LUC’s Historic Environment team is supporting a National Lottery Heritage Fund bid to restore and reinvigorate the Saltburn Valley Gardens.

Located on the North Yorkshire Coast, the Saltburn Valley Gardens are a Victorian public pleasure ground in the Picturesque style, designed by Joseph Newton.

Penny Middleton, Principal Historic Environment Consultant at LUC, is helping to shape and write the Round 1 lottery submission. Our involvement will ensure that inclusion and diversity through heritage engagement remain at the heart of the bid.

The restoration project is a joint partnership by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and Saltburn Valleys Charitable Incorporated Organisation, a group made up of representatives from the local community.

The Grade II registered park runs along a narrow dene to the sea on the east side of the town. It was the vision of Quaker industrialist, philanthropist and railway magnate, Henry Pease, who was a key figure in the foundation of the Stockton to Darlington Railway.

Pease envisioned a resort stretching along the cliff of Saltburn’s coast, and a ‘lovely garden’ situated in the adjacent glen. The resulting Valley Gardens have been a central component of the town’s history ever since.

The design of the Gardens aims to enhance the natural beauty of the valley. As visitors travel along a network of paths, the route reveals contrived views and eye catching features. However, a lack of funding over recent years, combined with flooding, has taken its toll. The park is now on Historic England‘s Heritage At Risk register.

The future vision for the Gardens is a beautiful, well-managed and welcoming public park used by visitors all year round. It should promote health and well-being, conservation, and education for the appreciation and enjoyment of the whole community.

Learn more about our Historic Environment services.