Moonlight On The Lake
Glowing Lanterns, Oriental Pagodas and Autumn Illumination Magic in Scarborough.

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Posted on 1st August 2026

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Every October as autumn nights draw in, Scarborough's iconic oriental-themed Peasholm Park undergoes a magical evening transformation. Moonlight On The Lake brings a atmospheric festival of light, music, and floating lanterns to North Bay, lighting up the tranquil waters, historic bridges, and central island in a mesmerizing display of color.

Locked in for Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October 2026 (coinciding with the start of the October half-term school holidays), this ticketed low cost family-friendly spectacle invites visitors to wander around the illuminated lake, launch floating lotus lanterns, and enjoy live acoustic music performance beneath the illuminated trees.

What to Expect at Peasholm Park 🏮✨

Known by day for its famous naval warfare reenactments and dragon pedalos, Peasholm Park takes on an entirely different, serene atmosphere after dark during Moonlight On The Lake:

• Illuminated Central Island & Pagoda: The park’s famous pagoda, waterfall, and Japanese-style bridges are lit up with shifting color sequences and water-reflection effects.
• Floating Lantern Displays: Visitors can purchase and personalize biodegradable water lanterns to float across the central lake, creating a glowing sea of wishes.
• Dragon Boat & Lakeside Illuminations: Illuminated dragon boats glide quietly across the water alongside glowing tree-canopy light trails throughout the gardens.
• Acoustic Music & Street Performers: Ambient live acoustic sets, choir performances, and glowing fire performers frame the lakeside pathways.
• Hot Food & Seasonal Drinks: The Peasholm Park Cafe and pop-up stalls serve hot cocoa, mulled apple juice, wood-fired pizzas, and warm autumn treats.

Key Event Highlights to be announced🍁🐉

Previous events have included:

• Illuminated Lake & Oriental Pagoda: The park’s iconic central pagoda, Japanese-style bridges, and surrounding trees lit up with after-dark light displays reflecting across the water.
• Lakeside Walkways: Access to illuminated pathways around the lake perimeter for evening spectating.
• On-Site Refreshments: Hot drinks and seasonal food stalls available in the park during event operating hours.

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Plan Your Visit 📅

Essential visitor details for enjoying the autumn light spectacle:

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Tickets & Admission

TICKETED EVENT £3 per adult, under 15's free.

Advance booking online is strongly recommended to secure your preferred entry time.

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2026 Operating Dates

Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th October 2026
• Illuminations active: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM nightly

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Dress Warmly

October sea breezes off North Bay can be crisp! Warm coats, hats, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

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Accessibility

Main tarmac paths around the perimeter of the lake are flat and step-free, making it fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

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Visitor Tip

Book an earlier time slot if you want to watch dusk settle over the park as the light displays switch on across the lake!

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Event Grounds:

Peasholm Park, North Bay, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 7TR

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🚗 Driving & On-Site Parking

Pay-and-display parking is available along Columbus Ravine and in the dedicated Peasholm Gap Car Park (YO12 7TN) near North Bay beach. Additional multi-storey car parking is located a 10-minute walk away at Victoria Road.

🚌 By Public Transport & Open-Top Bus

Local Scarborough bus routes 3 and 3A stop directly outside Peasholm Park gates. Connecting trains run into Scarborough Railway Station, located roughly 15-20 minutes on foot or a quick 5-minute taxi ride away.