- Play Hard
- 4th Oct 2024
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HLN’s guide to a weekend in Saltburn
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, a picturesque seaside town on the North East coast, is renowned for its Victorian heritage, beautiful coastline and rich local culture.
With its iconic pier, charming cliff lift, and friendly community, Saltburn has become a popular spot for both day-trippers and those seeking a relaxing getaway. Whether you’re looking to surf, enjoy local cuisine, or explore unique shops and cafés, Saltburn offers something for everyone.
Here’s our guide to a weekend in Saltburn, with some of the best things to do, places to stay, and where to eat and drink in this quaint coastal town.
Friday
Whether you arrive by car, train or bus, Saltburn is easy to get to with pretty views along the way.Check-in to the boutique AA 4 star Brockley Hall Hotel, perfect for a little luxury.
This stunning Victorian hotel combines historical charm with modern comforts, with rooms ranging from £150 to £250 per night, depending on the season and room type. Guests rave about the in-house restaurant with its quirky design taking influences from Moulin Rouge, Raffles and The Orient Express.
With a range of menu options including a la carte, tasting menus and afternoon tea, there’s plenty to choose from. But don’t be too hasty, there are many fantastic eateries to explore in the town too. A quick note that if you’re travelling to Saltburn with a dog, only assistance dogs are allowed in the hotel – however there are lots of dog-friendly places to stay including The Spa Hotel and several gorgeous B&Bs.
Once unpacked and refreshed, it’s time to head out for a well-deserved pre-dinner drink.
Why not start with a glass of wine at café/wine bar KOZE, serving a great range of wines and beers, as well as a variety of sharing platters for those looking for a sociable light bite. If craft ales are more your thing, head to Guns Bar which has 12 beers that change regularly from around the country and globe, as well as an extensive menu of over 40 gins.
For Friday night dinner, how does pizza sound? You could just grab a takeaway and find one of the many benches along the seafront to sit and eat it while you take in the views. Or head to No. 23 on Milton Street where they serve-up authentic pizza perfection, in a cool laid-back setting where the décor embraces industrial elements matched with luxury soft furnishings.
Saturday
After a blissful sleep at Brockley Hall, it’s time to recharge the batteries with a delicious full English – you’ll need it for your surfing lesson…
Yes, that’s right, you can’t visit Saltburn without at least giving it a go (or at the very least, watching some surfers tackle the waves).
So, for an active morning, check out one of the surf schools along the sea front, all of which offer lessons for all abilities. At Saltburn Surf School they recommend a group surf lesson for beginners, which lasts two hours and includes all the necessary equipment, for £40 per person.
Sessions start with dryland instruction covering water safety and the basic principles of surfing, with a practice on the beach. Then you move into the water with the coach to work on wave catching, riding prone and then progressing to standing.
Once back on dry land and you’ve dried off and warmed up at the hotel, another essential part of your seaside trip should be fish and chips at one of Saltburn’s most beloved dining spots, The Seaview Restaurant. Located right by the pier, this popular eatery serves up fresh, locally caught fish with perfectly cooked chips. If you’re looking for something different, there are other seafood options including calamari, scampi, or their famous Saltburn Crab brioche. The outdoor seating area provides a fantastic view of the sea, making it a popular place for both tourists and locals alike.
Once your bellies are full it’s time to try out one of the town’s most iconic attractions, Saltburn Cliff Lift. Built In 1884, it’s the oldest water-balanced funicular in the UK and the second oldest in the World, connecting the pier to the old town, and saving the 173 step climb back to the main town. It was closed for much of summer 2024 due to a fire, but recently reopened – you’ll have to check availability depending on when you stay as it can be closed during the winter months.
If you’re visiting with children, once you’ve taken them for a ride on the funicular, another family-friendly attraction to consider is Saltburn Miniature Railway. It winds through the scenic Valley Gardens and provides a fun and affordable way to explore the area, with return tickets costing £2.00 for adults and £1.00 for children. The kids will love the experience of riding the small steam train, and the lush park surroundings are perfect for a relaxing stroll. Again, check availability out of season.
If shopping is more your thing, there’s a range of boutique and independent shops in Saltburn, well worth exploring. Lilian Daph is a beautifully curated interior and lifestyle store, offering unique homewares, gifts and contemporary décor with coffee and cake also on sale for mid-afternoon pick-me-up. For art lovers, Creation Saltburn on Diamond Street is a treasure trove of local art, handmade jewellery, vintage clothing and more – the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir or a piece of Saltburn to take home with you.
Saturday night means time for a slap-up meal. For a dining experience with a twist, The Truffled Hog on Dundas Street East is well worth a visit. This contemporary bistro offers a creative, seasonal menu that showcases the best of local ingredients. With starters including beetroot tartar, Yorkshire Asparagus or smoked salmon, delicious mains such as aged beef fillet with Dauphinoise potato and for the sweet toothed, chocolate fondant or lemon posset crème brulee, you can expect to pay around £50 each for a three-course meal. The wine list is extensive, and the knowledgeable staff can recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.
If you still have the energy after all that fresh sea air and tasty food, finish off your evening at Signals. A delightful café by day, at night they open the Taproom with live music, an impressive craft beer selection and unique cocktail selection.
Or head to The Sitting Room, in the arches of the beautiful former railway station in the heart of the town. This unique space transforms from a quirky eatery during the day to a bar on an evening. With indoor and heated outdoor seating areas, they also offer a great selection of beers, wines and cocktails to end your evening perfectly.
Sunday
After a lazy Sunday morning lie-in, head for a brisk stroll along the beach before getting a serious case of déjà vu, with a tasty brunch at Signals. Whether you need a full English or prefer smashed avocado on toast, poached eggs, bagels, or banana bread with Greek yoghurt, it’s the perfect spot to end your stay on a high.
It may be a small town, but its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local scene make Saltburn-by-the-Sea worth exploring. Whether you’re surfing the waves, riding the cliff lift, or enjoying a meal at one of its excellent eateries, this seaside gem promises a relaxing escape, right on our doorstep.
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