Thursday 15th January 2026 saw the Saltburn Cliff Tramway say goodbye to the two carriages which have operated the service for the past 15 years, ahead of their replacements arriving after a major upgrade of the line.
The 1884 built Saltburn Cliff Tramway is the oldest water balanced funicular still operating in Great Britain. It links the town of Saltburn on the top of the cliff with the pier at sea level, a pier that is the only remaining pleasure pier on the North East and Yorkshire coast. It runs for 207 feet on a 1 in 4 incline and has seen lots of investment in recent years, of which this work is just the latest to be undertaken.
As well as two replacement carriages, the latest upgrade will see a new hydraulic brake system and buffer system installed. There will also be general servicing and maintenance work, ahead of testing and then the reopening of the line.
The replacement carriages will have the same visual style and colour, but will have one noticeable difference. The window depth will be increased to enhance passengers’ views whilst travelling. The much-loved existing stained-glass windows, original designed and installed in 1991 by local artist Chloe Buck will be reconditioned and transferred into the new carriages.
Cllr Carrie Richardson, Deputy Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council and Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture, said: “The Tramway is internationally renowned and has brought pleasure and convenience to holidaymakers for more than 140 years. It’s incredibly well-used and after great service the carriages have reached the end of their lives and it’s time to install new, better ones. Safety always comes first and as well as servicing and testing the whole Tramway, a new brake and buffering system will be installed to ensure it can be enjoyed for many years to come.”
The new carriages will be fitted to the current steel undercarriages (which consist of cast iron axle boxes installed in 2018, steel water tanks and solid steel wheels installed in 1979).