The Victorian & Edwardian Seaside
In the 19th century, the British seaside experienced an explosion in popularity. From Blackpool to Brighton, Brits flocked to coastal resorts. The rapid expansion of the rail network had made the seaside more accessible, which was convenient as people had more leisure time to fill, particularly after the introduction of bank holidays for workers in 1871.
Where to stay?
New hotels sprung up along the coast to cater for the influx of tourists, and sometimes these establishments were very opulent indeed. One of the fanciest was The Metropole Hotel in Brighton, which opened in 1890. Historian Judy Middleton explains that it boasted an Italian garden, a Turkish bath, a Renaissance-style library and an Arabian-themed drawing room. The latter was furnished with opulent rugs and lamps, while the hotel’s own perfumer created an exotic scent to waft around the room. The Metropole was opened with a grand ceremony: 1,500 guests travelled down from London on a special train and there was a parade involving lions and tigers. Guests who stayed at the hotel included princes, ambassadors and even a maharajah!
While hotels like this were clearly for wealthier visitors, a wide range of accommodation was available for those with
