Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Saltburn-by-the- Sea is a favourite place, as is Staithes which is just along the coast. This visit we just had time to visit Saltburn on a gloriously hot day.  It was the last  Saturday of June and the town and beach were full as everyone was out enjoying the warm weather after many days of rain. We parked in the town centre shopping area near the station and had a cup of coffee before walking down the hill to the beach.

There were lots of butterflies flitting about as we walked down the steps towards the beach. 

We thought we'd seen a painted lady but as usual they were all moving so quickly it was hard to photograph them.

There were orchids too. 

 A lovely view of the Victorian Pier from the steps.

 Another views of the pier and headland taken from the promenade.

 We decided to walk along the beach towards the pier before walking back up the steps and going onto the pier itself.

There was the usual, noisy, gaming arcade at the front with lots of tinkling and squeaking of the machines accompanied by flashing lights and cries of enjoyment from the children trying to capture that elusive bear or unicorn from piles of cuddly toys.  I suppose a trip to the arcade is just as an essential part of the seaside experience as a donkey ride, ice cream, sticks of rock and candyfloss. But where were Punch and Judy?

Ah, there they are!  The pier was celebrating its 150th anniversary and the famous Saltburn 'yarn-bombers' had been busy.

There were lots of woolly creatures and figures dangling off the rails on one side of the pier.

There were all delightful and there were lots of people taking photos of the display,

 The seaside donkey was my favourite.

It was getting so hot out on the pier.

 It was time to think about heading back up into the town

 Luckily there is a little tramway or railway to help us get back to the top.

 The present water balanced cliff railway replaced an ealier hoist in 1884.  It is apparently one of the earliest water driven funiculars in the world.

The carriage is very ornate inside.

 At the top.  We emerged from the carriage to the sound of lively music, bells and the clacking of wooden poles.

 Morris men and women were in town.

We dawdled and watched a couple of dances from different groups before heading back to our car. 

 

As we left we realised that there must have been some sort of Morris Dance/Folk Festival as there were people in costume all over.  Shopping in Sainsbury, sitting outside cafes with morning coffee, strolling through the town with leg bells tinkling, parking cars and riding by on cycles or motor bikes.  So many different groups in vibrant costumes and extravagant hats.

I didn't tell you at the beginning of this post that Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a purpose built seaside town and the town we see today came from the vision of  Middlesborough businessman Henry Pease.

Here is more about the development of the town.