Folkestone Cliff Railways
The Leas
Leas Cliff Railway, Folkestone, Kent was opened as twin lines in 1885, a second set was added in 1890, the second set closed in Oct 1966. The first set still runs today. The second set of lines are still in place and are currently being restored. The water recycling was started in 1890 before this it was drained away.
Opening Times Easter - October 9am - 6pm
October - Easter Sundays only (Weather permitting) 9am - 6pm
| Date Opened | 16/9/1885 | Length | 50 m |
| Gradient | 1:1.64 | Track Gauge | 1778 mm |
| Number of Cars | 2 | Open to Public | Yes |
| Funicular Type |  | Track layout |  |
| Power Source |  | Railway Status |  |
| Date Opened | ?/8/1890 | Length | 47 m |
| Gradient | 1:1.55 | Track Gauge | 1473 mm |
| Number of Cars | 2 | Open to Public | Yes |
| Funicular Type | | Track layout | |
| Power Source | | Railway Status |  |
Leas Lift 2008
Sandgate Hill
The Sandgate Hill lift was constructed in response to the rising amount of traffic in the Sandgate hill area and to ease the tough climb. It was hoped that it would further increase revenue as the tramway had been extended to the bottom of the lift. This lift was of variable gradient the bridge across the road was 1 in 7.
Closed July 1918
| Date Opened | 20/2/1893 | Length | 204 m |
| Gradient | 1:4.75* | Track Gauge | 1676 mm |
| Number of Cars | 2 | Open to Public | ? |
| Funicular Type | | Track layout | |
| Power Source | | Railway Status | |
Metropole Hotel
The Metropole Lift was constructed in response to the great success of the Leas lift and the reasonable success of the Sandgate hill lift. It was built with enough room to add another set of lines. It was the shortest of the Folkestone railways but closed in Aug 1940.
| Date Opened | 31/3/1904 | Length | 29 m |
| Gradient | 1:1.4 | Track Gauge | 1676 mm |
| Number of Cars | 2 | Open to Public | Yes |
| Funicular Type | | Track layout | |
| Power Source | | Railway Status | |