East Hill Lift
Ride the UK's steepest funicular for breathtaking coastal views and access to Hastings Country Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Lively atmosphere
East Hill Lift
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the UK's steepest funicular for breathtaking coastal views and access to Hastings Country Park.
"The views from the railway are absolutely stunning – a fantastic panorama of Hastings Old Town, the beach, and the sea."
🎟️ Affordable Return Trip
A return ticket is around £5.50 per person, with family rates available. It's a small price for a unique experience!
🧥 Dress for the Wind
It can be quite windy at the top of the hill, so bring a jacket or wear layers for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Funicular Ride
Base of East Hill
Ascend the UK's steepest funicular for a thrilling, short ride with incredible coastal views.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Summit of East Hill
Marvel at sweeping vistas of Hastings Old Town, the beach, and the English Channel.
Hastings Country Park Access
Top of the lift
Gateway to miles of scenic cliff-top walks and nature trails with stunning natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ride the Steepest Lift in the UK
Support a Historic Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Affordable Return Trip
A return ticket is around £5.50 per person, with family rates available. It's a small price for a unique experience!
🧥 Dress for the Wind
It can be quite windy at the top of the hill, so bring a jacket or wear layers for comfort.
🚶♀️ Explore Hastings Country Park
The lift is the perfect starting point for beautiful walks. Pack a picnic to enjoy the scenery!
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of the coastline and the funicular itself, especially at sunrise. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Affordable Return Trip
A return ticket is around £5.50 per person, with family rates available. It's a small price for a unique experience!
🧥 Dress for the Wind
It can be quite windy at the top of the hill, so bring a jacket or wear layers for comfort.
🚶♀️ Explore Hastings Country Park
The lift is the perfect starting point for beautiful walks. Pack a picnic to enjoy the scenery!
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of the coastline and the funicular itself, especially at sunrise.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly Fun
Children under 5 ride for free, making it an accessible outing for families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the East Hill Lift for its unique experience, stunning panoramic views of Hastings Old Town and the coast, and its role as a gateway to beautiful country park walks. The friendly staff and reasonable ticket prices also contribute to a positive overall impression, with many highlighting the importance of supporting this historic attraction.
"I recently visited the East Hill Cliff Railway in Hastings, and it was such a great experience! The funicular ride is smooth and quick, and it’s amazing to think it’s been running since 1902. The views from the railway are absolutely stunning you get a fantastic panorama of Hastings Old Town, the beach, and the sea.At the top, there’s easy access to lovely walking trails in Hastings Country Park, which made the trip even better. The staff were really friendly and helpful, which made the visit feel welcoming. The ticket price was very reasonable for such a unique ride.
Overall, it was a peaceful and scenic way to explore the area, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Hastings. Whether you want a quick trip up the hill or a starting point for some beautiful countryside walks, the East Hill Cliff Railway is worth checking out!"
Ashly Shaji
"Well worth £4 for return trip - but only for the views and experience but also knowing that you’re contributing to keeping this historic heritage funicular going. Views of Hastings are spectacular and there are great walks to be had in the nature reserve at the top"
John Austin
"£5.5 for return pp, if you’re a family they provide better rate. Staff are super friendly and giving positive vibe which I loved so much! The view from the hill was spectacular, it will be nice to have a picnic as well."
Woncheol Choi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a train from London Victoria to Hastings, which takes about two hours. From Hastings station, head down towards the beach and walk towards the funicular.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, Hastings Old Town has parking options. It's often recommended to use public transport or walk if you're already in town.
Yes, if you are exploring Hastings Old Town or the beach area, the lift is easily accessible on foot.
From the town center, it's a pleasant walk down towards the beach and the Old Town, where the lift is located.
Hastings has a good train service, and the town itself is walkable. For longer distances, local buses are available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A return ticket is approximately £5.50 per person. Family rates are often available, and children under 5 ride for free.
Tickets can typically be purchased on the day at the lift station. Booking in advance is usually not necessary.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
The lift provides access to the park, and while the ride itself is accessible, the terrain in Hastings Country Park can be varied.
Yes, your ticket purchase directly supports the upkeep of this historic funicular. Many visitors feel it's important to 'use it or lose it'.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the top, you gain access to Hastings Country Park, offering extensive walking trails, stunning coastal views, and opportunities for picnics.
Absolutely! The lift is a direct gateway to Hastings Country Park, which features numerous well-maintained walking paths.
Expect spectacular panoramic views of Hastings Old Town, the beach, the Stade (Europe's largest beach-launched fishing fleet), and the English Channel.
Yes, it can be quite windy at the summit due to its exposed cliff-top location. It's advisable to bring a jacket.
Definitely! Many visitors enjoy picnics with the incredible views as a backdrop. There are quiet spots to be found.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers magical light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photographers.
The funicular itself, the panoramic views from the top, and the coastline stretching towards Rye are all highly photogenic.
Some drone footage has been captured, but always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife before flying.
You can capture unique angles of the town, beach, and the funicular track as you ascend or descend.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. Be respectful of others and any posted signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the weather; it can be windy, so dress children in layers. The experience provides a unique blend of historical transport and natural exploration, making it a memorable day trip that appeals to both parents and kids. The friendly staff also add to the welcoming atmosphere.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
Many walkers use the lift as a starting point for longer coastal treks, such as the route towards Rye.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The panoramic views from the summit are a major draw, providing stunning backdrops of Hastings Old Town, the beach, and the sea. +1 Sunrise is a particularly sought-after time for capturing the best light and a tranquil atmosphere. +1Consider using a drone for unique aerial perspectives, but always be mindful of local regulations.
+2 The combination of historic engineering, dramatic coastal scenery, and the vibrant seaside town makes the East Hill Lift a versatile subject for a wide range of photographic styles. Don't forget to capture the journey itself from within the lift carriage for a dynamic shot. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Ride Through History
The lift has been a beloved local feature and a unique attraction for visitors for over a century, offering a quick and charming ascent up the cliffs. Visiting the East Hill Lift is often described as a journey back in time. The experience is not just about the destination but the ride itself. Many visitors emphasize the importance of supporting such historic attractions, noting that 'if we don't use it, we will lose it.'
Beyond its historical significance, the lift provides a crucial link to Hastings Country Park. This natural reserve offers a stark contrast to the bustling town below, with its wild beauty and extensive network of walking trails. The funicular's role in providing easy access to this natural landscape underscores its importance to both the town's heritage and its recreational offerings.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at East Hill Lift
+1 Drone photography can capture sweeping aerial views of the lift, the coastline, and the town, providing a unique perspective on this seaside gem. +2From the top of the lift, the panoramic views are simply spectacular. You can frame shots of Hastings Old Town with its charming rooftops, the bustling beach below, and the vast expanse of the English Channel.
+1 The funicular track itself, with its steep incline, makes for dramatic and compelling photographs, especially when captured from the base looking up, or from the carriage looking down. When planning your photo session, consider the weather and light. While sunny days offer bright, clear views, overcast days can create a moody, atmospheric feel. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and any local guidelines, especially if using specialized equipment like drones.
Exploring Hastings Country Park
These trails cater to various fitness levels, from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes. Popular routes include paths that lead along the coastline, offering stunning views of the English Channel and the iconic white cliffs. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as the park is a haven for various bird species and other fauna.
The park is an integral part of the East Hill experience, providing a natural counterpoint to the historic lift and the seaside town. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the South Downs National Park, making the journey up the East Hill Lift a complete day out for nature lovers and walkers alike.
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