DESTINATION DELICIOUS - Unwind - Books and Music

Book Review: Gray Malin: Italy

7/8/2019

Gray Malin Italy book review by Destination Delicious

© Gray Malin, www.graymalin.com

I've long had a love affair with Italy and it seems I'm not alone. With its stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine and friendly people, it's easy to see why it has remained such a popular travel destination. Fine art photographer and bestselling author Gray Malin also fell in love with Italy, which inspired this beautiful photography book bursting with lust-worthy images, which captures five road trips he took over the course of six years, shooting from land, sea and air. Not exactly a rough gig, if you ask us!

If you've never been to Italy, this tribute to the Italian Riviera in all its dazzling decadance will make you want to hop on the next plane; if you're no stranger to its charms, it will reignite your passion for La Dolce Vita. From crowded marinas along the Amalfi Coast jam-packed with seriously stylish speedboats, to hidden beaches, to otherworldly landscapes such as the limestone cliffs of Scala Dei Turchi in Sicily, this book captures the sun-drenched glamour of the most fabulous Italian destinations.

Italy photography books - Gray Malin Italy

© Gray Malin, www.graymalin.com

All of the wonderfully colourful photographs capture the vibrance of the landscapes he visited - from eye-popping sun parasols to the sparkling azure sea, this book is a ray of sunshine that instantly transports you to the beaches of Italy. Enjoy with an Aperol Spritz and it's all you need to make the gloomiest of days that little bit brighter.

Gray Malin: Italy published by Abrams & Chronicle Books is available from Amazon.co.uk (£20.29 for a hardcover).

Ashley Miln

Best travel photography books - Gray Malin Italy

© Gray Malin, www.graymalin.com

Don't Be a Tourist in Paris by Vanessa Grall

17/8/2017

Don't be a tourist in Paris by Vanessa Gall book review by Destination Delicious

If you're one of those people who are always looking for the 'hidden gems' when you visit a city, then you'll love Don't Be a Tourist in Paris, which is dedicated to unveiling the best that Paris has to offer - outside the tourist traps.

I've been to Paris on several occasions, but after having read this book, it makes me want to visit all over again - and this time I'll ensure I do it properly by avoiding the usual haunts.

Recommendations within the book cover everything from hotels to bars, restaurants, clubs and bistros to creative haunts such as bookshops and galleries. I loved the playful tone of some of the headings within the book like where to go if you're 'feeding a broken heart or a hangover' and 'Top 5 for a detox (after two much wine and cheese)', which let's be honest, we can all relate to! There are also tips on how to find French village life in the city and where to 'eat like a local', to ensure you'll find some authentic treasures along the way.

When I next board the Eurostar, I'll be clutching my copy of this book ready to explore all of the wonderful places that Vanessa has taken the time to painstakingly explore, so that we can all feel like cool Parisians - even if it's only for a weekend.

Don't be a tourist in Paris by Vanessa Gall book review by Destination Delicious

Images courtesy of Don’t Be A Tourist In Paris by Vanessa Grall

Don't Be a Tourist in Paris is published by ROADS Publishing and is available from Amazon.co.uk (£25.00 for a hardcover).

A.A. Miln

The Considered Guide collection – Guide books for the discerning traveller

10/6/2017

Marrakech

Marrakech

Marrakech

Lisbon

Lisbon

Everyone has that one achingly cool friend who seems to always find the most gorgeous, ‘in the know’ places to stay, eat and enjoy the city when they go on holiday.

If you’re not fortunate enough to have one of these types of friends, or if you simply can’t be bothered to do the legwork yourself when planning your next European city break, then The Considered Guide travel books are for you.

Currently, the collection includes city guides on: Lisbon, Marrakech, Amsterdam, Dublin and Milan, all trendy destinations in their own right, each oozing with its own unique wow factor.

I recently came across their city guides for Lisbon and Portugal, so I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite picks that they’ve selected for each city.

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Where to stay

Amenjena

This luxury hotel has 32 pavilions, each with its own courtyard.

Villa des Orangers

Part of the Relais & Chateaux family of global hotels, this beautiful hotel has breath-taking gardens to unwind in.

Where to eat

Le Palace

This opulent restaurant, bar and champagne club is absolutely gorgeous and a DJ spins until 2am. Arrive dressed to impress.

