‘Old school’ seaside town set to be popular this summer with cheap hotels, Italian gardens and historic funicular

ONE seaside town in the UK has seen a huge increase in interest just in time for the school holidays. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, or simply Saltburn, has been described as “old school” with no arcades on its promenade – it’s simple bucket and spade fun. Saltburn-by-the-Sea has seen a huge increase in interest for the summer holidays Credit: Alamy Saltburn has seen a 133 per cent rise in bookings according the Trainline Credit: Alamy Trainline has discovered the destinations around the UK which are in demand having seen a passenger booking uplift for the first week of the summer holidays. At the very top of the list is Saltburn in North Yorkshire where passenger bookings are up 133 per cent. Sign up for the Travel newsletter Thank you! Trainline said: “One of the UK’s fastest growing family destinations this summer, Saltburn is perfect for a classic seaside family day out. “Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach, Victorian Pier, and Valley Gardens – which has a lovely tearoom, as well.“ The long sand and shingle beach lined with multi-coloured beach huts, fish and chip shops with lots of them only accepting cash, according to visitors. The town’s Victorian Pier stretches out 200metres over the North Sea and has no arcades. Instead, it’s just a quiet spot to enjoy sea views. Saltburn also has a 142-year-old attraction on the seafront – its historic funicular tramway. Most read in Travel The tramway is the oldest water-balance cliff funicular in the country with stained glass windows. It’s right on the beach promenade and offers rides with views of the sea up to the town, which it’s been doing since 1884. Along with the tramway, Saltburn has a long sandy, shingle beach Credit: Alamy In 2023, the cliff tramway was voted best seaside experience in the first ever Seaside Heritage Network Bucket and Spade List and has won Tripadvisor Travellers‘ Choice Awards. Another popular spot is the Italian Gardens which have colourful flower displays and walks through the woodland. You can still stay in Saltburn over the summer too. A family of four can stay at Saltburn House Hotel for two nights on 10-12 August from £30.75pppn. It has two single beds, a double bed, a private bathroom – and breakfast is included. Or book out an Airbnb between 10-15 August from £22.35pppn. This one is a second floor apartment with two bedrooms that sleeps four and is within minutes from the beach. Sajjad Motamed, UK Country Manager at Trainline said: “Summer adventures start long before families reach their destination. “Our booking data shows families are making the most of Britain’s brilliant rail-connected attractions this summer, but we also know that longer journeys can sometimes be challenging for parents who want to keep little ones entertained.” If you are travelling on trains this summer – check out these ways to save including Family & Friends railcard. Here are Trainline’s trending family destinations this summer... These are the trending spots in the UK and the passenger booking uplift percentage for the first week of the summer holidays… Saltburn, North Yorkshire (133 per cent uplift) Ilkley, West Yorkshire (120 per cent uplift) Didcot Parkway, Oxfordshire (116 per cent uplift) Morecambe, Lancashire (114 per cent uplift) Arundel, West Sussex (113 per cent uplift) St Erth, Cornwall (102 per cent uplift) Bolton, Greater Manchester (85 per cent uplift) Warwick, Warwickshire (70 per cent uplift) Comment now