Perched on cliffs facing the North Sea, Saltburn-by-the-sea was originally deisgned as an end-of-the-line holiday town for the workers at nearby Teeside. However, the advent of vehicle ownership and air travel gradually killed off the idea of British seaside resorts. However, Saltburn remained very popular without changing with the times. Remaning very much a Victorian spa town, Saltburn attracts a wide variety of clientele- the beaches are especially renowned for different sports, and surfing is very popular during the autumn months.
The most iconic image of the town has to be the Grade II-listed Victorian pier, which is joined to the rest of the town via the water-powered cliff lift- the oldest one of its kind in Britain- allowing the pier (at just above sea level) to connect with the higher-inclined town.
For a more natural diversion, Saltburn Gill- a 52 acre nature reserve which is home to a variety of tree species as well birds and insects, with even the occasional weasel or deer to be found. The Gill can be incorporated in to a 8 mile walking route around the cliffs, taking in a variety of beautiful scenes. Alternatively, the woodland walk following Skelton Beck offers a far less arduous route, but still taking in a variety of wildlife.
Historically, the best place to stay a night in Saltburn would have been the iconic Zetland Hotel- designed in Italian regency style, it was a lavish spectacle until closure in the early 1970s- the building is now private apartments. However, The Spa Hotel has taken up the mantle in terms of luxury accommodation, but at affordable prices. A good alternate to this is The Bay Tree, a small guest house on the outskirts of the town.
Any visit to the seaside must involve fish and chips, and at Saltburn, there is a good choice. But beyond that, The King’s Grill offers a wide variety of top-quality food in a friendly environment, while Signals Bistro is excellent for sandwiches and lighter bites.
Following the coastal route south of Saltburn-by-the-sea on the A174, you eventually reach the attractive fishing village of Staithes, nestled within the cliffs. As a young man, Captain James Cook worked in the village as a grocer. Although very exposed to the elements, the village is worth a visit.