Saltburn Cliff Lift
Ride the historic 1884 water-balance cliff lift, connecting Saltburn's seafront to its clifftops with stunning sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Saltburn Cliff Lift
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the historic 1884 water-balance cliff lift, connecting Saltburn's seafront to its clifftops with stunning sea views.
"A brilliant experience through and through, I can’t wait to visit again. I felt like a big kid!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Cat Nab car park fills fast! Get there early, especially on sunny days, to secure a spot. :car:
💰 Consider the Value
It's a short, unique ride. Some find it pricey, others see it as supporting history. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Cliff Lift Ride
Connecting seafront to clifftops
Experience a ride on the oldest operating water-balance cliff lift in the UK, a true piece of living history.
Stunning Sea Views
During the lift journey
Enjoy panoramic views of the North Sea and the coastline as you ascend or descend the cliff.
Accidentally Wes Anderson Aesthetic
The Cliff Lift structure
Appreciate the unique, symmetrical design that evokes the whimsical style of Wes Anderson films.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Cliff Lift
Understand the Value Proposition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Cat Nab car park fills fast! Get there early, especially on sunny days, to secure a spot. :car:
💰 Consider the Value
It's a short, unique ride. Some find it pricey, others see it as supporting history. :moneybag:
📸 Photogenic Spot
The cliff lift's design is perfect for 'Accidentally Wes Anderson' style photos. :camera:
♿ Accessible Experience
Wheelchairs fit well on the tramway, making it accessible for many. :wheelchair:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Cat Nab car park fills fast! Get there early, especially on sunny days, to secure a spot. :car:
💰 Consider the Value
It's a short, unique ride. Some find it pricey, others see it as supporting history. :moneybag:
📸 Photogenic Spot
The cliff lift's design is perfect for 'Accidentally Wes Anderson' style photos. :camera:
♿ Accessible Experience
Wheelchairs fit well on the tramway, making it accessible for many. :wheelchair:
🛍️ Browse Souvenirs
Don't rush past the gift shop at the bottom; allow time to explore unique art prints and merchandise. :gift: [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Saltburn Cliff Lift for its unique historical charm and friendly staff, calling it a 'gem' and a 'bucket list' item. The picturesque views and 'Accidentally Wes Anderson' aesthetic are major draws. Some find the price a bit high for the short journey, and queues can be long during peak times.
"What a wonderful experience! I’ve wanted to visit for many years, having been told stories about my family visiting 50+ years ago. It was a real bucket list item for me, and I’m so glad I’ve ridden on the tramway!
Brilliant, friendly staff - very reasonable price for such a unique experience too - I’d highly recommend visiting and taking a ride in this piece of living history.
My only ‘negative’ if you could call it that, was the lovely merchandise in the bottom entrance; after payment, there was a tram car waiting, so didn’t have time to purchase or properly look at the souvenirs, but I’ll make sure to ask for extra time for a browse next time (they had some gorgeous art prints).
A brilliant experience through and through, I can’t wait to visit again. I felt like a big kid!"
Charlie Pearson
"Saltburn Cliff Tramway – really nice to watch from outside and try it by myself.
Visited on Saturday and it was rainy day, so needed to wait around 5-10 minutes in the queue to try this experience with one of the oldest water-powered funiculars still operating. The ride took around 1 minute and we were 12 persons and 1 dog inside of funicular. The staff were friendly and created a great experience. Worth to try!"
Elena Golubeckaitė
"Saltburn Cliff Tramway
We like it and its always a fun way to travel especially with all your beach gear and children, however it is only a very short journey, 120ft in 55 seconds. So £6 for a family ticket down then £6 for a family ticket up, that's £12, way more than it costs to park the car for the day. For that reason I'd recommend £1 for adults/children, family tickets for £4, with pets free, but that's just me. However, it is a nice experience and a lovely memory, with vast views and it also does look pretty great watching the trams going up and down. The gents are always happy and polite and eager to chat about the history of the tram or just chat in general, so you don't mind paying a little extra. For future visits, I would have a happy hour, 50p travel between the hours of 1-2pm, off peak charges and also introduce ticket stubs for the children to hold and keep as momentos. Also my missus wouldn't let me ask if we identified as dogs would we only have to pay 80p 😂"
Damian Gale
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Saltburn Cliff Lift is located in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire. The nearest major car park is Cat Nab car park, which is the largest on the seafront. It's recommended to arrive early as it fills up quickly. You can also reach Saltburn by public transport, with train services available to Saltburn station, which is a short walk from the cliff lift.
