Hastings: Steepest funicular in UK reopens after repairs

The East Hill lift will be open at weekends throughout the winter after a year's closure

A popular East Sussex visitor attraction which was closed for a year for repairs has reopened.

The East Hill Lift in Hastings Old Town closed for extensive refurbishment work in October 2022.

First opened in 1902, it is the UK's steepest funicular railway.

The repairs took time to complete "due to the nature of the railway and because more work was needed than originally expected", Hastings Borough Council said.

It provides access to Hastings Country Park via the East Hill, overlooking the Old Town and Rock-a-Nore, an area to the east of the town.

The line provides views over The Stade, home to the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe.

The lift will be open daily this week during the October half-term break and at weekends during the winter period.

Councillor Andy Batsford, from Hastings Borough Council, said: "We are delighted that this much-loved asset has been restored to its former glory, enabling passengers for years to come to enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the East Hill."

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