Attractions and Heritage, Events, Scarborough

Peasholme Park

6th best park in the UK with historic miniature naval battle.

This historic and uniquely beautiful park is a key feature of the North Bay experience of Scarborough.

What do I see as I enter the park?

Peasholm Park has a tranquil lake and in the summer months people can hire boats of all sorts to enjoy the water at close quarters. Boats include traditional rowing boats and canoes but pedalos with dragon heads are available too and these prove to be very popular with summer visitors and locals alike. If you don’t fancy pedaling then go for a sail in the Swan launch where you can relax on the water and let someone else steer the boat. There is a bandstand in the middle of the lake and music concerts which are free of charge can often be heard during the summer season. During the tourist season there are two cafes where hot and cold drinks can be purchased and, of course, ice cream, plus sandwiches and full meals if wanted. What a beautiful place to sit sipping your coffee, looking at the lake whilst listening to the music. If you prefer, you can bring your own picnic. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy it. There is an island in the centre of the lake and a bridge leading across to it allows the visitor to explore the island with a path leading round it or by climbing up to the top with its impressive pagoda. The park has been designed with an oriental theme and there is much evidence of this as you wander through its pathways.

What else does the park have to offer?

Peasholm Park has been designed within a natural glen with a stream running through it which culminates in the lake at the bottom. As you walk up the glen there are many choices of paths to take. You may wish to follow the stream with its gentle little waterfalls and small ponds, one of which is often used for sailing model boats. Even in the busy summer season the glen is quiet and peaceful, the perfect place to walk or sit and enjoy the natural features all around. The oriental theme can be seen in the design of bridges and the layout of many areas of the park. There are lots of rare and unusual trees and flowers, both naturally wild and deliberately planted. At the top of the glen is a lily pond surrounded by a garden area. Even the tourist attractions have not taken away the natural simplicity of the park so it is an ideal breeding ground for much wildlife. Wild geese, swans and ducks swim around on the lake and squirrels are seen every day within the woodlands. As time has gone on and some of the original trees have died, parts of their stumps have been specially carved into figures. Look out for the squirrel and the dragon!