
From Smugglers to tourists exploring Saltburn by the sea
Originally the fishing village of Saltburn by the Sea was known for its smuggling activities, however this all changed with the arrival of the railway. Saltburn became a seaside destination with everything the Victorians wanted in a visit. A pier, Italian Gardens, cliff lift and even a miniature railway. There is a handy map at the bottom for reference.
The Ship pub marks the original seaside village, just along from here you will pass the old mortuary, another remnant of the original village.
Saltburn Pier was opened in May 1869 and is a Grade II listed structure. The pier is the last remaining pier in Yorkshire, and was designed by John Anderson. The pier is 682 feet (208 metres) long. Watch out for the winds!
Access to the pier was difficult from the town via the steep cliff, so a cliff hoist was created and opened in 1870. The hoist was demolished in 1883 and replaced with the funicular construction we see today. Find out all about the Saltburn Cliff Lift here.
The town is filled with beautiful Victorian architecture. The railway station isn’t as busy as it once was with tourists, however there are shops and cafes to keep you fed.
We like to seek out geocaches whilst on holiday and one of these lead us to information and a memorial to Henry Pease who was instrumental in the development of Saltburn by the sea.
During the lifetime of the town there have been five bandstands in five different locations, here you will find the fifth location. Sadly the original was destroyed by a bomb during World War II, however this replacement was built by fundraising from Saltburn 500 club.
There was also once a giant bridge spanning the valley which had seven cast iron trestles supporting lattice girders. It stood 120 feet high. The cost for pedestrians to cross was one halfpenny, hence the name of the bridge. Poor maintenance and the proposed housing development wasn’t built leading to the demolition of the bridge in 1974.
How to get there
Train services run to Saltburn regularly from Middlesbrough, Whitby and York.
The Arriva X4 bus service runs regularly between Whitby and Middlesbrough.
Exploring Saltburn by the sea
Use this map to explore Saltburn by the sea.
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