Vintage Views with Aled Jones: Bridlington’s north side in around 1905

This Edwardian scene captures the essence of rustic charm, evoking a sense of peace and timeless allure. There is open countryside where modern housing now stands and a simple dirt access road.

On the North Beach, visitors are using changing tents and are wearing a variety of headwear – some to blend in, others to stand out!

At this time, Beach Tents were rapidly replacing the traditional wheeled bathing vans. It was against a by-law to change on the beach without a tent.

There was also a by-law prohibiting anyone taking sand, stone or shingles from the beach. The Borough of Bridlington notice board in the immediate foreground makes this crystal clear.

On the left is the Switchback Railway, Sands Lane, a type of wooden rollercoaster. The entrance fee was a modest 2d.

A daring thrill for its time, it was built in 1890 and was demolished in 1912 to build Lamplugh Lane.

The Switchback Railway was part of Bridlington’s first amusement park: it provided an exciting collection of rides, including a Helter Skelter and a set of swing boats!

Its grand, arched gateway was situated on the future site of the Fun City arcade (now occupied by retirement flats).

In the middle distance can be seen Sands Cottage before it became a cafe. It was demolished shortly after 1925 and its site taken by the ‘Cottage Grill’ restaurant, popular for steak dinners.

Just visible in front of the trees in the far distance is the old Sewerby Vicarage built in 1865, now a private hotel.

During the years 1929-1931 the wooden sea defences were replaced by a stone sea wall and promenade behind which was laid the present Marine Drive and former Expanse Hotel.

The latter was built in 1937 and was nationally renowned for its fine Art Deco interiors.