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 boarded up or rented cheaply to the unemployed. Even This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-Five Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 47 Alice Sheppard On dance as a channel to commune with the body—even when it hurts. Arts & Culture Issue 47 Dr. Woo Meet the tattoo artist who's inked LA. Arts & Culture Issue 47 Walt Odets The author and clinical psychologist on why self-acceptance is the key to a gay man's well-being. Arts & Culture Fashion Issue 47 A Picture of Health Xiaopeng Yuan photographs the world’s weirdest wellness cures. Arts & Culture Issue 47 Chani Nicholas and Sonya Passi Inside the astrology company on a mission to prove workplace well-being is more than a corporate tagline. Arts & Culture Issue 47 Julia Bainbridge On the life-enhancing potential of not drinking alcohol.
Arts & Culture Issue 47 Alice Sheppard On dance as a channel to commune with the body—even when it hurts.
Arts & Culture Issue 47 Walt Odets The author and clinical psychologist on why self-acceptance is the key to a gay man's well-being.
Arts & Culture Fashion Issue 47 A Picture of Health Xiaopeng Yuan photographs the world’s weirdest wellness cures.
Arts & Culture Issue 47 Chani Nicholas and Sonya Passi Inside the astrology company on a mission to prove workplace well-being is more than a corporate tagline.