Lotus Club

This stylish bar and restaurant features belly dancing, African dancers and a DJ who spins until 1am.

What to see

Bahia Palace Gardens

Gorgeous gardens and a palace situated within the Medina.

Le Jardin Secret

This tranquil garden in the heart of the Medina is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the Medina.

LISBON, PORTUGAL

Where to stay

Memmo Alfama

This modern 42-room hotel boasts chic furnishings and a rooftop pool.

Valverde Hotel

This stylish hotel was designed by local architecture and interiors company Bastir. The on-site restaurant Sitio serves relaxed Portugese cuisine.

Where to eat

Bairro do Avillez

This restaurant from renowned chef Jose Avillez serves exquisite seafood and charcuterie.

Bico do Sapato

Part owned by John Malkovich and Catherine Deneuve, this seriously stylish restaurant is one of Lisbon’s chicest hot spots.

What to see

Praca do Comercio - This large, stunning plaza looks onto the Tagus River.
Mercado do Ribiera – One of the city’s favourite meeting places, this market contains a wealth of restaurants and bars.
Parque Eduardo VII – This spectacular park affords magnificent views of the city

The Considered Guide and Lisbon: The Considered Guide are published by ROADS Publishing. The guides are available from Amazon.co.uk (£9.99 for a paperback).

A.A. Miln

Tiny Campsites by Dixe Wills

28/2/2017

Tiny Campsites book review Destination Delicious

Gumber Farm, Slindon

Good things come in small packages. At least that's the premise of this book dedicated to tiny campsites. Featuring more than 80 tiny campsites across the UK (determined by its size being less than an acre in size), this useful holiday guide provides camping lovers with full details for each campsite, so they're armed with all of the information they need to find the tiny campsite that's perfect for them.

The guide provides a wealth of information including an overview of the facilities, nearby pubs and supplies, contact details, a list of nearby rail stations and recommendations for what to see and do in the local area.

We've rounded up our favourite tiny campsites...

The Lazy Duck

Tiny Campsites book review Destination Delicious

The Lazy Duck, Nethy Bridge

This campsite in a small forest glade in Inverness-shire even comes complete with an outdoor bush shower. There is also an independent, mountain-hut style hostel sleeping up to 8 people privately, which is great for families and small groups.

www.lazyduck.co.uk

Walkers Cottage

Tiny Campsites book review Destination Delicious

Walkers Cottage, Clifford

Located near Hay-on-Wye in Herefordshire, Walkers Cottage Camping boasts a 180-degree view of the picturesque Wye Valley. Here campers will be able to mix with the local wildlife including a field of sheep and beehives hidden amongst wildflowers. Given its location on the edge of the Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve, you'll be rewarded with stunning starry nights.

www.hay-on-wye-camping.co.uk

Ten Acres Vineyard

Tiny Campsites book review Destination Delicious

Ten Acres Vineyard, Winkleigh

At Ten Acres Vineyard guests will be able to camp amongst the vines. Animal lovers will also love the pigs that live on site whose job it is to graze the grass amongst the vines - aww.

www.tenacresvineyardcamping.co.uk

Tiny Campsites by Dixe Wills is published by AA Publishing and is available from Amazon.co.uk (£11.99 for a paperback).

A.A. Miln

The Nation's Host: Butlin's and the Story of the British Seaside

24/11/2016

Butlin's The Nation's Host: The Story of the British Seaside

To commemorate its 80th anniversary, Butlin’s has created a gorgeous coffee table book, The Nation’s Host: Butlin’s and the Story of the British Seaside, which showcases many never-before-seen images from Butlin's archives.

Butlin’s developed the book in collaboration with The History of Advertising Trust (HAT), the largest archive of British advertising and marketing communications in the world, and acclaimed seaside historian Katherine Ferry, who was granted unique access to the archives to tell the incredible inside story of Butlin's and the British seaside.

Butlin's The Nation's Host: The Story of the British Seaside

The book reveals the tale of the brand's origins in a British society still reeling from the economic downturn of the 1920s, to its heyday in the mid-twentieth century, and the challenges posed by the arrival of overseas package holidays to the company’s plan for reinvention in the present day.

Since its inception in 1936, Butlin's resorts were seen as aspirational, yet within reach of the average person - in other words, affordable but not cheap. Billy Butlin, the founder of Butlin's resorts, was a true entrepreneur who helped revolutionise the travel industry by making travel accessible for all, offering a week's holiday for a week's wages.

