Mr Marvels & Atlantis Water Park - Scarborough North Bay 

It's been left like that unused and derelict because for some reason Scarborough Borough Council seem bound and determined to turn Scarborough into some kind of ghost town. Which is why they demolished the futurist theatre, planned a multi plex cinema for the north bay, then decided to have it near the market and stopped renewing the shops leases. Then once they had more or less emptied the block changed their minds back to the north bay and are now talking about having it in the brunswick centre in the old Debnaham's unit. But we are all expecting that to fall through by next year and them to go back to north bay or somewhere else, all the time nothing is actually being built, just lots of money being spent on proposals, and meetings etc. Not to mentions the thousands being spent on the new cycle path along the A64 that very few people use, and the stealth speed restrictions being put in at the same time, making getting to Scarborough even more of a nightmare than it already is because all the speeding up and slowing down is just causing the traffic to become more congested. Scarborough has the potential to because the UK's best seaside attraction but it needs a good road to get here on, i.e a dual carriageway all the way from the York ring road, and for the Council to put in new attractions instead of closing down the old ones and talking about doing stuff.

The drone footage gives us a greater idea of just how vast this area is and how so much could/should be done to rejuvenate the area. As a kid in the 60s/70s Scarborough, and Whitby, were the 'go to' seaside destinations, as far removed from Middlesbrough as you could get, not geographically of course, but just in terms of removing yourself from the humdrum existence of everyday life. A week was never enough. I remember after one particularly enjoyable holiday there when I was 14 I just got it into my head I was going to live there and get a job, lol. So on the Monday morning after we'd returned home and after Dad had left for work at 6 a.m. I took the suitcase I'd packed the night before, sneaked out of the house and got on the coach to Scarborough from M/Boro bus station. A sea-front ice-cream parlour had jobs going so I headed there once I arrived. You can tell I'd not thought this through, hahaha. I don't recall the owner's name but I vividly recall he was a huge bloke, of Italian heritage, if memory serves, and the business was very well known. Of course what I didn't factor in was A) My mother was at home, frantic with worry and B) I was only 14! I was back home before Dad got home from work at 6.30 p.m. Had a visit from a very stern police sargeant who gave me a right bollocking, lol. I got a leathering off my Dad too. Aye, the daft stunts we pull as kids when we think we know it all.

I first went to Scarborough in 1970 with my parents when I was 10. I remember the open air pool at the North Bay. I also remember the North Bay Cafe on the corner which had a model railway in it. I went back to Scarborough about 15 years ago while on holiday in York and was very surprised at how much the area had changed. The highlight of that day was once again seeing the Naval battle at Peasholm Park and walking round the tree walk wonderland. Gordon Taylor, Scotland.

I moved with my family as a 10 year old in 1977 from the industrial Midlands Scarborough was so exciting to us and I remember this as Zoo and Marine land and remember swimming in the North Bay pool. I left in 1984 but still visit frequently and am saddened at what has been lost, mostly to neglect and lack of maintenance, to which the council usually uses as a excuse to get rid. They are definitely not interested in the residents of Scarborough. I loved that area and it was so lively and vibrant in the summer, especially Peasholme Park and the tree walk.

my mums last holliday in 1969,iwas only only 7 ,she died of cancer just after.i loved scarborough as a kid but i find it so difficult to watch these fantastic videos withought a tear in my eye,thanks so much for posting.

Went on my first ever holiday to Scarborough in 1986. To a young kid, this area of the town was a magical, endlessly interesting and entertaining place to be. Peasholm Park with the naval battles and the nighttime tree walk, mini golf, Kinderland, the water chute, the miniature railway, Marvels, the swimming pool and slides and obviously the beach. Amazing memories.

This video broke my heart. So many wonderful holidays in Scarborough. Every year throughout my childhood and regular visits since. So much lost 😢

I noticed the water shute, there is a fully operational one at Wickstead Park in Northamptonshire and it's a listed building! I love retro/vintage amusements that have managed to survive! Thanks for sharing all this footage and research.

Born n raised in Scarborough.. Dragged to Scotland when a was 8.. Breaks ma heart ta see it like that.. Spent every summer down in the shales plyed up there.. Sneekin inta marine land through the fence.. Great days ❤️

2008 hit hard, I remember reading. Scarborough is still playing catch up.

