Central Tramway Company
About
Central Tramway, Scarborough’s iconic Victorian cliff railway, has been whisking visitors up and down the steep granite face of South Bay since 1881. The dual‑car funicular travels between Foreshore Road at the bottom and Marine Parade at the top, offering a thrilling 2‑minute ride with panoramic views of the Yorkshire coast. With one of the most accessible cliff railways in the UK, the tram sits at level with sidewalks and offers wheelchair space on each carriage. The journey is family‑friendly; children under five travel free and dogs are welcome on the same timetable. Tickets are inexpensive – a single adult fare costs only £1·50, and residents benefit from a 75p flat rate – making the tram a budget‑friendly glimpse of Scarborough’s maritime heritage.
Highlights
- Historic Funicular
- Scenic Coastline Views
- Accessible Carriages
- Free Child Travel
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn for warm weather and minimal crowds, or late autumn for quieter visits.
Pros & Cons
What visitors love
- Affordability
- Rapid Access
- Accessibility
Things to consider
- Peak‑season Crowds
What people are saying
Frequently Asked Questions
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 30 minutes
Tickets & pricing
Standard Single
£1.50
Standard Return
£2.60
Resident's Single
£0.75
Resident's Return
£1.30
Child (Under 5)
£0.00