Bournemouth beach historic cliff lifts to open early

All three lifts are actually railways that use tracks

Two historic lifts set into the cliffs on Bournemouth's seafront are set to open early this season.

The East Cliff and West Cliff lifts, which are actually railways because they operate on tracks, will begin working at weekends-only from Saturday.

All cliff lifts in the resort, including a third lift at Fisherman's Walk, will open seven days a week from 9 April until 30 October.

The lifts allow easy access up and down the cliffs, with scenic coastal views.

They are located along the promenade, either side of Bournemouth Pier.

Driver and assistant

The East Cliff and West Cliff lifts began operating in 1908, while the third lift at Fisherman's Walk was built in 1935.

Each lift is run by two operators, a "driver" in the top booth and an assistant in the bottom one.

The council said more than 36 million people had travelled in all three lifts since they opened.

From this weekend, the lifts will operate between 0945 and 1700 GMT.

Between 9 April and 30 October, they will operate between 0945 and 1730 GMT, but will stay open until 1815 GMT between 5 July and 4 September.