Cliff Railways

The West Hill Lift is the UK's steepest funicular railway and not only a structure of national importance but also a source of immense local pride. The lift's charming lower station is in traffic free George Street which is full of continental style cafes, art-shops and bookshops.

The West Hill itself offers some of the town's most remarkable views, stretching round to Beachy Head in the west and out across the Channel, the busiest sea lane on the world. It was on this hilltop that Hastings resident John Logie Baird, the inventor of television, made his first radar experiments.

Unlike some resorts that boast more than one funicular railway, at Hastings the two railways could not be more different despite the fact that they were both originally designed on the water balance principle. The East Hill railway is a far more striking addition to the town, simply because it can actually be seen!

This was cut into the face of the cliff, whereas the West Hill railway is largely hidden in a tunnel dug through the cliff. So they both have individual appeal, though if you've got train crazy kids you'll be doing both! See our other listing for information on the East Hill Cliff Railway.