This social life was later copied in the seaside resorts that developed during the nineteenth century. These resorts had also developed as centres for health cures except that now it was sea water that was considered to have the curative qualities. The resorts initially differed little from the inland spas and facilities and activities mirrored those of the spas. Brighton,
for instance modelled itself closely on Tunbridge. They included Assembly Rooms and a promenade for display and socializing. ‘From the beginning the seaside, like the spas, catered for seekers after pleasure, recreation, novelty and status as well as votaries of health and rest’ (Walton, 1983a: 156). The nature of the seaside resort has altered over time with, very
broadly, their main customers shifting from being predominantly the wealthier classes in the early years through to a mainly working class clientele in the mid twentieth century. Each resort however has its own distinct nature. Some have an image of older and middle class holidaymakers whilst others are associated with a more working class holidaymaker. As a consequence, the entertainment in each has differed and still does differ but nonetheless most were characterized by a unique amount of entertainment (and other leisure activities). The facilities were not too different from those available in home towns but resorts were towns that
specialized in opportunities for pleasure, and they were in locations free from the grime and congestion of industrial towns and free of the overtones of work.