Folkestone Cliff Railways

The Leas

NGR TR227356

Leas Cliff Railway, Folkestone, Kent was opened as twin lines in 1885, a second set was added in 1890, the second set closed in Oct 1966. The first set still runs today. The second set of lines are still in place and are currently being restored. The water recycling was started in 1890 before this it was drained away.

Opening Times Easter - October 9am - 6pm

October - Easter Sundays only (Weather permitting) 9am - 6pm

Top Station

Bottom Station The Line

The Stats
Date Opened 16/9/1885Length 50 m
Gradient 1:1.64Track Gauge 1778 mm
Number of Cars 2Open to Public Yes
Funicular Type ClassicalTrack layout Twin Track
Power Source WaterRailway Status In Use

The Second Set of Lines

The Stats - Second Set of Lines
Date Opened ?/8/1890Length 47 m
Gradient 1:1.55Track Gauge 1473 mm
Number of Cars 2Open to Public Yes
Funicular Type ClassicalTrack layout Twin Track
Power Source WaterRailway Status Closed

Leas Lift 2008

Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift Leas Lift


Sandgate Hill

NGR TR210353

The Sandgate Hill lift was constructed in response to the rising amount of traffic in the Sandgate hill area and to ease the tough climb. It was hoped that it would further increase revenue as the tramway had been extended to the bottom of the lift. This lift was of variable gradient the bridge across the road was 1 in 7.

Closed July 1918

The whole line

The Stats
Date Opened 20/2/1893Length 204 m
Gradient 1:4.75*Track Gauge 1676 mm
Number of Cars 2Open to Public ?
Funicular Type ClassicalTrack layout Twin Track
Power Source WaterRailway Status Closed

Metropole Hotel

NGR TR218353

The Metropole Lift was constructed in response to the great success of the Leas lift and the reasonable success of the Sandgate hill lift. It was built with enough room to add another set of lines. It was the shortest of the Folkestone railways but closed in Aug 1940.

The whole line Old Postcard

The Stats
Date Opened 31/3/1904Length 29 m
Gradient 1:1.4Track Gauge 1676 mm
Number of Cars 2Open to Public Yes
Funicular Type ClassicalTrack layout Twin Track
Power Source WaterRailway Status Closed