1. Yorkshire
  2. North Yorkshire
  3. Scarborough

Rotunda Museum

Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Ages 2+
Museums and Art GalleriesIndoor

About Rotunda Museum

Step into the history of Scarborough at the Rotunda Museum.

Spread over two floors, this museum opened in 1829 and was one of the first purpose built museums in the world. It takes you for a walk through history, starting around 65 million years ago!

The Star Carr is a display of artefacts from from a Mesolithic site, which is regarded as one of the most important sites of its kind in Great Britain. Every room in the museum features a fun and educational surprise that’ll keep you entertained on the rainiest of days!  

Small, but perfectly formed museum!

Different exhibitions and displays through the year Rotunda geology group Educational activities

Discover geological treasures from the Yorkshire Coast

Opened in 1829, the Rotunda Museum is one of the world’s first purpose-built museums and was built to a design suggested by William Smith. Learn about the fascinating history of the Yorkshire Coast and get up close to fossils, rocks and other geological wonders.

See 11,000 year old artefacts from Stone Age Star Carr and learn about the history of the museum through an array of objects displayed in the original cases in the upper galleries.

One of the world’s first purpose-built museums

A beautiful and unique museum, located right on the wonderful Yorkshire coast with a great view of the sea!

A museum full of fossils and other geological wonders

Opened in 1829, the Rotunda Museum is one of the world’s first purpose-built museums and was built to a design suggested by William Smith. Learn about the fascinating history of the Yorkshire Coast and get up close to fossils, rocks and other geological wonders.

See 11,000 year old artefacts from Stone Age Star Carr and learn about the history of the museum through an array of objects displayed in the original cases in the upper galleries.

Tick Icon

Facilities

  • Toilets iconToilets
  • Gift Shop iconGift Shop
  • Wheelchair Friendly iconWheelchair Friendly
  • Dog Friendly iconDog Friendly
  • Pushchair Friendly iconPushchair Friendly
  • Card Payments Accepted iconCard Payments Accepted
Timer Icon

Opening Times

Regular Times
  • Monday, Closed
  • Tuesday, 11:00 - 16:00
  • Wednesday, 11:00 - 16:00
  • Thursday, 11:00 - 16:00
  • Friday, 11:00 - 16:00
  • Saturday, 11:00 - 16:00
  • Sunday, Closed
Ticket Icon

Pricing & Tickets

General Admission
  • Adult (18+-18+) : £5.00

General Admission
Adults: £5.00
Under 18's: Free

Book in advance for cheapest tickets

Find other attractions similar to Rotunda Museum by visiting our attraction tickets section.

Timer Icon

Plan Your Visit

Stopwatch IconTypical visit time 1 - 2 hours

Tick IconSuitable for Kids and Adults too

Question Mark Icon

FAQs

Parking Icon

Parking

Toilets Icon

Toilets

Family Icon

Family Friendly Options

Food & Drink

Accessibility Icon

Accessibility Information

Ticket Icon

Tickets & Bookings

Party Icon

Private Hire & Birthday Parties

Transport Icon

Public Transport

Pin Icon

Contact Details

Rotunda Museum
Vernon Road
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO11 2PS
England

Tel: 01723 353665

Visit Website
Pin Icon

Transport Information

By train

Scarborough railway station is a 15 minute walk away. This is a step free station. Taxis are available at the station.

Tick Icon

Verification & Last Updated

Verified Status:Verified

This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.

Last Updated: 10:00 30/10/2024

Rotunda Museum Reviews

Recent blog posts

Things To Do in the Trafford Centre, Manchester this Summer! - Image
HarleenJuly 10, 2025
Things To Do in the Trafford Centre, Manchester this Summer!

Food Festivals, Dinosaurs, Sing alongs, Fun fairs and more. Here’s everything you can do at the Trafford Centre this summer!

