New Tourist Tax: Brilliant Or Risky?

Hey Scarborough! Here's what's happening this week 👋

Hi everyone! Hope you're keeping warm as we roll into another busy week across Scarborough, Whitby, and the coast. There’s a lot stirring right now, and some of it could reshape how our towns grow in the months ahead.

The biggest talking point is the growing push for a tourist tax on overnight stays. Local leaders say it could bring millions into transport and seaside infrastructure, while others are unsure what it might mean for visitors and small businesses. It’s a topic sparking strong opinions and lively debate.

Whitby is also welcoming something fresh this December with the opening of Cowork Whitby. The new space promises superfast WiFi, flexible memberships, and relaxed community events from brunches to pizza nights. It’s an encouraging sign for anyone looking for a modern place to work without leaving the coast.

And if you’re craving a bit of calm, Aldwark Manor offers a £12 million wellness sanctuary. With hydrotherapy, saunas, and tranquil spaces designed for proper downtime, it’s already drawing plenty of interest from locals.

Plenty more is happening, too. Dive into the full line-up of events, music, and activities below and see what catches your eye.

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🔥 Happening Now - Don't Miss Out

Fri Dec 05 | 19:30 | A Night at the Darts | Scarborough Spa

Sat Dec 06 | 13:00 | Beauty and the Beast | Scarborough Spa

Sat Dec 06 | 17:00 | Jack & the Beanstalk: Pantomime | Whitby Pavilion

Sat Dec 06 | 18:00 | Beauty and the Beast | Scarborough Spa

Sat Dec 06 | 19:00 | Tour: Dark Tales | To The Grand Hotel

📰 Scarborough Life

🏨 MP backs tourism tax to boost Scarborough and Whitby. A proposed levy on overnight stays is stirring debate, but local leaders say it could funnel millions into transport, infrastructure, and the coast’s visitor economy. Big stakes, big opinions - see why this "simple tourist tax" is making waves.

🚌 Festive Coastliner timetable revealed for Scarborough Christmas travel. Coastliner and York & Country have unwrapped their Christmas and New Year bus schedules, with £3 single fares, no-driving stress and clear last-bus times across the holidays - plan festive travel now.

🎄 Whitby Abbey announces magical late-night Christmas shopping. For one night only on Dec 6, the abbey shop stays open till 9 pm with hot mead tasting, carols from West Cliff Primary, and heaps of quirky Whitby gifts. A cosy festive treat - step inside the after-hours glow.

💆 Aldwark's New Wellness Sanctuary. The Estate has created a £12 million luxury spa experience. Enjoy tranquil hydrotherapy, serene saunas, and local relaxation. See why locals are visiting.

🚌 Bus franchising pilot heading to the North Yorkshire coast. A major transport shake-up is on the cards as York and North Yorkshire trial franchised bus services for rural and coastal areas. Simpler fares, better routes, and more reliable travel could be coming our way. See why this could be a big turning point.

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🏘️ New owners of the Cask Inn set out plans for upgraded accommodation. Fresh proposals are in for a rooflight revamp at the long-standing Cask Inn, aiming to modernise the building and boost its residential offering after a period of closure.

💼 New co-working space set to shake up Whitby's work scene. Cowork Whitby opens this December, offering freelancers and remote workers a bright, modern space with superfast WiFi, flexible memberships, and community events from brunches to pizza nights. A new option for anyone easing into flexible work.

🕯️ Winter Adds Drama to Whitby Abbey’s Gothic Ruins. See the site that inspired Bram Stoker, when stormy seas and shifting light make the abbey particularly striking. Wrap up warm and check it out.

🌈 Scarborough Pride parking fees set for review after concerns raised. Organisers warn new £1,000 parking charges could threaten the future of the beloved volunteer-run celebration, prompting councillors to launch a full review. A pivotal moment for the event's future - see what's now on the table.

