Cliff Bridge, Scarborough

Cliff Bridge is a listed iron footbridge with four braced arches in Scarborough that spans across a deep valley between two parts of town. The structure rests on stone piers and connects St Nicholas Cliff with the Spa area.

It was built in 1827 by the Cliff Bridge Company as an iron footway to bring people to the mineral springs that were popular at the time. Constructing this passage was part of the Victorian expansion that established Scarborough as a seaside resort destination.

The bridge connects two distinct parts of town that visitors move between daily to reach the southern gardens from the center. It demonstrates how Victorians built transport links to join their expanding city together.

Access is free and available year-round for anyone who wants to move between the town center and the South Cliff Gardens. After extensive work in recent times, the structure is safe and well-maintained for crossing.

During its opening in July 1827, a mail coach with horses sped across the newly completed structure to show it was stable and strong. This dramatic test drive was a bold way to convince the public the innovative design was safe.

Location: Scarborough

GPS coordinates: 54.27961,-0.39838

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:51