Scarborough, Pastel Pine
Few places capture the British love for the seaside quite like Scarborough, Brighton, and Blackpool. These towns weren’t just holiday hotspots; they shaped how Britons thought about travel, relaxation, and even social class. In the 18th and 19th centuries, people flocked to the coast looking for fresh air, health cures, and some time away from city life.
England’s seaside resorts offered more than sand and sea. From grand piers to busy promenades, these spots became the heart of summer fun and a symbol of freedom for all ages.
Read our post on post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside. Morecambe Bay is renowned for quicksand, read our post on keeping safe near sinking mud.
Don’t walk on sand dunes, to avoid disturbing nests and native wildlife like natterjack toads). Also don’t disturb seals or other marine wildlife.
One thing to embrace with change is no longer to have children ride on donkeys. Read more on how to help our donkey friends! Take a walk along a seaside pier instead!
The Origins of England’s Seaside Resorts
Coastal holidays in England began as something much more than a simple escape. Early visitors believed the sea held real healing power. Doctors in the 18th and early 19th centuries often prescribed fresh sea air and cold-water bathing as a cure for everything from melancholy to aching joints.
Scarborough: England’s First Seaside Resort
Scarborough, perched on the Yorkshire coast, is where English seaside tourism really found its feet. In the 1620s, a local woman discovered spa waters flowing from cliffs just south of the town. News travelled fast, and by the late 17th century, people flocked to Scarborough not just to drink the mineral-rich spring, but to bathe in the cool North Sea.
Scarborough’s spa set the template for what a “seaside resort” would look like:
- Grand hotels and lodging houses appeared, offering wealthy visitors a place to stay in style.
- Bathing huts allowed Victorian women to dip carefully into the sea with some privacy.
- Promenades were laid out, so people could stroll along the coast and soak up the views.
Scarborough, with its social gatherings and elegant setting, quickly became the place to see and be seen. Other towns up and down the English coast watched Scarborough’s success and tried to build their own slice of the seaside dream.
The Rise of Brighton and the Royal Connection
Brighton’s journey from fishing village to fashionable hotspot sped up when the Prince Regent (later George IV) decided to make it his seaside retreat in the late 1700s. The royal endorsement turned Brighton into a magnet for Britain’s elite, and where royalty went, others followed.
The Prince Regent built the striking Royal Pavilion, with its domes and towers inspired by Indian architecture, drawing even more attention to Brighton. As the Royal Pavilion rose, so did the town’s reputation. Brighton offered:
- A sense of glamour and excitement thanks to the royal presence.
- Easy access from London, especially when trains trimmed travel times.
Brighton became a place where aristocrats mixed with shopkeepers and artists on the packed pebble beaches. Stone-built terraces and ornate hotels soon lined the waterfront. This mix of society was fairly new for English leisure spots and set Brighton apart.
Margate and Early Sea Bathing
Margate in Kent found its own place in seaside history by welcoming those less wealthy than the upper classes. As sea bathing became known as a health tonic, Margate provided a beach experience for the middle and working classes. Its golden sands and open sea made it perfect for this new craze.
Margate was ahead of its time by focusing on accessibility:
- The arrival of paddle steamers in the early 19th century meant Londoners could escape the capital for a day out by the sea. The journey was fast and affordable compared to travel by road.
- Bathing machines made it possible for men, women, and children to try sea bathing without embarrassment or risk.
- Entertainments, like penny arcades, soon welcomed families and day-trippers.
As a result, Margate turned into one of the first mass-market resorts. Its success helped spread the idea that a splash in the sea was not just for the rich, but for anyone who needed a break, a breath of fresh air, or a bit of fun.
Together, Scarborough, Brighton, and Margate each took the simple idea of visiting the sea and created something much bigger. Their growth fuelled a seaside boom that still echoes in England’s favourite resorts today.
the Golden Age of Seaside Holidays
The Victorian era marked a turning point for England’s seaside resorts. As the railways expanded, the coast became more than just a destination for the upper class; it soon turned into a favourite spot for the growing middle and working classes. The newfound ease of travel meant people could spend weekends or holidays by the sea without the expense or time that once made those trips a luxury.
