Peak Alum Works Ravenscar
Explore remnants of 19th-century alum production on the stunning Cleveland Way, offering dramatic coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for views and exploration
Peak Alum Works Ravenscar
Best Time
Best for views and exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore remnants of 19th-century alum production on the stunning Cleveland Way, offering dramatic coastal views.
"An interesting site of industrial archaeology with spectacular coastal views."
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is a steep concrete road, so good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable visit. :athletic_shoe:
Check Visitor Centre
Toilets are available near the National Trust visitor centre. Plan your visit accordingly. 🚽
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 60 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alum Works Remains
Cliffside
Explore the remnants of 19th-century industrial archaeology and learn about historical alum processing.
Spectacular Coastal Views
Cleveland Way
Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Robin Hood's Bay and the North Sea coastline.
Geological Interest
Higher Cliffs
Discover unique micro-climates and vegetation in the stream valleys near the old brick and alum mines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Steep Terrain Ahead
Historical Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is a steep concrete road, so good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable visit. :athletic_shoe:
Check Visitor Centre
Toilets are available near the National Trust visitor centre. Plan your visit accordingly. 🚽
Embrace the Walk
The site is best accessed via a walk along the Cleveland Way, offering stunning scenery. 🚶
Read the Boards
Interpretation boards provide valuable historical context about the alum works. 📜
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is a steep concrete road, so good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable visit. :athletic_shoe:
Check Visitor Centre
Toilets are available near the National Trust visitor centre. Plan your visit accordingly. 🚽
Embrace the Walk
The site is best accessed via a walk along the Cleveland Way, offering stunning scenery. 🚶
Read the Boards
Interpretation boards provide valuable historical context about the alum works. 📜
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Peak Alum Works Ravenscar an interesting historical site with stunning coastal views, perfect for a walk along the Cleveland Way. While not much of the original works remain, the interpretation boards and the dramatic scenery are highly praised. The steep access road is a notable feature, making it less accessible for some.
"An interesting site of industrial archaeology on the Cleveland Way coast path, just to the north of Ravenscar.
The geology is really interesting, with old brick works and alum mines on the higher cliff. The alum works processed the mineral, which was then taken down to the sea and shipped to London.
There isn't much of the works left but the views across Robin Hood's Bay and the micro-climates and vegetation in some of the stream valleys are well worth the walk."
Rich B
"The first alum works was established about 1650 and work continued until 1862. The remains are from the later periods of alum production in the 19th century. There are interpretation display boards that show how things were at this important works, which is protected as a Scheduled Monument. Access is down a steep concrete road about half an hour's walk from the National Trust visitors centre. Open at all times with no admission charges. It is not suitable for wheelchairs. Toilets are at the National Park conveniences near the visitors centre. It's an interesting place to visit with spectacular coastal views."
Robert Walton
"Amazing little place. Also we stopped at the brick works further up. Great little walk but a big hill so not good if you're not steady on your feet."
Jacinth Stamp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The site is located on the Cleveland Way coast path, north of Ravenscar. Access is via a steep concrete road, about a half-hour walk from the National Trust visitor centre. It's a popular stop for those walking the coastal route.
While there's a concrete road, it's very steep and not recommended for general vehicle access. Parking is available near the National Trust visitor centre, from where you can walk to the site.
Cycling is possible on the concrete road, but its steepness may be challenging for some. The Cleveland Way is primarily a walking path.
Many visitors enjoy incorporating the alum works into a walk along the Cleveland Way, perhaps as part of a circular route from Ravenscar to Robin Hood's Bay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission charges to visit Peak Alum Works Ravenscar. It is open at all times.
The site is open at all times, allowing for flexible visiting schedules. However, daylight hours are best for appreciating the views and historical features.
As there is no admission fee, booking tickets in advance is not necessary for Peak Alum Works Ravenscar.
No, the site is not suitable for wheelchairs due to the steep concrete road and uneven terrain.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
While much of the original structure is gone, you can see remnants of the industrial archaeology, including old brick works and alum mines on the higher cliffs. Interpretation boards explain the historical processes.
The site offers spectacular coastal views across to Robin Hood's Bay and the North Sea. The geology and micro-climates in the stream valleys are also noteworthy.
Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour exploring the site and taking in the views, especially if incorporating it into a longer walk.
There are no facilities directly at the alum works. Toilets are available at the National Park conveniences near the National Trust visitor centre.
The site was an important centre for alum production from around 1650 until 1862. It is protected as a Scheduled Monument, with the remains dating from the later periods of production.
Social
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