An image of Central Tramway South bay Scarborough

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About

Opened in August 1881 Central Tramway is the oldest surviving tramway company in the country, as the corporation formed in 1881 still owns and operates the business today.

The third cliff railway to be opened in Scarborough (and the country) the company has invested heavily in recent years, improving both the infrastructure and machinery of this historic attraction. With historic ties to Scarborough, Central Tramway encourages pre-booked school visits, sharing with the local community the fascinating Victorian legacy of cliff railways in Scarborough and how the engineering has evolved over 140 years.

One of the busiest cliff railways in the country, during the busy peak summer months the tramway operates 7 days a week. During quieter off peak months (November – March) the tramway operates a weekend service (check the website for current times).

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Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Children 5 & underFree
Single ticket£1.30 per adult

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Facilities

Children

  • Children welcome

Facilities

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted

Facilities

Groups

  • Facilities for educational visits

Facilities

Parking

  • Parking with charge

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Assistance dogs welcome
  • Disabled access

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments

Children

  • Children welcome

COVID-19 Response

  • 1m distancing in place
  • Capacity limit
  • Clear signage
  • Contactless payment possible
  • COVID-19 measures in place
  • COVID-19 risk assessment completed
  • COVID-19 staff training completed
  • Face mask essential (not provided)
  • Face masks available for visitors
  • Face masks required for staff in public areas
  • Floors clearly marked for social distancing
  • Hand sanitizer available to visitors & staff
  • One way system
  • Open now
  • Pets welcome during COVID-19 restrictions
  • Queuing system
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Socially distanced spaced seating
  • Staff required to regularly wash hands

Groups

  • Facilities for educational visits

Parking

  • Parking with charge

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Gift shop
  • Smoking not allowed

TripAdvisor

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    Map & Directions

    Road Directions

    By road:

    Central Tramway is located on the South Bay, between the Grand Hotel and the St Nicholas Gardens, the nearest car park is the South Bay underground car park, a short walk away from the Tramway. Accessible by Public Transport:

    Central Tramway top station is located on Marine Parade off St Nicholas Street. The nearest bus stop is Harcourt Place stop X on the 1, 4,  7, 7A, 8, 8A, and 9 bus routes. The bottom station is located on the South end of Foreshore Road close to the Aquarium Top stop Y.

    The Tramway is 0.4miles from Scarborough Railway Station.

    Central Tramway Company

    Type:Sightseeing Attraction

    Upper Station, 1 Marine Parade, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2ER

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 780 reviews780 reviews
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    Call direct on:

    Tel01723 501754

    Awards

    • Other AwardsSelf-assessed Accessibility Information Self-assessed Accessibility Information
    • Trip Advisor AwardsTrip Advisor Travellers' Choice Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice 2020
    • Membership SchemeDiscover Yorkshire Coast - Gold Member Discover Yorkshire Coast - Gold Member 2021

    Opening Times

    Central Tramway Company (1 Feb 2023 - 30 Nov 2023)
    DayTimes
    Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:45
    Restricted opening December & January (1 Dec 2023 - 31 Jan 2024)
    DayTimes

    * Extended Hours for Peak Season - School Holidays & June-September: 9.30am-9:45pm
    Low Season - December & January: Some weekday closures for maintenance.

    Check our website for full details on openings.


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    An image of Central Tramway South bay ScarboroughCentral Tramway Company, ScarboroughDiscover the heart of Victorian Scarborough. Built in 1881, Central Tramway is Scarborough’s historic cliff railway on the picturesque South Bay. The…

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