Seaside day trip with toddler - Scarborough or Cleethorpes?

[Aubasaurus]

Am at home with dd (2.4) this week - was going to try potty training but she's definitely not ready so we need to get out of the house. She loves Thomas the Tank Engine but has never been on a train, and also is yet to experience the tacky joys of the English seaside so I thought we could take a trip on the train. My plan is to wander around at her pace, make some sandcastles, have lunch at a cafe, maybe have a look at an arcade and bring back a stick of rock for DH.

Scarborough is an hour and a bit away but looking on Google Maps it seems a bit of a walk from the station to the front - easily do-able for an adult but probably too much on the way back for a tired toddler. I could take her buggy but then I'd have to drag it around with me and she's unlikely to want to sit in it much.

Cleethorpes is two hours with a change at Doncaster but the station's right on the front so once we get there it will be easier to do without a buggy.

It's 20 years since I've been to either and I'm not really a spontaneous person so I'd appreciate any advice or tips either way!

I don't know Cleethorpes at all so can't comment, but station to seafront at Scarborough is really quite close (a bit steep but could get lift back up for pennies). Probably around 10 mins walk with young child on the way down. Loads to do along the front which is close together and totally flat. Plenty of cafes, 2p arcades etc along there. HTH

Thanks, that's helpful! Do you mean taxi back up? I didn't think of that, could be useful if she's flagging.

I didn't think of a taxi actually but good idea. I meant there is a vertical train/tram thing that goes from the beach up the cliff to the top so you'd just have to walk back along the flat bit back to the station. It's a funicular?? railway (can't spell it sorry!) Costs less than 1.

That sounds like it'll be a big hit! Thanks for your help. :)

What about Bridlington? Or is that too many train changes.

Station isn't too far from the front. Much nicer beach than Scarborough and it's away from the road. Plus there's The Spa cafe right on the front on South beach if the weather isn't so good, as well as the harbour, fair and town centre is more accessible than Scarborough.

If the train to brid is a pain then I'd say Scarbrough trumps Cleethorpes just because there is more to do generally, there's the town and the castle and Peasholm park etc and the Funicular is rather fun. (!)

I've dragged a toddler all round Scarbrough. It's do- able.

Hmm, it looks like it would be nearly two hours to Brid on the train with a change at Hull, so not much difference with Cleethorpes journey-wise. I think we'll try Scarborough (though maybe not if the weather doesn't clear up!). Glad to hear you've managed it with a toddler!

Either of the 2 would be fine for you. Cleethorps is flat with a nice walk along the front. There is a big sandpit too which is sheltered with a cafe nearby.
There is also an enclosed paddling pool which I believe opens around this time of year.
, it does close for lunch though and again it is very sheltered.
Near to this isa miniature railway.

Scarborough is slightly more hilly but great with a lovely promenade and both have good beaches.

Bridlington is awful.

It's probably a ten minutes walk to the sea front if you use the Victorian lift to the as front down the cliff. When you get to the bottom, its fair, amusements, harbour, iconic hat nor bar to your left and quieter, more natural rock pools, Victorian gardens to your left.

Scarborough that is

Just an update if anyone's still reading: we went to Scarborough today and had a lovely time. I changed my mind at the last minute and decided to take the pushchair and I'm glad I did - it was a bit of a pain at times and meant I had to stand on the train there and back, but was very useful once DD started getting grumpy and tired (and also to carry her new balloon thing and bucket and spade ). Thanks again everyone who commented!

Aww I'm glad you had a good time. Well done for being spontaneous! I bet your DD loved it

I live in scarborough glad you had a good day!