The line provides views over The Stade, home to the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe.

The line was modernised between 1973 and 1976, during which time it was converted to electric operation and new cars were provided.

[2][3] The line was shut in June 2007 because of an incident where a fault in a control panel caused the cars to fail to stop at the correct point, resulting in damage to both cars and stations.

In 2008, Hastings Borough Council decided on a major refurbishment involving new cars and new control and safety systems, together with repairs to the damaged stations.

[9] It is complemented by the West Hill Cliff Railway, which provides access to Hastings Castle and the Smugglers Adventure in St. Clements Caves.