Loftus is a small town in Redcar and Cleveland, situated close to the North Sea coast and the northern edge of the North York Moors. The settlement has ancient origins and later developed through agriculture, quarrying and ironstone mining. The nineteenth-century ironstone industry left a strong mark on the surrounding landscape and communities. Today Loftus is a quiet local centre surrounded by some of the most dramatic countryside and coastline in northeast Yorkshire.
Loftus: Historical sights and information
Facts about Loftus
- Latitude:
- 54.554316
- Longitude:
- -0.885124
- GPS Coordinates:
- 54°33' N, 00°53' W
The historical and tourist importance of the town
The town's mining heritage is represented by local industrial remains and the wider Cleveland Ironstone landscape. Nearby Skinningrove and the Cleveland coast offer rugged cliffs, beaches and spectacular walking routes, while the North York Moors provide extensive opportunities for hiking and scenic drives. The Cleveland Way passes through the surrounding area and is one of northern England's best-known long-distance trails. Whitby, Staithes and Saltburn-by-the-Sea are all within easy reach for coastal excursions.
Food and when to visit
Loftus has traditional pubs, cafés, takeaways and local shops, while larger dining and shopping choices can be found in Whitby, Redcar and the surrounding coastal towns. Fish and chips, seafood and Yorkshire produce are particularly popular along the nearby coast. Late spring through early autumn is ideal for walking the Cleveland Way and exploring the beaches, although the area can be atmospheric throughout the year. Loftus is best suited to travellers looking for a quieter base near the North York Moors and Yorkshire coast.