The way we were- a look at holidaying in Britain in the 1930s
WHAT was it like to have a holiday in Britain 83 years ago? At a secondhand book stall I bought, for just £1, a copy of The Traveller's Guide To Great Britain And Ireland 1930, published by Trade And Travel Publications. This gem gives us a fascinating insight into the
Britain of yesteryear. Here's a look at some of the tips it gave tourists.
Published: 04:14, Thu, July 11, 2013
By
NEIL CLARK
"The
Traveller's Guide to Great Britain and Ireland" gives tips to the 30s holidaymaker
THE WEATHER British weather is unaccountable but surprisingly good on the whole. The traveller will do well to arm himself against treachery by carrying an umbrella or waterproof. It is difficult to keep track of the British weather but the forecasts are in the main reliable.
HEALTH
Those who are used to equable temperatures should guard against the chills and colds sometimes suffered during changes of weather. Houses, it should be remembered, are not often centrally heated but most of the bigger hotels are.
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN
Certain travelling conventions should be noted. A seat is "taken" if a newspaper, a book or some other small object is placed upon it. The right to decide whether the window should be open or shut is vested by custom in the passenger seated next to it, facing the engine. He generally takes the sense of the company on the question. TRAVELLING IN SCOTLAND
The weather often determines the success or failure of a holiday in Scotland. When it is good the country is delightful but two or three days of "Scotch mist" is not an enviable experience.
The wise traveller will hope for the best and at the same time provide against contingencies by carrying a waterproof.
THE ENGLISH
The English are perhaps a little more ceremonious than colonials and Americans, particularly in their relationships to their social superiors or inferiors, but are extremely tolerant of the social customs and usages of other nations. THE WELSH
Once the border has been crossed the traveller is conscious of a different spirit. He feels that he is truly in a foreign country. The people are less reticent than in England and more superficially sociable.It is not bad manners to address a stranger in a Welsh train and carry on a long conversation with him. The Welsh resemble the French in this respect and in several others. They are an imaginative people, fond of poetry and music, but they are at the same time levelheaded and farseeing. THE NORTHSOUTH DIVIDE
It may be laid down as a general rule that there is a great difference between the southerners and northerners in each of the four countries which constitute the British Isles and there exists between them a traditional, if not actual, antagonism.The southerners in each case are considered easy going and courteous, the northerners hospitable but more reserved and hardheaded. It may be difficult for an Englishman to discover the difference between the canniness of a Lowland Scot and of a Highland Scot but the Scots themselves are assured that it exists. ETIQUETTE
Men do not uncover [take off their hats] in picture galleries and shops but nearly always do in restaurants and cafes where there are women. It is considered good form to uncover in lifts when women are present. Men never raise their hats to each other. DRESS CODE
The conventions of behaviour are much less rigid than they were and a large latitude in dress is now allowed. A dinner jacket and black tie will pass muster at most evening functions.
SHOPPING
There is no obligation to buy after entering any shop, where the assistants will be found courteous and obliging to a degree. It is usual to pay cash down but accounts can be opened at many larger shops. Tobacco and cigarettes may not be purchased after 8pm but cigarettes can be obtained from automatic machines in the street. TRAVELLING
