Peasholm Park is an oriental-themed park in North Bay, Scarborough, opened in 1912 and set in a natural glen around a large boating lake. Streams, waterfalls, bridges and a pagoda give it a calm, garden-like feel, and entry is free. Walk the lakeside paths, hire a rowing boat or dragon-head pedalo in summer, and watch the Naval Warfare, a miniature sea battle fought on the water each summer.
How the park began
Peasholm Park opened in 1912 as a pleasure park. Its oriental style draws on the Willow Pattern plate design, and its early plans are credited to Borough Engineer Harry W. Smith. The park has since been restored to its Edwardian look, and it is a Grade II listed landscape, so its design is protected.
It has also received the Green Flag Award, which recognises well-kept green spaces, and it has been voted one of the best parks in the country.
The lake, island and pagoda
The lake sits in a natural glen, and streams and waterfalls feed it from the higher ground. A small island in the middle is linked by a bridge to a Chinese-style pagoda. A bandstand on the water hosts organ, brass band and orchestra concerts in summer.
Paths lead up the glen past the Tree Trail, the Lily Pond and the oriental-style gardens. A secret garden and a wishing well are tucked among them.
Wildlife is part of the visit. Squirrels, ducks, swans, geese, pigeons and seagulls are common, and local people often feed the birds and squirrels, so expect company at a picnic.
The Naval Warfare battles
The Naval Warfare is a miniature sea battle fought with model ships on the boating lake. Model boat enthusiasts have staged mock battles here for more than 80 years, and annual battles have been held every summer since 1937. The event is also known as The Battle of Peasholm Park.
Watch from the paths and benches around the lake. Admission to watch from around the lake is free.
Boats, games and getting around
In summer, the boating lake offers rowing boats, canoes and dragon-head pedaloes for hire. Mini golf and a putting green are also in the park, and dogs are welcome.
Some paths have hills, but the main gate area is relatively flat. The entrance, restroom, seating and parking are listed as wheelchair accessible.
There is free street parking near the park and paid parking nearby. The beach is about a five-minute walk away. A miniature railway built in 1931 links Peasholm Park with Scalby Mills, close to the Sea Life Centre.
Food and picnics
A cafe and tearoom on site serves snacks, drinks and cakes. On a good day you can sit outside and look over the gardens, and ice cream is available. Picnic tables are provided, and many visitors bring their own food to eat on the grass.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee for Peasholm Park?
No. Entry to the park is free, and you can watch the Naval Warfare from around the lake at no charge.
Is Peasholm Park open all year?
Yes. The park is open all year, day and night, seven days a week.
When are the Naval Warfare battles held?
The battles are a summer event, held on the boating lake each year. Check the dates before you travel.
Can you hire boats at Peasholm Park?
In summer you can hire rowing boats, canoes and dragon-head pedaloes on the lake.
Is Peasholm Park wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, restroom, seating and parking are wheelchair accessible. Some paths have hills, but the main gate area is relatively flat.
