Britain’s Listed Coastline

By Abode Insurance

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“Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside! I do like to be beside the sea!” This well-known historic song, written by John H. Glover in 1907, was used as a signature tune at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom from 1930 all the way through to 1970 and remains a classic sing-along song to this day.

The Grade 1 listed Blackpool Tower may be one of the most famous historically significant listed sites along the UK coast, but there are many other gems worth adding to your list of heritage sites to visit – why not get started this summer?

In this article, we’ll explore just a few of the listed buildings on Britain’s coastline – first on the list, we take a closer look at Blackpool’s infamous tower.

Blackpool tower

Opened in 1894, the listed structure was inspired by France’s Eiffel Tower and has become a recognisable and well-loved landmark on Lancashire’s coastline. At 158 metres tall, it’s the 125th-tallest freestanding tower in the world.

Also commonly known as the Tower Buildings, it is an entertainment complex that comprises the tower, Tower Circus, the Tower Ballroom, and roof gardens. So, this iconic building is worth a visit whether you’re interested in the architecture or the attractions within. A perfect place for a family day out, filled with history and fun!

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Grade II listed Promenade shelters, Blackpool

Blackpool seafront promenade shelters

Blackpool’s seafront is lined with promenade shelters, most of which have stood for more than 100 years. There are now sixteen shelters that are Grade II listed, symbols of the classic British seaside town.

The shelters are rare survivors of high-quality Edwardian cast-iron street shelters and retain many of their original design features. Six of the listed shelters were relocated around 2005 to stand within the Town Centre Conservation Area, while the others stand to the north of the recently designated North Promenade Conservation Area.

If you’re visiting Blackpool, why not tick off two listed attractions in one day and visit the tower too?

Listed beach/fishing huts, Hastings

First used to house nets for catching mackerel and herring, this set of seafront structures in East Sussex were awarded Grade II* listed status because of their importance. Formerly Grade II listed, they were upgraded in 2010 as English Heritage said they were a rare example of “buildings intrinsic to the British coastal fishing industry”.

Originating from the 16th Century, the huts have been rebuilt a number of times but remain an important part of this seaside town.

Southend Pier

Stretching 1.33 miles out into the Thames Estuary, Southend Pier is the city’s most treasured historical icon, as well as being the longest pleasure pier in the world.

In the early 19th century, it was widely believed that spending time by the sea was good for your health, which brought many Londoners to Southend for this reason. However, because the water in this area is never very deep due to vast mudflats, passenger boats found it difficult to dock. The pier was built to overcome this issue and allow passenger boats to reach Southend on all tides.

Over the years, the pier has been extended a number of times and is now a must-see attraction in Southend.

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Grade II listed building in Polperro, Cornwall

The Shell House, Polperro

The Shell House is one of the most photographed houses in Polperro. It was given Grade II listed status in 1986 and was made famous by Samuel Puckey, a naval man who lived in the house and collected seashells during his time away. In 1937, Samuel began to apply the shells to the exterior of the cottage, a labour of love which took five years to complete.

The cottage has a unique and distinctive look, making it a must-see attraction when visiting Cornwall. The Shell House is also currently in use as a rental cottage, so you could event treat yourself to a minibreak here.

There are so many fascinating places to visit in the UK, many of which have unique and exciting stories behind them. Listed buildings are an important way to preserve elements of history and allow future generations to learn from and enjoy them.

Live with character. Insure with confidence.

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