How has the National Lottery changed Scarborough’s heritage?

Since the first National Lottery draw on 19 November 1994, money from every ticket sold has been invested in good causes across the UK, in the areas of arts, sport, community and heritage.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund distributes funding to heritage projects.

In Scarborough, money raised by National Lottery players has enabled some fantastic achievements for the town’s heritage, including:

- Saving South Cliff Gardens, and reviving the horticulture, enhancing habitats for wildlife and restoring numerous historic features, including the ‘Italian steps’ designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, the architect of Crystal Palace

- Restoring the Rotunda Museum – one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the UK – to its former glory, and showcasing its world-class geological collection of fossils and minerals

- Ensuring the Chinese Gardens at Peasholm Park can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come. The project saw the Pagoda restored and The Half-moon Bridge connecting the Island to the mainland replaced

Since 1994, across the UK, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has invested £1.6billion in landscapes and nature, including more than £950m in public parks and cemeteries, £900million in places of worship, £2.4billion to more than 1,200 museums and galleries across the UK and £115million into community heritage.

David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s the National Lottery’s 25th birthday and a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the impact of National Lottery funding across the UK and in Scarborough. From saving historic buildings and helping nature to thrive to celebrating our diverse cultures and shared stories, there is so much that quite simply would not be possible without National Lottery players.”

As a thank you, National Lottery funded sites across the UK are offering free entry or other special offers, between November 23 and December 1. Take a look here to find the nearest offers.