Nestled along the stunning North Yorkshire coastline, Saltburn-by-the-Sea has been recognised as England’s “most beautiful” seaside town and the top staycation destination in the UK for 2024. With its breathtaking cliffs, charming Victorian pier, and vibrant community, Saltburn is an idyllic escape for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. This picturesque town is celebrated for its scenic beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, making it the perfect destination for travellers eager to experience the best of the British seaside. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic retreat, or a solo adventure, Saltburn-by-the-Sea offers an unforgettable experience filled with natural wonders and cultural delights.
Owning a static caravan at one of our parks in the North East allows you to enjoy fantastic days out in this charming area. While visiting Saltburn requires a bit of travel, it is easily accessible from our Northumberland holiday parks at Causey Hill (a manageable hour-and-a-half drive) and Elm Bank (approximately two hours), or from Village Green (around an hour and a half) in County Durham. In this edition of our blog, we’ll explore why Saltburn is a must-see by the sea during your days out from Daly Parks!
What makes Saltburn great?
Saltburn showcases stunning natural beauty – dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and well-preserved Victorian architecture. There’s plenty to see and do to keep you occupied and, if you decide to stay over and enjoy a second day in the town, there are usually readily available places to stay.
1. Funicular railway / cliff lift
The town’s Grade II listed funicular railway is the second oldest water-powered cliff lift in the world, and has been transporting passengers from the old town to the pier and beach (and back) since it first opened in 1884. It offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the North Sea, making it an experience you shouldn’t miss. However, extensive damage was caused to the cliffside tramway in January 2024 during an electrical fire, and repair works are currently underway. This also means visitors currently have to climb 173 steps to climb to get from the beach to the old town (and vice versa)!
2. Victorian pier
Saltburn Pier is the last remaining pier on the North-east coast and stretches an impressive 681 feet into the sea. The original pier was 1,500 feet long and opened at the height of the Victoria era, in 1869, but the pier head and end of the pier were destroyed by a storm in October 1875. There have been several instances of damage in the pier’s. history since then – though, essentially, the modern-day Grade II listed pier was re-opened to the public in 1877.
Whether you’re looking for a spot to eat your fish and chips, a casual or romantic stroll or somewhere visually impressive with panoramic views to take some pictures and get some new Instagram content, Saltburn pier is worth a visit. The entrance to the pier features amusement arcades, and just across the way are the cliff lift, crazy golf, toilets, cafes and surf shop.
3. Saltburn beach
The wide, sandy beach at Saltburn is absolutely perfect for a family day out – so if you’ve got the grandkids with you, you’re in exactly the right spot to keep them amused and happy all day long. Whether you want to help them build sandcastles or splash about, have a picnic or take a leisurely stroll, Saltburn Beach is an ideal spot. This sandy shingle beach runs from one end of Redcar all the way to the Ship Inn at Saltburn, so there’s a great spot to grab a decent meal at the end of your stroll. Saltburn beach is also popular with surfers due to the excellent breaking waves.
4. Saltburn Miniature Railway
A big hit with kids and adults alike, the Saltburn Miniature Railway offers a charming ride through Saltburn Valley Gardens. First established in 1947, the original line was only 300 Yards long but now runs to 3,300. It travels along the wooded valley beside Skelton Beck and passes through grassland, where there are picnic areas and a variety of play areas, before arriving at Forest Halt station. From there you can take a short walk over the bridge to the Italian Gardens and Victorian Tea Rooms. This is a delightful way to explore the lush greenery and well-maintained gardens of Saltburn Valley.
5. Saltburn Valley gardens
The Saltburn Valley Gardens are perfect for a walk or a picnic. The gardens feature a woodland centre, a tea room and various trails that wind through a really picturesque landscape. A maze of pleasant paths with seats at frequent intervals makes for a peaceful and leisurely stroll. Saltburn Valley Woodland Centre is an educational centre in the heart of the woods (close to the Italian Gardens) and provides a number of all-ages events throughout the year. In days long gone these thick, wild woodlands provided ideal cover for smuggling goods off the Saltburn coast!
6. Huntcliff and Warsett Hill
For those who want their day out from their Daly Park to consist of picturesque walking and hiking, the area around Saltburn offers some routes with fantastic scenery. Huntcliff and Warsett Hill offer breathtaking views along the Cleveland Way National Trail. Huntcliff is a prominent cliff that overlooks the North Sea, with wild and dramatic vistas showing off the rugged coastline.
This spot is a real haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Nearby, Warsett Hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the sea. There are well-marked trails suitable for various fitness levels, making this the perfect area for hikers of all abilities to explore the natural beauty of the area, as well as for historians and archaeologists to encounter the almost invisible remnants of ancient societies.
Plan your visit to Saltburn
Saltburn is a year-round destination, with each season offering something different and its own unique charm. Summer is ideal for beach activities and outdoor adventures, while autumn and winter bring a quieter atmosphere, just right for relaxing cosy walks and exploring local history and culture. Getting to Saltburn by car from one of our three Daly Parks in the region (Causey Hill, Elm Bank and Village Green) will take you between an hour and a half and two hours. There are trains available from Hexham (Causey Hill), from Berwick-upon-Tweed (Elm Bank) and from Durham (Village Green). The journey is straightforward and, either way, the scenery is very enjoyable.
If you’re charmed by Saltburn and the stunning landscapes of Northumberland and Durham, consider making this beautiful region your second home. Daly Parks offers luxury holiday homes in prime locations such as Causey Hill, Elm Bank, and Village Green. Owning a holiday home here allows you to explore not just Saltburn but also other fantastic destinations across the area, from the rugged beauty of Northumberland’s coastlines to the vibrant cultural scene in Durham. Enjoy the convenience and comfort of having your own retreat to return to after a day of adventure and discovery. With a luxury holiday home from Daly Parks, you can make every visit to this incredible region truly unforgettable.