ABSTRACT
An important part of the traditional English seaside resort’s enduring appeal is the distinct physical nature of its environment, as it affords a range of equally distinct cultural practices and visitor experiences. This environment can be considered an interface of nature on one hand (the sea and beach most obviously) and the manmade on the other (including buildings, promenades, piers and other structures); together they contribute towards a recognizable sense of place or seasideness – flavoured by this combination of socio-cultural and physical marginality. This book chapter considers the visitor experience of the English seaside resort and the role of the manmade environment within it. It focuses on built seaside heritage in particular. In addition, the sense of place, culture and architecture of seaside resorts are referred to and provide context. The chapter goes on to employ examples of seaside experiences of different built environments, from a famous hotel to modest seaside cafes. These were captured through interviews with visitors to Morecambe, Lancashire. They portray these settings as markers of identity and sites of nostalgic memories, which shape and underpin experiences today. It seems that seaside heritage, and the distinctive designs associated with it, will be important as these towns move forward in the increasingly competitive experience economy, in which memorable and seemingly authentic experiences are valued.
