
Cleethorpes
The Creation of a Seaside Resort
Alan Dowling(Author)
The History Press Ltd
Published on 19. March 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
978-1-83705-199-1 (ISBN)
Description
Cleethorpes was originally three small farming and fishing hamlets on the Lincolnshire coast, which later combined and eventually developed into a thriving seaside resort. This book examines the early history of the hamlets, and the reader is taken on a journey through their years as a quiet bathing place, when transport posed difficulties to potential holidaymakers.
The railway revolutionised Cleethorpes, making it a favourite venue for the inhabitants of nearby manufacturing districts. The railway company became Cleethorpes' leading developer, creating a bustling Victorian resort. In the 20th century the Cleethorpes municipal authority superseded the railway company as resort developer, carrying out an enterprising programme of resort expansion.
The author describes the resort's attractions, which in its heyday lured multitudes of visitors. In later decades, Cleethorpes' trade fluctuated dramatically, but there are promising signs of an up-turn in the resort's prospects as it enters the 21st century. Thoroughly researched and beautifully illustrated, Cleethorpes: The Creation of a Seaside Resort is essential reading for residents and visitors alike.
The railway revolutionised Cleethorpes, making it a favourite venue for the inhabitants of nearby manufacturing districts. The railway company became Cleethorpes' leading developer, creating a bustling Victorian resort. In the 20th century the Cleethorpes municipal authority superseded the railway company as resort developer, carrying out an enterprising programme of resort expansion.
The author describes the resort's attractions, which in its heyday lured multitudes of visitors. In later decades, Cleethorpes' trade fluctuated dramatically, but there are promising signs of an up-turn in the resort's prospects as it enters the 21st century. Thoroughly researched and beautifully illustrated, Cleethorpes: The Creation of a Seaside Resort is essential reading for residents and visitors alike.
More details
Series
Edition
New edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Stroud
United Kingdom
Edition type
New edition
Illustrations
100 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 172 mm
Width: 243 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
358 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83705-199-1 (9781837051991)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
03/2026
The History Press Ltd
€13.99
Available for download
Person
Dr ALAN DOWLING, a passionate and skilled local historian, authored several in-depth books on his local area, including Grimsby: Making the Town 1800-1914, and Street Names of Cleethorpes. He contributed significantly to the local community through dedication to his research and the preservation of the area's heritage.
Content
Title
Copyright
Contents
About the Author
List of Illustrations
Foreword and Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
I Cleethorpes Before the Resort
II The Bathing Place: 1700s-1840s
III The Coming of the Railway: 1840s-1860s
IV Pier and Cliff: The 1870s
V The Railway to the Rescue: The 1880s
VI New and Old Cleethorpes: The 1880s and 1890s
VII Changing Times: 1900-1914
VIII War and Expansion: 1914-1929
IX Coming of Age: 1930-1939
X War and Recovery: 1939-1974
XI Recent Times
Appendix: Cleethorpes Population and Houses, 1801-2001
References
Bibliography
Copyright
Contents
About the Author
List of Illustrations
Foreword and Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
I Cleethorpes Before the Resort
II The Bathing Place: 1700s-1840s
III The Coming of the Railway: 1840s-1860s
IV Pier and Cliff: The 1870s
V The Railway to the Rescue: The 1880s
VI New and Old Cleethorpes: The 1880s and 1890s
VII Changing Times: 1900-1914
VIII War and Expansion: 1914-1929
IX Coming of Age: 1930-1939
X War and Recovery: 1939-1974
XI Recent Times
Appendix: Cleethorpes Population and Houses, 1801-2001
References
Bibliography