To the Sea by Train

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

By: Andrew Martin

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Hardcover | 14 August 2025

At a Glance

Hardcover
304 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.6 x 14.6 x 3.3

Hardcover

$39.99

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

'Andrew Martin is a railway wizard' Telegraph
'Leaves you with renewed confidence that trains can still be the most civilised way to travel' Financial 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.

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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