To the Sea by Train

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Andrew Martin

$39.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Profile
04 November 2025

Museums & museology; Social & cultural history; Railway technology, engineering & trades; Trains & railways: general interest; Travel & holiday guides

'Andrew Martin is a railway wizard' Telegraph

'Leaves you with renewed confidence that trains can still be the most civilised way to travel' Financial Times

Throughout the twentieth century, the seaside service posters of Britain's railways promised fresh air and frivolity to millions of urban dwellers with the phrase: 'To the sea by train'. A staple of modern British life, the seaside getaway was intertwined with the train, in whose compartments holidaymakers were shunted from smog-choked cities to sandy coves.

With his signature wit and anecdotal style, Andrew Martin captures an era defined by its railways: from the development of Brighton and Scarborough into pleasure resorts, and the introduction of bank holidays and two-day weekends, to the advent of cheap flights and the British coast's subsequent decline.

Humorous and evocative, To the Sea by Train takes a charming tour through Britain's most beloved pastime.

By: Andrew Martin
Imprint: Profile
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: Main
Dimensions: Height: 226mm, Width: 146mm, Spine: 42mm
Weight: 420g
ISBN: 9781805221555
ISBN 10: 1805221558
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 04 November 2025
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Andrew Martin is a rail expert and author. His previous titles include Underground, Overground, Night Trains, Belles & Whistles, Steam Trains Today and Train Teasers. He is also the author of Seats of London, a field guide to Transport for London's iconic moquette patterns.

Reviews for To the Sea by Train: THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Praise for Andrew Martin: 'Andrew Martin is the railway wizard * Telegraph * Andrew Martin has cornered the train market. He is the Bard of the Buffer, the Balladeer of the Blue Train, the Laureate of Lost Property ... the best sort of travel-writer: inquisitive, knowledgeable, lively, congenial * Mail on Sunday * Martin is entertaining company, alive to the history of his route ... leaves you with renewed confidence that trains can still be the most civilised way to travel * FT *