Ask any Brit about Saltburn by the Sea and you might get a puzzled look because this coastal gem still flies under the radar 🌊
I’ll be honest, I had never even heard of it until hasnaa smiled and said “Trust me, you’re going to love this place.”
Her family grew up visiting the Yorkshire coast for their staycations, so she knew every corner of the town. And with her as my personal guide, we packed our days with fun little adventures that made the whole trip unforgettable.
If you ever visit Saltburn by the Sea, you will quickly notice what makes this place special because the stunning beach and seafront steal the spotlight 🌊
“Wait… this beach is seriously this good?” someone might say, and the answer is simple. Yes, it really is.
Saltburn Beach has even been ranked as the best beach in the entire UK before, and once you see the sweeping sand and the beautiful coastline, you will understand exactly why.
Where is Saltburn?
Saltburn by the Sea is a charming seaside town known for its striking Victorian character and classic coastal atmosphere. You will find it along the coastline of Redcar and Cleveland in North Yorkshire, where elegant architecture meets sweeping sea views 🌊
Around 6,000 people call this town home, and it sits within the historic area of the North Riding of Yorkshire. Visitors know it best for Saltburn Beach and the lively seafront, two highlights that continue to draw crowds of travelers year after year.
Parking for Saltburn Beach is available at Seafront Car Park Saltburn by the Sea TS12 1HH.
History of Saltburn
Back in the 1800s, Saltburn by the Sea thrived as a popular bathing resort, and the Victorian charm still greets you the moment you step into the town center and stroll along the promenade 🌊
“Look at these buildings… it feels like time slowed down here,” someone might say while walking past the elegant facades.
The visionary entrepreneur Henry Pease helped shape the town into a Victorian resort, creating landmarks like the historic tramway and the classic pleasure pier that still stands proudly today.
As you explore the area, the atmosphere almost pulls you back to a simpler era where seaside holidays felt timeless and wonderfully calm.
But here is something many visitors do not expect because Saltburn Beach also carries a wild past filled with smuggling tales 🌊
“Wait… smugglers were operating here?” someone might ask with surprise. The answer is yes, and the story goes back a long way.
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, the coastline stretching from Whitby to Saltburn became a famous smuggling route. The most legendary name from that era was John Andrew, a local figure often called the King of the Smugglers who turned the quiet shoreline into the stage for daring coastal adventures.
Things to do – Saltburn By The Sea
There is plenty to experience at Saltburn Beach, and every corner brings its own little adventure 🌊
“So where do we start?” someone might ask while looking across the seafront.
No stress, here are the top things you absolutely need to check out while you are here.
Check out Saltburn’s iconic ‘Cliff Tramway’
Opened in 1884, Saltburn by the Sea proudly hosts the oldest water balanced cliff tramway still operating in Great Britain 🌊
“Wait… this lift has been running since the Victorian days?” someone might ask in amazement.
The famous cliff lift still looks almost exactly the same, keeping its beautiful Victorian character untouched through the years.
Both tram cars carry water tanks that act as a counterbalance, allowing them to glide smoothly up and down the track.
The ride feels like stepping straight into the 1800s as the tram climbs and descends the 37 metre line while stunning views of Saltburn Beach and the seafront open up below.
It is fun for the whole family, and there is a clear reason why it ranks as the 1 attraction in town on Tripadvisor.
Saltburn By The Sea Tramway Price (Single Fares)
| Ticket | Price (Single Fares) |
|---|---|
|
Adults |
Adults |
|
Children (Aged 4-6) |
60p |
|
Children (Aged 3 and Under) |
Free! |
|
Family Ticket (2 adults and 3 children or 1 adult and 4 children) |
£3.50 |
Because of the restrictions during COVID-19, the tram unfortunately stayed closed to visitors for a while.
“Hopefully it opens again soon,” someone might say while looking up the track with excitement 🤞
Try your hand at surfing
Although Cornwall is usually the top surf spot in England, many people don’t realize that Saltburn by the Sea can deliver waves just as thrilling 🌊
“Really? Here in Yorkshire?” someone might ask, eyes widening at the thought of surfing on these northern waves.
With three surf schools in town, booking a lesson during surf season is easy and perfect for beginners or pros looking for a fun ride.
The three main surf schools are:
| Surf School | Website |
|---|---|
|
Saltburn Surf School |
https://www.saltbur-surf.co.uk/ |
|
Flow Surf Coaching |
https://www.flowsurfcoaching.com/ |
|
Drift Surf Shop |
https://driftsurfshop.co.uk/ |
I gave surfing a try for the first time last year, and wow – it was an absolute blast 🌊
“Hang on… I’m actually standing on a board!” someone might shout, gripping the waves with a mix of fear and excitement.
Thanks to the north-facing orientation and protection from the cliffy coastline, Saltburn Beach delivers perfect swells at high tide, offering fun waves for both beginners and intermediate surfers.
Beginner lessons are both exciting and full of tips, giving you the confidence to tackle the waves on your own afterward 🌊
“No gear? No problem!” someone might cheer, knowing you can rent everything you need right from the surf shops.
This way, you can spend hours enjoying the waves without a worry, fully immersed in the Yorkshire surf experience.
Roam around Saltburn beach
If surfing isn’t your thing, no worries – you can stroll along the beach and watch the surfers take on the waves from a safe distance 🌊
“Looks like someone’s about to wipe out!” someone might laugh as they sip a coffee, enjoying the show.
The beach itself is stunning, with gorgeous ocean views and perfect spots to admire the rugged Saltburn coastline.
It’s ideal for kids too – the sandy and shingled shore is clean, perfect for playing, building sandcastles, or just strolling with an ice cream in hand.
And here’s a fun twist: with the beach once being a Victorian smuggling hotspot, why not hunt for hidden treasure along the shore?
Are dogs allowed on Saltburn Beach?
Absolutely! Saltburn Beach is perfect for letting your dog enjoy some scenic walkies 🌊
“Come on, let’s explore!” someone might call as their pup runs excitedly along the sand.
Dogs aren’t allowed between the left of the pier and Hazlegrove from May to September, but the rest of the beach is open, giving your four-legged friends plenty of space to roam and play.
You and your furry friends get to enjoy a long stretch of beautiful sandy coastline to explore 🌊
“And the promenade too?” someone might ask, smiling as their dog trots happily beside them.
Yes! Dogs can also stroll along the promenade, making it a full seaside adventure for both you and your companions.
Stroll along Saltburn beach pier
Saltburn by the Sea is a true throwback, home to one of the few Victorian pleasure piers still standing today 🌊
A pleasure pier is a classic walkway stretching out toward the sea, often filled with amusements and small theatres for visitors to enjoy.
Saltburn’s pier was the first of its kind on the Yorkshire coast, built all the way back in 1869.
Originally over 450 metres long, storm damage over the years has reduced it to 206 metres, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in fun.
Take a leisurely stroll and soak in the picturesque seafront views while watching the North Sea waves crash against the shore.
Stormy days can make the views even more dramatic – the waves collide chaotically, and at times it almost feels like they could splash over the pier!
Entry is free, and the pier also hosts a charming old-school arcade, perfect for spending an hour collecting tickets and trying to win novelty prizes 🎯
Kids absolutely love it, making it a must-visit spot for families.
Rent a hut
Boldly standing out against the classic Victorian promenade, the 45 brightly painted chalets facing Saltburn Beach immediately catch your eye 🌈
These candy-colored huts are a newer addition to the seafront, and you can rent one for the day from around £20–25 in low season or £40–50 in high season.
Each hut comes with electricity, running water, cushioned seating, and breakfast tables with chairs – perfect for hosting your own beach party or just relaxing in a bit of privacy.
Painted in vibrant shades of red, blue, yellow, orange, green, and pink, the chalets really brighten up the seafront 🌈
They’re so popular that there’s now a long waiting list, sparking a bit of chatter among visitors.
If you want to rent a hut during your trip to Saltburn Beach, it’s wise to book early!
For all the details, check out the official Marshall’s Beach Huts website.
Tuck into Saltburn’s celebrated fish and chips
No trip to the seafront is complete without indulging in some classic fish and chips 🍴
Thankfully, Saltburn Beach has plenty of top-notch chippy shops to satisfy your cravings.
While the town offers a range of dining options, the three main spots right by the beachfront are:
| Chippy | Website |
|---|---|
|
Oscar’s Fish & Chips |
|
|
Cat Nab Fish Bar |
|
|
The Seaview Restaurant |
On our last trip, we stopped at The Seaview Restaurant, and the food was absolutely delicious 🍴
Their upstairs dining area has even been featured on BBC’s Remarkable Place To Eat, but their takeaway fish and chips are just as amazing.
There’s something so charming about sitting by the beach, enjoying your chippy with those classic little forks – pure British vibes!
Just a heads-up: watch out for the cheeky seagulls flying around, because they won’t hesitate to snatch your food if you’re not careful 🐦
FAQs
Can you walk from Saltburn to Redcar on the beach?
Absolutely! You can enjoy a peaceful coastal walk via Marske-by-the-Sea, covering around 4 miles and reaching Redcar in about an hour 🌊
For full details of the route, be sure to check the official guide.
Can you have a fire on Saltburn Beach?
Fires aren’t allowed on Saltburn Beach unless you have special permission from Scarborough Borough Council 🔥
Where to park for Saltburn Beach?
The main car parking spots for Saltburn Beach are:
| Carpark | Address |
|---|---|
|
Seafront Car Park |
|
|
Cat Nab Car Park |
|
|
Saltburn-by-the-Sea – Public Parking Space |
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