In the United Kingdom, no place is farther than 70 miles from the sea. The sea has always been central to British history, culture, economy, and identity. In the Victorian era, the arrival of railways turned the coast into a major attraction. Holidaymakers were drawn by the sea's horizons, tides, and breezes, leading to the construction of luxurious buildings, promenades, piers, and the first five-star hotels.
This era saw marvels like the first artificial illumination, Blackpool tower mimicking the Eiffel Tower, and the world's first deckchairs, patented by Thomas Moore in 1886. Visitors enjoyed culinary innovations such as ice cream in waffle cones and fish and chips.
Today, coastal resorts have declined with the rise of cheap flights to europe, severely impacting their economies. These areas now face higher crime rates and lower incomes.
Despite the decline, tourism remains the main income source for these towns, attracting visitors with simple pleasures. These places retain a unique charm with their bright neon lights on worn arcades, closed amusement parks, peeling paint on old hotels, and the ever-present salty sea breeze, evoking a mix of mild melancholy and happy idleness.