Loved Scarbrough always went as a child, so sad to see the demise, I remember in 1967 going to see " the student prince" at the open air theatre, it was a wonderful experience for a child, magical! So sad it's been left to rack and ruin!😔

love this, Im from Scarborough and remember going to zoo and marine land, mr marvels and waterscene. It's a disgrace that it's all been left in that state and with promise after promise of what is supposed to come. You've captured some really beautiful shots of Scarborough

My grandparents, now long since departed, lived in Hull. Back in the mid '80s, we would sometimes go up to Scarborough on a day out when we visited them. I never went into the water park by I do remember peering through the turnstile and seeing this amazing scene of slides, pools and people having a lot of fun !

My parents used to take me on weekends away to Scarborough from Teesside, we used to love the outdoor pool and amusement park. Now I wouldn't visit more than a day as there isn't much there now, it's really sad how much it's been left, I didn't realise it was coming up 20 years since it was shut down!

I can remember the swimming pool and the railway but didn't know about Mr Marvels, so interesting to watch. I love the humorous asides and personal memories in your videos which make them more entertaining.

Another great video - and I remember going to the Marinepark and seeing the dolphins (in a very small pool) - and a walking bear on a lead. There used to be life size dinosaur sculptures and volcanoes. The waterpark was also amazing for its time and I recall other kids being really jealous when I told them about it when I got back to school. Kinderland was also pretty amazing and worth checking out and was located in the area beside waterflume. So sad to see it so neglected now when it has such potential.

Great video,you are completely right about how sad it is how it's been just left.Brought back great memories of the water park it was so popular.

I was in this area yesterday on a nostalgia trip with my Grandaughter. I'm filled with strong emotions as I recollect my long lost dim and distant child hood. I'm now 67, my Grandaughter 22 and my parents used to bring me every year for a holiday from the late 1950s until about 1967. We were looking for Northstead and the street where we used to stay. Peasholm Park is still beautiful. The area where the water park was and the corner cafe is a disgrace and a major disappointment.

I got married in Scarborough and my wife and I along with some of the wedding party spent the day after in the pool, the water slides being a real novelty

Brilliantly revealing video, with drones it's no longer possible to hide dreadful sites like these behind high fences, as a North Yorkshire resident I am ashamed at the poor management by Scarborough Council. An open park with little development would be best, but if redevelopment is needed, then get it done. How is the 'Futurist' site coming along?

What a waste of such a beautiful place, great video thank you for this appreciate your work 👍❤️

I remember visiting Mr. Marvels in the 1980's with my family on holiday, I still have a photo of me as a little boy stood near one of the dinosaurs that used to stand on the site. I remember that it rained all day and we got soaked.

Gentle and whimsical tour 🙂 Tim Hunkin/Rex Garrod (RIP) - Vibe….. and all the better for it…. As a southern dwelling, Northern born (Sunderland) boy….. the North is my home, Scarborough a regular over the last 30 or so years of marriage…. Anything that raises the profile is positive….. your drone work is superb, use of archive footage and quirky score is a bonus…. Subscribed 🙂🇬🇧

I cant tell u how many times ive been on those chairlifts , always in motion, the thrill of the slight bounce as u get on and then up and away as you pull up over the trees and bushes, the machinery and shelter, really takes me back nice job !

I had many happy family holidays in Scarborough in the 70s. I came here because I lost my Dad this year. Mum died five years ago. There have been many memories stirred as we sort out the house. Scarborough will always have place in my heart and memory. It pains me to see how the town has suffered. Having moved south I have not been back since the late 90s. So many of the places I remember have been closed and/or demolished. The Cafe at North Bay Sands was the place for Knickerbocker Glories and Ice Cream Floats. Marineland was always a treat as was the Railway to Scalby Mills. Peasholm Park and the Naval Battle was always on the list. I really hope that the town starts to get the investment that appears to have been so sadly lacking. Perhaps one of the long term effects of COVID will be a revival for our seaside towns. I wish Scarborough well. The town deserves better.

Happy memories of holidays in the 70s and 80s,shame a lot has gone.

The thing I remember about my 1st visit as a kid was the model ships battles

Very fond memories of days spent at the outdoor swimming pool whilst on holidays in Scarborough 😃

I remember Marineland very well, and went on the chairlift many times!

