a chocolate egg, and a trail sheet featuring nature-themed activities.

• Filey Bird Garden & Animal Park offers an Easter Treasure Hunt over the full weekend, with entry from 10:00–17:00 and hunt participation costing £1.50 per child.

• Playdale Farm in Cayton is running an Emu Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday and Monday, along with daily chick-handling sessions—perfect for hands-on animal lovers.

• At SEA LIFE Scarborough, Professor Finn’s Egg Hunt joins the “Jawsome Sharks” theme running April 5–21. Entry must be booked online in advance.

2. Railway Fun: From Dinosaurs to Bunnies

All aboard for festive fun with two scenic train experiences:

• North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) offers an “Easter Dino Fun” event at Goathland Station, including free Meet the Baby Dinosaurs encounters (booked slots required), a Dino Dig, footprint-making, and selfie stations from April 18–21. You’ll need a valid travel ticket too, so book early.

• North Bay Railway in Scarborough operates the “Easter Eggspress” daily until Easter Monday, complete with a festive trail and appearances from the Easter Bunny (check times locally). No booking required—just hop on!

3. Festivals, Fairs & Foodie Delights

Easter weekend wouldn’t be complete without some local flavour:

• The Filey Food Festival (April 19–20) features 65+ stalls offering Yorkshire produce, international eats, and a real ale bar, all with stunning sea views from the Evron and Crescent Gardens.

• Tucked indoors for quieter moments, the Filey Charity Jigsaw Festival (April 18–21) offers thousands of puzzles for sale alongside crafts and refreshments.

• Expect a buzz around the Scarborough Scooter Rally (April 18–21), as classic scooters roll into town and gather around the Spa complex.

• Thornton-le-Dale Duck Race (April 21): For something a little quirkier, head inland to the picturesque village of Thornton-le-Dale for their traditional Duck Race on Easter Monday. It’s a beloved local event where hundreds of numbered plastic ducks race down the beck through the village. It’s family-friendly, fun to watch, and often includes refreshments and a community atmosphere.

4. History, Heritage & Reopenings

Step into the past this Easter:

• Eden Camp (Malton) hosts a “Living History Weekend” April 19–20, with wartime re-enactments adding atmosphere to its prisoner-of-war camp setting.

• Castle Howard, also near Malton, reopens its main house on Good Friday following major restoration. Explore transformed interiors, a Walled Garden Trail, and Skelf Island’s playful landscape filled with lambs and seasonal treats.

5. Seaside Favourites & Iconic Attractions

Beyond events, there’s much to explore:

• Scarborough’s South Bay bursts with life, from arcades to donkey rides, and Peasholm Park offers boating and tranquil walks, with the North Bay Railway nearby.

• Alpamare Waterpark is open all weekend (10:00–21:00 Fri–Sat; until 19:00 Sun–Mon), offering slides, an infinity pool, and family splash zones. Book early—this one gets busy!

• In Whitby, explore Whitby Abbey and the dramatic 199 Steps, or hop on a harbour cruise for panoramic sea views. Family-favourites include the Captain Cook Memorial Museum and Whitby Coastal Cruises’ no-booking-needed bay trips from £5.

6. Stretch Your Legs: Coast & Country Walks

Spring is a glorious time to lace up your boots:

• Try scenic stretches of the Cleveland Way: Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay (7 miles), Robin Hood’s Bay to Scarborough (12 miles), or Scarborough to Filey (10.5 miles). Weather can be changeable, so pack proper boots and check for path updates.

• Head inland to Dalby Forest or the North York Moors National Park for family trails, bike hire, Go Ape, and wildlife spotting.

7. Planning Essentials

This is peak season, so:

• Book key attractions (especially SEA LIFE, Alpamare, NYMR).

• Use Park & Ride in Scarborough and Whitby to avoid parking headaches.

• Expect rail disruption nationwide—check journeys via National Rail.

• Arrive early for events and reserve meals at popular spots in advance.

Final Thoughts

From chocolate egg hunts to dinosaur meet-and-greets, historic castles to delicious food festivals, the Yorkshire Coast is bursting with Easter joy. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, your Scarborough Easter weekend will be one to remember. 🌸🐣

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