Saltburn Cliff Lift

Saltburn's famous Cliff Lift has two cars, each of which is fitted with a water tank beneath, run on parallel tracks. The car at the top of the 71% incline has its tank filled with water until it overbalances the weight of the car 120ft below and proceeds down the incline under its own specific gravity.

The double steel wire ropes provide any additional control that is needed. When the car reaches the bottom its water is re-pumped to the top and the process begins all over again. The entire operation is controlled by the brake man from his little cabin at the top of the lift.

Facilities provided at either end of Saltburn Cliff Railway have always varied considerably, and passengers waiting to descend are less fortunate than those waiting to come up from the shore to the town. At the lower station there is a substantial complex, containing a ticket office, waiting room, and engine room, but the only building at the upper terminus is a small hut for the 'brakeman' controlling the operation of the cars.

The original cars were of a standard design, capable of seating 10-12 passengers, with an over-body on a triangular sub-frame that housed a 350 gallon water tank. A striking feature of the early cars was the inclusion of stained-glass windows, but these were removed in 1955 when the car bodies were replaced. However when the new aluminium cars were introduced in 1979 (modelled on the original design), this attractive feature was reinstated.

Currently owned and operated by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Saltburn's Cliff Railway continues to be well patronised. Open every weekend from mid March through to October, and daily during the peak season, this is one funicular that looks forward to a secure future.