I remember back in the 1950/60s walking the Marine esplanade to the park to watch the Naval battle and go for a ride on the miniature railway. Marine esplanade on stormy days was a challenge.

Interesting piece. Came across this purely by accident. I know a customer of mine who lives in that new block by the sea, so glad to find out the history of the place. Also, if anyone's interested, have a look on Google Maps street view and move the little yellow man, and you can go slide back in time to 2008, and still see the water park slides, and then you can move forward in time, and see who the whole site degrades to what it is today.

Great memories of peasholme park walking round there with my grandparents, they lived just up the road from it, loved kinderland too that was great. Unfortunately for Scarborough the Zenith project as it was known by never really took off, the council need and should get there fingers out and use the sites to bring back some decent open space for the loacals and tourists Scarborough needs it desperately.

The open air theatre just goes to show what can be achieved with a bit of love and a lot of vision. Derelict years ago, and now a great attraction. If only the same love and vision could be shown to other areas!

Although I am not Scarborough born, it is my chosen home. Locals have said that the council wouldn’t renew the license for kinder land, so it had to close. The cinema due on the old outside pool has been promised, for several years, but recently they have removed the boards advertising this info from the site. Personally I enjoy the old fashioned Hollywood plaza and think the new cinema would make the family run business struggle. Scarborough lacks in door, bad weather facilities. So it would make sense to offer some in door facilities. Enjoying your videos, please keep them coming.

I go to Scarby every month for walking. Peashome Park is my base and I walk for miles trying to miss out the candy floss area. But for walking it’s lovely. I could happily live there.

My strongest childhood memories of Scarborough are of the dolphins and fibreglass volcano/dinosaurs in Marineland; the naval battles in Peaseholm Park; It’s a Knockout at the open air theatre; a joke shop in the town centre; and seeing summer shows like The Krankies at the Floral Hall. And, that film clip of Water Scene unearthed a forgotten memory of nearly drowning there! Must have been 1984. Scarborough had it all. Sad to see the council failed to invest and keep it the best holiday venue in the UK. Still, your video has inspired a trip, we’ll definitely come visit next summer.

The big slide at scalby is what sticks in my memory. It was massive. . . .when you about 5 years old.

I remember back in the day up Marvels climbing all over the fiberglass Dinosaurs they had I loved it. I also liked going to see the Monkeys and Birds in the averies etc around Peasholm Park.

Best bit WTF moment. Nice editing! Really though such a shame for Scarborough...good that you’ve highlighted it!

Many childhood memories of the water park! Was the highlight of our Sumer holidays as kids

Thank you. We went in the cable car and back on thd train. No sealife back then in 70's. The dinosaurs were great. They used to have its a knockout on the exhibition lake if I remember.

As a kid Scarborough was my favourite destination for day trips on the train with Mum. My favourite area was what I called Peabone park so I was wondering why I didn't remember Mr. Marvels? Ahh, opened in 1984, my visits as a kid were in the mid to late 60's. Nice memories, thanks.

Totally agree its a beautiful spot...a nature reserve would be a brilliant outdoor space and should be open fir all to enjoy...the views alone are stunning

We made it our skate park and built that ledge you walked past before it got smashed to bit. Defo needs to be use. Was a class place.

my friend spent a whole summer cleaning and tidying up mr marvels

Great video. I was born in Scarborough but left aged 10 in 1979. I used to swim in the North and South Bay swimming pools which were brilliant for the local kids and holiday makers alike. I never saw the later changes to the amusement park but I loved the pools as they were in the 70s. Peasholm Park, seafront amusements and the cinema were all go-to places as I grew up. I missed all of that terribly when I moved away. Great memories so thanks for making this.

I loved kinderland when I was kid. Scarborough is my happy place

I remember marvels as a child the old and the new .the chairlifts were great fun ,i remember when they were first installed and having to wait ages to to go on them, I also remember going to the open air swimming pool for many years when on holiday in August.I didn't go when it was changed to water scene .spent holidays in 70s and 80s even even 90s ,its a shame alot of this attractions have gone and looking at the footage they were great forms of entertainment in its day and it's frustrating knowing nothing has been done since closure what a waste 😢

Don't expect anything from Scarborough council they are hopeless i mean look how long it took them to repair the pier in Whitby oh and don't forget the the futurist theatre.