During this period, seaside towns grew rapidly, not only because of improved transport but also due to changing ideas about health and leisure. Sea air was considered cleansing, and bathing in salt water became popular for its supposed healing powers. Resorts began to offer a mix of relaxation and entertainment, setting the stage for the modern British holiday culture.
Blackpool: From Fishing Village to Entertainment Hub
Blackpool’s rise from a modest fishing village to one of England’s most famous resorts happened quickly and impressively during the Victorian era. Its transformation was fuelled by the arrival of the railway in 1846, which opened the town to visitors from Lancashire’s industrial cities looking for fresh air and fun.
Two landmarks tell Blackpool’s story well:
- Blackpool Tower, opened in 1894 and inspired by the Eiffel Tower, became the town’s iconic symbol. It was more than decoration; the Tower housed a ballroom and circus, central to Blackpool’s entertainment scene.
- Blackpool was also the first town in England to install electric street lighting in 1879. This innovation gave visitors a new way to enjoy the nightlife and set Blackpool apart from other resorts. Today alas it causes mass light pollution which affects humans, birds and wildlife.
Bournemouth and Bognor Regis
Victorian England’s interest in health drove the popularity of coastal towns like Bournemouth and Bognor Regis, both of which took a gentle, restorative approach rather than the full-on entertainment offered in places like Blackpool.
Bournemouth marketed itself as a place to breathe clean, pine-scented air and enjoy peaceful, well-kept gardens. Its long, calmly sloping beaches encouraged sea bathing, which was seen as both refreshing and healthy. Visitors came looking for quiet days of strolling and gentle sea dips, attracted by the town’s open spaces and fresh atmosphere.
Bognor Regis followed a similar path, pitching itself as a seaside retreat for those seeking calm and relaxation. Its compact size and mild climate made it especially popular with families and retirees. The presence of a pier and well-maintained gardens contributed to the town’s charm as a comfortable seaside resort.
Both towns thrived because they offered a mix of nature, health, and gentle leisure that fitted well with Victorian ideas of wellness. They didn’t rely on loud entertainment or crowds but on a soothing environment ideal for recovery and rest.
the Decline of the Seaside Resort
The 20th century brought major changes to England’s seaside resorts that forced many to rethink their appeal and shape. Once bustling with holidaymakers seeking fresh sea air, these towns faced challenges from shifting holiday habits, new transport options, and the rise of foreign travel.
The classic image of the British family packed into a deckchair, enjoying fish and chips on golden sands, began to fade. Instead, some resorts struggled to keep up while others found new ways to stay relevant.
Torquay and the English Riviera
Torquay earned the nickname “English Riviera” because of its mild climate, palm-lined promenades, and glamorous reputation through the early to mid-1900s. It was popular with the upper class and middle-class families looking for a touch of luxury beside the sea. The town offered a blend of natural beauty and elegance, with grand hotels, gardens, and theatre performances that attracted visitors from across England.
However, Torquay’s popularity waned as holiday habits changed after the Second World War. The growing availability of affordable foreign travel meant people no longer felt tied to the English coast. Overseas trips to sunnier destinations like Spain or France felt fresher, warmer, and often cheaper than a damp summer on the Devon coast.
Torquay saw fewer long-stay holidaymakers. Visitor numbers declined, forcing local businesses to adapt or close. The English Riviera still attracts tourists today, but the town lost much of the exclusive charm that had once made it unique. It shifted from a glamorous getaway to a quieter, more modest destination in many ways, dependent on day-trippers and short breaks instead of seasonal stays.
Newquay, Surfing, and New Forms of Tourism
Newquay, on the north coast of Cornwall, offers a contrasting story from many traditional resorts. While it also suffered from the post-war decline, it managed to reinvent itself by embracing modern trends. Newquay became famous for its long, sandy beaches and excellent surf breaks, drawing in a very different crowd.
