Beside the Seaside Exhibition

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Felixstowe emerged as one of the most fashionable seaside resorts in Britain. Beside the Seaside is the first dedicated exhibition at Felixstowe Museum to chart this fascinating story, past world wars, royal mistresses, and kiss-me-quick arcades.

With loans from accredited museums and seafront businesses, the exhibition also features interactive elements to make it engaging for visitors of all ages.

Just 150 years ago, Felixstowe was a windswept cliff with a few boarding houses and bathing machines to its name. Barely 20 years later, and Felixstowe was developing into a fashionable and discreet seaside resort to rival any on the East Coast.

Beside the Seaside will explore this transformation, journeying past World Wars, royal mistresses, and kiss-me-quick arcades. Memories of seaside Felixstowe will be contrasted with the modern town we know and love, and relics of the Victorian and Edwardian resort will sit alongside the bright lights of the modern pier and amusements. These and more stories will be brought into focus through exciting loans and interactive elements.