Admire the vivid colors and breathe in the fresh aromas of the plants that decorate the South Cliff Italian Gardens. Appreciate Italian-inspired architectural aspects, see a statue dedicated to a Roman god and gaze over the shimmering ocean waters.
Civil engineer Harry W. Smith designed South Cliff Italian Gardens in the early 1900s as part of a project to renovate the landscape above South Bay. The gardens featured often in the British television period drama The Royal.
Sheltered terraces stand at both sides of the gardens, from where stone steps lead down to two symmetrical sunken flowerbeds. Note the manicured geometric hedges and the brightly colored plants, which change according to the seasons. Evergreen hedges and trees rise up all around the gardens and protect it from the oceans winds.
A decorative lily pond stands at the center of the gardens. Perched on a plinth in the center of the pond is a sculpture of Mercury, the Roman winged messenger god. The curved platform with benches set behind the pond is the perfect spot to enjoy both garden and coastal views. Observe birds bathing in the water, watch squirrels scurrying around the foliage and note the Greek-style columns.
The gardens are one of several attractive green areas within South Cliff Gardens. See rose varieties, such as as the golden-amber Glenfiddich and silver-pink Silver Jubilee, in the Rose Garden. Shuttleworth Gardens has a fairytale-like miniature rock and water garden. Follow a pathway down to the Star Map for uninterrupted views of the Scarborough coast.
South Cliff Italian Gardens is a free attraction and open year round. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. You can get here from Scarborough Beach and Scarborough railway station by walking for 20 minutes. Limited hour parking is available on the Esplanade, which is the road that runs along the top of South Cliff Gardens.