I remember Marineland really well from holidays in Scarborough in the 70’s. Not very pc these days but performing dolphins, macaws on roller skates. Still got the photos somewhere. Remember the chairlift and spent many a day in the swimming pool too. Such a shame to see it now 😥

Didn't realise there was quite so much hidden back there, thanks for showing us. As for the proposed cinema complex, well that's not going to happen so long as one particular councillor remains, which is a shame. Thanks for taking time to put this out.

I often walk through manor road cemetery and into peasholm park, quite a lovely walk.

I grew up in Scarborough. I never went to Mr Marvel's but thanks to the Evening News, I spent many a fun day at Kinderland at the beginning and end of of the summer seasons.

I go a long way back with my holidays in Scarborough, 1950's and 60's . No waterpark then, but just the wonderful outdoor swimming pool, loved it. We went to the old outdoor theatre with great musicals of their time like Carousel and Riverboat.

I was there on holiday when it was SZ&M. "Captain Steve" (Walton) was the dolphin trainer (RIP). Flipper and Jenkie were the dolphins. Not sure I'd approve of captive dolphin shows now, but back in childhood it was fun.

This is such a blast from the past love it . As a kid my folks took me every year to Filey in our Caravan . So went to Scarborough quite a bit . Kinderland and Mr marvels I remember it being such a treat . Shame about it looking like that now so much could be done but no money to do it . Brilliant vid

Hi Andrew, love your videos of Yorkshire & the north east. 9 of us are coming for a walking weekend to Scarborough on Friday & your tours will be the highlight .. we’ll be spending plenty of tourist money too. Your videos have done that, congratulations 🎉👍👏👏

Great video. I've been coming to Scarborough annually for nearly 70 years. I believe the cable chair lift closed after people were thrown out at the Scalby Mills and and sadly died. This starting the closure of the theme park. The open air theatre in the sixties was the best with proper shows musicals on regularly and fireworks on a weekend. The queues were 6 deep and went from the entrance, past the Corner Cafe and found the Corner past the Waffle shop and toilets. Great days

I am a new subscriber and have been watching your vlogs of Scarborough when our kids were little we went to Mr Marvels and the Peasholme Park fairy walk we have loads of photos of Mr Marvels xxx

Remember both the marine park and Mr Marvels. Many a weeks holiday with the parents as a kid in Scarbados. Still love coming over from Leeds on a day out. It's by time they developed the old sites. Pretty sure they could do something to bring in more folk.

I remember going down that Water Shoot many times, but I couldn't remember where it was. Very simple but great fun for an 8yr old. I will have to try and find the photo of me and cousins and post it.

Wow, pure nostalgia! As a kid most of my summer holidays were spent in Atlantis and Mr. Marvels, but what a state they have been in for so long. Scarborough Council has a lot to answer for.

Excellent videos. While a student we used torun Kids Camps staying in Hinderwell and having days out to Scarborough, where we'd visit Waterscene and Kinderland, they loved it. Also we'd spend days at Lightwater Valley, Flamingo Land, N York Moors railway, Middlesboro ice skating, swimming, North Bay, Robin Hood's Bay, etc etc. Fun times for the students, and hopefully the kids too. Helped inspire me to become a teacher anyway.

Highly recommend Hotel Ellenby on the North bay for anybody visiting Scarborough. Wonderful B&B with gorgeous sea views

Another nice flog. That old Atlantis site planning has been a massive balls up. Big ideas and nothing. I mean I like your idea of just level it out and turn it into some sort of field where you can sunbathe and picnic.

I'm on the north bay train right now !

I remember spending every night in the waterpark whilst on a school cricket tour in 1988, fantastic memories

I lived in Scarborough from about the age of 18 to 22/23. I'm now 39. I love watching videos of Scarborough, but quite a bit of the disrepair is very upsetting. I'll try to visit again this year, to see it at least once more before it completely rots.

