Ivanhoe Hotel Scarborough
Scalby Mills Rd, Scarborough YO12 6RW
The Ivanhoe Hotel Scarborough is a family-run, 3-star inn and eatery located on Scalby Mills Road in the scenic North Bay area of Scarborough. Situated directly opposite the North Cliff Golf Course, this welcoming venue combines traditional bed-and-breakfast accommodation with a lively community pub, making it an excellent base for coastal exploration. Under enthusiastic management, the hotel features a large private car park, outdoor garden seating, a children’s play area, and dedicated dog-friendly spaces.
Motorhome & Campervan Stopovers
The Ivanhoe Hotel has earned a brilliant reputation within the van-life community as a highly accommodating alternative to the local council car parks.
The Setup: The hotel features a large, flat, and quiet tarmac car park that can accommodate roughly 5 to 10 motorhomes or campervans at a time.
Pricing & Booking: The stopover scheme typically costs £20 for the first night, which includes a £10 redeemable voucher to use behind the bar. Subsequent nights are priced at £10. Because of its immense popularity, travelers are highly advised to secure a spot online in advance, which requires a small £5 deposit.
Facilities: The pub management keeps the indoor or disabled toilets open and accessible all night for those staying in the car park.
Pub Atmosphere & Dining
The heart of the property is its spacious, horse-shoe-shaped central bar and lounge area.
The Atmosphere: The vibe is vibrant, family-friendly, and distinctively community-focused. The pub is packed with entertainment options, including a pool table, sports viewings, a Tuesday quiz night, and live music or performances every Friday and Saturday evening. The staff and landlords are frequently praised across travel forums for keeping the bar open past midnight to welcome back guests returning from late concerts.
Dining & Drink: The kitchen prides itself on serving "good honest grub". The menu highlights hearty, home-cooked British classics, legendary fresh hand-cut chips, and a highly popular Sunday roast dinner. To accompany your meal, the bar dispenses an excellent selection of traditional real cask ales, draught lagers like Moretti, cocktails, and wines.
Local Information & Attractions
One of the Ivanhoe's greatest selling points is its exceptional location, making it effortless to explore Scarborough without needing to move your vehicle.
Public Transport: A regular local bus stop sits directly outside the hotel doors, delivering you straight into the main Scarborough town shopping centre within minutes.
Walking Distance: A leisurely 5 to 15-minute amble down the road brings you directly to the North Bay beachfront, the coastal promenade, and the Sea Life Scarborough aquarium.
Entertainment & Parks: The famous Scarborough Open Air Theatre—a major hub for live summer concerts—is only a 10 to 15-minute walk away. The beautiful, oriental-themed Peasholm Park is also within an easy 20-minute walk, where you can explore walking trails or catch seasonal lake displays.
