The Scarborough Fair Collection

The Scarborough Fair Collection

The Scarborough Fair Collection
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Scarborough Fair Collection hosts a magnificent working collection of Vintage Cars, Steam Engines, Vintage Fairground Rides and Mechanical Organs topped off with a 2 'Mighty' Wurlitzer Organs in our spacious ballroom. We host tea dances every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon with Michael Carr playing the "Mighty" Wurlitzer for you to dance along to.
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  • Sheila N
    Torquay, United Kingdom26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great attraction for all ages
    We so enjoyed our visit to this attraction, loved seeing the classic vehicles, enjoyed the fairground rides and so lovely to see such a large age range of people from children to our age as seniors having such fun. Wished we lived closer to take our grandchildren, they would love it and a real nostalgia fest for us. Everywhere clean and tidy, very good sandwiches and cake in the cafe, staff friendly and welcoming, great admission price.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 14, 2023
  • Shaun P
    Norwich, United Kingdom73 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful attraction
    Decided to do something inside as weather not great. Surprised by how big the museum was. The collection includes fairground rides, mechanical organs, vintage cars, vans, steam engines, motorbikes and tractors. You can go on some of the rides for a small extra charge, and some of the mechanical organs are playing during the day. The café is large, the same area has a ballroom and Wurlitzer organ, this was also played during our visit. Coffee and cake were good.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 31, 2023
  • mamandladontour
    Derbyshire, United Kingdom44 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    All the fun of the fair
    Visited on a wet day in half term having never heard of the place before! Spent an hour and would have loved to stay in the warm tea rooms if we weren't heading elsewhere afterwards. We enjoyed the mirrors, carousel, penny arcade, scale models and the dodgems. I hadn't realised it cost extra to go on the rides (make sure you take ÂŁ coins) and after the carousel being on the hour, there is an announcement to say which rides are going to be on next.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 5, 2023
  • Des C
    83 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A little find of a gem.
    What an absolutely lovely find. We visited here recently on a Ogdens mystery coach trip. We didn't know where we were going until we arrived in the car park. This place is amazing and took us back to our childhoods, we are in out seventies! Even has a go on the rides and on the Ghost Train. Its a marvellous museum and I have no doubt in highly recommending it for a visit.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 25, 2024
  • Buttercup
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful Day Out!
    Absolutely fantastic day out with our grandchildren! All staff & volunteers friendly, this is such a fabulous place to visit, cannot put it into words! We have been staying in Filey for years and never came across this place until now. We will be going back. Try it, you will not be disappointed!
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 27, 2024
  • dei12018
    Shropshire, United Kingdom42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good Family day out - indoors
    Had a great family afternoon here. The vintage car and bike collection is well worth a look. The vintage fairground rides were a real treat, open one at a time so no rushing around. Lovely cafe and tea dance was going on while we were there with the original Wurlitzer. All indoors as well
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 4, 2024
  • WakefieldMadHatter
    168 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place took me back to my childhood.
    I went with my husband , thinking we were just going to a museum, I hadn't realised that you could actually go on the rides, for a pound a ride. I had a great time and even persuaded my husband to come on the ghost train and the dodgems. You can buy a bag of old pennies to play the old machines as well. I'll be back for another go...thank you for making me so happy.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 22, 2024
  • Lucy R
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    10/10 Experience!
    Absolutely amazing visit! So interesting and an added bonus that you can go on some of the old rides! The staff were so friendly and welcoming! We would definitely come again in years to come! 10/10 experience to remember as a family! Our daughter who’s 17 months absolutely loved as there was so much for her to look at! The cafe was also lovely and the staff too! Lovely cafe in the ballroom with music accompanying our food! What more could you want!
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written May 1, 2024
  • Roberta M
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tip down memory lane.
    Staffed by pleasant and helpful people, this visit was a real treat. A great blast from the past. We visited on a Friday so there was a coffee dance taking place in the ballroom. We sat and listened to the Wurlitzer. The afternoon delivered a real treat. The various organs were played by a volunteer whose enthusiam shone through. We spent quite a while talking to him as he played the various organs. As there were not too many visitors he asked us which particular organs we would like to hear and it was like having our own personal concert. The collection also houses several working fairground rides to enjoy. The amusement arcade machines all still work but you need to get your 'pennies' from the admission desk. The perfect setting for 'recycled teenagers'
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 26, 2024
  • Sandra W
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Old fairground rides cars tractors motor bikes and organs
    Another attraction on our list of going to go, we went today 29 5 24 When we went in we thought its not what we thought it was going to be, but after a reasonable entry fee first place was the cafe and toilets where there is a TV set up with info. First off there wasn't anything, no music we were expecting loud organs and fairground ride music. After 15 mins music and people began to que for the first ride. After a while we found out how it works. Its run by volunteers and ALL rides are supervised. They run one ride at a time costing a very fair price of ÂŁ1 a ride. They announce which ride is next so everyone heads to que. Adults and children all same price. They have a great collection of old cars motor bikes tractors lovely restored gypsy caravan, cycles and old fairground rides. We had a lovely afternoon and pleased we went
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written May 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles961 reviews
Excellent
723
Very good
157
Average
56
Poor
16
Terrible
9

sparkle
South Yorkshire, UK35 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
As a family of 6 this was a mixed experience. We saw it on the TV programme and thought that it would mean the kids would get more out of the experience as some interaction with the rides - but whilst we understand that its run with volunteers and have overheads we thought that the rides additionally on top made it overpriced (we paid 35 to enter) (the pennies to play on the slots are ÂŁ1 a bag of 10 as well), with three children it made for an expensive time then paying ÂŁ1 a ride each. Perhaps if you were given a token for one ride on the steam horses per party member it would have been something to make it feel more cost appropriate. We embraced it and said the kids could go on but then we had an upset 4 year old too as she wanted to ride on the smaller rides like the little cars but they were not running whilst the bumper cars and thriller were not for her. The cafe staff were working hard and pleasant but the cost for the quality of the food was not great. It was 40 pounds for 5 cakes, one bag of quavers, 4 teas and a hot chocolate. The cakes were ok but but not worthy of the 3.80 a slice cost - we were at least given some cream as the server said they can be dry. So for over 100 pounds spent - for 2 hours it was not one we will rush back to. It is an impressive collection but not sure we would recommend it to families at just under 100 total for the day. Shame as good for kids to see the history but probably won't be back.
Written April 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

2261
Hooton Roberts, UK17 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Family
We paid a visit when staying on a near by campsite and because we had seen the museum on look north…waste of time and money!!!
£25 for a family of 4 to enter..fair enough but then when you get inside on maybe 3 rides are open due to Covid and you have to pay to use the rides….after paying £25 to enter 5 mins before.
The cafe was nice but basic sandwiches very over priced cost ÂŁ35 for 4 sandwiches 4 drinks 4 cakes.
Basically cost ÂŁ60 for 30 minutes of disappointment.
I understand that the people running it are probably doing it for the love of old rides and enjoy what they do but I think we should have been made aware that ride had
To be paid for again and there was only
3 available.
Definitely not worth a revisit.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thank you for your feedback. We feel our pricing is very fair when compared to similar attractions in the area and provides a great day out for families at a sensible price point, many of our previous reviewers agree with this too. The small charge for the rides helps pay for the maintenance and running of the rides, some of which are close to 100 years old and very specific skilled people are needed to do this work. We could increase the entry price and not charge for the rides, but this wouldn't be fair to those who didn't want to ride and only wanted to enjoy the museum.
Written August 2, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MrsP
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Family
Unfortunately we won’t be back. We paid £24 to get in with one adult, my disabled father and two young children plus £1 per ride and £2 for two bags of pennies. A few of the machines just swallowed the pennies too so the children were a little upset over that (yes I know they’re over 100 years old but there were machines with out of order signs on them and these ones didn’t have them)

On top of this, the rides were only operating one at a time with a 10 minute break in between the next one which made the children quite frustrated.

We brought our own food (as we always do whenever we have a day trip) and we’re told we couldn’t eat in the museum but weren’t told this extended to the cafe, so we were halfway through our lunch when we were told that we had to stop eating (despite other people eating cakes from the cafe!?) We felt quite singled out and we’re forced to go outside to the picnic area where there weren’t any bins to put your rubbish!

