A trip to the beach is the perfect weekend activity - and the historic attraction is worth a visit before it shuts at the end of autumn.
Saltburn-by-the-sea is a great choice for a seaside day out with its iconic pier and historical charm.
The Victorian tramway, believed to be the oldest water-balanced cliff lift in Britain, links the town with Saltburn beach and is a major draw for tourists throughout the year.
The 142-year-old lift has stood in Saltburn since 1884 and is the oldest water-balance cable lift in the UK.
Here's everything you need to know before visiting - including opening times and tarrifs.
Where is the cliff lift located?
The historic attraction is located in Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
Saltburn Cliff Lift location (Image: Google Maps)
Is the cliff lift open every day?
The Saltburn Cliff Lift is open during peak seasons - from March until the end of October. It then closes from November until the end of February.
During the months it operates, it is open from 10.30am until 5pm every day, with the last journey leaving at 4.55pm.
Do you have to pay to go on?
(Image: Stuart Boulton)
It costs £1.60 for a single fare, which is £3.20 for a return for an adult.
A child (aged 5 – 16) fare is just £1, so £2 return.
Family tickets are also available for two adults and two children or one adult and four children for £4.50.
You can also get an annual membership if you visit Saltburn and use the lift on a regular basis.
How does it operate?
The Saltburn Cliff Lift works by a water-balance mechanism - a type of funicular railway that uses water to balance the weight of the carriages.
The lift consists of two carriages, each with a water tank.
The top carriage is filled with water until it outweighs the other carriage at the bottom, allowing it to ascend.
When the top carriage is filled with water, it becomes heavier than the bottom carriage, causing it to move towards the top.
This process is repeated until the top carriage reaches the top of the lift.
How many people can ride the lift?
The lift can accommodate up to 12 passengers per carriage, making it a popular choice for tourists and visitors
The lift is also designed to be accessible to individuals using mobility scooters or wheelchairs.
Lift closed for refurbishment
Throughout the majority of 2026, the historic lift was closed for an upgrade.
But, after a makeover, the carriages returned to Saltburn on Friday, July 21, with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council saying they hoped to reopen the tramway to the public within two weeks.
Councillor Alec Brown announced that the tramway had passed all its necessary inspections and it reopened to the public this Friday (August 28) at 10.30am.
The information in this article is up to date as of September 24, 2026.