Folkestone’s Leas Lift has been voted as one of the UK’s favourite seaside places and experiences.
The Seaside Heritage Network has revealed the Leas Lift made number five in its Bucket and Spade List of the Top Ten favourite seaside places and experiences, voted for by members of the public.
Comments from voters included ‘It’s bringing back to life a wonderful historic feature of a beautiful seaside town’, and ‘I love Folkestone in general, it has a brilliant mix of the old and new and to see the Leas Lift working again – I can’t wait’.
Floortje Hoette, Chief Executive Officer of Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity, said: “The Leas Lift is close to our hearts in Folkestone but it’s wonderful to see this beautiful heritage asset gain national recognition. Last year Saltburn Cliff Tramway, which is the oldest water balanced lift operating in the UK, came first in the list so we’ll be hoping to emulate that once the lift is operational again. We’d like to thank everyone who voted for us as it really does mean a lot.”
The Bucket and Spade List was announced in the Art Deco surroundings of the Plaza Cinema, Weston-super-Mare, at an event supported by North Somerset Council and Merlin Cinemas.
Dr Kathryn Ferry, a founder member of the Seaside Heritage Network, stressed how important it was to see people and communities getting behind the vote. She said: “Our winners this year are not the usual suspects but that is a timely reminder that seaside heritage is not always grand or obvious. These are attractions that make their location unique, they are distinctive things that are highly valued by residents and visitors alike; it’s for that reason thousands of people took the time to register their choice.
“Several themes came out in the comments from voters and the sense of continuity these places and experiences provide was key. People have a great nostalgia for the things they enjoyed in childhood and they are grateful for the opportunity to pass that on to the next generation. Our winners were routinely praised for their family focus and friendly staff too. We firmly believe that embracing the power of seaside heritage to connect with people anew can help coastal places blighted by social and economic problems. It’s brilliant to have such a varied and cherished Top Ten.”
The Seaside Heritage Network aims to connect people, groups and businesses who care about the heritage of Britain’s seaside resorts. It is run by volunteers who are specialists from the tourism, academic, history and heritage sectors.
New Palace and Adventureland, New Brighton, came first in the Top Ten list, followed by: Ventnor Paddling Pool, Isle of Wight; Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare; and St Annes Beach Huts, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire and the Folkestone Leas Lift.
For the full list of nominees, visit www.seasideheritage.org.uk/bucket-spade-list/vote-for-2024-winners/
