Filey Town Guide - Parks And Gardens

Careful planning over many years has resulted in Filey having a range of parkland and public garden areas. Whilst the more exposed areas have proved very difficult to cultivate due to the strong winds experienced on the North-east coast, sheltered pockets have "blossomed".

Country Park

To the northern boundary is a large area known as the County Park covering 48 acres which has been developed as a leisure and environmental project and consists of a Caravan and Tenting area with pitches available for hire from Easter until September. There is a large car park with spaces for 1000 vehicles, a children's play area and a Pitch and Putt course, with cafe and public convenience and open space areas for walking, picnicking and generally kicking a ball around or kite flying.

The Park is bounded to the north and east by the cliffs, forming part of the Wolds and Cleveland Ways which meet at this point and are identified by a modern stone statue on Carr Naze itself. There are spectacular views, to the north of the coastline towards Scarborough with its Castle in the distance, to the south Filey Bay reaching out towards Flamborough Head and its working lighthouse.

Looking south towards Flamborough

The rocky structure of Filey Brigg which juts out into the North Sea is accessible from Carr Naze, the site of a Roman Signal Station via a sloping series of steps down the cliff edge and into Filey Bay. This makes for a very adventurous walk which is of special delight to children who can spend hours examining the rock pools. However, please beware of the dangers of the tide which can easily and quickly leave the unwary person stranded and in serious trouble.

Memorial Gardens

Memorial Garden

The garden which came into public ownership in 1916 has become a feature in Murray Street, in the centre of the Town and despite its diminutive size is full of interest and a peaceful place to sit and rest.

The land was a legacy from George Nesfield Barnett, a butcher who had premises in Queen Street.

Filey Urban District Council created the gardens, and soon after the First World War arranged for the erection of the splendid stone archway at the entrance as a fitting memorial to the seventy three local men who had given their lives during the conflict. The dedication took place in 1921. Just a generation later as peace returned after World War Two, the names of fifty two more men who would not return home to Filey were added to the memorial. A feature of the garden which has proved to be a particular attraction for young children, is the aviary with its range of small birds. In 1989 the Filey Lions Club installed the central water fountain to celebrate their 25th Anniversary.

The gardens are floodlit during the summer months and over the Christmas period when one of the Town's large decorated Christmas Trees is erected near the gateway. The flower beds are a delight to behold with their various displays during winter, springtime and summer. Filonians were delighted in August of 1997 and again in 1998, to learn that their Memorial Gardens had won a major award in the Yorkshire section of the annual Britain in Bloom Competition.

Mr. Barnett's thoughtful gesture so many years ago continues to give pleasure every day to those who just pass by or who take time to make a leisurely circuit of Filey's town centre garden.

Crescent Gardens

This unique area of public garden, covering almost 4 acres, stretches from Filey Town Hall to the White Lodge Hotel and has to be the floral "Jewel in the Crown" for Filey. The trees and many perennial and seasonally planted flower beds attract more visitors and photographers than any other part of the town and no doubt they were a major contributor to Filey winning the Beautiful Britain in Bloom regional trophy in 1988, 1989, 1990 1994 and 1998. All of the public seating is of a commemorative nature and one can easily see why it is a popular choice with panoramic views of the Bay. On summer Sunday afternoons the central part of these gardens with the backdrop of the Victorian white stuccoed residences along The Crescent lends itself to open air band concerts in the bandstand newly erected by local Rotarians to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Looking South from Glen Gardens

Glen Gardens

To the south of Crescent Gardens, and perhaps to balance the leisure and environmental aspect of the northern parkland area, lies the 8 acres known as Glen Gardens. So called because of the "Glen" now known as Martin's Ravine which forms the southern boundary of this area. Here one can use either of two putting greens, or there is a very nice pitch & putt on the other side of Martin's Ravine; paddle a boat in the boating lake ; have a swing or slide in the children's play area or simply enjoy the attractive wooded area and open grassland for picnics.

Northcliffe Gardens

At the bottom of Cargate Hill lies a quiet walled garden area which originally belonged to Northcliffe House, the privately owned property sited above the garden. Open views of the sea can be enjoyed from this position and again the donation of commemorative seating demonstrates its attraction to many people. A large greenhouse used to stand against the back retaining wall, and although this was demolished a few years ago, the decorative floor tilework can still be seen in an area which is now a natural sun trap.

Northcliffe Gardens

All these parks and garden areas are looked after by the Parks Department of Scarborough Borough Council who have to be complimented on their enthusiasm and care.

Queen Street Garden From Foreshore

Cliff Top Garden

The Town Council owns one small steeply sloping public garden which is to be found at the end of Queen Street below the seating area locally known as "Fishermen's Lookout". When purchased by the Council in 1987 it was just an overgrown piece of unwanted land, but when some volunteer gardeners began to hack away at the undergrowth they found a series of Yorkshire stone terraces. These were originally built in the 1920's, reputedly by a very talented bricklayer who had suffered a gruesome injury at the age of 16 when his arm was caught in a piece of machinery and badly crushed from shoulder to elbow. Despite having his injured arm amputated the bricklayer carried on with his profession and the terraced garden is a tribute to his skills. The garden is now a very attractive and peaceful place to spend a restful moment and also has excellent views of Filey Bay.