A quaint UK seaside town that has long been overlooked by tourists is finally getting its moment in the sun. Often hailed as Britain’s most ‘underrated’ coastal treasure, Saltburn-by-the-Sea — or simply Saltburn — has been a tourist hotspot since 1861.
While much of Britain’s coastline began to decline following the Benidorm boom, Saltburn has maintained its charm and has been quietly undergoing a significant transformation. The resort, nestled in North Yorkshire under the Redcar and Cleveland authority, features an eight-mile stretch of golden sandy beach, which seamlessly blends into rugged green cliffs. It’s the ideal spot for relaxing with a good book, exploring rock pools, or even surfing (if you’re daring enough to brave the cold waters).
Additionally, there’s Saltburn Pier, which was inaugurated back in 1869 and extends 200 metres into the North Sea, reports the Mirror.
However, Saltburn’s crowning glory must be its Cliff Tramway, which holds the title of the oldest water balanced funicular still in operation in Great Britain.
For a mere £2, tourists can enjoy a ride in charming carriages that offer breathtaking sea views and transport them directly down to the beach.
Yorkshire.com has been singing praises for the delightful coastal town of Saltburn-by-the-sea, touting its Victorian charm and thrilling attractions.
“From the water balanced cliff lifts to the last remaining pier in Yorkshire, Saltburn promises its visitors an authentic seaside experience! There’s plenty to entertain too as the town has an up and coming arts scene, lots of restaurants and plenty of daring water sports to try.”
In an exclusive chat with the Mirror, Councillor Carrie Richardson, deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate and Culture at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, lauded Saltburn as one of the region’s ‘popular and much-loved beauty spots’, noting that visitor numbers are on the rise annually.
“Its unique Victorian charm, which features a traditional pier, a historic water-balanced cliff tramway, boutique B&Bs, Italian gardens, a stunning coastline and a vibrant food and drink scene, makes it a truly special place to visit,” she enthused.
“Saltburn has even featured on BBC’s Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes and Channel 4’s Yorkshire by the Sea. This growing popularity increased the demand for visitor infrastructure, particularly during the peak tourist season.”
Cllr Richardson expressed delight at the positive impact recent investments have had on both tourists and local businesses.
In total, close to £2 million has been invested in the town to enhance accessibility, improve transport links, and refurbish ageing infrastructure.
The regeneration scheme includes expanding the capacity of Saltburn’s most frequented car park and constructing an overflow car park on nearby land to accommodate the surge in tourist numbers.
The plan also incorporates EV charging points and infrastructure for motorhomes.
Significant enhancements, such as a resurfaced footway, new street lighting, and additional seating, have been completed on the Upper Promenade, while crucial infrastructure upgrades have been implemented on the Lower Promenade, including the restoration of the historic balustrade.
Furthermore, Saltburn’s grade-two listed Albert Memorial landmark, which was deteriorating, has been restored. Funds have also been allocated to upgrade local footpaths, making it ‘easier to explore Saltburn on foot’.