Organised by the Seaside Heritage Network, the event formed part of the Scarborough 400 celebrations and was delivered in collaboration with Big Ideas by the Sea, This is Scarborough, and The Grand Hotel. It offered participants an opportunity to explore Scarborough’s rich history before coming together to discuss the value, character and charm of Britain’s seaside heritage.

Discovering Scarborough’s heritage

The day began with a choice of guided activities introducing visitors to different aspects of the town’s past.

At the Rotunda Museum, Scarborough’s Museum of Coastal Heritage and Geology, a guided tour included the collection’s highlights and, of course, the stunning sea views from the top of the historic building, one of the world’s first purpose-built museums, opened in 1829.

People exploring a museum exhibit with displays and portraits on the walls, featuring geological and historical themes.
A guided tour of the Rotunda Museum in Scarborough

Elsewhere in the town, building conservation specialist Chris Hall led a walking tour exploring the relationship between medieval Scarborough and the Upper Town that developed during the 18th century. The route took in landmarks including St Nicholas Cliff, Cliff Bridge and The Crescent.

Colin Powell, the General Manager of Scarborough’s Central Tramway, provided an access-all-areas tour, including a tour of the pulley wheel, hidden beneath the top station. Guests had an opportunity to look through a sample of the Tramway’s extensive archive.

The Tramway opened in 1881, and whilst Scarborough was once home to five cliff tramways, the Central is the only one currently operating. It was disheartening to hear that the South Cliff Lift had recently been closed due to structural defects, and to witness the former St Nicholas Cliff Lift, which is now converted to a café (although the cakes were to die for).

These activities gave participants an opportunity to experience Scarborough’s heritage firsthand, setting the scene for the afternoon programme in the Palm Court Ballroom at The Grand Hotel. The historic hotel was more than simply an event venue: guided tours at the end of the day allowed visitors to discover more about this remarkable seaside building.

Sharing big ideas for Scarborough

Following an introduction from Dr Allan Brodie and a welcome from Jodie Beveridge, Events Manager at The Grand Hotel, the afternoon began with a presentation by John Oxley, Co-Director of Big Ideas by the Sea. He spoke about the organisation’s heritage and archaeological events. John highlighted that Scarborough’s 2026 celebrations of 400 years as a spa resort, and Britain’s first seaside resort, paled into insignificance when considering the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and medieval archaeology to be found in the town. Scarborough’s heritage covers 4000 years!

Toby Hyam and Adrian Spawforth then introduced This is Scarborough and discussed ideas for how Scarborough could maximise the economic potential of its heritage through a community-led heritage strategy.

Together, the presentations demonstrated that seaside heritage is not simply about looking back. It can help build a stronger sense of place, inspire creative activity and contribute to the future development of coastal communities.

To the sea by train

Three people seated onstage during a discussion, with a microphone, books, and a presentation screen titled "To the Sea by Train" in the background.
Andrew Martin, author of 'To The Sea By Train' talks to Duncan Light and Anya Chapman

One of the day’s highlights was a question-and-answer session with author Andrew Martin, led by Duncan Light and Anya Chapman.

Andrew is the author of more than 30 works of fiction and non-fiction, many of which explore Britain’s railways. His books include the popular Jim Stringer novels and the Sunday Times bestseller To the Sea by Train.

The conversation explored the special relationship between railways and the British seaside, including memories of journeys to the coast, the golden age of seaside trains, railway advertising and the future of travelling to coastal destinations by rail. It was an engaging reminder of how the expansion of the railway transformed seaside tourism, opening resorts to new visitors and making the journey itself an important part of the holiday experience.

Celebrating the Bucket and Spade Award winners

The afternoon culminated in the presentation of the Bucket and Spade Awards, recognising much-loved examples of seaside heritage from across the UK.

More than 2,100 votes were cast, demonstrating the affection people have for the buildings, attractions, landscapes and traditions that make Britain’s seaside places distinctive.

The winners can be found on our 2026 Bucket and Spade List page.

Lyn Blake, Chair of the Herne Bay Pier Trust, and trustee Clive Austin attended to collect the first-place award.

The wider shortlist illustrated the remarkable variety of Britain’s seaside heritage. It included Tinside Lido in Plymouth, Weymouth’s traditional deckchairs, Volks Electric Railway in Brighton, the Shell Grotto in Margate, Scarborough’s own Harbour Bar, Aberystwyth Cliff Railway and the Blackpool Colonnades.

Previous winners show how recognition through the awards can create a lasting legacy. Following its 2024 win, the New Palace and Adventureland in New Brighton is seeking National Lottery Heritage Fund support to share the story of its family-owned Art Deco amusement arcade. The success of Redcar’s Lemon Top ice cream in 2025 also helped inspire Sweet Street, the country’s first dessert festival, which is now set to become an annual event.

A group of people seated around tables at a conference in a large room with decorative plants and banners reading "Seaside Heritage Network" and "Big Day Out".
Guests and winners gathering at the Grand Hotel, Scarborough, ahead of the announcement of the Bucket and Spade List winners

The Big Day Out didn’t end there! After a restful night in the Grand Hotel, we set off the following morning for a walking tour of Scarborough South Bay, led by Kathryn Ferry. The tour included some of Scarborough’s most loved seaside heritage, and highlights included the Spa Bridge and views of the site of the former aquarium, the Spa buildings and a visit to the original spa water outlet in the sea wall, then on to the site of the former South Bay Bathing Pool and a view of the restored beach chalets.

A seaside view with waves washing onto a sandy shore, historic buildings on the cliffside, and a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.
A view of the Spa buildings in Scarborough, which reflect the changing tastes in seaside entertainment over time

Looking to the future

The Big Day Out celebrated everything that makes seaside heritage important: distinctive places, memorable journeys, local stories and the people who work tirelessly to protect them.

From museum and walking tours to conversations about place branding, railway history and community-led heritage, the day showed how the seaside can connect past, present and future. It also demonstrated the value of bringing researchers, writers, heritage professionals, local organisations and members of the public together to exchange ideas and celebrate shared achievements.

Our thanks go to Big Ideas by the Sea, Scarborough 400, This is Scarborough and The Grand Hotel, as well as Chris Hall, Scarborough Museums and Galleries and the Central Tramway for helping visitors discover the town. We are also grateful to Andrew Martin, all the award finalists and winners, everyone who voted in the Bucket and Spade List, and everyone who joined us in Scarborough.