British Holidays

The People's Archive ®

During the post-World War II era, British holidays underwent a rejuvenation as the nation sought to rebuild and find solace. The 1950s witnessed a rise in seaside holidays, with families flocking to coastal resorts like Blackpool and Brighton. This era marked the advent of the iconic British holiday camp, including Butlin’s and Pontins, where families could enjoy affordable, organised entertainment.

From caravanning in North Wales to a chalet on the Isle of Wight, our crowdsourced archive highlights British holidays and day trips from the 20th century.

Photo © Nancy Griffiths/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Steve Chapple/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Phil Truman/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Peter Degnan/The People’s Archive®

Peter: “My Grandfather on the beach in Blackpool, 1961.Shoes on, trousers and blazer with hanky in pocket. Probably four layers, including his simmit (vest).”

Photo © Val Shannon/The People’s Archive®

Val: “This was our first girls’ holiday to Newquay in Cornwall, aged 18; we travelled down from the Broomwood Estate in Timperley, South Manchester.”

Photo © Steve Chapple/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Jo Wainhouse/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Honor McGregor/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Jennifer Johnston/The People’s Archive ®

Jennifer: "This was taken in 1970 in Millport, on the Isle of Cumbrae, off the West Coast of Scotland. We took our family holidays there, the same 2 weeks in July, for what seemed like forever! That’s my mum Kate, my brother David on the trike and me in the pushchair."

Photo © Jenny Berrisford/The People’s Archive®

“My big sister Mary makes some ‘friends’ on holiday at Pontin’s Prestatyn, 1978.”

Photo © Shaun Miller/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Johanna Roberts/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Linda Webb/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Phil Trueman/The People’s Archive®

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Photo © Sue McIndoe/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Peter Warhurst/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Francesca O’Shea/The People’s Archive.

"The 20th century transformed British holidays from modest seaside retreats to a diverse range of experiences both at home and abroad. The resilience and adaptability of the British holiday spirit have mirrored the societal changes throughout the decades. As we step into the 21st century, the evolution of British holidays continues, shaped by new technologies, changing preferences, and a desire for new experiences."

Photo © Philip Gifford/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Wendy Molyneux/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Chris Marks/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Sofi Newell/The People’s Archive.

Photo © Dave Wilson/The People’s Archive®

Photo © Lee Bonney/The People’s Archive®

Lee "My grandparents took me to Blackpool twice a year for two weeks. I live here now and I'm volunteer for the Blackpool RNLI."

Tracy: “A photo taken during a trip to Burnham-on-Sea of myself and my mother (and Mickey Mouse) in 1984.”

Jo: “Girls from Lancashire near Blackburn and boys from northeast Tyneside – innocent days, and we had so much fun (school camp – club house/pool) we met up with the same lads the year after – young love.”

This group of mates includes future Stone Roses guitarist John Squire (pictured front) and long-serving drummer of The Fall, Simon Wolstencroft.

Jo: “My mum Sara, grandma Ethel and sister Char. We would holiday 7 miles down the road and pitch up in an empty field. Dad would camp with us but still get up and go to work at Rank Xerox each morning.”

“My family on a day trip to Blackpool. We’d travel up every year from Coventry. Fond memories!”

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