Brilliant video! I also visited Mr Marvels and used the chair lifts What a shame I also think the site could be redeveloped and the chair lifts put back Come on Scarborough You deserve better

This video was amazing MY husbands mother was born in Ravenscar a short distance from Scarborough He took me here when we first met ten years ago and i fell in love with the place He told me all about peasholm park the tree walk and all the memories he had going there with his mum and family in the 60S and 70s and how it used to look Seeing this video the photos and reading peoples comments have brought to life all that he has told me He is right it must off been a lovely place to visit So sad that all the childhood memories have gone Thanks again for this video i cant wait to show my husband he will love it

I'm sure that my parents will have plenty of photos from family holidays to Scarborough in the '80s/'90s. I had an uncle who worked at Mr Marvel's (we didn't know he was living in Scarborough at the time so 'twas a surprise encounter that summer ^.^) and fondly remember the dinosaur park up there.

I'm from Teesside and spent lots of time in Scarborough with my parents in the 70's, Remember it's a knockout where the open air theatre is now, there was a Dinosaur Park before Mr Marvels was built & a Waffle shop on the front near the beach, brilliant memories, you could spend all day at the North end of the town without ever needing to go to the Castle side. Love your video's, keep up the good work.

I remember it as the marineland and zoo in the 60s and early 70s. Loved it. Such a shame to see it as it is now. 😔

I loved the old open air baths spent many happy hours there usually followed by a mug of horlics

I remember the dolphines and the dinasours as you walked back downto the sea. The water park i spent all day in there

My parents used to take us to Scarborough in the 60’s and 70’s , by the late 70’s I got to tow the caravan down and we always stayed at Scalby Manor caravan park . I remember going to Peasholm Park and watching the naval battles being enacted , going to Sea World and riding on the miniature railway , which had a miniature Flying Scotsman . There was also a nice coastal walk along cliff tops . Don’t remember the other places but it was 50 and 60 years ago and I was only in my teens then

I really love the colouristically varied trees and shrubbery. It would make such a gorgeous park

Have some happy memories of there and kinderland that was next to Mr marvel’s

The wierdest thing I ever saw was in 79, they had a cabin full of Ugly Bobs Taxidermy!, he sewed like a pheasants front to a rabbits behind,the animals all had a surprised look.There was a kiddies zoo, dolphins, an underwater exhibit,chairlift ,& a show where aguy had captured a wild animal in front of a dark cage that was growling & rattling, the door kicked open & in front of a screaming crowd a guy in amonkey suit leapt out.Encouraging folk up the slope from the mini rail was Rupert Bear, who my dad noted had high heels!

I remember that chairlift. I also remember the water park, which frankly never appealed given the weather in Scarborough… it was rarely warm enough to enjoy! And, nice to see a clip of former Hull City chairman Don Robinson in his day job 😃

I remember going to Scarborough many times as a kid I lived not far away about 1/2 in the car and we stayed at the st Nicholas hotel one time, a static caravan and b&b sometimes we’d just go for the day It’s such a shame lots of historic sites and fun places in Scarborough have gone

Great video, remember marine land well. Was in Scarborough about 5 years ago and done the same Marvel Park walk. Very sad, investment with stay cations now more popular would be good for the area. Wonderful family memories.

You are right, it's very sad to see both sites so neglected

Oh my goodness I used to go to Mr marvels and remember the chair lifts oh the memories 😀❤️

Don Robinson still lives in Scarborough. He had vision and brought much to the town. Unfortunately there seems to few if any men of vision left. As someone else commented there's been so much lost. The Corner Cafe ( now the Sands apartments) was a great all weather family entertainment centre, The Futurist theatre recently demolished at the cost of £4 million i believe. Now its a concrete pad . A prime site that should be providing all weather entertainment on the South Bay. The swimming pool you mentioned was supposed to be developed as a multi screen cinema but we still wait. The site of Mr Marvels is unlikely to be a green space. It's supposed to be developed with holiday chalets by the same people who have failed to deliver the cinema. By the way, someone in the comments asked if anyone remembered the prehistoric park. I'm old enough to do so. ( but not quite an old fossil yet) I remember the large fibreglass dinosaurs, believe there heads moved and they roared. A precursor to Jurassic Park.

Fantastic thanks for explaining all in great detail thoroughly enjoyed

another great video. I worked at Mr marvels in 1990 and 91. worked on many of the rides in the park but my main job was working on the chairlift down near the beach. best job I have ever done. lots of memories and stories of my time there.

