Central Tramway Company
Central Tramway Company
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:45 AM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:45 AM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:45 AM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:45 AM
Thursday
Closed
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:45 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:45 PM
About
Central Tramway is Scarborough’s Victorian cliff railway on the historic South Bay. Opened in 1881 the company carries 500,000 passengers a year and is preserving the heritage of the site for future generations.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
804 reviews
Excellent
605
Very good
151
Average
40
Poor
3
Terrible
5
Bourn07
Peterborough, UK87 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We recently attended the free Heritage Open Day ‘Behind The Scenes’ 45 minute tour of the Central Tramway.
The staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. We were able to visit the engine room and see how the Tramway works, as well as see old documents, photos etc.
Everything was explained in detail, as well as some information on the history of the immediate area near the Tramway.
We also had a ride on the Tramway itself.
I would recommend looking out for this happening again as part of the Heritage Open Days in September 2024.
Later in the day we made the trip up, as paying customers, and enjoyed knowing what was happening ‘behind the scenes’ to get us safely up the cliff!
The staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. We were able to visit the engine room and see how the Tramway works, as well as see old documents, photos etc.
Everything was explained in detail, as well as some information on the history of the immediate area near the Tramway.
We also had a ride on the Tramway itself.
I would recommend looking out for this happening again as part of the Heritage Open Days in September 2024.
Later in the day we made the trip up, as paying customers, and enjoyed knowing what was happening ‘behind the scenes’ to get us safely up the cliff!
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire a
25 contributions
Jun 2022
This Tramway is a charming little piece of the past perfectly preserved to allow it to continue to be enjoyed by visitors to Scarborough so many years after it was first opened. It is a god send for those who don't feel able to tackle the mountainous terrain up from the seafront area in to the town. Reasonably priced at 1.30 per adult for an uphill journey, when you consider this money helps to keep it maintained and running in such wonderful condition.
Written 6 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for using the tram and for taking the time to write such a nice review - we really appreciate it.
The team work hard to retain the historic character and keep the tramway running.
Thanks from all the team. 🙂
Written 11 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lee
25 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
This tram system is a God send for our legs as well as the younger folks.
Prices are reasonable with a new fee available i.e Return trip which makes it slightly cheaper.
The staff are friendly and the trans are in good condition and clean.
Prices are reasonable with a new fee available i.e Return trip which makes it slightly cheaper.
The staff are friendly and the trans are in good condition and clean.
Written 15 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
acs1984
Cockermouth, UK1,668 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We had a nice ride up the tramway. It was around £1.20 each (children under 5 free). The doors into the tram were wide so it was easy to get in. The trip was short but enjoyable. There were books for sale about the history of the tramway and when I got home I wished i'd bought some so I emailed them. They told me where to buy the books online and even gave me a postage discount as I bought a few. Great service!
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for using the tram and for taking the time to write such a nice review - we really appreciate it.
The team work hard to retain the historic character so we're glad you enjoyed travelling with us on your visit and so glad you enjoyed the books.
Hope to see you again. Thanks from all the team. 🙂
Written 23 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sam3314
Derby, UK2,144 contributions
Sept 2020
A Victorian funicular to save yourselves the walk back up the hill to the town. Entrance next to the Grand Hotel from the bay. Fares are very reasonable and are paid at the kiosk at the top of the funicular. COVID precautions mean hand sanitiser is provided and you need to wear a mask. Inside groups can sit separate for the short journey. Provides some good views
Written 15 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to write a review on TripAdvisor we really do appreciate it.
It is a challenging time and the whole team is working hard to keep our visitors moving safely and efficiently. Your custom and support helps us to keep the Tramway running for future generations to enjoy.
🙂 👍 ↗️
Written 5 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
holidaymanWashington
Washington, UK4,858 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We have been meaning to go on this for a while. The first time we tried, it was closed. Couldn't find a nearby parking space last time and finally made it this time, probably because of an incoming storm and foul weather. It is a superb piece of engineering which has more than stood the test of time and thank goodness it has. The journey takes seconds and given the alternatives, is well worth the £1.30 per person for the single journey, payable at the top. There are some interesting facts and old pictures to look at and the odd souvenir of your visit.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda F
Liverpool, UK187 contributions
Mar 2020
Family day out in Scarborough. If you are not so mobile I would suggest you take a ride on this wonderfully maintained tram. It will take you from the main tourist area overlooking the beautiful bay up to the top of where The Grand Hotel is a short distance away. There is a short walk across the road which brings you into gardens which overlook the bay. These views are spectacular. The cost of your journey is £1 per person to go up and £1 p/p to come down. If you are agile enough you can use the pathway to walk back down to the main tourist area. The journey takes less than 5 mins, but it is the novelty of travelling on this wonderfully constructed tram which has so much history behind it as it was built in 1881. Just imagine the amount of people who would have used this wonderful facility all those years ago. People enjoying their day out at the seaside, ladies and gentlemen in all their finery, possibly taking their picnic baskets down to the beach? Who knows. This tram is a wonderful talking point. You pay as you leave the tram and go through a turnstile going up.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting Central Tramway and for writing such a lovely review on TripAdvisor we really do appreciate it.
