"Going to the seaside" seems the quintessential Victorian holiday. Victorians flocked to beach towns and spas, spending a few days to a few weeks by the water. Bathing in sea-water was thought by many to be an aid to good health. Bath-houses weren't just a place to change into one's bathing suit; these tiny cabins were often well-furnished so that one could use them for a picnic or even to brew a cup of hot tea. Another common seaside entertainment was donkey rides for the children. The advent of easy, inexpensive railway travel turned many a quiet seaside town into a bustling resort, and made it possible for nearly anyone to "get away" to the seaside for a brief, inexpensive holiday.

The Sea-Side (Illustrated London Almanack, 1853)

A walk by the shore - the British tourist's favorite in-country travel destination!

Going to the Seaside, by Phillis Browne (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1875)

How to Camp Out at the Beach, by Frank E. Clark (St. Nicholas, 1875)

How to Enjoy the Seaside, by Rev. M.G. Watkins (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1877)

Baths at Home and Baths by the Sea, by Gordon Stables, M.D., R.N. (Girl's Own Paper, 1880)

In addition to a lengthy discussion on various types of baths, this article addresses how to have a "healthy" seaside holiday. Avoid concerts and parties! Don't bathe on the first day, but loiter on the beach and gather shells. And always carry a light biscuit in your pocket!

On the Beach (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1880)

The Watering-Places of England as Health Resorts (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1881)

At the Seaside, by Ruth Lamb (Girl's Own Paper, 1882)

How to plan and enjoy a seaside holiday.

The Games and Amusements of the Month: July (Little Folks, 1883)

Lawn tennis, cricket, rowing and sailing, and seaside sports.

An Unfashionable Day at the Sea-Side (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1884)

A delightful visit to the shore.

Summer by the Sea, by Gordon Stables, M.D., R.N. (Girl's Own Paper, 1888)

Tips for the healthy, and not-so-healthy, to make the most of a stay at the seaside.

The Girls' Holiday Home (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

Holiday life in a seaside cottage.

• See also Short Trips & Holidays