Starting in the 1960s and 1970s, surfing culture took hold in Newquay. Youth tourism grew as young people travelled there for the waves, festivals, and an alternative lifestyle. This new identity helped the town stay attractive at a time when traditional seaside resorts were struggling.
Newquay’s appeal shifted to active holidays filled with sport and socialising rather than the old-fashioned quiet retreat. Its bars, hostels, and surf shops catered to a younger, more adventurous visitor. By focusing on sustainable surfing, Newquay tapped into a steady, growing market that kept the local economy alive.
This change shows how some seaside towns could reshape themselves by adopting new tourism trends. Rather than fading away, they became hubs for modern activities and communities. Newquay’s success largely comes from recognising that holidaymakers want more than just sun and sea; they want experience and connection.
The Legacy of England’s Seaside Resorts
England’s seaside resorts are much more than places to relax by the shore. They carry a deep history that still shapes how people experience holidays and culture today. While many resorts faced tough times as travel habits shifted, they now stand as important symbols in British life, blending tradition with fresh energy. Their stories continue through regeneration projects, new creative scenes, and ongoing community spirit.
Regeneration and Revival Efforts
In recent decades, several seaside towns have invested in regeneration to bring back their sparkle. These efforts often focus on updating old attractions, improving facilities, and promoting tourism beyond just warm weather. Public spaces have been refreshed, historic buildings restored, and local businesses supported.
Key signs of revival include:
- Town centre improvements such as new promenades, gardens, and better signage.
- Cultural hubs restored or created, including museums, galleries, and theatres.
- Transport links enhanced to make towns more accessible for day visitors and holidaymakers.
For example, Margate’s Old Town area has been transformed with independent shops, art galleries, and trendy cafes, attracting a younger crowd and creatives.
The Rise of Festivals and Arts
Seaside resorts now host a variety of festivals that highlight local culture and invite broader audiences. These events often focus on music, art, or heritage, helping to change the image of resorts from purely tourist spots to vibrant cultural destinations.
Notable examples include:
- St Ives in Cornwall, known for its thriving art scene and galleries that draw visitors all year.
- Margate’s Turner Contemporary art gallery, which not only exhibits modern art but also sparks interest in the town’s creative identity.
- Music festivals in places like Scarborough and Brighton, offering fresh energy and attracting diverse crowds.
These events draw visitors for more than just the beach. They give seaside towns new life through creativity and community involvement.
New Audiences and Evolving Purposes
The seaside today welcomes more varied visitors than ever before. While families still enjoy the sand and sea, towns attract people interested in culture, history, food, and outdoor activities. Some resorts have embraced their role as hubs for festivals, watersports, wellness retreats, and even heritage tourism.
This broadening appeal helps resorts remain relevant in a world where international travel is common and holiday tastes have changed. Visitors now find more than just a sunlounger; they find storytelling, exploration, and connection to local life.
The Lasting Charm and Cultural Importance
England’s seaside resorts carry a unique charm rooted in their history and community. They remind us of simpler times when trips to the coast were about fresh air, socialising, and small pleasures. This heritage still matters today, offering a link to shared experiences across generations.
The seaside resort is part of British culture, inspiring writers, artists, and holidaymakers alike. The sound of the waves, the bustle of the promenade, and the sight of historic piers keep drawing people back. Despite challenges, these towns remain places where past and present meet, creating memories that last.
England’s seaside resorts are not just old towns by the water. They are living stories of change and resilience, cherished spaces where history is visible in every corner and where new chapters continue to be written.
England’s Love Affair with the Seaside
The Seaside: England’s Love Affair sees writer Madeleine Bunting journey clockwise around the country from Scarborough to Blackpool, to visit a coastline made of cliffs, coves, pebbled shore, wide sandy beaches, salt marshes and estuaries.
On these coastal edges were where England’s great holiday resorts grew, developed in the early 18th century for medicinal bathing, and soon morphing into places of pleasure and adventure.
Taking in 40 resorts, thankfully most no longer have donkey rides, but there are still golden sands and cold seas. From hotels to caravans and holiday camps, she swims near the beaches and talks to residents, to delve into landscapes and histories.
