In the golden age of British seaside resorts, funicular railways were a clever solution to steep coastal slopes. Folkestone once had three: the Leas Lift (1885), Sandgate Hill Lift (1893), and Metropole Lift (1904). Today, only the original Leas Lift survives.

Water-balanced cliff lifts also appeared in Scarborough, Bournemouth, Bridgnorth and Saltburn, home to the oldest still-operating water-balanced lift in the UK, opened in 1884. The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway (1890) is the longest of its kind, stretching over 860 feet up a steep Devon hillside.

Many others have since closed or switched to electric power. Just three in the UK still operate using their original water-balance systems. Today, their managers meet twice a year to share knowledge, support one another, and protect these rare examples of Victorian engineering. The Leas Lift is proud to be part of that story.