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Scarborough car hire
Stellar sandy beaches, an impressive line-up of family attractions and the North York Moors National Park right on the doorstep: it’s no surprise that Scarborough is one of the country’s most popular seaside resorts.
Hire a car to explore the surrounding sights, from the history-packed streets of York to the ruined Gothic Abbey that inspired ‘Dracula’.
Travel Information
Language: English | Currency: Pound (£) | Local time: GMT | Avg. Flight time: 1 hr
Fly and drive
If you’re flying to Scarborough, the easiest and cheapest option is to hire a car from the airport. The nearest two airports are Humberside and Durham Tees Valley (both 90 minutes; 60 miles), both of which offer a number of international rental operators. Car hire providers Avis, Budget, and Europcar offer airport pick up at both Humberside and Durham Tees Valley airports.
Another option is to fly into Leeds Bradford Airport, which is a two-hour drive from Scarborough. It has a dedicated Car Rental Centre with four international car hire agencies.
Town centre car hire
If you’d prefer to pick up a rental car directly from Scarborough, there are several local companies offering car hire in and around the town centre.
Navigating the town
The attractions in Scarborough are concentrated along the seafront and in the town centre. If you’re planning to drive into town, there are plenty of places to leave the car while you explore. Centrally located car parks include West Pier, North Street and NCP Scarborough Balmoral.
Unmissable sights around town include historic Scarborough Castle, the Rotunda Museum, Alpamare Waterpark and the Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary. When the sun’s out, head to the seaside to enjoy the traditional amusement arcades, browse the shellfish stalls or simply to relax on one of the two sandy beaches.
Take a road trip
Some of the most beautiful drives in Britain begin in Scarborough. Try a circuit of Whitby and the North York Moors National Park, named by the Telegraph as one of England’s five greatest drives. Stop off along the way to amble along a section of the Coast to Coast Walk or to admire Whitby Abbey, the crumbling Gothic site that inspired Bram Stoker to write ‘Dracula’. Alternatively, drive south from Scarborough to discover the Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast and visit the quaint seaside town of Bridlington.
City slicking
Prefer urban attractions to scenic road trips? Some of northern England’s most interesting cities are within driving distance of Scarborough. York, with its 13th-century Gothic cathedral and ancient city walls, is around an hour’s drive, while stylish spa resort Harrogate is a little further. For the ultimate in Yorkshire nightlife, shopping and dining, head straight down the A64 for 90 minutes to reach Leeds.