Going to the seaside
How industrialisation, steam trains and changing working life helped seaside holidays become increasingly popular.
Key Stage 1
Seaside Workshop Day for primary schools
Travel back to seaside holidays of the past—without leaving your school—and enjoy a traditional Punch and Judy show.
- KS1 history
- Practical activities
- Punch and Judy
The seaside comes to you
A fascinating alternative to a school trip
Seaside Day brings the sights, stories and traditions of the British seaside into your school for an enjoyable day of history, discussion, activity and entertainment.
Children compare seaside holidays then and now and discover how the Industrial Revolution, growing railway network and paid holidays allowed increasing numbers of families to visit the coast.
The day explores Victorian and Edwardian seaside life, bathing machines, steam trains, seaside entertainment, fishing and familiar holiday traditions. The highlight is an authentic Punch and Judy performance in a colourful traditional theatre.
Suitable for: Primarily Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. The content can also be adapted for older primary children by prior arrangement.
Seaside holidays then and now
Why did people begin travelling to the coast?
Victorian holidays
Clothing, bathing machines, promenades and the striking differences between visiting the beach then and now.
Work and leisure
Fishing, harbours, shops, donkeys, entertainment and the different reasons people lived and worked beside the sea.
Seaside traditions
Ice cream, souvenirs, donkey rides and the enduring history of Punch and Judy at the British seaside.
A typical Seaside Day
History, activity and a very special show
The format is flexible and adjusted around your timetable, available space and number of classes.
- 1
Morning
Seaside holidays in the past
An illustrated and interactive exploration of how, why and when British seaside holidays became popular.
- 2
Morning
Then and now
Children compare travel, clothing, bathing, entertainment and familiar holiday activities across different periods.
- 3
Morning or afternoon
Traditional Punch and Judy
A lively performance in a professional striped theatre, with colourful puppets and plenty of audience participation.
- 4
Afternoon
Creative seaside activities
Age-appropriate practical work may include making a miniature theatre, a three-dimensional donkey or another agreed seaside activity.
The highlight of the day
A traditional Punch and Judy show
For generations, no visit to the seaside seemed complete without an ice cream, a donkey ride and a performance of Punch and Judy. Many children have never seen the show, making the impressive theatre and lively performance an especially memorable experience.
The show lasts approximately thirty minutes and other classes can often join the audience by prior arrangement.
Seaside Day in action
Bringing the coast into the classroom
What teachers say
Perfectly pitched for younger children
Our Year 2 children absolutely loved their Seaside Day. All the information was perfectly pitched for the age group, and the children were hooked from the moment Ron started talking.
Ron has a wonderful approach with the children, and they loved the entire day. The history of the seaside was fascinating and pitched appropriately, while the Punch and Judy show was very professional.
Every single child left with a smile on their face. So many parents told me that their children had not stopped talking about what a great day they had. I would highly recommend the Seaside Workshop.
Frequently asked questions
What teachers need to know
Which year groups is Seaside Day suitable for?
The day is designed primarily for Reception and Key Stage 1. Elements can be adapted for older primary children where appropriate.
How many children can take part?
Two classes are comfortably accommodated and a larger group may be possible depending on space, staffing and the format agreed.
Do you need the school hall?
A classroom can work for one class, but the hall is very useful for larger groups, the Punch and Judy show and practical activities.
How long is the Punch and Judy show?
The performance lasts approximately thirty minutes. Other classes can often join the audience if this is agreed when arranging the timetable.
What does the school need to provide?
We normally require a computer, projector and screen for part of the presentation, plus basic classroom materials and tables for practical work. Full details are supplied before the visit.
How much does Seaside Day cost?
Prices depend on your location, group size and requirements. Send your postcode, preferred date and pupil numbers for a clear quotation including travel.
Bring the seaside to your school
Ask about availability and receive a clear quotation
Include your school name, postcode, preferred date, year groups and approximate number of children.