West Hill Cliff Railway, Funicular railway in Hastings, England.
The West Hill Cliff Railway is a funicular in Hastings that runs 150 meters through a tunnel, connecting George Street on the seafront to the upper sections of the hill. The line follows a consistent slope and rises through the natural sandstone cliff using mechanical or electric power.
The railway started operations in 1891 powered by a gas engine as the original system. A major shift occurred in 1971 when it converted to electric power, simplifying the technology and making maintenance easier.
This railway reflects the Victorian era when such systems were common features of British seaside towns, helping people navigate steep terrain easily. Today visitors use it as a natural gateway to reach the historical sites located on the hilltop.
The journey takes only minutes and handles the steep climb without physical effort required. Access is at ground level on the seafront near George Street, making boarding and exiting straightforward.
The railway cuts through natural sandstone cliffs in a tunnel with rails maintaining a constant 33 degree slope throughout. This steep gradient made it a challenging engineering solution for its era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Hastings Castle
182 m
Hastings Miniature Railway
233 m
Pelham Arcade
225 m
Wellington Square Baptist Church
370 m
Hastings Lighthouse
240 m
Church of St Clement
271 m
The Anchor Inn
194 m
Electric Palace Cinema, Hastings
354 m
The Royal Standard Public House
345 m
Lord Nelson Public House
394 m
Hastings Arms Public House
246 m
Old Pump House Public House
182 m
The King's Head Public House
390 m
London Trader Public House
327 m
St Mary in the Castle, Hastings
227 m
Hippodrome, Hastings
235 m
Hastings old Town Hall
295 m
The Bass Centre
328 m
34 And 35, Wellington Square
312 m
Wellington Terrace
257 m
8, East Parade
208 m
7, East Parade
204 m
91, High Street
407 m
St Clement's House
285 m
1, West Street
189 m
36-40, Wellington Square
327 m
Hastings Town Wall
324 m
Exmouth House
157 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes