British Seaside
Vintage colour photos of British seaside towns and beaches from the 1950s to the 1980s, capturing coastal life and holiday culture during the post-war and late-20th-century decades. Taken on colour film, these images document resorts, promenades, beaches, and everyday activity along Britain’s coastline at a time when domestic seaside holidays were at their peak.
This collection includes views of seaside streets, piers, promenades, beaches, amusement arcades, shops, signage, crowds, and coastal scenery, reflecting the character of British seaside towns during the second half of the 20th century. From popular holiday resorts to quieter coastal communities, the photographs preserve a detailed visual record of seaside life before later changes in travel, tourism, and redevelopment reshaped many resorts.
All images are available as high-resolution, royalty-free digital downloads suitable for editorial, commercial, or personal use.
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Abbotsbury Beach and Chesil Bank, Dorset, 1963
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Aberystwyth Beach, Wales 1977
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Aberystwyth Seafront, Wales 1977
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Aberystwyth Seafront, Wales 1977
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Aberystwyth, Wales 1977
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Anstey’s Cove, Torquay, Devon 1962
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Aquarium and Motor Museum, Brighton 1960s
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Beach at Combe Martin, Devon 1960s
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Beachy Head, East Sussex 1979
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Beer, Devon 1991
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Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex 1962
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Blackpool Rocket Tram, Blackpool, 1972
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Boat to Lundy Island, Devon 1960s
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Bognor Regis beach, West Sussex 1969
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Boscombe Pier, Bournemouth, Dorset, 1950s
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Bournemouth Pier & Beach 1975
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Bournemouth Pier 1974
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Bournemouth Pier, Dorset 1966
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Bournemouth seafront, Dorset 1969
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Brighton beach 1968
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Brighton beach and Palace Pier 1985
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Brighton Beach and Seafront, 1950s
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Brighton seafront 1972
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Brighton seafront 1981
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Brighton seafront and beach 1980s
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Brighton seafront and beach 1981
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Brighton seafront and pier 1981
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Brighton Seafront, East Sussex 1971
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Brighton Seafront, East Sussex 1973
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Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth 1964
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British seaside holidaymakers relaxing on deck chairs, 1950s
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Brixham harbour, Devon 1965
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Broadstairs, Kent 1966
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Broadstairs, Kent 1966
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Broadstairs, Kent 1971
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Broadstairs, Kent 1971
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Broadstairs, Kent 1971
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Broadstairs, Kent 1971
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Broadstairs, Kent 1971
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Broadstairs, Kent 1980s
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Broadstairs, Kent 1980s
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Bude, Cornwall 1960s
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Bude, Cornwall 1966
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Burlington Hotel, Eastbourne 1991
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Butlins Chairlift, Barry Island 1968
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Carpet Gardens, Eastbourne 1971
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Carpet Gardens, Eastbourne 1980
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Cars parked on the beach 1970s
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Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne 1964
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Clacton Beach and Pier, Essex, 1950s
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Cliftonville Beach, Kent, 1956
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Cliftonville Seafront, Kent, 1956
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Cliftonville, Kent 1950s (view from Grand Hotel)
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Cliftonville, Kent 1975
