One of Redcar and Cleveland’s most popular tourist attractions has won a prestigious, national accolade.
For the second year in a row, Saltburn Cliff Tramway has been awarded a VisitEngland Welcome Accolade by national assessors after receiving a 91% quality score in its inspection, 5% more than the year previous.
The news came in the same week local historian Tony Lynn and Tramway team leader Peter House discussed the joys of the lift on BBC Radio 2 with Jeremy Vine.
Peter described it as an “iconic symbol of Saltburn-by-the-sea”.
At the inspection, which took place in October, members of staff at the attraction were singled out for special praise and received a 100% rating, as did the level of cleanliness.
It was recommended the Tramway could improve its online presence and that more displays about the Tramway be shown.
The VisitEngland Assessment Report said: “The Tramway experience was novel and interesting as well as providing a practical way to get up and down the steep hill. The team of staff enhanced the experience with their knowledge which they were happy to share…All staff were presented extremely well. Staff were seen to engage well with visitors whilst they waited for a carriage.”
Councillor Wayne Davies Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “We are incredibly proud of this attraction and our members of staff who are our greatest ambassadors for the lift.
“It was wonderful to hear Peter, our Tramway team leader, speaking to Jeremy Vine on BBC Radio 2 about what a fantastic piece of engineering it is, and what beautiful views you get of our stunning coastline and pier when using the Tramway.
“This accolade really is the cherry on top and the team should be very proud of themselves.”
The Tramway is the most visited pay-for attraction in the borough with more than 150,000 passengers every year. It was refurbished in 2018, and a new hydraulic pump was installed earlier last year.
The Tramway is currently open on weekends, until 5 April when it will be open daily from 10.30am until 5pm.