The 1960s was a decade of social, cultural, and economic change in Britain. The country was emerging from the post-war austerity and embracing a more liberal and affluent lifestyle. One of the ways in which people enjoyed their leisure time was by going on holidays, particularly to the seaside. In this blog post, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore what a typical British seaside holiday was like in the 1960s.

 

Getting there

Geoff Royle / 'Seaside', Combe Martin in August 1961

Unlike today's fast and convenient transport options, travelling to the seaside in the 1960s was often a slow and arduous affair. Many people went by car, which was not as reliable or comfortable as modern vehicles. The roads were narrower, and traffic jams were common, especially during peak holiday periods. Some families travelled by train, which offered a more relaxed and scenic journey but could be crowded and noisy, especially in the third-class compartments.

 
Accommodation

Barry Lewis, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

British seaside holidays during the 1960s were all about simple pleasures and endless fun. Families flocked to popular resorts like Blackpool and Brighton to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Accommodations ranged from cozy guesthouses to classic caravans at beloved holiday parks like Butlins and Pontins, offering the perfect balance of comfort and affordability. Many holiday parks also offered entertainment and activities for children and adults, including swimming pools, arcades, and live performances. With entertainment galore, delicious seaside treats, and memories to last a lifetime, The popularity of caravan holidays continued to grow throughout the 1960s, with many families returning to their favorite holiday parks year after year.

   

Activities

Blackpool Promenade, 1961 by Alfred Dixon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 

The seaside offered a wide range of activities for all ages and interests. Sunbathing and swimming were popular. Children enjoyed building sandcastles, paddling, and collecting shells, while adults played beach volleyball, cricket, or tennis. Amusement arcades and fairgrounds provided entertainment in the form of slot machines, bingo, and rides. Many towns had piers with theatres, cinemas, or dance halls, where visitors could enjoy live music, comedy acts, or variety shows.

Food and drink

 Paul Dennis, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Eating out was not as common or diverse as today, and many families brought their own food and drink to the beach. Picnics on the sand or in the park were a popular way of enjoying a meal, often consisting of sandwiches, pies, fruit, and cakes. Fish and chips from a local hippy was a classic seaside treat, and many places also sold ice cream, candy floss, and doughnuts. Pubs and bars offered a more adult-oriented experience, with beer, wine, and spirits being the main drinks of choice.

Memories and nostalgia

 Dr Neil Clifton / A traditional view of Blackpool

 

For many people who grew up in the 1960s, the seaside holiday was a cherished tradition and a source of fond memories. It was a time when families could bond, relax, and have fun together, away from the stresses and routines of everyday life. The seaside offered a sense of freedom, adventure, and escapism, and provided a glimpse of a different world from the urban or suburban areas where most people lived. Today, although the seaside holiday experience has changed, with more modern facilities, technology, and travel options, it still retains a special place in the hearts of many Britons.

Check out some of our nostalgic seaside gifts below: