East Hill Cliff Railway

East Hill Cliff Railway in Hastings is a historic funicular lift that carries visitors (and their dogs) up the cliffside to sweeping views over the town and coast. Dogs are welcome inside the carriage, which means no pavement waiting while someone else takes the scenic route and you tackle the hill on foot.

The railway runs daily from March to September (10am-5.30pm) and weekends only October to February (11am-4pm), weather permitting. The journey takes just a few minutes—long enough to enjoy the novelty, short enough that even a fidgety dog will manage. Well-behaved dogs travel on a lead and should stay off the seating, keeping paws on the floor and noses pressed to the view.

It's a practical, charming way to reach the Country Park and clifftop walks without the leg-burning climb, and the dog-friendly access means the whole group can ride together. Perfect for turning "I can't face that hill" into "we did it" in under five minutes.