Butlin's has long been renowned for it wealth of activities under one roof - perfect for the unpredictable British weather - and visitors could take advantage of all activities on offer - at no additional charge. From an amusement park to fitness classes, dancing, waterskiing, and much more, there really was something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to these activities, Butlin's also offered performances from top singers and musicians, with many stars cutting their teeth at Butlin's such as Paul McCartney, Cliff Richard, Ringo Starr, and Annie Lennox, to name a few.

Butlin's The Nation's Host: The Story of the British Seaside

During the wartime years (1939-1945), Butlin's resorts were transformed from holiday bungalows into housing for soldiers from The Royal Navy. After the war, Butlin's welcomed back tourists, which was made easier thanks to easier access from new railways that had been built. For people who had become accustomed to queuing for rations, the promise of no queues at Butlin's was an enticing one.

Butlin's The Nation's Host: The Story of the British Seaside

By the late 1950s, a prosperous era returned and Butlin's had come to symbolise the affluence of the working class, with people being able to enjoy leisure pursuits once again. By 1963, Butlin's had welcomed 1 million visitors in one season - a long-held dream for Billy Butlin.

Today, Butlin's continues to delight its guests with a variety of activities to keep the whole family entertained. If you're a history lover, a seaside lover or simply a fan of Butlin's resorts, then this is a must-read book.

The Nation's Host: Butlin's and the Story of the British Seaside is available from Butlin's store for £20.

Butlin's The Nation's Host: The Story of the British Seaside

Our pick of the best books to give this Christmas

6/11/2016

Gardens of the Italian Lakes book review by Destination Delicious

Hidey Holes by Robin Whitcomb book review by Destination Delicious

The Greenwood Guide to South Africa 15th Edition book review by Destination Delicious

The Art of Possible book review by Destination Delicious

Jar Salads 52 happy healthy lunches book review by Destination Delicious

London's Best Brunches by Laura Herring book review by Destination Delicious

For travel lovers

Gardens of the Italian Lakes

This stunning hardcover coffee table book is a must-have for anyone who loves Italy or gardening. Featuring an in-depth look at Italian gardens (the only book of its kind), the captivating photographs instantly transport you to Italy.

Gardens of the Italian Lakes by Steven Desmond is published by Frances Lincoln (part of the Quarto Knows publishing group) and is available from Amazon.co.uk for £22.75 (hardcover).

Hidey Holes

This lovely photography book features England and Wales most beautiful remote villages and harbours (aka 'hidey holes').

The book was dedicated to the memory of Robin’s chocolate lab ‘Coco’ who accompanied him on all of his journeys that feature in the book , which will warm the heart of any animal lover.

Alongside the photos from his travels, Robin has also included the paintings of artists who live in the remote areas featured within the book – most likely inspired by their breath-taking surroundings.

Hidey Holes by Robin Whitcomb is published by Troubador Publishing Ltd and is available from Amazon.co.uk for £13.48 (hardcover).

The Greenwood Guide to South Africa hand-picked accommodation (Fifteenth Edition)

This guide is perfect for people who like intimate accommodations that are a bit off the beaten path. Focusing not only on the looks of a place, but the service and other unique touches it provides, travelers are assured that all of the recommendations within the guide have been vetted first-hand by their team of travelers.

The guide includes maps of South Africa, and covers B&Bs, guest-houses, game lodges, farms, self-contained cottages and other properties that don’t quite fit those boxes!

Each entry in the guide includes a summary paragraph about the property and includes top tips and contact details. We love how original the guide feels in comparison to some of the travel guides put out by larger travel companies, which can often feel a bit generic.

The Greenwood Guide to South Africa hand-picked accommodation (Fifteenth Edition) by Greenwood Guides is available from Amazon.co.uk for £14.95 (paperback).

For those who want to improve

The Art of Possible: New habits, neuroscience and the power of deliberate action

We love a good self-help book - especially at this time of the year when the cold weather sets in and you find yourself a bit down in the dumps and looking for a bit of inspiration.

This book is to be used like a workbook to help you face your fears, explore your emotions and get a better understanding of what’s holding you back to find your own ‘Art of Possible’. Anything to help one get of a rut can’t be wrong in our estimation.

