Zetland Hotel, Victorian railway hotel in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England
The Zetland Hotel is a five-story structure with Italian-influenced Victorian architecture located on the Saltburn seafront. The building features spacious terraces, decorative railings, and was originally designed with a dedicated viewing room for guests to observe the landscape.
The hotel was built in 1863 as one of the world's earliest railway-connected hotels, emerging from Henry Pease's ambition to develop Saltburn as a seaside destination. This project reflected the 19th century expansion of rail transport and the growing link between transportation and tourism.
The building served as a symbol of Victorian refinement, with dining rooms and social spaces designed to cater to affluent guests seeking leisure by the sea. It represented the aspirations of a new industrial class looking to enjoy modern comforts away from city life.
The building is now divided into residential apartments and is not accessible as a hotel after its conversion in 1989. Visitors can view the exterior architecture and structure from outside and explore the local history of the area's Victorian railway heritage.
The hotel featured a private railway platform connected directly beneath the entrance, allowing guests to step from trains directly into the building through a covered passageway. This direct connection was a remarkable engineering feat that exemplified the Victorian era's drive to merge transportation convenience with luxury accommodation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
