Babbacombe Cliff Railway

About Us

An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site built between the gaps in the 73m high cliffs: a fault line between the Devonian grey limestone and Permian red rocks. 

Built in 1926, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway has shuttled hundreds of thousands of holiday makers to and from Oddicombe Beach since it first opened in 1926.

Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found in the UK, the Cliff Railway provides a vital and non-exhausting way for locals and holiday makers alike to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and take in the amazing views as they travel to and from the water's edge.

With a gorgeous beach bar and cafe on Oddicombe and seasonal wate sports, it really is a must-visit beach.

While you're there, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for our regular summer visitors, Sammy the seal and the dolphins.

2019 sees the 10th anniversary of the community owning Babbacombe Cliff Railway and has a host of celebrations planned throughout the year.

Over that time Babbacombe Cliff Railway has been lucky enough to have an amazing team of passionate, dedicated people who have all been committed to their role as custodians of this fabulous, historic piece of engineering and who have also been determined to ensure that the railway thrives and that its future is safe.

Babbacombe Cliff Railway is in excellent condition, there is a Visitor Centre (free admission) on the beach and a host of fantastic events with hoards of people enjoying some great times on the railway and on Oddicombe Beach.

Traveller numbers were around 90,000 in 2009.

They were over 130,000 in 2018.

Team Babbacombe Cliff Railway is absolutely delighted to be celebrating ten incredible years and looking forward to many more.

BABBACOMBE CLIFF RAILWAY FUN FACTS:

Babbacombe Cliff Railway was built in 1926

It is situated on the South West Coast Path on the stunning English Riviera

It transports around 130,000 people each year up and down the cliffs

It runs from the top of the beautiful Babbacombe Downs down to the delightful Oddicombe Beach.

Oddicombe Beach is home to a café, shop, water sports and there are also toilet facilities.

The track is 720 feet long.

The cars travel at 500ft per minute.

Since 2009 the Cliff Railway has been run by a Community Interest Company which became a Community Interest Organisation in March of 2019.

The purpose of the Community Interest Company is to preserve, protect and promote the Babbacombe Cliff Railway.

In 2012 Babbacombe Cliff Railway opened a Visitor Centre on Oddicombe Beach which is free to wander around so why not pop in and learn more about the history of this fabulous, funicular railway.