When we think of approaches to hygiene and leisure in the Middle Ages, unwashed, toothless people might come to mind, but one seaside resort town in the UK is about to challenge that perception. Scarborough, on South Bay on England’s North Sea coast, is celebrating a remarkable four centuries as a spa destination with a series of events across 2026 coordinated by North Yorkshire Council and partners.
Scarborough became well-known over 800 years ago thanks to Scarborough Fair, a six-week summer trading festival that drew merchants to the town from all over Europe. The medieval market even became the subject of a traditional song, recorded famously in the 20th century by Simon and Garfunkel. The fair stopped running during the 18th century, but well before then, in 1626, “healing” waters had already been discovered by Thomasin Farrer, a local woman who found the mineral springs that led to the town’s development as a spa destination.
Farrer’s discovery launched the transformation of the town into a popular health resort, which boasted bathing machines as early as 1735. Today, it still generates £580 million a year (over €665 million), contributing 14.5% to North Yorkshire’s visitor economy.
This long history of welcoming visitors is set to be commemorated and shared with local communities and guests across 2026. Hailing the town as “one of Britain’s most cherished seaside resorts over the past four centuries,” Simon Myers, North Yorkshire councillor and executive member for arts and culture, said: “There is a varied programme of events that is being planned which will mark this significant milestone in Scarborough’s history.”
Echoing that, Mark Crane, a North Yorkshire councillor and executive member for open to business, said: “This is a moment to celebrate Scarborough’s long and rich history, and we would encourage businesses to get involved to help us mark the anniversary. This is a chance for communities to celebrate the town and mark such an important moment, as well as encouraging visitors to come and see what makes Scarborough such a special place.”
The calendar of “Scarborough 400” events includes arts and cultural events, such as a family-friendly giant deckchair trail, and a new public sculpture commissioned for a site near Scarborough Spa, to be inaugurated in July. Scarborough Art Gallery’s “Dive In” exhibition will run from 26 September, promising to explore the town’s four centuries as a spa resort, and the interplay between healing, leisure, and the sea. And in November, an illuminated art installation will arrive at Peasholm Park. A future-focused lantern parade is also on the cards.
The local council and community representatives are calling for participants and organisers who wish to be involved. Details of opportunities to do so will be released over the year.
