Work

The neglected heritage of the English seaside holiday

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: This paper focuses on the neglect of the heritage of the seaside holiday in England. Many seaside towns feature an idiosyncratic architecture dedicated to entertainment and pleasure which, until recently, was rarely considered in terms of heritage. The paper examines why this heritage has long been neglected, arguing that seaside architecture – associated with fun and entertainment among predominantly working-class tourists – was misaligned with conventional ways of defining heritage. The paper then examines the changing evaluation of this heritage in recent decades. There is growing popular nostalgia for the seaside holiday, along with emerging local activism dedicated to preserving iconic buildings associated with the seaside holiday. Furthermore, national and local policy initiatives have mobilised seaside heritage within economic and social regeneration strategies. Consequently, the heritage of the seaside holiday is increasingly valorised within place promotion, and some seaside towns are repositioning themselves as destinations for heritage tourism. The heritage of the seaside holiday illustrates how conceptions of heritage can be challenged and reshaped by various external political and social factors. It is significant that the state (both national and local) and its agencies are leading the way in this process.

Source: Coastal Studies & Society

DOI: 10.1177/26349817211070456

Authors: Duncan Light, Anya Chapman

Institution: Bournemouth University

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,000