Why Autumn Could Be the Best Time for You to Visit Scarborough

Zoe Day • August 19, 2026

Share this article

Cooler walks, quieter beaches and more freedom to enjoy Scarborough with your four-legged friend

Summer doesn’t get to have Scarborough all to itself.


Once the school holidays are over, the town changes gear.


The beaches are less crowded, the pace is easier and there is still plenty happening around the seafront, Spa, restaurants, cafés and attractions.



For anyone who prefers a little more space, a good walk and the freedom to enjoy Scarborough without the full summer rush, September and October have a lot going for them.

September still has plenty going on


There are some great reasons to head to Scarborough in September.


The 80th Anniversary Gold Cup at Oliver’s Mount brings another big weekend of motorsport to the town, while later in the month Scarborough Jazz Festival returns to Scarborough Spa.


Both are perfect excuses to turn an event into a couple of nights away rather than making the journey there and back in one day.


And from Carlton House Guesthouse on South Cliff, you are well placed for the Spa, South Bay, the Esplanade and town centre, while still having somewhere quieter to return to at the end of the day.


Then October gives dog owners another reason to come


This summer’s hot weather hasn’t always made life easy for dog owners.


On the hottest days, longer walks have often meant heading out first thing in the morning or waiting until later in the evening when pavements and temperatures have cooled.


Autumn changes all that.


And from Thursday 1 October, the seasonal restrictions on designated sections of Scarborough’s North and South Bay beaches come to an end.


More beach. 


Cooler walks. 


Fewer summer crowds.


At Carlton House Guesthouse, dogs are very welcome, and your first dog stays FREE, so there’s every reason to bring your furry friend along too.


How about a midweek break?


Not every trip to the coast needs to be squeezed into a weekend.


A couple of nights away during the week can be a great way to enjoy Scarborough at a more relaxed pace.


Take a walk along the beach when it’s quieter. 


Stop for lunch somewhere you’ve never tried before. 


Wander through South Cliff Gardens, explore the seafront or simply head back to your room for an afternoon with absolutely nothing planned.


And with 1 October falling on a Thursday this year, it could also be the perfect excuse to take an extra day or two and ease your way into the weekend!


Sometimes two or three nights away are all you need to feel as though you’ve had a proper break.

Stay your way


Carlton House Guesthouse offers adult-only, room-only accommodation on Scarborough’s South Cliff, with comfortable en-suite rooms, free Wi-Fi and flexible self-check-in.


Being room-only means there’s no timetable to follow.


Have a lie-in, head out early, find somewhere new for breakfast or stay out for an evening at the Spa or Stephen Joseph Theatre.


Your time is your own.

So, if you’re ready to discover Scarborough after the summer rush, book direct at www.carltonhouseguesthouse.co.uk, email bookings@carltonhouseguesthouse.co.uk or call 07948 714140.

Recent Posts

By Zoe Day July 31, 2026
Flexible weekly and monthly accommodation for adults needing a temporary place to call home.
By Zoe Day July 14, 2026
Discover the hidden gems that help guests experience the very best of Scarborough without rushing.
Contractors room showing laptop, hard hat and hi-viz on a double bed, small suitcase and toiletries
By Zoe Day June 1, 2026
Book contractor accommodation in Scarborough at Carlton House Guesthouse. Room-only stays with kitchenette access, laundry, fridges and direct booking.
scarborough harbour and castle aerial view
By Zoe Day May 22, 2026
Plan your Scarborough events 2026 stay at Carlton House Guesthouse: enjoy concerts, cricket, festivals, and theatre, then unwind on peaceful South Cliff.