The whole team works hard to keep the Tramway running smoothly and safely, and to preserve our Victorian heritage so visitors can continue to enjoy a ride for many more years to come, your custom and fantastic support really helps us.
🙂👍↗️
Written 9 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stewart C
Chatham, UK1,105 contributions
Jun 2022
We used the Central Tramway during a one day visit to Scarborough. We had arrived by train and had first visited the castle before walking along the seafront promenade to enjoy the seaside ambience. Although not a long walk back to the railway station (about half a mile), it is a steep climb and we found the lower station of the Central Tramway with a feeling of some relief.
The tramway (or funicular railway) takes passengers on a short ride up the cliffs to the upper station at St Nicholas Street and was quite reasonably priced at a single fare of £1.30. Although each car is not large, the service runs frequently and so when we used it we did not have to wait too long. All of the staff that we talked to were friendly and seemed genuinely interested in their ride.
The top station sits in a lovely oasis of trees and grass and there is a viewing point nearby where visitors may sit down and admire the views over the beach and harbour area.
The tramway (or funicular railway) takes passengers on a short ride up the cliffs to the upper station at St Nicholas Street and was quite reasonably priced at a single fare of £1.30. Although each car is not large, the service runs frequently and so when we used it we did not have to wait too long. All of the staff that we talked to were friendly and seemed genuinely interested in their ride.
The top station sits in a lovely oasis of trees and grass and there is a viewing point nearby where visitors may sit down and admire the views over the beach and harbour area.
Written 10 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for using the tram and for taking the time to write such a nice review - we really appreciate it.
The team work hard to retain the historic character and keep the tramway running.
Thanks from all the team. 🙂
Written 11 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LauraSparkles
Leeds, UK46 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
This tramway, as well as being a stunning part of Scarborough history, is a vital asset to the town. It’s beautifully maintained, the staff are all delightful and most importantly it prevents what I assume would be my doom should I attempt to walk back up the cliff. As a disabled person I am forever grateful to it and happy to pay the bargain fee to ride. I only wish it opened later - aside from Saturday, we had to make sure we’d gone back up by 5:45pm. Not the end of the world and I do appreciate our visit was early October and therefore in what is considered off season.
A lifesaver and long may you continue to operate.
A lifesaver and long may you continue to operate.
Written 8 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for travelling with us and for taking the time to write such a lovely review - we really appreciate it .
Thanks too for your comments on our hours which is always useful to know and will be fedback.
The team work hard behind the scenes to retain the historic character of the tramway and make the experience a safe, fun and reliable one for everyone.
Thanks from all the team. 🙂
Written 10 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HolidaymakerfromHove
Brighton and Hove, UK2,894 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
A very quick ride but very worth the small fee.
A beautifully preserved Victorian tramway/ funicular. Beautiful wooden seats within the carriage plus old fashioned turnstiles to enter the station. Simply charming.
Highly recommended when in the area.
A beautifully preserved Victorian tramway/ funicular. Beautiful wooden seats within the carriage plus old fashioned turnstiles to enter the station. Simply charming.
Highly recommended when in the area.
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Central Tramway is currently closed for maintenance and will be reopening on the 8th of February. Thank you.
Written 22 January 2020
Hi is the tram open in january
Written 30 October 2019
Thanks for the question and the helpful responses.
Yes, we can confirm that at the moment we will be open weekends through January as Derek has said. Currently we are planning to be open 9.30am-4.45pm on these days which may be subject to change depending on our engineering work and high tides.
I hope this is helpful.
Written 2 November 2019
Can you go on with a stroller/pushchair?
Written 11 April 2019
Yes, we have access for pushchairs and strollers as well as wheelchairs. Thanks.
Written 12 April 2019
Hi, We are open from 9.30 am to 5.45 pm every day.
Written 12 September 2018
Confirming that dogs are permitted on the Tramway. Thank you for your enquiry.
Written 6 August 2018
yes you can no problem at all
Written 17 August 2016
what time last journey upin july and august
Written 7 July 2016
Sorry I have no idea. Have you tried their website?
Written 10 July 2016
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