Italian Gardens South Cliff
Tranquil Italianate gardens on Scarborough's South Cliff, offering stunning sea views and charming wildlife encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather
Italian Gardens South Cliff
Best Time
Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil Italianate gardens on Scarborough's South Cliff, offering stunning sea views and charming wildlife encounters.
"A peaceful escape with beautiful terraces, friendly squirrels, and lovely sea views."
🐿️ Bring Snacks for Squirrels
The squirrels are famously friendly and curious. Bring nuts or seeds to feed them for a delightful interaction!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tiered gardens involve steps and inclines. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the entire area.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Terraced Gardens
South Cliff
Beautifully landscaped terraces with stone balustrades, offering serene spots to relax and enjoy the sea views.
Friendly Wildlife
Throughout the gardens
Curious squirrels and a variety of birds await. Bring treats to make some new feathered and furry friends!
Sea Views
Along the terraces
Panoramic vistas over South Bay and the old town, perfect for a moment of reflection or a picturesque photo.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Terraced Landscape
Squirrels and Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐿️ Bring Snacks for Squirrels
The squirrels are famously friendly and curious. Bring nuts or seeds to feed them for a delightful interaction!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tiered gardens involve steps and inclines. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the entire area.
⬆️ Use the Funicular
To avoid a steep climb back up, consider using the funicular railway from the seafront to the Esplanade.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenic sea views and garden landscapes are perfect for photography. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🐿️ Bring Snacks for Squirrels
The squirrels are famously friendly and curious. Bring nuts or seeds to feed them for a delightful interaction!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tiered gardens involve steps and inclines. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the entire area.
⬆️ Use the Funicular
To avoid a steep climb back up, consider using the funicular railway from the seafront to the Esplanade.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenic sea views and garden landscapes are perfect for photography. Don't forget your camera!
☕ Relax at the Clock Cafe
Enjoy a coffee and cake at the delightful Clock Cafe after your garden stroll.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Italian Gardens for their beauty, tranquility, and unique Italianate design, offering a peaceful escape from the busy seafront. The friendly squirrels and lovely sea views are consistent highlights, though some note the inclines can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
"Beautiful gardens that forms part of the South Cliff Gardens. You have the Rose Garden and Bowling Green on either side of The Italian Gardens. The garden does look very Italian with beautiful landscape, trees, plants and shrubs. Nice place to sit and rest whilst enjoying nature. A quieter end of town.
In the part of town where you will find free parking. The Clock Tower is also close by."
Legends l
"Lovely garden, very different architecture than what we see here usually in the north. The squirrels are the best part, so friendly and curious. Dont forget to take some food for them (nuts/ sunflower seeds) otherwise be ready to get disappointed stares 🤣"
Marzia Mahzabin
"Away from the hustle and bustle of the seafront kiss me quick hats, ice cream parlours, tacky souvenir shops and the ever-pervading smell of fish and chips, you find a whole host of lovely quiet spots, including this one. The tiered gardens have many private places in which to sit and watch the world go by. Dug into the cliff side, it's not the easiest to access it if you are less than 100% physically fit, but it is worth the effort if you can manage it. As I said to some elderly folk as I climbed back up towards the esplanade, 'it's a lot easier going down'!"
Michael D. Scott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Italian Gardens are located on South Cliff. You can park for free on the Esplanade and walk down into the gardens. Alternatively, you can access them from the seafront, though this involves a steeper climb.
Yes, free parking is available on the Esplanade, which is close to the top of the gardens.
Yes, you can walk from the seafront, but be prepared for a steep climb back up. The funicular railway offers an easier option to ascend.
Scarborough has bus services that can take you near the South Cliff area. From there, it's a short walk to the gardens.
Combine a visit to the Italian Gardens with the Rose Garden and Bowling Green. Consider using the funicular for easy access between the seafront and the Esplanade.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Italian Gardens is free. You can wander through the beautiful landscapes without any admission fee.
The gardens are generally open year-round during daylight hours. It's a public space, so there are no strict opening or closing times.
Yes, there are free public toilets available in the South Cliff Gardens area.
Yes, there is a small fee to use the funicular railway, which provides a convenient way to travel between the seafront and the Esplanade.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally assumed that well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in public gardens. Always check local signage.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for picturesque angles along the terraced paths, capture the sea views from the balustrades, and photograph the charming squirrels and birds. 
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light for photography, enhancing the colors of the gardens and sea.
Drone usage in public parks and gardens is often restricted. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
The stone balustrades, tiered pathways, and the overall Italianate design offer unique architectural elements to capture.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive sea views, while a telephoto lens can help with wildlife shots.
🎫 🌳 Nature & Wildlife
You're likely to see friendly squirrels, as well as various birds like robins, tits, finches, and pigeons.
Yes, visitors often bring nuts or seeds to feed the squirrels and birds, which is a popular activity.
The gardens are most vibrant in the summer when the plants and flowers are in full bloom.
The gardens feature a variety of trees, plants, and shrubs designed to create an Italianate landscape. Specific species may vary seasonally.
Yes, the variety of birdlife mentioned by visitors makes it a pleasant spot for casual birdwatching.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack some snacks for both the kids and the wildlife! The gardens are a great place for a picnic if the weather is good. While there aren't specific play areas, the open spaces and natural elements provide plenty of opportunities for imaginative play. The sea views also offer a nice backdrop for family photos.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery, further reducing costs. The funicular railway has a small fee, but walking or using the free parking and then exploring on foot is entirely free. It's a perfect way to enjoy stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere without spending a penny.
❤️ Couples
Find a quiet spot to sit together, enjoy the gentle sea breeze, and perhaps share some treats with the resident squirrels. Consider visiting during the late afternoon for the golden hour, which casts a beautiful light over the gardens and the bay, making for incredibly romantic photos. Afterwards, you could enjoy a coffee and cake at the nearby Clock Cafe for a sweet end to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the South Cliff Gardens
Beyond the Italian Gardens, the South Cliff Gardens also encompass the Rose Garden and the Bowling Green, providing diverse areas to explore. The tiered nature of the gardens means there are many nooks and crannies to discover, each offering a slightly different perspective. While the inclines can be challenging for some, the effort is rewarded with beautiful scenery and a sense of peaceful seclusion.
For those seeking an easier way to navigate the area, the funicular railway is a convenient option. It connects the seafront to the Esplanade at the top of the cliffs, making it simple to access the gardens without a strenuous climb. This makes the entire South Cliff Gardens area accessible to a wider range of visitors, allowing everyone to enjoy its charm and views.
Wildlife Encounters: Squirrels and Birds
Beyond the squirrels, the gardens are also a haven for various bird species. Common sightings include robins, tits, finches, and pigeons, all of whom also appreciate a small offering of food. This makes the gardens a pleasant spot for casual birdwatching, adding another layer of enjoyment to the visit. The presence of these creatures contributes to the peaceful and natural atmosphere of the gardens.
It's important to remember that while feeding the wildlife is a popular activity, it should be done responsibly. Offering appropriate food in moderation ensures the animals' health and well-being. The interactions with these creatures are a highlight for many visitors, transforming a simple garden visit into a more engaging and heartwarming experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit