By the early 1900s, train travel was one of the best ways to reach your dream seaside destination. Whether it was for a weekend of relaxation, a quick getaway, or an exhilarating family holiday, British railways had transformed seaside resorts into accessible hotspots for all kinds of travellers. Thanks to the development of the railway network, which was expanding rapidly at the turn of the 20th century, the humble British seaside became a central part of the country’s leisure culture.
In this article, we’ll take a nostalgic look at some of the most famous seaside resorts that became the crowning jewels of railway tourism in the 1900s. These resorts didn’t just rely on their beaches; the train itself was a part of the journey, with luxurious carriages and special excursion services helping to shape the golden age of British seaside holidays.
1. Blackpool: The Original British Seaside Resort
Perhaps the most iconic of all British seaside resorts, Blackpool became the king of the coast when it came to attracting railway tourists in the 1900s. The train played a huge role in Blackpool’s rise to fame as a top destination for leisure.
- Railway Arrival: In the mid-19th century, the arrival of the railway made Blackpool an easily accessible resort, with Manchester, Liverpool, and other industrial cities just a few hours away by train. By the early 1900s, Blackpool Station was bustling with thousands of passengers arriving for a dose of sea air, fun, and entertainment. The Blackpool tramway system was also a major part of the town’s infrastructure, which, along with the trains, made it incredibly easy to get around.
- What Made Blackpool Special: By 1900, Blackpool Pier, the Tower, and the Golden Mile were already iconic landmarks that drew people in for everything from thrilling amusement park rides to musical halls and pier-side entertainment. The arrival of the train made it possible for working-class families to enjoy a seaside holiday, no longer just the preserve of the upper class. Blackpool’s bustling railway station was central to its identity, with special holiday trains providing cheap fares to make seaside holidays more accessible than ever before.
2. Margate: A Victorian Favourite with a Railway Twist
Situated in the South East of England, Margate was another famous seaside resort that benefited hugely from the expansion of the railway system in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Railway Connection: The South Eastern Railway began operating services to Margate in the 1860s, but by the 1900s, the popularity of the seaside town had really taken off, and the town was fully integrated into the national rail network. Special excursion trains brought day-trippers from London and the Home Counties, offering cheap travel for those wanting to escape the city for a day by the sea.
- The Golden Age: By the time the 1900s arrived, Margate was famous for its elegant promenades, theatres, and charming beaches, particularly Palm Bay. One of Margate’s most notable attractions in the early 20th century was Dreamland, an iconic amusement park that opened in 1920 but was on the minds of many in the 1900s. The train stations in and around Margate would have been packed with visitors eager to experience the seaside resort’s unique combination of traditional seaside fun and Victorian charm.
3. Brighton: A Seaside City Built for Train Travel
Brighton has long been known as the playground of the South Coast, and the 1900s saw it at its zenith as a fashionable and easily accessible seaside destination. The arrival of the railway helped turn this town into a beacon for day-trippers and holidaymakers alike.
- Railway Arrival: With its connection to London via the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway, Brighton became a popular escape for the city’s elite from as early as the 19th century. But by the 1900s, the town saw a great influx of working-class tourists thanks to the affordable rail fare and the rise of cheap excursion services. The journey was quick and relatively cheap, and it was possible to get from London to Brighton in under an hour, making it a top choice for a weekend away.
- Seaside Attractions: The Brighton Pavilion, once a royal residence, remained one of the town’s most iconic attractions, drawing visitors from across the country. And who could forget the famous Brighton Pier, bustling with tourists arriving by train and eager to experience the seaside entertainment, restaurants, and amusements that were a staple of 1900s coastal resorts. The railway played a major role in the development of Brighton into a seaside metropolis, with trains linking it to both London and other popular towns on the south coast.
4. Scarborough: A Yorkshire Gem
In the north of England, Scarborough was one of the leading seaside destinations for holidaymakers arriving by rail in the 1900s. Its blend of Victorian charm, beautiful beaches, and historic sites made it a must-visit destination.
- Railway Connection: The town was well-served by the North Eastern Railway, which made the town easily accessible from cities like Leeds, York, and London. Scarborough’s popularity grew, especially after the 1860s when the railway made it a convenient weekend getaway for the residents of industrial towns in the north. Excursion trains became a common feature of the 1900s, bringing day-trippers and holidaymakers to the coast to enjoy the town’s therapeutic sea air and relaxing atmosphere.
- The Allure of Scarborough: Scarborough was the kind of town that seemed to have everything—a Victorian spa, a beautiful seafront, and plenty of places to eat, drink, and be merry. One of the town’s highlights in the 1900s was its seaside gardens, which offered a tranquil escape for visitors and residents alike. The train stations in Scarborough were bustling hubs, welcoming thousands of tourists each week, all eager to experience the charm of this famous northern resort.
5. Eastbourne: A Classic Victorian Seaside Escape
On the southern coast of England, Eastbourne emerged as a fashionable seaside resort that became synonymous with elegance, relaxation, and escapism in the 1900s.
- Railway Boom: The London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway made it possible to travel to Eastbourne with ease from London and other cities. The introduction of day excursion trains made the town more accessible, and by the 1900s, Eastbourne was already well on its way to becoming the Victorian resort of choice for the discerning traveller. The introduction of the pier, seafront promenades, and the charming Victorian hotels gave Eastbourne a reputation for elegance and refinement that was in high demand with wealthy city dwellers looking for an escape.
- What Made It Special: Eastbourne was the ideal destination for those seeking a quieter, more laid-back seaside escape. It was also known for its large number of theatres, parks, and galleries, with many visitors coming to enjoy its relaxed, peaceful vibe. And just like other seaside resorts, the town’s train station was crucial to bringing tourists to its idyllic shores.
What to Know More?
If you want to dive deeper into the history of seaside resorts and the role of railways in shaping British tourism, here are some resources to get you started:
- The History of the British Seaside by Adrian Harvey
- The Golden Age of British Seaside Resorts by Andrew Godley
- Railways and Seaside Resorts: The Birth of British Holiday Travel by John Stretton
- The Railway and Its Impact on Coastal Towns by David Butcher