The Art of Possible: New habits, neuroscience and the power of deliberate action by Kate Tojeiro is published by Black Mustang Press and is available from Amazon.co.uk for £12.99 (hardcover).

For clean-eating gurus

Jar Salads: 52 Happy Healthy Lunches

If you love eating healthily and are looking for lunchtime inspiration, then you’ll love this book, which is bursting with a wealth of delicious (and seriously healthy) jar lunches.

With 52 recipes, there are more than enough options to keep the recipes from becoming mundane, and you’ll not only save heaps on overpriced (and often unhealthy) take-away lunches, but will feel pretty smug knowing that you’ve made your own scrumptious lunch creations. We know what we’ll be doing for lunch come New Year!

Jar Salads: 52 Happy Healthy Lunches by Alexander Hart is available from Amazon.co.uk for £13.48 (hardcover) and is published by Smith Street Books.

For London foodies

London’s Best Brunches

Given that breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, brunch has always had a special place in my heart. Luckily for me, the brunch scene in London has seriously evolved in the past decade, when breakfast options were pretty grim, apart from the traditional English fry up.

This handy guide features the best brunches in London, with an overview on the signature dish at each restaurant, as well as recommendations on coffee, tea and cocktails to accompany your dish. The guide also does a good job of explaining the vibe at each venue, so you can base your decision on the atmosphere just as much as the food itself.

Quite simply a must for any self-respecting breakfast lover living in London.

London’s Best Brunches by Laura Herring is published by Smith Street Books and is available from Amazon.co.uk for £12.08 (paperback).

A.A. Miln

Cool Camping Glamping Getaways: Second Edition

5/7/2016

Stylish stays around the UK

Glamping Getaways by Cool Camping

If you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to stay in any ‘ol tent, then you’ll love Cool Camping’s latest edition of ‘Glamping Getaways’. From tree houses to yurts, safari tents to lodges, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding your perfect glamping retreat.

Although all of the recommendations in the book are amazing, we’ve whittled it down to help make your choice even easier.

Here are our top five favourite glamping experiences across the UK...

Longlands Glamping, North Devon

Located near the picturesque coastal town of Combe Martin, this glamping location features five luxurious safari tents. Each tent comes equipped with a kitchen with a wood-burning stove, a show room, a separate en-suite bathroom, games to keep you occupied and a private BBQ, so you can cook a rustic meal, weather permitting. Guests also have access to the Longlands Larder, which is stocked with milk, cheese and chutney, available 24 hours a day.

Prices from £575 for a midweek stay to £595 for a weekend stay. Open mid-March – November.

Glamping Getaways by Cool Camping

Secret Meadows Glamping, Suffolk

Secret Meadows comprises six luxurious lodge-style tents spread across an 115-acre farm. Each tent has a double bed, two singles, a fully equipped kitchen with a Belfast sink, a slate worktop, fridge and traditional kitchen dresser. The tents also come equipped with a BBQ, a loo and a shower.

Prices from £545 for a 3-night weekend stay or from £369 for a 4-night midweek stay. Open March – November.

Glamping Getaways by Cool Camping

Wild Luxury, Norfolk

Located in North Yorkshire, with its prairie like flatness and wide, open skies, you’ll find seven luxury safari lodges in a fenced-off field. The lodges are completely off-grid, there’s no electricity and all water is stored on site, but each lodge comes equipped with hot showers and a flushing toilet, making it a great option for those who want to ‘live wild’ but still maintain some of life’s little luxuries.

Prices from £269 for a two-night weekend break in the low season to £1,495 for a week during the summer holidays.

Glamping Getaways by Cool Camping

Alde Garden, Suffolk

This campsite boasts a diverse variety of camping options including two yurts, one gypsy caravan, one stilted tent, five small tent pitches and a year-round holiday cottage. There is also a ‘jungle shower and an outdoor kitchen with gas cookers, straw-bale seats, cutlery, crockery, pots, pans, tea and coffee. Conventional loos and showers are also available in an outbuilding nearby.

Prices from £75 for two nights in The Hideout to £125 for two nights in the Bell Tent to £170 for two nights in the gypsy caravan to £180 for two nights in a yurt. Camping is also available from £14 per night.

