Seaside holidays

In the past

More than a hundred years ago visiting the seaside became very popular.  People went for a day out.  They travelled by steam train or paddle steamer.

Piers were built so that people could get on and off the paddle

steamer.

There were lots of exciting things to do on the Pier.  There were amusements, theatres, roundabouts and fairground rides.  On very long piers there was even a train to take you to the end.

This photograph was taken in 1907.  People dressed in smart clothes to go to the seaside.  There were often clown and Punch n Judy shows.

Ladies were not allowed to be seen in their swimming costumes.  If they wanted a swim they had to go into a bathing hut to get changed.  This was then pushed into the sea so that they could get straight into the sea without being seen.

People could have a ride on a donkey.

This photograph was taken in 1908.  What does this photograph tell you?

Sunday schools sometimes took children on a special trip to the seaside. 

What can you learn from this photograph?  When do you think it was taken?

This family are having afternoon tea on the promenade.

This photograph was taken in1912.  These ladies have got changed into their swimming costumes in the bathing tents.  Now they're ready for a swim.

Here's another Sunday school trip taken in 1930.  In the picture is Edward Wellings with his sister Jean and sat behind him his brother Ronald.

It was fun to dig in the sand.

This photograph was taken in 1955.  It shows Edward Wellings' family on a day out to the seaside - wife Mavis, daughter Janet and son Andrew

Can you see the bathing huts in the background of the photograph?

Swimming costumes looked different then.

Everyone was allowed to wear swimming costumes and play in the sea.

Ice-lollies and ice-creams were refreshing on a hot day