A Tram with Legs Like Something Out of a Fairy Tale: The Fascinating Story of Brighton’s Daddy-Long-Legs

This fascinating open-top project allowed tourists to enjoy panoramic views of the sea. With its double-decker structure, the tram became a symbol of summer outings. Despite its short lifespan, the 'Daddy-Long-Legs' left an indelible mark on the history of British public transport and culture.

The Brighton and Rottingdean Seashore Electric Railway, known as Daddy Long-Legs, was a unique and captivating tram system that operated from 1896 to 1901 in Brighton, UK. Designed for tourists who wanted to take in the seaside and surrounding scenery during scenic rides, it quickly gained attention.

The tram had a classic British double-decker design. The lower deck was enclosed, while the upper deck was open, allowing passengers to enjoy the fresh air and breathtaking views. The open upper deck design was particularly appealing on sunny days, making the tram a popular choice during the summer tourist season, as noted by the Railway Museum.

One of its most striking features was its height. The tram was mounted on tall stilts, an unusual feature for trams of that time. These legs stood 23 feet high (around 7 meters), giving the tram an unforgettable appearance. It was even equipped with a lifeboat and had to be operated by a qualified sea captain. Since the tram traveled over the sea, it was only licensed to operate with a trained maritime captain on board who ensured the journey was safe.

The track gauge was 18 feet (nearly 5.5 meters) with two parallel rails. Power was supplied by an electric cable mounted on tall posts along the coastline, connected to the tram’s motors by trolley poles attached to the base of the stilts.

Despite its popularity, the tram line was closed after only five years of operation. Coastal erosion and bad weather made operations difficult, eventually leading to its closure. The pressure from seawater made it hard to maintain the tracks—an issue common to seaside railways and trams that faced challenges from the elements, as TramwayInfo explains.

This project wasn’t just an interesting piece of engineering from its time, but also an effort to offer an attractive tourist experience. Today, Daddy-Long-Legs is considered one of the more intriguing chapters in British public transport history. Its legacy lives on, having appeared in various cultural contexts, including literature and films, highlighting its lasting influence on British culture.

Source: Railway Museum; TramwayInfo