THE WEST HILL LIFT: A Hastings Must-Do

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OLD Collage of photos of Hastings West Hill Lift

THE WEST HILL LIFT: A HASTINGS MUST-DO

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ascend a hill on a Victorian-era funicular railway? There’s nothing quite like the thrill of riding a historic lift. So, let’s explore The West Hill Lift in Hastings.

During a recent trip to Hastings, we couldn’t wait to experience the West Hill Lift. This unique funicular railway, dating back to 1891, immediately captivated me. I was eager to learn about its history, understand how it works, and, of course, enjoy the ride!

In this blog post, I’ll share my recent ride on this unusual funicular railway, delve a little into its fascinating history, and explore what makes this unique mode of transport such a special part of Hastings.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

    1. The ride experience
    2. What is a funicular lift?
    3. Facts about West Hill Lift
    4. How much does it cost to ride on the West Hill Lift?
    5. Is West Hill Lift accessible?
    6. Beyond the Ride: exploring Hastings
OLD Entrance the West Hill Lift in George Street, Hastings
Entrance to the West Hill Lift Station in George Street
OLD Outside West Hill Lift Upper Station
Entrance to the West Hill Lift Upper Station

The Ride Experience

The entrance to The West Hill Lift is tucked away in George Street in The Old Town, with beautifully crafted lettering proudly announcing you have arrived at ‘West Hill Lift’. After purchasing a return ticket from the little ticket office, we made our way to the carriage platform. The attendant greeted us with a friendly smile, opening the wooden doors for us to board.

Stepping into the carriage, I imagined it filled to its capacity of 16 people – I was glad to have the carriage to ourselves, as I think it would have been quite crowded with another 14 people in with us!

There was a slight jolt as the lift began its ascent and we quickly rose up the track. As we moved through the tunnel, passing the second carriage at the midway point, I was fascinated by the way it all worked.

As daylight began to filter through the tunnel opening, we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the town, the sea, and the surrounding landscape.

What is a funicular lift?

A funicular lift, is a cable-driven railway that transports people and goods up steep slopes. Funiculars use two counterbalanced carriages that move in opposite directions on the same track, with one ascending and the other descending at the same time. Two carriages are permanently attached to opposite ends of a cable that loops over a pulley at the top of the track. The carriages move in opposite directions at the same speed, counterbalancing each other and bypass in the middle of the track.

Facts about West Hill Lift

Construction & Opening:

  • Works started in 1889, with the lift opening to the public in 1891.

Technical Details:

  • Two funicular carriages run on parallel tracks through a foot tunnel, constructed within an existing cave.
  • Gradient of 33%. 
  • Total length of 500-foot.
  • The tunnel is 19 feet wide and 17 feet high, built with an impressive 1.75 million bricks.
  • Power supply:
    • Until 1924: 40hp Crossley gas engine
    • 1924 > 1971: Tangye diesel engine
    • 1971 > present: electric motor
  • Balancing system:
      • Until 1924 – water
      • 1971 – Present – electric 

Carriage Features:

  • Retains its original wooden Victorian coaches.
  • Capacity: 16 passengers per carriage
  • Doorways are approximately 20 inches wide.

Ownership:

  • 1889 > 1894: Hastings Lift Company
  • 1894 > 1947: The Hastings Passenger Lift Company.
  • 1947 > present day: Hastings Council

Design:

  • Designed by Messrs Plowman, of Hastings, and constructed by Messrs Holme and King, of Liverpool and London.
OLD Inside West Hill Lift Upper Station
Inside West Hill Lift Upper Station

How much does it cost to ride on the West Hill Lift?

Ticket Type

Ticket Tariff

Adult Return

£5.50 per ticket

Child, Student or Concession Return

£4.00 per ticket

Family – up to 2 adults 3 Children

£17.80 per ticket

Currently the lifts are only accepting payment by card.
All tickets include return journeys.
Ticket are available for tours and school groups at £4.50 per adult / £3.00 per child, student or concession. Minimum group size is 10 people.
Weekly and seasonal tickets are available. Weekly: £16.00 adult / £10.00 child, student, concession / £50.50 family. Season: £70.00 adult / £50.02 child.

The above costing information was extracted from the official 1066 Country, however be sure to visit their website directly to ensure information is up to date.

OLD West Hill Lift Hastings tracks
West Hill Lift Upper Station tracks up to tunnel

Is West Hill Lift Accessible?

The lift boasts original wooden Victoria coaches, however due to its overall originality, it is not wheelchair accessible, nor step-free. However, there has been some talk of securing funding via the National Lottery Heritage Fund to investigate the feasibility of making it fully accessible.

OLD West Hill List Hastings Carriage
Victorian era carriage at West Hill Lift

Beyond the Ride: Exploring Hastings

The lower station of the West Hill Lift is conveniently located on George Street, a charming area within The Old Town with independent shops, cafes, and pubs. Take some time to wander through the area and lose yourself in the hustle and bustle’s you explore its uniqueness. 

Once you’ve enjoyed the unique shopping experience, ascend the West Hill Lift for breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the English Channel. At the top, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the historic Hastings Castle, or embark on the Smugglers Adventure for an exciting journey back in time to uncover the deep and dark secrets of the smugglers from centuries gone by.

Experience the West Hill Lift: Your Hastings Adventure

Riding the West Hill Lift was a highlight of my trip to Hastings. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest pleasures – like a ride on a historic funicular – can be the most memorable. I encourage you to experience the magic of the West Hill Lift for yourself and discover the unique character of this remarkable town.

Will you be including the West Hill Lift on your next Hastings adventure? Let me know what you thought of it in the comments. 

REFERENCE LIST:

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OLD 4 sandcastles on Chalkwell Beach with the text '15 reasons to visit southend'
OLD A collage of street art murals from Southend City Jam with Southend written through the middle

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