Business Details
Your Ultimate Vintage Experience in Scarborough
Established in the 1980s, Scarborough Fair Collection has grown from a personal passion for vintage machinery into one of Europe's most celebrated private collections of steam engines, fairground rides, and mechanical organs. Our team of dedicated volunteers and experts has meticulously preserved these historical artifacts, ensuring their stories endure for future generations. Located within the scenic Flower of May Holiday Park, we offer immersive educational experiences aligned with the national curriculum, making history accessible and engaging for school groups. Recognised with a Visit England Hidden Gem Award and consistently rated 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, our museum combines entertainment with heritage preservation.We host regular events, including afternoon tea dances and vintage fairs, while maintaining rigorous conservation standards for our vehicles and organs. Our commitment to accessibility ensures all visitors can explore our exhibits freely, reflecting our belief that history should be shared by everyone. With decades of collective expertise, we continue to expand our collection and enhance visitor experiences.
Services
Museum Entry
Vintage Rides
School Trips
Event Hosting
Afternoon Tea
Cafe Facilities
Accessibility Services
Coach Visits
Volunteer Programs
Gift Shop
Highlights and features
- Award-winning museum with TripAdvisor Hall of Fame recognition
- Educational school trips aligned with the national curriculum
- Over 30 years of preserving vintage transport history
- Family-friendly with interactive rides and events
- Hosts unique vintage fairground rides and mechanical organs
What people say
4.5/5 rating
Educational trips
Family-friendly rides
Well-preserved exhibits
Award-winning
Services
Museum Entry
Explore our extensive collection of vintage transport and fairground machinery. Visitors enjoy self-guided tours through halls containing steam engines, mechanical organs, and classic vehicles. The museum provides historical context through informative displays while maintaining operational status for many exhibits. Educational resources enhance visitor understanding of industrial heritage.
Vintage Rides
Experience restored fairground rides including dodgems, gallopers, and a ghost train. These operational attractions offer hands-on interaction with early 20th-century entertainment technology. Safety checks ensure modern standards while preserving original mechanics. Rides operate seasonally with staff supervision.
School Trips
Curriculum-linked visits combine history and engineering education. Students engage with traction engines, vintage vehicles, and mechanical systems through guided workshops. Pre-visit resources and risk assessments support educational objectives. Teachers receive free admission for planning visits.
Event Hosting
Our ballroom with Mighty Wurlitzer Organ hosts themed events and afternoon tea dances. The venue accommodates special occasions with period ambiance. Event packages include museum access and catering options. Regularly features live music and vintage entertainment.
Volunteer Programs
Volunteers contribute to conservation and operation of exhibits. Roles include mechanical restoration, visitor engagement, and event support. Training provided for heritage preservation techniques. Essential for maintaining daily operations and special projects.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am-4pm between April and November. Last admission at 3pm.
Are school trips available?
Yes, we offer curriculum-linked educational visits with specialist resources. Teachers receive free admission for planning visits.
Can visitors ride the exhibits?
Selected fairground rides operate seasonally with safety supervision. Vintage vehicles remain preserved for display.
Is the museum accessible?
Fully accessible with level access throughout. Scooters available and designated parking outside main entrance.
Do you host private events?
Our ballroom with Wurlitzer Organ hosts weddings and themed events. Catering and museum access packages available.
How to reach the museum by public transport?
Take the EYMS Coaster bus to Flower of May drive, then 15-minute walk uphill to the museum entrance.
Videos
Reviews (6)
John Wilson
Oct 14, 2021
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This was our first visit and we were not disappointed, fantastic range of antique cars , lorrys etc.also the chance to see antique fair ground rides which are all working and only a 1 per ride brought back great memories. If you like a dance then you can go to the tea dance where you waltz the day away.
Garry Whitmore Dagdabear
Oct 09, 2021
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Wow amazing place. Great fun for young and old. Very surprised at number of vintage vehicles there. Well worth a visit.
Susan Bishop
Sep 19, 2021
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Wonderful experience. Lovely staff. Good little cafe and brilliant display of machines and vehicles. A must place to go. Went on old fashion fair ground ride.
Michael Rundle
Sep 11, 2021
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What a super place this is, a chance to relieve some precious moments of the past. There's a large range of vintage vehicles which includes cars motorcycles and various commercial vehicles. However the best for me was the vintage fair rides which all are in working order and yes you can have a ride for just a 1 There's also a large collection of traveling organs and there amazing to see in action. If that's not enough to whet you're appetite well there's a lovely cafe and oh yes the staff are all marvelous. What a lovely day out I had and I will be returning
Philip Bartlett Rawlings
Aug 30, 2021
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Reasonably priced and lots to see. Lots of cars motor bikes and traction engines. The rides looked fun although we didnt try them. Be aware the steam organs that play are very loud.
Jessica Stevens
Aug 24, 2021
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Had a great day here with my husband and 3 year old. There's something here for all ages, my daughter particularly loved the miniatures display, fun house mirrors and rides. We really enjoyed going on the rides and the staff were very helpful when I asked if they could start up the Austin car ride for my daughter. Makes a great day out and it's the perfect place to visit on a rainy day.
