A new exhibition of photographs depicting a nostalgic life by the seaside is to go on show from September 17 at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

Beside the Seaside: snapshots of British coastal life, 1880-1950 will give viewers the chance to step back in time as they admire photographs, posters and seaside memorabilia that capture the essence of both working life and early tourism along the Great British coast.

The exhibition highlights the development of quiet coastal towns such as Eastbourne and Scarborough which over the years were transformed into thriving holiday destinations.

The gallery will be divided into four main areas covering the South-East and East Anglia, South-west England, North-West England and Wales.

Multimedia

• Gallery: seaside shots from the National Maritime Museum

Images from pioneering Victorian photographer, Francis Frith, will lead the exhibition illustrating idyllic fishing villages, protruding piers and childhood donkey rides that make up the quintessential Great British seaside holiday.

Admission to the exhibition is free and will run until April 13, 2009. The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm, seven days a week.

For more information visit www.nmm.ac.uk or phone 020 8858 4422.

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