Babbacombe Cliff Railway

About

Babbacombe Cliff Railway is a historic funicular that climbs the dramatic cliffs of Torquay, Devon, linking the coastal town of Babbacombe with the sandy beaches of Oddicombe. The 220‑metre track, opened on 1 April 1926, was originally built for £15,648 (about £1.15 million today) and has been lovingly restored over the decades, most recently with a three‑year renovation that began in 2005. With a maximum gradient of 1 in 2.83, the double‑track railway uses a traditional cable‑powered system to shuttle up to 40 people per car in a few minutes, offering panoramic views of the English Riviera. Today, family‑friendly tours run daily from early morning to late afternoon, with a modest admission fee that keeps the railway operating and maintained for generations of visitors.