Redcar and Cleveland: Coast and Culture

Redcar and Cleveland combines eight miles of continuous sandy beach from South Gare to Saltburn-by-the-Sea with dramatic sea cliffs and wide bays. The coastal landscape offers more than just a view of the sea: long stretches of sand and distinctive rocky edges create a variety of impressions. In Marske-by-the-Sea, a quieter stretch of coast lies two miles south of Redcar and continues towards Saltburn.

Coast, Pier and Railway

Redcar Beacon is 80 feet high and offers views of Redcar’s seafront. Saltburn Pier is a Victorian iron structure that extends 200 metres into the North Sea. The pier opened in May 1869 and was the first pier built in the north-east of England. Saltburn Cliff Tramway offers a different historic coastal experience: it opened in 1884 and is the oldest water-balanced funicular railway still in operation in Great Britain. Check current operating information before visiting.

Saltburn Miniature Railway runs from Cat Nab Station for five-eighths of a mile through the wooded valley at Skelton Beck. Its 15-inch gauge track passes through grassland with picnic and play areas, ending at Forest Halt Station. The route combines a train ride with scenic views and the areas mentioned along the track, without requiring a full-day outing.

Priories, Museums and Industrial History

Gisborough Priory preserves the impressive east end of its 14th-century church and is considered an outstanding example of Early Gothic architecture. The priory was one of the first Augustinian priories built in England and was founded by the Bruce family. Volunteers lead visitors around the site; a tour lasts about an hour. As arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the latest tour information before visiting.

Kirkleatham Museum is housed in a Queen Anne building dating from 1709, originally built as a free school for boys. Its exhibitions and displays focus on local industrial, maritime and social history. The grounds also include a short woodland trail with paved paths suitable for visitors with mobility difficulties. The museum brings the history of the building together with different aspects of regional life.

Land of Iron in Skinningrove is located on the site of Loftus Mine and explores the legacy of ironstone mining as well as the region’s broader industrial history. The permanent exhibition uses photographs, historical artefacts and other objects to tell the stories of miners and their families. It also covers the history of the mine since 1848. A guided mine tour shares stories of working underground; check the current tour arrangements in advance.

Guisborough Museum also focuses on local history: it displays memorabilia and exhibitions from times gone by and preserves much of Guisborough’s heritage. The Railway Exhibition includes a scale model of the former railway stations. In Marske, the museum history at Winkies Castle tells the story of the area from the 11th century to the present day. The museum is housed in a half-cruck house, considered one of the oldest cottages in Marske.

Lifeboat History and Woodland Trails

Zetland Lifeboat Museum is housed in a former lifeboat station facing the sea. The Zetland arrived in Redcar in 1802, served for 78 years and is recorded as having rescued more than 500 people off the coast of Redcar. It is the world’s oldest surviving lifeboat. These figures make the lifeboat’s story a distinctive way to explore the coast’s maritime past.

For a different way to spend time outdoors, Guisborough Forest and Walkway offers cycling, walking and horse-riding trails, a trim trail and orienteering routes that extend into the forest. The Sculpture Trail at Guisborough Forest and Walkway leads into the forest past chainsaw carvings. Facilities also include a playground, pond-dipping opportunities and picnic areas. The Lewis Hunton Trail is a walking route in Loftus. Bousdale Circular, meanwhile, is a circular walking route that starts at Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre; allow about 45 minutes. Check local conditions before setting out. A free walking and cycling map of Redcar and Cleveland can help with exploring; make sure you have a current edition.

When planning a hotel stay, you can start by deciding whether you are most interested in coastal scenery, historic sites, industrial history or woodland trails. The places and activities mentioned offer a range of focuses. Discover more destinations: Loftus, Guisborough, Saltburn-By-The-Sea, Brotton, Skelton-In-Cleveland, Great Ayton, Moorsholm, Sunderland.

For the wider travel overview: North East England.