Walking is a clear focus for a stay in Loftus. The Lewis Hunton Trail Loftus is a self-guided walking route of 4–5 miles. Another route, Loftus to Hummersea, leads into Swallwell Wood, one of seven woods around Loftus, and towards the Cleveland Way National Trail. This gives you different points of reference when choosing a route: the length provides a concrete measure for the Lewis Hunton Trail, while the woodland and direction towards the National Trail are the key reference points for Loftus to Hummersea. You can consider whether you would rather plan around a specified distance or the woodland and Cleveland Way.
Plan your walks
Self-guided walking leaflets for Loftus are available at Loftus Town Hall and other local shops. They offer a practical starting point if you would like to plan a route independently as part of your stay. Route conditions can change, so check the latest information before setting off.
Church and architectural history
The Church of St Leonard was built by Ignatius Bonomi in 1811 on the site of a medieval church. The construction date therefore refers to the building that was erected, while the location points to an older church history. The porch contains a small, drum-shaped font that may date from before the Norman Conquest. Together, the building, site and font offer different historical reference points; the font adds a possible early date to the building’s history.
Loftus Town Hall and local artefacts
Loftus Town Hall is a Grade II listed building and first opened in 1879. The building houses or displays items of local interest, including wartime memorabilia, civic plaques, paintings and photographs. The Town Hall therefore offers two distinct historical points of interest: its own construction and opening history, and the items kept or displayed there. Visits to Loftus Town Hall can be arranged through the Clerk.
Industrial history and practical planning
In the area around Loftus, the Loftus Alum Quarries were a centre of industrial activity between 1656 and 1863. This period of more than two centuries adds a different scale to the history of individual buildings: alongside construction dates and a medieval church site is the industrial past of a nearby place. This makes it possible to distinguish between the history of buildings and the longer industrial period.
There is free parking in Loftus, including several long-stay car parks. For those arriving by car, this is a practical consideration for costs and planning. The long-stay car parks are also useful if you need to leave your vehicle parked during a longer stay.
Discover more destinations: Brotton, Moorsholm, Saltburn-By-The-Sea, Guisborough, Skelton-In-Cleveland, Great Ayton.
Go to the main travel overview: Redcar And Cleveland.
