The Social History of the British Seaside



Sunworship

Sun worship

Today, we have reservations about spending too much time in the sun.  The risk of skin cancer is high in people's minds.  In the 'twenties and 'thirties it was not only the height of fashion, but it was also considered healthy.

Holiday statistics

Is the British seaside holiday dying? Towards the end of the 1930s around 15 million people were going on holiday to the seaside. Find out more about who went on holiday in Britain and where they stayed, from the 20s to the 90s.

UK holiday statistics

The M4, as seen from and Austin 1100

Roads to the coast

The only way to go on holiday was by car in the 60s. Traffic jams were all part of the experience!

Read more: Roads to the coast

Sprite 400, 1961

Camping & caravanning

Camping and caravanning boomed in the 60s & 70s.

More on the 50s, 60s and 70s

From Retrowow:

 
 

Seaside history

The British seaside holiday