Central Tramway
Ride a piece of Victorian history! This charming cliff railway connects Scarborough's town center to South Bay with scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the lively seaside atmosphere.
Central Tramway
Best Time
Experience the lively seaside atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a piece of Victorian history! This charming cliff railway connects Scarborough's town center to South Bay with scenic views.
"Quaint but very practical. A real boon for navigating Scarborough's hills!"
🎯 Speedy Seaside Access
A quick 30-second ride to the beach or town, perfect for avoiding Scarborough's hills.
💰 Affordable Coastal Journey
Tickets are reasonably priced at around £1.30 for a one-way trip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Tram Ride
South Bay, Scarborough
Step back in time on this charming, vintage cliff railway offering a unique and swift journey.
Panoramic Sea Views
Top station, St Nicholas Gardens
Enjoy breathtaking views of the seaside and coastline from the top station.
Historic Rowntree's Advert
Top station wall
A nostalgic glimpse into the past with an original Rowntree's advert on the station wall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Victorian Charm & Coastal Views
Quick & Convenient Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Speedy Seaside Access
A quick 30-second ride to the beach or town, perfect for avoiding Scarborough's hills.
💰 Affordable Coastal Journey
Tickets are reasonably priced at around £1.30 for a one-way trip.
☕ Top Station Cafe & Views
Grab a coffee and enjoy sea views from the cafe or seating area at the top.
🚲 E-bike Friendly
You can even bring your e-bike on board with no extra charge!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Speedy Seaside Access
A quick 30-second ride to the beach or town, perfect for avoiding Scarborough's hills.
💰 Affordable Coastal Journey
Tickets are reasonably priced at around £1.30 for a one-way trip.
☕ Top Station Cafe & Views
Grab a coffee and enjoy sea views from the cafe or seating area at the top.
🚲 E-bike Friendly
You can even bring your e-bike on board with no extra charge!
🌊 Watch Out for Seagulls!
Seagulls can be present near the top station, so keep an eye on your snacks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Central Tramway for its historical charm, convenience, and affordability. It's seen as a practical and enjoyable way to navigate Scarborough's hilly terrain, offering lovely sea views and a touch of nostalgia. While the ride is brief, its value and unique experience make it a must-do for many.
"Scarborough has so much to offer. The tramway is one of the attractions that makes this town so unique. There are two funiculars in Scarborough. This tramway is situated next to St Nicholas Gardens at the top and Olympia arcade to the bottom.
Journey time is about 30 seconds.
There is a cafe to the top station. On the side wall to the top, you will also find seating with views overlooking the sea. Watch out for the seagulls."
Legends l
"This was a lovely little attraction to visit, moving sharply up the cliff with beautiful views of the seaside! The seats are smoothly laid out and the tram's vintage design is refreshing to see, priced cheaply for a one way ticket too. Upstairs boarding place has plenty on sale in the shop and even a cafe, also appreciated the old Rowntree's advert!"
K. Peake
"Quaint but very practical. I could even take my e-bike with no extra charge. With Scarborough being very hilly, the two of these in the town are absolutely essential. The central one was closed to my hotel, so a real boon. Don't miss going on one if you are in the town."
Michael D. Scott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Central Tramway is located on Scarborough's South Bay. The top station is near St Nicholas Gardens, and the bottom station is by the Olympia arcade. It's easily accessible from the town center.
Yes, it's conveniently situated between the St Nicholas Gardens and the Grand Hotel, serving as a gateway to the beach.
You can walk from the town center or use local transport to reach St Nicholas Gardens, where the top station is located.
While there isn't direct parking at the tramway, there are several car parks in Scarborough town center and near the South Bay.
Absolutely! The tramway is a practical solution for those who find the steep Scarborough cliffs challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are very reasonably priced, with one-way trips costing around £1.30.
No, tickets can typically be purchased at the station. It's a walk-up attraction.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the standard fare is already very affordable.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their local listings or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Tickets are typically for one-way journeys, so you'll need a separate ticket for the return trip if you plan to ride both ways.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The journey is very quick, lasting only about 30 seconds from bottom to top.
At the top, you'll find a cafe, seating areas with sea views, and sometimes local shops.
Yes, you can take your e-bike on the tram without any extra charge, which is a great convenience.
Definitely! The ride itself offers great views, and the top station provides excellent vantage points for seaside photography.
Yes, it's a fun and short experience that children usually enjoy. It's also a practical way to get to the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The tram ride itself offers dynamic shots of the coastline. The top station provides panoramic views of South Bay.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful light for capturing the seaside scenery.
Yes, you can take photos from inside the tram as you ascend or descend, capturing the unique interior and the passing views.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive filming.
Expect shots of the vintage tram interior, the steep cliffside, the beach, the sea, and the Scarborough coastline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Mobility-Conscious Travelers
🚲 Active Explorers & Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Central Tramway's Heritage
This heritage funicular railway is a crucial part of Scarborough's charm, especially given the town's hilly topography. It provides a practical and enjoyable way to navigate the steep inclines, ensuring that the beautiful coastline is accessible to everyone. The tramway's continued operation is a nod to preserving local history and offering a unique attraction that complements the traditional seaside experience.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from Fellow Travelers
Beyond the ride itself, visitors recommend enjoying the amenities at the top station. There's a cafe perfect for a quick refreshment, and seating areas offering lovely views of the sea.
Social
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