Figure 1.--Here is a Clyde Shipping Company excursion to Ireland in 1908. These were more expensive than rail excursions, but still within the reach of many families. The excursions were organised for recreational organisations such as the Mother's union, church groups and other organisations that wanted to book the boat for a sailing. Hense the excursions were family affairs.

We note a range of family outings. Some of the best known are outings to the local park. These commonly are simply short outings. City parks were a 19th century innivation, a development following the industrial revolution and the tremendous growth of cities with the expanding working class. Britain has some of the most famous city parks in the world. In addition to the famous parks there are large numbers of city parks which provide recreation for adults and children. Many of the resorts are quite famous. Many of them built peers with all kinds of amusements. Another development in the 19th century was excursions. An excursion is a short trip to an interesting or diverting place with the idea of returning the same day or within a few days. This was made possible at first by the railroads which appeared in the mid-19th century. This made it possible to travel to interesting places and return quickly at a very modest price. Here beach excursions as well as longer holidays were especially popular, particularly for families with children. There were all kinds of other excursions such as trips to the Lake Country or hiking trips. But these trips often did not interest children as much as beach excursions. And trains were not the only mode of transport. We note for example steam ship excuesions. Britain is an island and seaside resorts are close to every English town. The coming of the railroad in particular mean that beach resorts could be reached in only about 1-2 hours from any English towns.

Parks

We note a range of family outings. Some of the best known are outings to the local park. These commonly are simply short outings. City parks were a 19th century innivation, a development following the industrial revolution and the tremendous growth of cities with the expanding working class. There was a traditiion of village commons, but this did not have the same association with leisure time as the new irban parks. Britain has some of the most famous city parks in the world. In addition to the famous parks there are large numbers of city parks which provide recreation for adults and children. English boys might commonly have worn formal clothes like Fauntleroy suits to the park. Certainly sailor suits were very popular. After World war I (1914-18), park wear became more casual. We do not have much information on English parks. An English reader has provided us some information on the park he visited as a boy. He explains just how important these parks were to urban children, most of which did not have yards (back gardens) where they could play.

Excursions

Another development in the 19th century was excursions. An excursion is a short trip to an interesting or diverting place with the idea of returning the same day or within a few days. This was made possible at first by the railroads which appeared in the mid-19th century. This made it possible to travel to interesting places and return quickly at a very modest price. Here beach excursions as well as longer holidays were especially popular, particularly for families with children. There were all kinds of other excursions such as trips to the Lake Country or hiking trips. But these trips often did not interest children as much as beach excursions. Britain is an island and seaside resorts are close to every English town. The coming of the railroad in particular mean that beach resorts could be reached in only about 1-2 hours from any English towns. Many of the resorts are quite famous. Many of them built piers with all kinds of amusements. And trains were not the only mode of transport. We note for example steam ship excuesions. Ship excursions were not nearly as common as train excursions, but steam ship lines did operate several. Here is a Clyde Shipping Company excursion to Ireland in 1908. These were more expensive than rail excursions, but still within the reach of many families. The excursions were organised for recreational organisations such as the Mother's union, church groups and other organisations that wanted to book the boat for a sailing. Hense the excursions were family affairs.

Created: 9:08 PM 9/26/2006
Last updated: 3:40 AM 7/3/2008