Back on track as Leas Lift carriages return home
Folkestone's Leas Lift has reached a major milestone in its restoration, with its two historic carriages returning to the site and being lifted back onto the track.
Welcome to The Leas Lift
Folkestone’s Historic Funicular Lift
A Folkestone landmark since 1885
The historic Folkestone Leas Lift is a Grade II* listed water-balanced funicular railway connecting the seafront with the Leas promenade.
First opened in 1885 and closed since 2017, this remarkable piece of Victorian engineering is now being carefully restored by Folkestone Leas Lift Company CIO.
When it reopens, the Lift will once again carry passengers between the seafront and promenade, alongside new visitor facilities, hospitality, exhibitions and community spaces.
Folkestone Leas Lift Company CIO is a registered charity, No. 1197324.
Our Values
Our values shape how we restore, operate and share the Leas Lift.
LOCAL
The Leas Lift exists through the support of its community, and we put that community first.
GREEN
We want the Lift to reflect Folkestone’s ambition to live more sustainably and in tune with its environment.
OPEN
The Leas Lift is for everyone. We aim to be inclusive, welcoming and transparent in how we share its story.
CURIOUS
The Lift is an extraordinary feat of Victorian engineering, encouraging creativity, learning and inquisitive minds.
FUN
The Leas Lift should bring joy, happiness and a sense of wonder to visitors, volunteers, staff and supporters.
See the progress of the restoration
A major programme of conservation, engineering and construction work is underway across the Leas Lift. From the historic carriages, track and water tanks to the sheave wheel, stations and operating systems, specialist teams are carefully restoring the railway while protecting the character that makes it so special. The project also includes improved accessibility, permanent heritage interpretation, new visitor facilities and spaces that will support the Lift’s long-term future. Those aims are all set out in the charity’s project objectives.
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News
Leas Lift Heroes: Oluwaseun Ake
As Oluwaseun Ake reaches the end of his time with the Leas Lift, we caught up with him to reflect on his placement.
Work Begins on Leas Lift Extension
Work has begun on the new hospitality space at the Folkestone Leas Lift, the latest step in the restoration and build project.
Leas Lift Heroes: Brian Hart
Born in 1949 in Cheriton, Brian Hart’s connection to Folkestone, and particularly its cliff lifts, stretches back to a childhood shaped by the town’s coastline, character and quiet engineering marvels. “Folkestone gave me...
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should the Leas Lift be saved?
The Leas Lift is a Grade II* listed water-balanced funicular railway that has connected Folkestone’s seafront and promenade since 1885. It is a rare surviving example of Victorian engineering and an important part of the town’s heritage. Restoring the Lift will preserve this remarkable structure for future generations, improve access between the seafront and the Leas, and return a much-loved part of Folkestone’s history to public use.
How will the Leas Lift be restored?
The restoration is being led by Folkestone Leas Lift Company CIO, Registered Charity No. 1197324. The charity exists to restore, preserve, maintain and operate the historic Leas Lift for the benefit of the local community and visitors. Alongside bringing the Lift back into use, we are developing heritage, education and community activities that will help people discover its history and ensure this unique part of Folkestone’s story is protected for the future.
Who is behind the restoration of the Leas Lift?
Folkestone Leas Lift Company CIO is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees and supported by a wide range of funders, partners and members of the public. Our work is funded through a combination of grants, charitable trusts and foundations, donations, fundraising and income generated in support of the charity. These funds support the restoration and long-term future of the Lift, alongside our heritage, education and community work. Our annual accounts, returns and governance information are publicly available through the Charity Commission.
