A charming seaside town with a huge Victorian pier and ‘the best ever’ fish and chips, offers a delightful day without the crowds.

A trip to the British seaside has been a quintessential part of family holidays for decades, with Victorian grand piers and stretches of sandy beaches. Many will recall fond memories of eating warm doughnuts by the pier while trying to fend off seagulls, taking a donkey ride along the coast or competing against the 2p machine in the nearby amusement arcade.

The charm of the seaside has transformed dramatically since the Victorian era, yet it still retains its undeniable allure and is a popular day out for families across the country. While many UK beach resorts become overcrowded with tourists, particularly during the warmer months, there’s one seaside town that has often been overlooked.

Nestled along the coast of North Yorkshire is the picturesque town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, often known simply as Saltburn. It offers a coastal getaway or day out with stretches of golden-sand beaches, a charming pier, colourful beach huts, a historic tramway, and the ‘best fish and chips’ around. And it’s a far cry from the packed crowds you might find at other seaside destinations.

The Saltburn Pier, which stretches 600ft across the beach towards the sea, has been one of the most notable features of the town since it opened in 1869. It’s the last remaining pleasure pier across Yorkshire, and in 2009 won the ‘Pier of the Year’ award by the National Piers Society.

Visitors can wander along the magnificent, preserved Victorian pier for free, which has remained a beloved attraction in the area. There is also a selection of amusement arcades, and during the summer months, it becomes a great spot to watch surfers catch the waves.

One traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “Always a favourite of mine, a well-maintained pier that you need to have a walk along in all weathers if you’re visiting Saltburn.”

A second commented: “Lovely pier and goes a long way out to the sea. Also has a fantastic little arcade on it with classic 2p machines to have some old school fun in.”

But a visit to the Saltburn coast isn’t complete without taking a ride on the iconic Saltburn Cliff Tramway, which links the town to the historic pier. The tramway itself is the oldest water-balanced funicular still in use across the UK today, and consists of two white and red trams.

As the trams climb the steep slope, they offer stunning views across the pier, the sprawling beach, and the dramatic cliffs, particularly when the pier is lit up. And it’s incredibly reasonable – a single fare costs just £1.10 for an adult and 60p for a child, while kids under three ride for free!

Nearby, there’s also the Seaview Restaurant for a tasty fish supper, which can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace with beachfront views or while taking cover in their stylish space indoors. Visitors have hailed the restaurant for its seafood menu, with one declaring on TripAdvisor: “As close to fish and chip perfection as it gets.”

Another noted: “Excellent service. The staff were so obliging. Food was fantastic. Lovely restaurant with great sea views. Would certainly recommend.” Yet, it has some competition as Oscar’s Fish & Chips takeaway along the Saltburn seafront has been hailed ‘the best’ for the hearty British dish.

One visitor dubbed it the “Best ever fish and chips”, with their “beautifully battered and fried” meal, making their day at Saltburn “a very memorable one”. Another also shared: “These have to be the best chips in the Redcar area. None greasy and so crisp. They came in a box and were not stuck together. Absolutely spot on.”

“Wow! Absolutely amazing fish & chips by the sea. Freshly cooked and huge portions, lovely lightly battered cod and well worth the 5 minute wait whilst they were cooked,” a third penned. Found near the vibrant beach huts, the fish and chip shops provide the perfect scene for that classic seaside treat, and might be just enough to warrant a trip to Saltburn-by-the-Sea! 

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