Events Near You
Things To Do
WIN the ULTIMATE Summer Day Out at Cockfields Farm Park for 2 FAMILIES - Image
Sophie InglisJuly 16, 2025
WIN the ULTIMATE Summer Day Out at Cockfields Farm Park for 2 FAMILIES

We’re giving 2x LUCKY FAMILIES the chance to win: – Family Tickets (2 adults & 3 children) – Animal feed for the whole gang – £50 gift voucher to spend onsite – Your choice of Alpaca Walking or Donkey Grooming Experience 📲 Click the form below to enter. T&Cs apply. Winner contacted…

Competitions
Things To Do
COMPETITION TIME: WIN the ULTIMATE Day Out at Alton Towers Resort This Summer - Image
Sophie InglisJuly 2, 2025
COMPETITION TIME: WIN the ULTIMATE Day Out at Alton Towers Resort This Summer

COMPETITION TIME: WIN the ULTIMATE day out at Alton Towers Resort this summer! We’re giving ONE lucky family the chance to WIN 4 x Theme Park Tickets AND Free Standard Parking to enjoy a jam-packed summer day of thrills, laughs & unforgettable memories! 📲 Click the form below to enter. T&Cs apply.…

Competitions
Things To Do
COMPETITION TIME: WIN the Ultimate SUMMER Family Day Out at Chester Zoo + Afterglow tickets - Image
Sophie InglisJuly 8, 2025
COMPETITION TIME: WIN the Ultimate SUMMER Family Day Out at Chester Zoo + Afterglow tickets

☀️🐘 WIN the Ultimate SUMMER Family Day Out at Chester Zoo + Afterglow tickets! 🐘✨   We’re giving ONE lucky family the chance to experience TWO unforgettable adventures at Chester Zoo this summer   🎟️ PRIZE INCLUDES: 🦒 2 x Adult + 2 x Child admission tickets to Chester Zoo 🌅 2…

Competitions
Things To Do
COMPETITION TIME: Win A Family Day Out, Adventure Golf and FREE Parking at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort - Image
Sophie InglisJuly 2, 2025
COMPETITION TIME: Win A Family Day Out, Adventure Golf and FREE Parking at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

LEGO® FANS: WIN the ULTIMATE LEGOLAND® Day Out! 🏆🎢   🤩 We’re giving away day tickets for a family of 4, FREE Adventure Golf & FREE parking for the day   📲 Click the form below to enter. T&Cs apply. Winner contacted BY EMAIL ONLY once the competition has ended on 21st…

Competitions
Things To Do
COMPETITION TIME: Win a magical overnight family stay in Alnwick + tickets to Alnwick Castle! - Image
Sophie InglisMay 28, 2025
COMPETITION TIME: Win a magical overnight family stay in Alnwick + tickets to Alnwick Castle!

🏰✨ COMPETITION TIME: Win a magical overnight family stay in Alnwick + tickets to Alnwick Castle! ✨🏰 😍 We’ve teamed up with Alnwick Castle to give one lucky family an overnight stay at the brand-new Bailiffgate Hotel AND a day of adventure at the iconic Alnwick Castle. 📲 Click the form below to…

Competitions
Things To Do
Chester Zoo Competition: WIN a Family day out to Chester Zoo + £100 voucher! - Image
Sophie InglisMay 12, 2025
Chester Zoo Competition: WIN a Family day out to Chester Zoo + £100 voucher!

🦒😲 COMPETITION TIME: WIN a family day out to Chester Zoo PLUS £100 voucher to spend! 😲🦒 😆 We’ve teamed up with Chester Zoo to offer one lucky family the chance to win a family ticket (4 people) PLUS £100 voucher to spend on food, drinks and shopping at the Zoo 📲 Click…

Competitions
Things To Do
Trentham Monkey Forest Competition: WIN a Family Pass to visit Trentham Monkey Forest! - Image
Sophie InglisMay 12, 2025
Trentham Monkey Forest Competition: WIN a Family Pass to visit Trentham Monkey Forest!

🌳🐒 GIVEAWAY TIME! WIN a family trip to walk with free roaming monkeys!🐒🌳 🐒 We’ve partnered with Trentham Money Forest to give away 5x family passes (4 people per pass) for a fun filled day walking with the monkeys. 📆 The winner will be announced on 26th May 2025 and the winner will…

Competitions
Things To Do