The Park Manor Hotel in Autumn and Winter 

After the heat and crowds of Summer, it’s sometimes quite pleasant to have the beach to yourself and not have to queue for an ice cream!

Here at the Park Manor Hotel, our independent venue is a family run short break venue that is one of the town’s most sought-after places to stay.  Our hotel had comfortable, beautifully furnished rooms, great food and excellent facilities.  We have standard rooms, front rooms and suites and of course we have our incredible indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and steam room.  Where better than the Park Manor for some seriously warm relaxation. Get In Touch Today on 01723 372090!

What Is There To Do In Autumn and Winter? 

You might think that there’s nothing to do in the Autumn and Winter in Scarborough.  Well, that’s not the case as there’s lots of things to see and do as the weather cools down and the nights draw in.  First of all, the latter months of the year are great for walking and enjoying the great outdoors.  Bring your warm coats, hats, scarves, gloves and stout walking boots and get those leg muscle working! 

As we prepare for the Year of the Coast in 2023, Scarborough is very proud to be part of England’s Coast Path which now includes all parts of the English Coastline. If walking isn’t your thing, then fear not, there is something for everyone.

Attractions Open All Year Round 

You’ll be spoilt for choice with the attractions and venues that stay for up to 12-months of the year.  These include Peasholm Park, the North Bay Railway (open half term and in the run up to Christmas/New Year), the SeaLife Sanctuary and Alpamare Waterpark and Spa.  You can also visit the Scarborough Indoor Bowls Centre, usually open in the colder time of year.  All these are just a few minutes’ walks from the Park Manor.

Then in the South Bay, you can visit the Spa with its Autumn and Winter entertainment including the usual seasonal pantomime.  This year’s panto is Dick Whittington.

A Trip to the Shops 

You can hop on the bus or take a wander into town and visit the many shops in the town centre. From high street names in Westborough to bespoke retailers in Bar Street, Eastborough, Huntriss Row and Aberdeen Walk, you could get a head start on your Christmas Shopping. If you need to use the car, then there’s several car parks in the town centre, including the Brunswick Shopping Centre and the NCP Car Park, as well as public car parks dotted around the town centre.

More Indoor Entertainment  

Perhaps the weather isn’t great outside, and you feel like a trip to a warm and welcoming theatre.

The Stephen Joseph Theatre offers world-class entertainment, from Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s plays to festive fun and films.   Their festive offering is Cinderella, and there’s lots of great shows, films and events taking place too.

The local YMCA also includes some excellent entertainment and can be found in St Thomas Street.  They have a number of live shows and Christmas entertainment, and their panto for this year is Rapunzel.

The Cultural Quarter and Indoor Venues 

Scarborough is steeped in history and is one the first places in the world to have a purpose-built museum, The Rotunda. This circular building is unique and features the coast’s connections with geology and fossils. You can then stroll up the hill toward Scarborough Art Gallery, one of the town’s finest buildings. Scarborough Art Gallery is situated in The Crescent, parts of which date from the Regency period.  This lovely amenity includes a wonderful collection of John Atkinson Grimshaw paintings, famous for his moonlight scenes.

Some Traditional Seaside Entertainment 

Who can resist 12-pin bowling at the Olympia or a session at the 2p slot machines in the town’s amusement arcades? Bright, brash and always great fun!  You can always take a break and eat some fish and chips and enjoy the scenery.

Warming Food 

The Park Manor is famous for its delicious food which it serves its guests.  For anyone with food intolerances or allergies, our chef and the team take the greatest care with food preparation and we can offer a gluten-free menu too.  From a hearty, freshly cooked breakfast to a slap-up Christmas Lunch, you don’t even need to think about washing pot or peeling a potato while you stay at the Park Manor.  Dinner can be the highlight of the day, particularly if you’ve worked up an appetite.

Winter Events in Scarborough 

Contrary to what many people think, the Yorkshire Coast comes alive in Autumn and Winter.  Halloween is often a busy time, and Bonfire Night is always popular.  As the year heads towards Christmas, Scarborough is famous for its own unique Santa arrival, which is by boat in the middle of November.   He arrives by the ocean wave and lands in the harbour.  Father Christmas then makes his way on his sleigh uptown before getting into his grotto in Boyes Department Store, still family run and independent after all these years … just like us!

Following the Pandemic, the Christmas Lights are switched on without any ceremony and this year we are promised there will be new twinkling lights for all to see.  The switch is flicked in the middle of November.  If all goes to plan Scarborough will host the ice rink in North Street Car Park and the Scarborough Sparkle will appear at the Open Air Theatre in December. There are festive events in Peasholm Park and on the North Bay Railway.  Then in Scarborough’s Town Centre, keep an eye open for the Christmas Market events.  Let’s not forget the towns Indoor Market Hall, situated in the Old Town, which includes artisan food producers, gift shops and lots more.

Autumn and Winter Traditions in Scarborough 

The Yorkshire Coast has lots of traditions that mark the turning year. Christmas and the New Year are no exception. You will see many folks out walking on Christmas Day, particularly if they’ve had a Park Manor Christmas lunch!  Boxing Day features the traditional football match on South Bay beach between the fishermen and fireman, a soccer standoff that goes back many generations. This tradition started in 1893 and raises funds for good causes. You have to take a side (rather than an offside) and hope your team wins! Then for New Year’s Day, whether you’re hung over or feeling fine, you should head to the South Bay once again and witness the New Year’s Day Dip, usually organised by Scarborough Lions. It’s a great event for the town, and features brave souls who do it all for charity. No wonder they need a tot of run to warm up afterwards!

Some Unusual Autumn and Winter Things To Do 

If you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, then the Star Map in Scarborough’s South Bay is one place to visit. It’s in the same place as the South Bay Pool of yesteryear, the one that had a sky-high diving board and freezing cold water. The Star Map shows the main Northern constellations and is lit up at night. You could follow the Marine Drive trail with its way marked interpretation boards, joining North Bay and South Bay.  Why not do some blue plaque spotting? Scarborough has connections to war poet Wilfred Owen, novelist Anne Bronte, writer Charles Dickens, and many other historic figures.