Scarborough is home to some truly stunning parks and gardens. Why not take advantage of these top parks and gardens on your next trip?
If you’re seeking a more tranquil escape from the lively seaside atmosphere of Scarborough, its parks and gardens offer an excellent respite. From extensive historic gardens to serene green spaces, these areas are perfect for picnicking, taking a stroll, or engaging in outdoor activities. Here are parks and gardens in Scarborough you must visit.
Peasholm Park
- 6th Best Park in the UK and the 25th Best Park in Europe in the Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice Awards.
- Plenty of activities are available at this park.
- Perfect for families and days out.
This oriental-themed municipal park has a rich history and has even received the prestigious Green Flag Award. The park features a beautiful system of streams, waterfalls, mini bridges, and magical gardens for the whole family to enjoy. One of its most famous attractions is the world-renowned Naval Warfare, a unique miniature sea battle.
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During the summer, visitors can head down to Peasholm Boat Deck and choose from various boats available for hire, including brightly painted rowing boats, canoes, and dragon-themed pedalos. On land, an augmented reality Dinosaur Safari is open for young dinosaur fans to explore.
The park is also home to the Peasholm Bandstand, which hosts Sunday afternoon band concerts during July and August. Other amenities include a putting green, a café serving hot and cold food, a refreshments kiosk, toilets, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and the iconic Peasholm Park Island, which features hidden oriental gardens.
Despite its tourist attractions, Peasholm Park has retained its natural simplicity, providing an ideal habitat for wildlife. The park has abundant wildlife, including tame grey squirrels, ducks, swans, and geese. The trees within Peasholm Park are essential not only to Scarborough or the UK but also to the world. The park also offers fantastic scenery and a real escape from the busier areas of town.
Royal Albert Park
- Lovely park to enjoy a walk.
- Features a skate and bike park that is lit at night.
- Beautiful North Bay views.
The recent renovation of Royal Albert Park has brought about the creation of pathways that link Marine Drive and the promenade of the North Bay to the castle. These useful pathways offer different routes that weave through the park or provide a more direct path via steps.
In addition, the park has a top-notch skate and bike park that is brightened up at night, offering a secure area for skateboarders and cyclists to enjoy while preserving the park’s serene environment. Furthermore, the park includes picnic benches with stunning views of the North Bay that are perfect for a relaxing with a little lunch or snack.
Olivers Mount and The Mere Country Park
- Scarborough Angling Club offers memberships to anyone interested in fishing at the mere.
- Oliver’s Mount is a site for sporting activities, including the famous Olivers Mount Racing.
- Perfect for a day out with friends or family.
If you’re looking for breathtaking views of Scarborough, take a trip to Oliver’s Mount. This vast wooded hill is located on the southern part of Scarborough and offers stunning vistas from its 500-foot elevation. On the mount is the War Memorial, a towering column that reaches a height of 75.5 feet. Visitors can also relax in the picnic area or grab a bite at the nearby cafe. Interestingly, the mount was once known as Weaponness, and its current name may have originated from the belief that Oliver Cromwell stationed batteries on it during the Castle siege.
Oliver’s Mount is a site for sporting activities, including the famous Oliver’s Mount Racing, the only English road motorbike racing circuit. Visitors can drive around the twisting roads but must adhere to the speed limit!
In the past, the mere spanned over 16 hectares, a natural lake in the Weaponness Valley. However, when the railway arrived in Scarborough in 1844, the mere was significantly reduced to make room. After WW1, it was transformed into a traditional park, with floral beds, lawns, and activities such as boating. Nowadays, the mere’s primary attraction is its abundant flora and fauna, making it a beautiful place to explore.
Scarborough Angling Club offers memberships to anyone interested in fishing at the mere, and fishing competitions are regularly organised. The club provides tuition for people of all ages interested in fishing.
Falsgrave Park
- Lovely play area for children.
- Playground, woodland, and wildflower meadow.
Falsgrave Park is a well-loved green space that draws visitors with its scenery and delightful play area. The park is divided into three main sections: the lower area, which features a playground, the middle section, which is primarily woodland; and the upper portion, which is an open meadow with wildflowers.
Although the park was officially established as a public space between 1875 and 1892, it has served as an informal recreational area for the Falsgrave community since its creation. Its historical significance dates back even further, to the 1300s when the springs of Falsgrave Park were utilised to provide drinking water for Scarborough in 1319. Today it’s a lovely park to spend time in.
South Cliff Gardens (Italian Gardens)
- The South Cliff Gardens also include the Spa Gardens, Prince of Wales Gardens, the Rose Garden, Holbeck Gardens, Shuttleworth Gardens, and the Italian Gardens.
- Lots to enjoy here and plenty of wildlife.
South Cliff Gardens is a stunning park that stretches along the coast from Scarborough Spa to Holbeck Hill. It features beautiful gardens, sculptures, and breathtaking views of the sea. These picturesque gardens and woodland offer delightful walks. These gardens were designed by the renowned landscape designer Harry W Smith in the early 20th century and remain a testament to his vision.
The Italian Gardens is a must-see, with formal plantings, seating areas, and a fishpond presided over by the Roman God Mercury, the winged messenger. These gardens were even featured on the ITV drama series, The Royal.
The South Cliff Gardens also feature several attractions, including the Spa Gardens, Prince of Wales Gardens, the Rose Garden, Holbeck Gardens, Shuttleworth Gardens, and the Italian Gardens. Visitors can also enjoy a cliff lift, coastal wildlife, terraced walks, a putting green, a star map, and even beach chalets.
Shuttleworth Gardens (Part of South Cliff Gardens)
- A small garden with a magical fairy area for kids.
- Perfect for families or an afternoon wander.
Shuttleworth Gardens is a bit of a hidden gem in Scarborough! Although small, on a sunny day, this is a lovely secret place to bring small children for a picnic. It is located across the road from The Clock Tower on The Esplanade. The gardens were donated by Alfred Shuttleworth, the same businessman who donated The Clock Tower.
The gardens are well cared for and maintained featuring sensory areas filled with strongly scented, fragrant plants and flowers in raised beds, which are particularly appreciated by people who are blind. A sweet little fairy garden can be found at the far left side of the entrance, with a tiny river, boats and huts. There is even a post box to deposit letters to the Fairies.
St. Nicholas Gardens
The St. Nicholas Gardens in Scarborough’s South Bay link the town centre to the seafront and have recently undergone restoration to showcase their beautiful presentation. The gardens boast diverse plant and tree species, including Scarborough’s unique Canary Island Date Palm, which lends a tropical vibe to the surroundings. A step-free pathway is available for wheelchair and pushchair users, and a grassy area near the beach provides a sheltered spot to devour ice cream in the sun.
These are just a few of the many parks and gardens in Scarborough that you can visit. Each park has unique features and attractions, so you will find one that suits you and enjoy a peaceful time in Scarborough.
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