Government spends £700k to bring back British seaside holiday

Fifteen projects in locations including the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cumbria have been awarded up to £50,000 to help restore local landmarks.

The Government hopes that the funding will increase the number of people taking UK ‘staycations’ and boost the £4bn generated by coastal tourism each year.

Coastal communities minister Mark Francois said: “Across our Great British Coast we’ve got heritage hooks to be proud of, but some of these places need some tender, loving, care.

“This country has sight-seeing gems that are a match for anywhere in the world and I’d urge people to take a trip down to the seaside to discover them.”

Coastal comeback​

Part of the funding will be used to revamp a disused lido in Morecambe, restore Mayport lighthouse to working order, and create an arts and performance area near the Isle of Wight’s Ryde Pier.

The restorations are part of a Government plan to ‘rebalance the economy’ by targeting investment outside of London.

According to a Travelodge study, the traditional British seaside holiday is making something of a comeback,​ with more UK nationals than ever set to holiday at home this year.

Nearly two thirds of Brits will head to the coast this summer, spending an average of £729 each and providing a £20bn boost to coastal economies.