To See the Sea A brief window onto the history of the seaside holiday.

To See the Sea A brief window onto the history of the seaside holiday.

  • Words Tristan Rutherford
  • Photograph Romain Laprade / Aesop

Railways created the British seaside resort during the Victorian era, offering millions their first ocean view. By “millions,” read “the masses.” The horsey set already had access to seaside escapes; it was the working classes who took advantage of the cheap vacations that trains provided, seeking respite from the dark satanic mills.

Fish and chips and cotton candy unbuttoned Victorian morals, although track-drawn bathing cabins ensured that not an inch of thigh was shown when taking a dip. Airplanes sent the tide away. By delivering bargain packages that included flights, hotels and transfers, travel agents like Thomas Cook offered the British everyman his first glimpse of the Greek Islands or Spain’s Costa del Sol. During the 1980s, accommodations back in Blackpool were boar...

The full version of this story is only available for subscribers

Want to enjoy full access? Subscribe Now

Subscribe Discover unlimited access to Kinfolk

  • Four print issues of Kinfolk magazine per year, delivered to your door, with twelve-months’ access to the entire Kinfolk.com archive and all web exclusives.

  • Receive twelve-months of all access to the entire Kinfolk.com archive and all web exclusives.

Learn More

Already a Subscriber? Login

Your cart is empty

Your Cart (0)