Travel and Holidays in Victorian Britain

Although railways had been around since 1825, they became very popular during Victorian times. Families took trains to the seaside for day trips or holidays – many people had never seen the sea before! Bank holidays were introduced in 1870, meaning that people of all social classes could enjoy these days out.

Victorians at the seaside enjoyed activities such as building sandcastles, riding donkeys and watching Punch and Judy shows. Music halls and aquariums were also very common. However, unlike today, people did not like sunbathing – they sheltered under parasols and wore their everyday clothes, rather than swimwear. Victorians were very private and some wealthier people used bathing machines to make sure that no one could see them in their bathing costume!