Yes, the Cat Nab car park is located at the bottom of the cliff, near the seafront entrance of the lift. It's the largest car park available, but it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak times, as it can get very busy.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a walkable town. If you are staying in the town centre, you can walk down to the seafront where the cliff lift is located. The walk from the train station to the cliff lift is also manageable.
The cliff lift connects the seafront to the town on the clifftops. You can access it from either the seafront or the top of the cliff. Many visitors park at Cat Nab car park and use the lift to ascend to the town.
Absolutely! Saltburn has a train station, making it accessible for those traveling by public transport. From the station, it's a pleasant walk down to the seafront and the cliff lift.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost is £1.60 per person each way, with family tickets available for £6. Some visitors suggest a lower price point, like £1 for adults/children and £4 for family tickets, but acknowledge the current price is for a unique experience. [^Review]
Advance booking is generally not required for the Saltburn Cliff Lift. You can purchase tickets on the day of your visit. However, during busy periods, queues can form, so arriving early is recommended. [^Review]
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Saltburn Cliff Lift website or their social media for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
While specific senior discounts aren't always highlighted, family tickets are available. The current pricing is £1.60 per person each way, and some suggest a tiered pricing structure for better value. [^Review]
Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available. Typically, tickets are purchased on-site at the cliff lift entrance. [^Review]
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ride is short, lasting about 55 seconds, covering 120 feet. It's a unique experience, often described as feeling like a big kid, with atmospheric old carriages and friendly staff who are happy to share its history. [^Review]
Yes, the Saltburn Cliff Lift is accessible for wheelchairs. The tramway is designed to accommodate them, making it a great way for everyone to access the beach and seafront.
You'll get great views of the sea and the coastline during your journey. It's a picturesque ride that offers a different perspective of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. [^Review]
The actual ride on the Saltburn Cliff Lift is very brief, taking approximately 55 seconds to travel the 120 feet between the seafront and the clifftop. [^Review]
Yes, pets are allowed on the Saltburn Cliff Lift. One reviewer mentioned their dog was able to ride along, and some suggest pets should travel for free. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
The entire structure of the cliff lift is incredibly photogenic, often compared to 'Accidentally Wes Anderson' aesthetics. Capture shots of the unique carriages, the stained glass windows, and the overall Victorian charm.
Yes, you can take photos inside the carriages. The interior has a vintage feel, and the views from the windows are also great for photography.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the visual appeal of the cliff lift and the surrounding coastline. [^Review]
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at the Saltburn Cliff Lift. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing access.
Its unique Victorian design, symmetrical structure, and the vibrant stained glass windows contribute to its distinctive aesthetic, making it a popular subject for photographers. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the unique carriages, the intricate stained glass windows, and the panoramic sea views. The late afternoon light can be particularly stunning for capturing the lift and the coastline. [^Review] Don't forget to explore the surrounding Victorian architecture for more photographic opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through History: The Saltburn Cliff Lift
+1 This ingenious Victorian engineering marvel was designed to connect the burgeoning seaside town with its popular beach and pier below. Its unique water-balance system, where one car descends while the other ascends, is a testament to the innovative spirit of the era. Riding it offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to experience a journey much like the Victorians did over a century ago. [^Review]The lift's distinctive architecture and vibrant stained glass windows have also garnered attention for their aesthetic appeal. Many visitors note its resemblance to scenes from Wes Anderson films, earning it the moniker 'Accidentally Wes Anderson' location.
This visual charm, combined with its historical significance, makes the Saltburn Cliff Lift a truly memorable attraction. The friendly staff are often eager to share anecdotes and historical facts, further enriching the visitor experience. [^Review]Navigating Saltburn: Practicalities and Perspectives
Regarding the experience itself, the ride is brief, lasting around 55 seconds. While some visitors find the current pricing a bit high for such a short journey, many agree that the unique historical experience and the support it provides to a heritage attraction are well worth it. [^Review] The staff are consistently praised for their friendliness and willingness to engage with visitors, sharing the history of the lift. [^Review] Accessibility is also a strong point, with the lift being suitable for wheelchairs, ensuring a wider range of visitors can enjoy the experience.
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