ONE popular seaside town known for its Royal Harbour and sweeping sandy beach is en route to having its heritage lift restored.
The Edwardian lift in Ramsgate has been out of action for four years, but could soon be transporting visitors once more.
The historical East Cliff lift is found on Ramsgate’s seafront and was once used to transport visitors and locals between the upper promenade and main sands area.
However, the lift, which is at Harbour Parade, has been out of action since 2021.
The council says it requires “significant works” to get it up and running again.
Now, Thanet District Council (TDC) has put aside £120,000 to restore it in the 2026-27 draft budget.
The council’s cabinet will consider the proposals on February 24, 2026.
The East Cliff lift was built in 1910 and was one of many developed across the country.
The lifts were built so that seaside hotels could provide their guests with quick and easy access to the beach.
It’s not the first time the East Cliff lift has gone under major works – it stopped operations in the 1990s and after being neglected for years, it was restored in 1999.
However, it is the only surviving lift in Ramsgate – there were once three in the seaside town however the Marina Lift was demolished back in 1926.
And the West Cliff Lift went up for auction in December 2025.
Ramsgate itself is a popular seaside town, although it’s sometimes overlooked in favour of its neighbours, Broadstairs and Margate.
But lots of Brits will still flock there every summer, usually to its Main Sands Beach.
The long sandy stretch is next to the UK’s only Royal Harbour and Marina.
It has lots of amusements, arcades, and restaurants. During the summer, you can get ice cream and drinks from the kiosks and hire out deck chairs.
Ramsgate is also home to the UK’s biggest Wetherspoons.
The Grade-II listed Royal Victoria Pavilion opened as a Wetherspoons in 2017 and it has a whopping 11,000sqm of space for drinkers, and a beachfront terrace.
When the Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited she said: “It’s definitely huge so you don’t have to worry about being crammed in even on a busy Saturday.
“Most people sit around the edges to be near one of the many beach views from the window.
“It’s a classic Wetherspoons grub – hearty and cheap, with the curry, sides, and wine setting me back around £11.”
Plans have been drawn up for an outdoor pool to be built in Ramsgate…
Near to the East Cliff lift is a car park that could be turned into an outdoor pool…
Heritage Lab revealed it’s in “early discussions with an experienced developer” on creating an outdoor pool complex on Ramsgate’s East Cliff.
It could be built on the Marina Esplanade Car Park in Ramsgate.
What is now a council-owned car park was once the Marina Bathing Pool built in the 1930s. It had an Olympic-sized pool, diving area and filtered seawater.
Open for years to swimmers, it eventually closed in 1975 after structural issues.
However, Heritage Lab has hinted that it hopes to bring an open-air pool back to Ramsgate.
It wouldn’t just be a pool either – Heritage Lab has hinted that the possible site could have saunas, cafes and social spaces to make it a “year-round destination”.
For more on British coastlines – the best ‘one-of-a-kind’ beaches around the world have been revealed and two in the UK make the list.
Plus, check out this English hotel right on the beach with sea-view rooms and gorgeous spa.