South Cliff Gardens, Esplanade, Scarborough

Commenced in 1837 as private gardens, South Cliff Gardens were significantly extended in 6 phases under differing ownership, during Victorian and Edwardian times, providing areas of public as well as private access and reflecting fashions of the time.

Following grants and local fundraising totaling over £7m, including £4.6m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, they have recently been restored.

This visit was led by Adrian Perry, Chair of Scarborough Civic Society who discussed the history of the gardens and the highlights and challenges of the restoration during a morning talk before leading a largely step free downhill afternoon walk to view the highlighted features. 

A link to an illustrated account of the visit will appear here shortly