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Saltburn Cliff Tramway
The Saltburn Cliff Tramway is a popular attraction in Yorkshire. The tramway opened in 1884 and is now the oldest water-balanced funicular in operation in the country.
Yorkshire is known for its incredible wealth of historical structures, and the Saltburn Cliff Tramway is no exception. Up there with some of the best tourist attractions in Yorkshire, the Saltburn Cliff Lift dates all the way back to 1884.
Incredibly, the lift is still in operation today. Powered entirely by water, this hugely popular funicular tramway offers panoramic views of the Yorkshire coast – and you’re joining in a part of history every time you embark. Add something a little special to your beach trip and ride the Saltburn Cliff tramway next time you’re visiting.
Here’s our guide to the Saltburn Cliff Tramway…
The Saltburn Cliff Lift
It’s not just the Saltburn Cliff Tramway that’s historic. The funicular connects Saltburn Beach to this old Victorian town, famed for its ironstone and railways. Hop on and you’ll save yourself the perilous 173 steps to the top. Certainly, it’s not quite as gruelling as the 199 Steps in Whitby, but it’s not far off!
The lift is 211 feet high, and is operated by a brakeman, combined with gravity and the power of water. In the lift you’ll find operators dressed in Victorian attire. They can also tell you how it works, and take you on a trip back through time to the days of Queen Victoria.
How the lift works
This incredible feat of engineering still works the same way is did when it opened on June 28, 1884. The tramway was built to replace a vertical hoist, and today can transport groups of up to 12 people at a time.
It works using counterbalancing water tanks. There are two 1500-litre tanks running on parallel tracks. As one tank is filled at the top, the weight is slowly balanced against the weight on the bottom, and descends slowly as the other ascends.
The tramway runs at a 71% gradient and travels for approximately 55 seconds. It has undergone some renovations in its time, of course. The original wheel from 1884 has since been replaced. In 1998, when a new wheel was brought in, the original was converted into a flowerbed outside the top station.
Who Can Ride the Saltburn Cliff Lift?
The lift is capable of transporting groups of up to 12 adults at a time. It can also accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters, though this may affect overall space in the lift. Staff are available to help those with accessibility needs onto the lift.
Group bookings are available, but it is best to book these in advance by emailing saltburnclifftramway@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or calling 01287 622528.
Where is the Saltburn Cliff Tramway?
The Saltburn Cliff Tramway is located on the Lower Promenade of Saltburn Beach, at TS12 1HQ. You can access the funicular by car, train or bus.
If you’re coming by car, you can reach the promenade from the A1764 Parkway, either from the A19 North from York, or South from Newcastle. You can also take the A171, which runs Northwest from Scarborough to Saltburn. You don’t have to pay for parking on Marine Parade, but there is a sloped path down from the car park. Alternatively, you can park in a pay and display at the bottom station in the pier, promenade or Cat Nab car parks.
Coming by train? You can get off at Saltburn train station, which is regularly serviced by Northern Rail from Bishop Auckland to Saltburn.
The North East buses 3, X3 and 708 all serve the area, and you can find their timetables on Connect Tees Valley.
Other Sights to See in Saltburn
While the tramway might top the list of things to do in Saltburn, it’s not the only way to have fun! Take a stroll across Saltburn Pier and try your luck on the amusement arcades. Discover more about Yorkshire history with the Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre.
Or if you’re with the little ones, be sure to take a ride on the Saltburn Miniature Railway. It ends in Valley Gardens, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities for photo moments.
Opening Times
The opening times for Saltburn Cliff Tramway vary throughout the year, depending on the school holidays. Generally speaking, the funicular is open from 10:30am to 5pm Monday to Sunday, but these hours are extended to 6pm during the summer holidays.
To check before you visit, it’s best to visit the Saltburn cliff lift Facebook page.
Tickets and Prices
Tickets for the Saltburn Cliff Tramway are very reasonable at just £1.50 for an adult and £1.00 for a child. Children are classed as ages four to 16, and under-4s go free. There are no concessions, but you can save money with a family ticket.
A family ticket comprises two adults and three children, or one adult and four children. These cost £4.50.
Want to experience the cliff lift again and again? You can also buy an annual ticket, which entitles you to unlimited rides for 12 months from the date of purchase. These are £25.00 for adults, £20.00 for children ages four to 16, or £75.00 for families, as above. Your annual ticket does not include special events such as Santa’s Grotto, and it cannot be transferred to another person.
Are Dogs allowed on Saltburn Cliff Tramway?
Great news for man’s best friend – dogs are allowed on the Saltburn Cliff Tramway. Ideally, these should be guide dogs and hearing dogs, but all dogs are welcome as long as they are controlled and kept on a lead. Admission is free for your four-legged friends.
Whether you just need a quick lift to the top of the cliff, or want to see Saltburn from a different angle, you’ll find it on this historic tramway. And for such a purse-friendly price, you can take the family time and again. Skip the steps and see it for yourself.
See the sights with the Saltburn Cliff lift.
Has our Saltburn Cliff lift guide got you feeling ready to pack your bags and head to North Yorkshire? After a long day exploring the coast, rest up and relax in our selection of Yorkshire holiday cottages.