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To the Sea by Train

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
Brief Description
THE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'Vividly conjures a lost age' FINANCIAL TIMES 'Hugely entertaining' EVENING STANDARD 'A feast of anecdotage' SUNDAY TIMES Throughout the twentieth century, the seaside service posters of Britain's railways promised fresh air and frivolity to millions of urban dwellers with the... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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A lively history of the seaside holiday by train from Britain's 'Bard of the Buffer'

A lively history of the seaside holiday by train from Britain's 'Bard of the Buffer'

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

THE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

'Vividly conjures a lost age' FINANCIAL TIMES
'Hugely entertaining' EVENING STANDARD
'A feast of anecdotage' SUNDAY TIMES

Throughout the twentieth century, the seaside service posters of Britain's railways promised fresh air and frivolity to millions of urban dwellers with the phrase: 'To the sea by train'. A staple of modern British life, the seaside getaway was intertwined with the train, in whose compartments holidaymakers were shunted from smog-choked cities to sandy coves.

With his signature wit and anecdotal style, Andrew Martin captures an era defined by its railways: from the development of Brighton and Scarborough into pleasure resorts, and the introduction of bank holidays and two-day weekends, to the advent of cheap flights and the British coast's subsequent decline. Humorous and evocative, To the Sea by Train takes a charming tour through Britain's most beloved pastime.

'A standalone classic' COUNTRY LIFE
'Infectious' SPECTATOR

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781805221579

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 May 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Profile Books Ltd

Edition: Main

Illustration: Colour plates

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 263g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Andrew Martin is a rail expert and author. His previous titles include Underground, Overground, Night Trains, Belles & Whistles, Steam Trains Today and Train Teasers. He is also the author of Seats of London, a field guide to Transport for London's iconic moquette patterns.

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