Scarborough Spa

The grand Victorian complex that started Scarborough's history as a resort

The Scarborough Spa complex on the South Bay seafront is a reminder of how grand the Victorian resort era could be. The Spa Grand Hall — a large Victorian concert hall — still hosts events including concerts, exhibitions, and the famous "Scarborough Spa Orchestra" which has been performing here for over a century.

The building and its surroundings are worth visiting for the architecture and the waterfront setting. The Spa is directly below the Grand Hotel on the cliffs, and the South Cliff Tramway (funicular) connects the two. The outdoor terrace gives excellent views across the South Bay. The original mineral spring that started Scarborough's history as a resort is acknowledged on the site, though you can no longer drink the water.

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A story
Scarborough's life as a resort began in the 17th century when a local woman noticed that a spring on the beach left a reddish stain — suggesting iron-rich mineral water. Word spread that the waters had medicinal properties, and by the 1660s Scarborough had become one of England's first seaside resorts. The Spa complex on the South Bay shore grew from that original spring into the grand Victorian buildings that stand today.