For three centuries people have headed to the seaside. Although this was initially limited to a few wealthy people in search of cures for their ailments, during the 19th and 20th centuries a day at the seaside came within the reach of everyone. This change in the type and numbers of visitors has had a huge impact on coastal towns, transforming them from small working towns to the lively resorts we know, and love, today. Seaside resorts differ from inland towns in a number of important ways; there are types of buildings designed to entertain visitors and the character of all types of structures near the seafront have an exuberance rarely matched elsewhere. England's Seaside Resorts, the culmination of four years of research, combines new information derived from the resorts themselves with a re-examination of many of the most significant, original documents. All stretches of the coastline, and all sizes of resorts, have been studied to explain what gives the seaside towns their special character. A large number of new photographs taken for this project, along with a selection of historic images from the National Monuments Record, provide a unique insight into England's favourite holiday destinations. So pack up your buckets and spades and enjoy a trip to the seaside.