One of Scarborough’s most iconic landmarks will reach a major milestone this summer, as the Spa Cliff Lift celebrates its 150th anniversary with a weekend of events on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July.
The free celebration, organised by North Yorkshire Council in partnership with Scarborough Spa, will run from 11am to 5pm each day and includes family-friendly activities, live performances, and heritage displays.
The Spa Cliff Lift, built in 1875, is the oldest funicular railway in Britain. Originally powered by water and gas engines, it has transported generations of visitors between the Esplanade and the Spa, becoming a much-loved symbol of Scarborough’s South Bay.
Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “The Spa Cliff Lift is a much-loved part of Scarborough’s heritage and a symbol of the town’s Victorian charm. We’re proud to support events like this that bring communities together and shine a spotlight on the landmarks that make North Yorkshire so distinctive.”
Celebrations will begin with a ceremonial descent by local dignitaries, accompanied by live brass music, echoing the lift’s original launch. Visitors can explore creative workshops, performances and historical exhibitions inside the Spa’s Ocean Room.
Arts group Animated Objects will present working models of the lift, showcasing how it has changed over time. Artwork inspired by the lift’s story, created by local young people, will also be on display throughout the weekend.
Christopher James, operations manager at Scarborough Spa, said: “The Spa Cliff Lift is a famous part of Scarborough’s coastal history, and this celebration is a great way to honour its past while looking to the future. It’s just the beginning, with more exciting projects on the horizon as part of the wider Scarborough 400 heritage programme.”
Alan Wilson, the lift’s longest-serving supervisor, added: “I’ve worked on the lift for 23 years, and I still love it. The best part is seeing visitors come back year after year. Everyone has a story to tell about the lift – it’s part of what makes Scarborough so special.”
Full details about the anniversary weekend can be found at www.scarboroughspa.co.uk/cliff-lift.
