East Hill Cliff Railway, or East Hill Lift, is a funicular railway located in the English seaside town of Hastings. It provides access to Hastings Country Park via the East Hill, which overlooks the Old Town and Rock-a-Nore, an area to the east of Hastings. The line provides views over the Stade, home to the largest beach launched fishing fleet in Europe.
The line is owned and operated by Hastings Borough Council and has the following technical parameters:[1][2]
Length: 267 feet (81 m)
Gradient: 78%
Cars: 2
Capacity: 16 passengers per car
Configuration: Double track
Gauge: 5 ft (1,524 mm)
Traction: Electricity
The line was opened in 1903 by Hastings Borough Council. The line was originally operated on the water balance principle, and the twin towers of the upper station contained water tanks for this purpose. The line was modernised between 1973 and 1976, during which time it was converted to electric operation and new cars were provided
