Andrew Martin: To the Sea by Train

A lively history of the seaside holiday by train from Britain's 'Bard of the Buffer'.

Who went on holiday to the British coast as a child? Throughout the twentieth century, the seaside service posters of Britain's railways promised fresh air and frivolity to millions of urban dwellers with the phrase: 'To the sea by train'. With his signature wit and anecdotal style, Andrew Martin captures an era defined by its railways: from the development of Brighton and Scarborough into pleasure resorts, and the introduction of bank holidays and two-day weekends, to the advent of cheap flights and the British coast's subsequent decline – and, latterly, resurgence and renovation. 
 
In conversation with Harry Pearson.