Glamping Getaways by Cool Camping

Roulotte Retreat, Scottish Borders

This glamping location has seven seriously sexy ‘roulette’s’, which are French gypsy caravans that are bursting with character. Many couples find it difficult to prise themselves away from the romantic caravans, deciding to hole up for a bit of l’amour. Each roulette comes equipped with a power shower, a modern toilet, a cooker, a wood-burning stove, a BBQ and independent heating.

Fitness lovers can also book in for a yoga class with the owner, Avril, who hosts one-to-one sessions or group bookings upon request.

Prices from £95-£135 per night in the low season to £105-£165 per night in the high season. Eco hot tubs are also available for an additional fee.

Glamping Getaways by Cool Camping

Cool Camping Glamping Getaways is published by Punk Publishing and is available from Cool Camping for £16.95.

For more cool glamping options, visit www.coolcamping.co.uk.

A.A. Miln

Cool Camping: Britain (Second Edition)

21/12/2015

I was so inspired by our recent review of Cool Camping Europe (Second Edition), that I wanted to discover what fabulous camping options there were to be had a bit closer to home.

Living in London, the pull for country life is strong, particularly after a trying week when one's daily routine consists of being squashed like a sardine on an overcrowded tube carriage with a million strangers. So, it was lovely to settle down this evening with a cuppa and the latest edition of Cool Camping Britain (Second Edition), so I could start planning my next rural escape - even if the summer months seem hopelessly far away during the long rainy days of December!

The guide is bursting with recommendations for inspirational campsites across the UK, ensuring that there is something for all camping enthusiasts to enjoy, whether you prefer glamping or more traditional no frills camping.

We've rounded up our top five favourite UK campsites featured in Cool Camping: Britain (Second Edition):

1. Treen Farm Campsite, Penzance, Cornwall
This traditional campsite in Cornwall is low on frills but high on outstanding natural beauty. Some of Cornwall's most breathtaking beaches are within walking distance. Other nearby attractions include the stunning outdoor theatre at Minack Theatre and Land's End.

2. Ninham Country Holidays, Isle of Wight
This family run campsite is perfectly situated for exploring Shanklin, a popular resort town on the Isle of Wight. The site's 230 pitches are divided into two fields, which helps to create a sense of privacy, without any distractions.

3. Glendaruel, Argyll, Scotland
This 22-acre escape in Argyll is perfect for those wanting to get away from it all. There are only 10 pitches for tents and there is also the Little Camping Lodge on site, which sleeps up to four people. Nearby walking trails and cycle routes provide healthy entertainment for the family.

4. Lochness Shores, Inverness-shire, Scotland
This 99-pitch campsite on the shores of Loch Ness rewards its visitors with the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it. From forests to mountains, nature doesn't get much better than this. Offsite adventures include canoeing and river kayaking adventures.

5. Rothiemurchus, Inverness-shire, Scotland
This award-winning woodland campsite is a must for forest lovers and is the best place to enjoy the Caledonian woodland. Offsite activities include archery, hiking and canoeing at the nearbyRothiemurcus Centre.

For more cool campsites, visit www.coolcamping.co.uk. Cool Camping Britain: Second Edition is available from Amazon for £14.86 (paperback).

A.A. Miln

Cool Camping: Europe (Second Edition)

15/12/2015

There's nothing better than escaping the stresses and strains of city life than to make time to relax in the great outdoors. While my own relationship with camping has typically been a bit apprehensive, largely due to a fear of non-existent showers and toilet facilities, even I have come round to the joys of embracing the great outdoors - tent and all.

Coolcamping: Europe (Second Edition) is a gorgeous book featuring a variety of hand-picked campsites and for the more precious amongst us (glamping experiences), to provide a wealth of inspiration for your next camping holiday.

From teepees to gypsy caravans and everything in between, you'll be amazed at the sheer amount of fabulous camping experiences that are to be had when you know where to go. Countries (and their stand out campsites) featured within the guide include: Portugal, Spain, France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Greece.

The guide is broken down into helpful sections including 'campsites at a glance', 'campsite locator' and 'useful words and phrases' in a variety of languages, such as 'sleeping bag' ('saco-cama' in Portugese or 'un saco de dormir' in Spanish) and 'campfire' ('un feau de camp' in French and 'kampvuur' in Dutch), just in case you were wondering.

Each campsite entry is accompanied by a selection of gorgeous images to provide you with a sense of what you can expect to find when you arrive. Each entry also gives you a low down on the site's 'cool factor', an overview of the types of people that are likely to choose that particular campsite, camping rates, food and drink options, details on how to find the campsite and recommendations for offsite day trips.