🚸 Councillors back 20mph push for Whitby bridge safety. Councillors have backed a 500-signature petition to cut the limit on Whitby's New Bridge from 40mph, pushing for a 20mph "emergency" order to protect schoolchildren walking across the busy A171 crossing - find out how quickly things could change.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Posts From Last Issue

🌊 South Bay bathing water is still rated poor despite upgrades. New Environment Agency figures reveal no improvement for South Bay. See what’s driving the worries.

🎵 Scarborough OAT drops six huge headline shows for 2026. From June to Aug, the coast will be buzzing with world-class music. See the lineup & lock in your tickets.

💆 Treat Yourself to a Romantic Castle Break. Enjoy a thermal spa and dinner in the ancient keep of Hazlewood Castle. Read the reviews.

📅 Plan Ahead - Book Now

Sat May 16 | 19:30 | Nigel Kennedy | Scarborough Spa

Sun May 17 | 19:00 | Acoustic Evening: Wet Wet Wet | Scarborough Spa

Sat May 23 | 19:30 | The Simon & Garfunkel Story | Scarborough Spa

Sun May 24 | 19:00 | The Drifters | Scarborough Spa

Sat Jun 06 | 18:00 | Madness in Concert | Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Fri Jun 12 | 18:00 | Paul Weller | Scarborough Open Air Theatre

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

We keep it short here - head to our EVENTS PAGE for complete descriptions, links and future events.

Mon, 1st Dec

09:45 🏅 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
18:00 🎭 Sleeping Beauty - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
18:30 🧘 Kundalini Yoga - Unit 9 Manor Rd Business Park, Scarborough
18:45 💃 Empower Fitness: Beat Boxing - Queen Street Central Hall, Scarborough
19:30 💃 Empower Fitness: Clubbercise - Queen Street Central Hall, Scarborough
20:00 🎶 Live Music: Folk Club - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

Tue, 2nd Dec

09:00 💬 Business Advice Drop In - YCE Centre, Scarborough
11:15 🏅 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
13:30 💃 Line Dancing: Beginners - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
14:00 💃 Line Dancing: Improvers - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
14:00 🎨 Afternoon Art Session - Robin Hood's Bay Studio & Gallery
19:00 🎭 Sleeping Beauty - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
19:30 ❓ Quiz Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough
19:30 💃 Modern Jive Lessons - Roscoe Rooms, Scarborough

Wed, 3rd Dec

10:30 💬 Chess & Conversation - Eastfield Library, Scarborough
11:00 💃 Circle Dancing - St. James Community Hall, Scarborough
19:00 ❓ Quiz Night & Jackpot - The Ramshill, Scarborough
19:00 🎭 Sleeping Beauty - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
19:15 🏅 Touch Rugby Wednesdays - Scarborough Rugby Union FC, Scarborough
19:30 💃 Empower Fitness: Clubbercise - Queen Street Central Hall, Scarborough
19:30 🎨 Scarborough Camera Club Meet - Newby and Scalby Community Hub
20:00 🎶 Scarborough Jazz - The Spa Pub, Scarborough
20:30 ❓ Quiz Night - Craft Bar, Scarborough

Thu, 4th Dec

09:45 🏅 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
10:00 🎄 Christmas Market - Scarborough Hospital, Scarborough
15:00 🎶 Scarborough Wellbeing Choir - Scarborough Library, Scarborough
17:45 🏋️ Empower Fitness: Work It! Circuit - Eastfield Scout Hut, Scarborough
18:30 🏋️ Empower Fitness: Peach Squad - Eastfield Scout Hut, Scarborough
18:30 🎨 Evening Art Session - Robin Hood's Bay Studio & Gallery
19:30 ❓ Poker Night - Marley's, Scarborough
20:00 ❓ Smartphone Quiz - Station Inn Whitby, Whitby
20:00 🎶 Alastair James Live - Crescent Lounge, Scarborough
20:30 ❓ Quiz Night - Highlander Hotel, Scarborough
20:30 🎶 Open Mic Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

📅 Got A Local Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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