Saltburn
Springing up as a preeminent holiday resort area for wealthy industrialist in the 1860's, Saltburn by the Sea continues to provide Victorian charm to tourists and travelers while perched above a section of the North Sea's beautiful long beaches. The Saltburn Cliff Lift descends vertically 120 feet along 207 feet of track providing visitors and locals alike with easy and stunning access from the main town to the beach below. The oldest remaining water-powered cliff lift in Britain, and one of the world's oldest water-powered cliff lifts (the oldest being the Bom Jesus funicular in Braga, Portugal), this lift was originally built in 1884 and remains a vital connection to Saltburn's past and future.
Primarily know for being one of Britain's wonderful seaside resort areas, one can expect all of the creature comforts and amenities while planning to take a relaxing stroll through the Riftswood, visiting the colorful Italian Gardens, of taking in the primary activities down on the beachfront or out on the pier that is easily accessed through the Saltburn Cliff Lift. For those that want to try something different, Saltburn is quickly becoming known for its surf and one of the best places in the U.K. for trying your hand at surfing.
The Lower Promenade Saltburn Pier is the most Northerly British pier remaining today. Facing due north directly into all of the challenges that the North Sea has to offer, this pier has recently undergone significant restorations to return the pier to it former glory with renovations completed in 2001. Lying to the north-east of the town stands the impressive Hunt Cliff that is topped by Warsett Hill towering over the sea at 545 feet (166 meters).
With a historic past steeped in the traditions of seaside smuggling, Saltburn continues to offer a view of 18th century life in the town with the stories of John Andrew, known locally as the "King of the Smugglers." You should plan a visit to The Ship Inn while in Saltburn to get a feel for what life was like in this seaside town before it turned into a resort area. One of the more unique offerings that Saltburn puts on display is their Saltburn Miniature Railway that runs through the Italian Gardens, Woodland Centre, Valley Gardens, Tea Lawn, and down to the sea. This 15" gauge railway first established in 1947 was extensively refurbished and improved in 2003 and is a delight for young and old alike.
Conveniently located just to the north of the North York Moors National Park one also has quick access to all that the park has to offer in the way of its natural scenic beauty. You can hike, cycle, or otherwise take in the dales, woodlands, moorlands, and the natural coastlines on the eastern border of the park. Offering opportunities to examine villages, buildings, geology, archeology, and the storied history of the area, one will not be at a loss for finding something of significant interest to examine while visiting the park and the areas around Saltburn.
