As thousands flock to our city to make the most of the warmer weather, we look back at bygone summers at the seaside. 

The arrival of the railway in the 1830s and 1840s made travel to seaside resorts much quicker and easier and transformed quiet fishing villages, like Brighton, into bustling tourist attractions.

Brighton railway station opened in 1840 and the following year the direct line between London and Brighton was finished, meaning people living in the capital could visit the seaside town for the day. 

READ MORE: Scorching weather brings thousands down to Brighton beach

The West Pier opened in 1866 during the 1860s boom of pleasure pier building, during which 22 new piers were erected across Britain.

Taking the baby out for a stroll. The bandstand and newly-built Embassy Court are in the backgroundTaking the baby out for a stroll. The bandstand and newly-built Embassy Court are in the background (Image: The Keep)

The Palace Pier arrived in 1899. People flocked to see its grand opening ceremony on May 20, when the pier was lit with 30,000 bulbs.

Like today, people would hire deck chairs or try their hand at some water sports - though more often with wooden boats than inflatable paddle boards. 

Bathers on Brighton beach in 1930Bathers on Brighton beach in 1930 (Image: The Keep)

Visitors also tried their hand at pedal boating at Hove Lagoon, and one of the pictures above shows women riding donkeys in 1936, which was then a popular pastime.

Fast forward 40 years to the long hot summer of 1976. Like in a heatwave today, the beach was packed with sunbathers enjoying the sea breeze and taking a dip in the sea.

These days, Brighton beach is packed as soon as the sun is out, with businesses doing a roaring trade selling cold drinks and ice cream and cars queueing outside car parks.

See the full gallery by clicking the camera icon at the top of this article.