So, which campsites featured within the guide are on our must-visit list? Check out our recommendations below...

Best campsites in Europe - The top 5 campsite holidays we're lusting after...

1. O Tamanco (Casas Brancas, Portugal)
Rustic charm and a variety of camping options including glamping tubes, tents and yurts, make this campsite truly unique. It's located near the Silver Coast, which boasts fishing villages, castles and monastries.

2.Lima Escape (Ponte de Barca - Viana do Castelo, Portugal)
Located on the edge of the Peneda-Geres National Park, you'd be hard pressed to find a campsite with more stunning natural beauty. Hiking and biking enthusiasts will love exploring the surrounding mountain treks and paths.

3. La Fresneda (Teruel, Spain)
This small but perfectly formed campsite with only 25 pitches is set in a stunning valley. Outdoor lovers will love exploring the rugged canyons and mountainsides as well as the natural rock swimming pools, which are only 15 mins away. Guests will also enjoy the onsite restaurant Bar La Roca, where guests can indulge in local tapas.

4. Forest Days (Catalonia, Spain)
Poised on a beautiful farmstead surrounded by mountains and fertile farmland, this really is glamping at its best. The site features four fully furnished bell tents, each featuring a super kingsize bed, a woodburning stove, an outdoor dining space and a hammock for two. With a campsite this well equipped, you'll never want to leave...

5. Il Collaccio (Perugia, Italy)
Deep in the valleys of the Umbrian hills is where you'll find this breathtaking campsite. This camping complex combines a family-owned truffle farm with a modest hotel, a pool, chalets, cabins and teraces for campers, caravans and tents. There is also an on-site restaurant and lots of activities to keep you busy including tennis, volleyball, table tennis and petanque.

For more cool campsites, visit www.coolcamping.co.uk. Cool Camping Europe (Second Edition) is available from Amazon.co.uk for £15.88 (paperback).

A.A. Miln

Beside the Sea by Sarah Freeman

15/12/2015

Historical images from Britain's seaside beaches...

Image credits (clockwise from left to right): Image courtesy of Dominic Savage. Other images courtesy of Bernard Mann.

Beside the Sea: Britain's Lost Seaside Heritage (2015) is a stunning retro fabulous coffee table book, highlighting the heydays of the British seaside. From the Victorian era to the end of the 20th century, millions of Brits used to flock in droves to British beaches. Sadly, this trend soon took a nosedive after cheap package holidays abroad became all the rage. This book recounts with nostalgia how holidays used to be all about fish and chips, bracing weather and chilly waters, not tropical holidays to far-flung destinations.

My father who is old enough to remember the 1960s and 1970s, fondly recalls the pool at Portobello, with its stunning classic Art Deco design and seriously high diving board. Apparently, on the rare hot summer days, local poseurs would skip work to don their skimpiest posing briefs and flex their muscles to the delight of the girls who had gone to the pool with their best swimsuits in the hopes of catching a few rays. Heat to the pool was supplied by the nearby Portobello Power Station – though most accounts of the water temperature still ranged from icy cold to sub-Siberian. It is also reported that Sean Connery worked a number of seasons as a lifeguard at Portobello Pool before becoming a full-time actor in the 1950s. Sadly, the pool closed in 1979 and was demolished in 1988. Other key attractions in Portobello included the Marine Gardens (opened in 1909), which featured a roller skating rink, circus, cinema and auditorium as well as a 'human zoo' (yes, this shockingly actually existed), featuring Somalians who were paid to perform mock battles to provide visitors with 'exotic entertainment'.

Other beaches featured within the book include: Blackpool, Filey, Brighton, Mablethorpe, Hastings, Hornsea, Southport, Whitley Bay, New Brighton, LLanduduno, Lee-on-the-Solent, Margate, Redcar, Jaywick, Morcambe, Scarborough, Cleethorpes and Bangor, providing a comprehensive overview of some of the most popular seaside beaches and resorts over the ages.

Overall, this is a fantastic book for anyone with a love of the British seaside or a passion for historical photography.

Beside the Sea: Britain's Lost Seaside Heritage is published by Aurum Press. Available from Amazon.co.uk (£19.99 for a hardcover).

A.A. Miln