Find the perfect stay near Peasholm Park

Peasholm Park is a charming oriental-themed garden that has been a favourite spot in Scarborough for over a century. It spans 40 acres and holds a Green Flag Award, offering a peaceful escape where you can wander past streams and rare trees. You can hire a dragon-themed pedal boat to explore the lake or watch the unique naval warfare displays that take place during the summer months. The mix of quiet woodland walks and quirky afternoon entertainment makes this park a lovely place to spend a few hours in the fresh air.

This oriental-themed space in the North Bay offers a peaceful escape with a mix of wooded walks and water features. It is a local favourite for its unique design and calm atmosphere, making it a great spot for a stroll regardless of the weather.

Planning your visit to the grounds

You can access the park throughout the year, though some facilities and seasonal attractions operate on a specific schedule. While entry to the main gardens is free, certain activities like the putting green or boat hire require a small fee. It is a 5-minute walk from the North Bay beach, and the main paths are generally flat and accessible for those with limited mobility.

The park is open 24 hours a day for walkers, but specific attractions have limited availability. Because schedules for the cafes and seasonal events can vary depending on the weather or time of year, you should check the official landmark site for up-to-date information on opening times and ticket availability.

Things to do on the water and land

One of the most popular activities is hiring a boat to head out onto the central lake. You can choose between traditional rowing boats, canoes, or pedalos shaped like swans and dragons. If you prefer to stay on dry land, there is a well-maintained putting green and several paths that lead you through the trees and over ornamental bridges.

During the summer months, the park hosts unique naval warfare displays on the lake. These battle re-enactments use large-scale model boats and have been a tradition for over 80 years. The show usually lasts about 30 minutes and draws a large crowd to the terraced seating areas.

Exploring the gardens and wildlife

The park is famous for its Japanese-inspired design, featuring a central island with a tall pagoda. You can cross onto the island via a bridge to get a closer look at the architecture. The gardens cover roughly 40 acres and include a rich variety of rare trees and flowering plants that change with the seasons.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to see, as the lake is home to many ducks, geese, and swans. There is also a dedicated tree trail that guides you past some of the most interesting specimens in the park. The quiet glen at the top of the park offers a more rugged natural experience compared to the manicured lawns near the main entrance.

Finding your way around Peasholm Park is easy, and there are plenty of options to stay nearby. You will find various places to rest your head within a short walk of the park and the seaside.

Best areas to stay for nature lovers

The North Bay area is your best bet for staying close to the greenery. You can find many family-friendly guest houses and self-catering flats just a 5-minute walk from the park gates. This part of town is generally quieter than the South Bay, making it a great choice if you want to be near the 40-acre park and the beach. Many of the traditional terraced houses here have been turned into bed and breakfasts that offer a cosy, local feel and often include free Wi-Fi or on-site parking.

Getting to the park from local hubs

You can catch a bus from Scarborough Railway Station which takes about 10 minutes to reach the park entrance. If you prefer to walk, it is a pleasant 1-mile stroll through the town centre and down towards the coast. For those arriving by car, there is a large open-air car park located just 200 feet from the main gates, though a parking fee applies.

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