Peak Alum Works Ravenscar
Explore remnants of 19th-century alum production on the stunning Cleveland Way, offering dramatic coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for views and exploration
Peak Alum Works Ravenscar
Best Time
Best for views and exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore remnants of 19th-century alum production on the stunning Cleveland Way, offering dramatic coastal views.
"An interesting site of industrial archaeology with spectacular coastal views."
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is a steep concrete road, so good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable visit. :athletic_shoe:
Check Visitor Centre
Toilets are available near the National Trust visitor centre. Plan your visit accordingly. :toilet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alum Works Remains
Cliffside
Explore the remnants of 19th-century industrial archaeology and learn about historical alum processing.
Spectacular Coastal Views
Cleveland Way
Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Robin Hood's Bay and the North Sea coastline.
Geological Interest
Higher Cliffs
Discover unique micro-climates and vegetation in the stream valleys near the old brick and alum mines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Steep Terrain Ahead
Historical Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is a steep concrete road, so good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable visit. :athletic_shoe:
Check Visitor Centre
Toilets are available near the National Trust visitor centre. Plan your visit accordingly. :toilet:
Embrace the Walk
The site is best accessed via a walk along the Cleveland Way, offering stunning scenery. :walking:
Read the Boards
Interpretation boards provide valuable historical context about the alum works. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is a steep concrete road, so good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable visit. :athletic_shoe:
Check Visitor Centre
Toilets are available near the National Trust visitor centre. Plan your visit accordingly. :toilet:
Embrace the Walk
The site is best accessed via a walk along the Cleveland Way, offering stunning scenery. :walking:
Read the Boards
Interpretation boards provide valuable historical context about the alum works. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Peak Alum Works Ravenscar an interesting historical site with stunning coastal views, perfect for a walk along the Cleveland Way. While not much of the original works remain, the interpretation boards and the dramatic scenery are highly praised. The steep access road is a notable feature, making it less accessible for some.
"An interesting site of industrial archaeology on the Cleveland Way coast path, just to the north of Ravenscar.
The geology is really interesting, with old brick works and alum mines on the higher cliff. The alum works processed the mineral, which was then taken down to the sea and shipped to London.
There isn't much of the works left but the views across Robin Hood's Bay and the micro-climates and vegetation in some of the stream valleys are well worth the walk."
Rich B
"The first alum works was established about 1650 and work continued until 1862. The remains are from the later periods of alum production in the 19th century. There are interpretation display boards that show how things were at this important works, which is protected as a Scheduled Monument. Access is down a steep concrete road about half an hour's walk from the National Trust visitors centre. Open at all times with no admission charges. It is not suitable for wheelchairs. Toilets are at the National Park conveniences near the visitors centre. It's an interesting place to visit with spectacular coastal views."
Robert Walton
"Amazing little place. Also we stopped at the brick works further up. Great little walk but a big hill so not good if you're not steady on your feet."
Jacinth Stamp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The site is located on the Cleveland Way coast path, north of Ravenscar. Access is via a steep concrete road, about a half-hour walk from the National Trust visitor centre. It's a popular stop for those walking the coastal route.
While there's a concrete road, it's very steep and not recommended for general vehicle access. Parking is available near the National Trust visitor centre, from where you can walk to the site.
Cycling is possible on the concrete road, but its steepness may be challenging for some. The Cleveland Way is primarily a walking path.
Many visitors enjoy incorporating the alum works into a walk along the Cleveland Way, perhaps as part of a circular route from Ravenscar to Robin Hood's Bay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission charges to visit Peak Alum Works Ravenscar. It is open at all times.
The site is open at all times, allowing for flexible visiting schedules. However, daylight hours are best for appreciating the views and historical features.
As there is no admission fee, booking tickets in advance is not necessary for Peak Alum Works Ravenscar.
No, the site is not suitable for wheelchairs due to the steep concrete road and uneven terrain.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
While much of the original structure is gone, you can see remnants of the industrial archaeology, including old brick works and alum mines on the higher cliffs. Interpretation boards explain the historical processes.
The site offers spectacular coastal views across to Robin Hood's Bay and the North Sea. The geology and micro-climates in the stream valleys are also noteworthy.
Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour exploring the site and taking in the views, especially if incorporating it into a longer walk.
There are no facilities directly at the alum works. Toilets are available at the National Park conveniences near the National Trust visitor centre.
The site was an important centre for alum production from around 1650 until 1862. It is protected as a Scheduled Monument, with the remains dating from the later periods of production.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure everyone wears sturdy shoes as the concrete path can be slippery. It's a good idea to pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited to the nearby visitor centre. Consider this more of a historical exploration stop during a longer walk rather than a destination in itself for very young children.
🚶 Hikers and Walkers
Many walkers use the interpretation boards to learn about the area's past, adding an educational element to their trek. It's a great spot to pause, rest, and appreciate the dramatic landscape. Remember to wear appropriate hiking gear and check the weather before setting out, as coastal paths can be exposed.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
While the physical remains are not extensive, the historical context provided by these boards, combined with the dramatic coastal setting, creates a rich immersive experience. It's a chance to reflect on the ingenuity and labor of past generations. The site's designation as a Scheduled Monument underscores its importance in the region's industrial heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Industrial History
The geology of the area is particularly interesting, with evidence of both brick works and alum mines visible on the higher cliffs. Visitors can explore the remnants and imagine the scale of operations that once took place. The unique micro-climates and diverse vegetation found in the nearby stream valleys add another layer of natural interest to the historical landscape. It's a place where industrial heritage meets natural beauty, offering a unique experience for those who appreciate both.
Access to the site involves a steep concrete road, making it a bit of a trek but rewarding those who make the effort. The journey itself, often part of a walk along the scenic Cleveland Way, enhances the overall experience. While the physical remains might be sparse, the historical significance and the stunning coastal vistas make Peak Alum Works Ravenscar a worthwhile destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Navigating the Terrain and Trails
Many visitors choose to combine their visit to the alum works with a broader exploration of the coastline. A popular option is a circular walk that connects Ravenscar to the picturesque village of Robin Hood's Bay, with the alum works serving as an interesting historical stopover. This allows for a more immersive experience of the North York Moors National Park, showcasing its dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and the ever-present sea.
While there are no facilities directly at the alum works, essential amenities like toilets can be found at the National Trust visitor centre, which serves as a convenient starting point or resting spot. Planning your visit to coincide with daylight hours will maximize your enjoyment, allowing you to fully appreciate the historical remnants and the breathtaking panoramic views of the coast.
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