The water chute for a young man in the 1970's, sponsored by his Grandfathers coin was amazing - more so seeing him wet. :) Remember this was before the fast modern rides that we now take for granted. I do recall an "Its a Knockout" episode appearing here during the mid 70's. I remember the longest water chute of its day - unfortunately being in America, or Australia the weather tends to go with it, whereas the loving North Yorkshire weather can be less predictable. I remember the Dolphins and Marineland - it was the closest I have still ever been to a Dolphin, but I must confess being left disturbed that these beautiful creatures could be left in small pools that were not big enough for them. So I find it less surprising that it ended up closed. It is shocking to see the land in this state, it was always packed out in the summers I passed through - and given the large queues of traffic around York when I travel to Whitby, I had (sadly I admit) assumed that Scarborough continued to thrive and survive. I am disappointed to find that not the case. My hope is that they manage to drive new ideas, plans and opportunities for this land - it is so sad to see it this way, and I hope they find some useful alternatives to make good use of it. Just realised - I have written too much here - I probably spent a few too many hours on this piece of Scarborough during my childhood, and not enough in my Adulthood.

I remember going on holiday in Scarborough 1965 to 1969. How brilliant it was. The wonderful Corner Cafe and open air swimming pool next door. Not all changes are for the better. Thanks for your video.

I can't believe they ever closed the water park! If you ask me, they need another one :)

After many fantastic family holidays through the 80s I brought my wife and 10yr old son. Told them about the huge pirate ship hispaniola on the mere, The outdoor water park, the dinosaurs and theme park, cable car, peasholm Park nursery rhyme walk on the island, naval battles, Its a Knockout being filmed, narrow guage railway and watersplash ride. Almost all gone, peasholm Island closed and bare, no model harbours or anything, Waterpark gone, cable car, theme park gone, railway still there, water splash there but looks derelict. Final kick in the gut was seeing the giant hispaniola in the harbour as a small replica much to the hilarity of my wife and son. "guess things always seem bigger when you're a kid". I remember the pirate adventure to dig for treasure.

Brings back fond childhood holiday memories in Scarborough. Actually being older can really appreciate how beautiful the area is, make me want to visit again. Well produced video btw, great editing etc

Fantastic video. Sadly Scarborough is ran by councillors that have no idea to run a resort. Nearly 20 years have passed since the demolition of mr marvels, Atlantis and not forgetting the amazing kinderland. The planned cinema has now fallen through.

I used to work at Mr Marvels on the fairground stalls in the late 90s. Also went as a child to zoo & marine land. Love the cable cars. Wish they would bring them back

Great video. It’s always sad to see a “then and now” with the happy faces enjoying themselves. It’s like an entertainment graveyard. I’m from Leeds and remember a lot of how it was from visits in the 70’s. You do have to question the viability of the outdoor water park though, given the weather in the UK. I do agree with you that I’m surprised it has been left like this for so long.

The music sets the scene for me. How Britain has changed I’d love to time travel back to when surveys said Britain was at its happiest. Any guesses? Summer of 1976 not 69 as Bryan said.

Thanks so much for this video, Andrew ! This whole area is just opposite where my parents retired in 1983 and I used to often walk around it whilst visiting them until they had both passed away by 2000. I remember Scarborough often going downhill in the 1990s with the excuse being that seaside resorts could no longer compete with package holidays abroad. I was therefore more than pleasantly surprised when much of Scarborough seemed to get a face-lift in the mid-2010s. However, having lived all my adult life in Germany and Austria, I can´t help thinking that British businesses and councils are often far too profit-oriented and far too little community concscious. It´s such a pity as I remember our two holidays in Scarborough in 1968 and 1973 as being simply wonderful. So much for Progress.

An excellent video. Very atmospheric. I love watching videos of abandoned areas whether this type of thing, airfields, railways etc. I like the old footage of what the site used to look like. Well done.

Another super video. God bless Don Robinson, his ideas were way ahead of time and he brought some of the to Hull City as chairman. I went to Atlantis a few times. The rapids with their blue tubed rings and 70 degree drops used to shred the skin off your legs. The water was blooming cold too. Happy days.

I used to love the water chute in Peasholme park as a small child in the early 1960s. And the miniature train of course.