The North Yorkshire coastal town which ‘ticks all the boxes’

Henry Pease, one of the fathers of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, once described seeing “a prophetic vision of a town arising on the cliff and the quiet, unfrequented and sheltered glen turned into a lovely garden.”

Today, Saltburn is better known for its colourful beach huts, quirky funicular cliff lift, and Victorian charm.

The town’s history, once linked to smuggling, is centred around the Ship Inn.

Saltburn Cliff Tramway. (Image: Dave Charnley Photography)

John Andrew, the pub’s landlord in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was known locally as the “King of the Smugglers.”

Now, the town perched on the North Yorkshire coast, has been named one of the top places to live in the UK.

A guide from Muddy Stilettos shines a light on the country’s “loveliest city spots, towns and villages” with the best schools, shopping and pubs.

The Northern Lights over Saltburn beach. (Image: Chris Martin)

Muddy Stilettos described Saltburn as having: “A cool, laid-back vibe.

“This seaside gem ticks all the boxes.”

The town also boasts a thriving surf scene and a growing creative community.

Its attractions include the only remaining pleasure pier on the North East and Yorkshire coast as well as one of the oldest funicular lifts in the world, the Saltburn Cliff Tramway.

Saltburn has recently attracted high-profile visitors, including Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant.

Mr Plant stayed at the Spa Hotel over Christmas while touring with his band Saving Grace, and performed a sold-out show in Middlesbrough Town Hall on the Sunday before Christmas.

It appears the “prophetic vision” of a thriving town on the cliff has well and truly come to life.