Britain-by-the-Sea

Brits are a nation of travellers. In fact, foreign holidays are so popular in the UK that a flight from London to Spain’s Costa del Sol is cheaper than a train ticket from London to Newcastle. Given that Britain is surrounded by sea, why is it that they would rather fly thousands of miles than holiday on their own coast? It’s not just their unpredictable weather. Coastal resorts like Blackpool, Bournemouth or Brighton haven’t kept up with what’s cool and modern.

The English seaside town likes to think of itself as a mini Las Vegas with its main streets lined with arcades, flashing lights and pumping music. Kids dream of being left there with lots of cash and avoid the obligatory trip to the beach which is mum and dad’s idea of a fun day out. They also want to get some thrills in a small and noisy amusement park with roller coasters, dodgems (small electric cars) and water slides.

On arrival at the beach, you may be surprised to find that the soft golden sand of your dreams is actually dirty and unpleasant to lie down on. The suspiciously brown water is too cold to bathe in. This uniquely English scene is completed with the beach hut. Many seaside towns still boast a row of these colourful, single family huts. If you want to rent one for two weeks, then be prepared to pay anything from £100 to £900 for an original Victorian hut at the best beaches.

The main cuisine attraction of the English seaside is naturally fish and chips, best enjoyed in a sit-down restaurant with plastic tablecloths and thick menus. This deep-fried fish served with brown strips of greasy potatoes can’t be experienced properly unless covered with salt and vinegar. For dessert how about a deep-fried Mars Bar?

After this delicious meal it’s time to burn calories and relax on a walk along the pier. Here you will find little kiosks selling postcards, souvenirs and beach toys. Some English piers are big enough to accommodate theatres, which perform yearround pantomimes. Is it any surprise then that most British people decide that Spain, with its sun and sand, is much better?