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Cliff Railways (Hardback)

An Historic Survey

P&S History > British History P&S History > By Century > 19th Century Transport > Trains & Railways

By Peter Johnson
Imprint: Pen & Sword Transport
Pages: 240
Illustrations: 200 colour illustrations
ISBN: 9781399048309
Published: 10th September 2025

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In the 19th Century there was a widespread feeling in seaside resorts with cliffs that visitor numbers would be increased if there was an easy way of reaching, and more importantly, returning from the beach, avoiding flights of stairs or long zig-zag paths. To address this issue, the first cliff railway was built at Scarborough in 1875. Since then, another twenty-nine, or thirty if the Leas lift at Folkestone, which was duplicated in 1890, is counted as two, have been built, including three at inland locations.

Despite having the same function, all the cliff railways are different and have their own characteristics. Some of them still use water as a power source. The remainder use electric motors.

In addition to telling the story of Britain’s cliff railways, author Peter Johnson tells the story of the authorised but unbuilt cliff railways, vertical lifts and electric stairways that serve or served the same function in a few places, and adds details of what might be called ‘cliff railway derivatives,’ steep-grade, rope-hauled, railways, airport automated people movers, and modern inclined lift installations that might have been built as cliff railways if they had been built a hundred years ago.

To compile this new book, Peter Johnson, who has written books on Welsh and narrow gauge railways for Pen & Sword, has carried out extensive research in government files and old newspapers. Many of the illustrations have not been published previously and a few of them are very rare.

"The book is well produced, with many high-quality monochrome and colour photographs, both historical and modern... a well researched and highly informative book."
The Railway Correspondence and Travel Society, The Railway Observer - January 2026, Volume 96, Number 1163

"It’s a niche subject, and credit goes to Peter for explaining it so well."
Steam World - December 2025

"This is a handsomely-presented book, the first detailed study. Readers who are only vaguely aware of particular examples, and who cherish remembrance of what look at first like truncated tramcars mounted on triangular undercarriages, will find much to interest them here. It will be an encouragement to visit them."
Tramway Review - no. 284 December 2025

"I recommend finding space on your shelf for Peter's book and keeping it with you if your domestic holiday take you to any of the locations where these fascinating railways still operate."
Festiniog Railway Heritage Group Journal No 163 Autumn 2025

"This is a book which is good for reference and for just enjoying. In an easy to read style, it is a both interesting and informative publication with a wealth of detail, and recommended for those who are interested in cliff railways, or for those who want to find out more."
Industrial Railway Society’s Bulletin - No 1151 (November 2025)

"...the descriptions of all the lines, narrow, standard and broad, make for fascinating reading and the book benefits immensely from the plentiful period images..."
Narrow Gauge World - No 198 Nov-Dec 2025

About Peter Johnson

Best known for his books on narrow gauge and Welsh railways, Peter Johnson first wrote about travelling post offices in 1985 and added the Post Office (London) Railway to his portfolio in 1995. Living in Leicester, he was employed in local authority fire service communications for 29 years.

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