Retro seaside town with no arcades or rides reopens historic funicular after eight-month closure

TravelNews Travel ONE of the UK’s last remaining seaside funiculars has reopened after an eight month closure. The Saltburn Tramway shut back in January 2026 ahead of major restoration works. Saltburn’s 142-year-old funicular has finally reopened Credit: NNP The carriages have been restored Credit: NNP It has since reopened, with guests able to use the funicular between the town centre and seafront. Some of the works included restoring the carriages, by both modernising while keeping the historic style with oak interiors and larger windows. Sign up for the Travel newsletter Thank you! Safety improvements include new brake systems and buffers. The funicular dates back more than 140 years, having opened in 1884. Read more on seaside towns It is also the oldest of its kind in the UK, being a water-balanced cliff funicular. A spokesperson for the attraction said: “What an incredible day as we welcomed passengers back to the Saltburn Cliff Tramway for the first time following its refurbishment. “Seeing the tramway back in operation and filled with smiling passengers once again was a proud moment for everyone involved in the project. “Thank you for your patience during the refurbishment works and for giving such a warm welcome to the tramway’s beautiful new handcrafted carriages.” Most read in Travel Tickets start from £1.50 for kids Credit: NNP Tickets cost £2.10 for adults or £1.50 for kids aged between 4-15 years old. Kids under three go free while dogs and bikes cost 20p each. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, or simply Saltburn, is more of a traditional seaside town due to its lack of arcades or rides on the promenade. Earlier this year, the town saw a huge surge in interest according to Trainline, with bookings up 133 per cent. Comment now