Best Local Parks and Gardens in Scarborough and Ryedale
We’re lucky that in Scarborough and Ryedale, there’s an abundance of green spaces available to explore.
When planning what to do with an elderly loved one, it’s often difficult to think of places suitable to visit. In Scarborough and Ryedale we are blessed with so many, from Grand Country Houses like Castle Howard, to large green spaces right in the centre of our town like Peasholm Green. We’ve hand selected some recommendations for you to enjoy.
South Cliff Gardens
The historic South Cliff Gardens, set on the cliffs above Scarborough’s South Bay are part of a series of public parks and walks stretching from Spa Bridge to Holbeck.
There’s some real treasures to be found by spending a few hours meandering through the connected gardens of South Cliff. They’re all worthy spending a bit of time exploring, but a couple of our favourites are the Italian Gardens with it’s ornate lily pond, statues and ample seating to sit and relax in this place of tranquillity and the Rose Garden, with almost 11,000 elegant rose bushes.
Entry to South Cliff Gardens is completely free and can be accessed via a short walk from Scarborough town centre or by parking at one of the nearby car parks.
Peasholm Park
Peasholm Park, situated in Scarborough’s North Bay is the perfect place to escape Scarborough’s busier areas and loose an afternoon having a gentle stroll or sitting down with a good read and watching the world go by.
The Japanese themed park which first opened in 1912 has an abundance of wildlife which you may encounter on your visit, including squirrels, geese, ducks and swans. Alongside the wildlife, Peasholm Park has a beautiful system of streams and waterfalls, rare trees, mini bridges and mystical gardens, so it’s sure to appeal to family members of all ages!
During the summer months of July and August, if you visit on a Sunday, you may be lucky enough to stumble across Peasholm Grandstand hosting an afternoon concert. This great spectacle is best enjoyed with a cuppa from the Café which serves both hot and cold food.
Situated just a short walk from Scarborough’s North Bay, Peasholm Park is a great place to bring an elderly loved one for a fun afternoon out, away from the crowds.
Castle Howard
Castle Howard, the grand stately home near to Norton, has some of Yorkshires finest green spaces for you to explore. The 18th century historical house and its gardens set in the Howardian Hills, have been the setting for several of our television and cinematic favourites over the years and make the perfect day trip from Scarborough and across Ryedale.
With over 1000 acres of parkland to explore, Castle Howard’s famous gardens are made up of a series of meandering woodland walks, beautiful temples and shimmering lakes and fountains.
When you’ve had enough of the walking and fancy a welcome break, be sure to check out one of the three lovely café’s on the grounds.
Entry to the gardens ranges from £9.00-£15.00 depending upon the time of your visit. The Gardens are open daily from 10am with last admission at 4pm.
Scampston Hall & Walled Garden
Scampston Hall located 4 miles out of Malton, is a great place to explore with an elderly loved one. It’s walled gardens, set in the spectacular grounds of this Yorkshire county estate offer a quiet release from busier day to day life.
The garden, open to the public from April to October each year was designed by renowned Dutch plantsman, Piet Oudolf having been sat derelict for over 50 years. Since re-opening in 2005, it has received great international acclaim and is certainly worth a visit!
Booking for Scampston Hall is not essential but, can be done online, by clicking here. There’s a great café which overlooks the walled garden, selling homemade food as well as beers and wines making it the perfect setting to sit and enjoy a light bite after a couple of hours taking in the surrounding gardens.
The Yorkshire Arboretum
With 120 acres of lush parkland to explore, The Yorkshire Arboretum set in the ground of Castle Howard, is a stunning place to visit with a loved one, all year round.
Here you’ll find a collection of over 6000 trees from all over the world including, North America, Chile and Asia. Discover meadows of beautiful wildflowers, native plants and plenty of wildlife. This really is a special part of North Yorkshire and any trip here is sure to be fondly remembered.
The Yorkshire Arboretum, which is part of a joint enterprise between Castle Howard Estate and the Key Royal Botanic Gardens, is open daily from 10am-4pm, with the gates closing at 5pm. Entry fee is £8 in into the Arboretum and can be either booked online or, payment on arrival is more than welcome.
You can book your entry by clicking here.
A visit to any of the parks and gardens we have recommended above are sure to provide you, an elderly loved on or friend with a wonderful few hours of fun and fresh air. We really are lucky to have these great places, plus many more so close by to Scarborough and Ryedale, offering us great opportunities for us to get out and enjoy our local surroundings.