I appreciate that the museum has to pay for the upkeep, but you can really tell that they don’t want your custom unless you spend your money solely with them which is a shame.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Emma423
Bradford, UK2 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Family
This is a nice place with some really interesting items. The reason I have given it a 3 is that it is not great value for money. The cost to get in as a family of 5 was ÂŁ27.50 which is reasonable, however, it does not take long to view the exhibits but it was nice to walk around multiple times. The fairground rides are an additional cost at a ÂŁ1 a ride so this was an additional cost of ÂŁ20.00+ which makes it an expensive couple of hours - as it would be hard to stretch the visit out any further without spending more money!
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rosie R
North Yorkshire, UK36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
Friends suggested we visit the fair collection, which is also a collection of vintage cars, and we were glad that we did. A very interesting collection, full of nostalgia. At set times throughout the day some of the rides are started up (currently ÂŁ1 a ride) for visitors to experience. On certain days throughout the year special things happen. On the day that we visited it was Tea-dance afternoon when an organist came in to play the old Wurlitzer organ. Of course you didn't have to dance, you could sit and enjoy watching the other folk as the cafe tables were open to the ballroom. In my opinion it is a half day outing unless you intend stopping to participate in any special event being organised.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vikinglongboat
Derby, UK167 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
A quirky place to visit and enjoyable for young and old alike. As it is all indoors, this place is ideal to pass a couple of hours on a rainy day. A couple of hours is really all many will need. Some really special bits of kit here well worth seeing and experiencing.

Entrance prices are too high though and when you factor in that the few rides there are in there to ride are ÂŁ1 per person (Ghost Train ÂŁ1 per car that seats 2) extra, it adds up if you have kids. Toilets also at a premium. In the men's there is 1 cubicle which is completely unacceptable.

Gift shop on site which we wanted to make purchases at but there was only one lady on the desk and people were continually arriving to visit so we gave up as we didn't want to queue.

We also didn't use the catering facilities as there were queues and the prices were high.

Plenty of car parking though and no queues!

Overall, it is a fantastic place to visit but the above negatives let it down badly.
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

barry1805
Cleethorpes, UK73 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Couples
We wouldn't have known about this place if it wasn't for watching Jane McDonald's Yorkshire thing on the telly box. So since we were here for the weekend we thought we'd have a look.
It's not far from Filey and is a large collection of vintage cars, motorbikes, tractors, buses, steam tractors and fairground rides and fairground organs etc etc. You can go on some if the rides for an extra fee (of course)!
It's OK for a couple of hours to bimble around and if you really like this sort of thing you'll be extatic as the exhibits are really well presented. It's ÂŁ9 to get in for an adult and I think for this price the rides could be included, but hey they've got overheads I suppose.
There is a cafe, of course selling sandwiches, cakes and drinks at exorbitant prices. We partook in some and I have to say I wouldn't bother with the cake. At ÂŁ3.80 a slice it was as dry as a nuns chuff.
Anyway it's OK if you like this sort of thing, check the website for opening times as its not open every day.
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Linda H
Hebden Bridge, UK62 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
What a wonderful museum. A wealth of vintage vehicles, fairground rides and travelling organs, all in pristine condition. Some of the rides were in operation for a modest fee and the mechanical organs played periodically. The cafe is situated in a ballroom where we were lucky enough to hear a 'theatre organ' being played.
Credit must go to the staff who were all volunteers.
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Debbie W
3 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
We visited on a horrible rainy day and the place was very busy with people sheltering from the dreadful weather . Teenagers enjoyed looking around the old vehicles, they would have liked to have got a closer look but there were lots of don’t touch/climb on signs. Having a mechanically minded 16 year old he was a little disappointed by this. Most of the rides were running and they enjoyed the ones they went on and playing some of the old penny machines. We spent a couple of hours there but this wasn’t enough to look at everything or go on all the rides that were running. Other people have commented on the price but I was happy with the cost - £20 for the three of us plus £6 in total on the rides and £2 for the coins (unspent ones are bought back). In comparison Sealife would have cost £64 entry for the same day & time.
We got cakes & drink at cafe and enjoyed the Wurlitzer being played. The place was tidy and all the staff friendly on what we were told was an incredibly busy day for them. We would definitely revisit if we are ever on holiday in the area again and should definitely have allowed ourselves more than two hours.
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bob_and_carole73
Norfolk, UK168 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
The site is bigger than we expected, with several old fairground rides, and a large collection of vintage cars, buses, fire engines, motor cycles, etc

It also has a nice cafe.

We felt the entrance fee was reasonable, but having to pay extra for the fairground rides could prove a bit too expensive overall for a family.

An enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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