How the Victorians Built Britain

S02E04 The Great British Holiday

Michael Buerk explores the leisure activities of the Victorians by visiting Blackpool, where he uncovers how the seaside getaway evolved from an exclusive indulgence for the rich into a beloved British tradition. He strolls along one of the iconic piers, discovering how architect Eugenius Birch transformed these basic structures into vibrant centers of entertainment. Michael also delves into the fierce competition between two entertainment moguls, which led to some of Blackpool's most stunning architectural designs, and examines how the introduction of electricity sparked the growth of the town's tourism, highlighted by its renowned illuminations.