The Travel Show

RAJAN DATAR'S SEASIDE REVELATION - In this documentary episode Rajan Datar criss‑crosses Britain’s coastal towns, from Margate’s neon‑lit Dreamland anniversary to St Ives’ mermaid‑led plea for cleaner seas, and finally Skegness’ nostalgic Red Coat legacy. As part of BBC News programming it offers a quick‑at‑a‑glance look at how retro rides, climate pressures and community grit shape the future of UK holiday culture, a programme highlight for UK television viewers.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW RAJAN DATAR TOURS BRITAIN'S SEASIDE TOWNS, UNCOVERING REVIVAL, CLIMATE PRESSURES AND COMMUNITY GRIT is a new documentary series that follows journalist Rajan Datar as he journeys from the historic piers of Margate to the windswept cliffs of St Ives and the nostalgic sands of Skegness. Over three episodes the series paints a vivid picture of how Britain’s coastal resorts are reinventing themselves in the face of tourism booms, environmental challenges and a yearning for heritage. The programme blends investigative reporting with human stories, offering a comprehensive guide for UK viewers who love British TV that is both entertaining and thought‑provoking. WHAT TO EXPECT In the first episode Rajan revisits Margate’s iconic Dreamland amusement park on its tenth anniversary, probing whether retro rides and neon nights have truly drawn crowds away from London. He meets local entrepreneurs, former ride engineers and families who now consider the seaside their weekend sanctuary. The second episode takes him to St Ives, where record visitor numbers are testing Cornwall’s fragile ecosystems. Here Rajan encounters self‑styled “mermaids” campaigning for cleaner seas, alongside marine biologists and fishermen who illustrate the delicate balance between tourism and conservation. The final episode lands in Skegness, nearly ninety years after Sir Billy Butlin opened his first holiday camp. Rajan shadows a modern Red Coat, exploring whether the bucket‑and‑spade heritage still sparkles for a new generation and how the town is adapting to climate‑induced erosion and changing holiday habits. KEY FEATURES THIS SERIES STANDS OUT WITH ITS RICH CINEMATOGRAPHY, capturing sunrise over the North Sea, the glitter of Dreamland’s neon lights and the rugged beauty of Cornwall’s coastline. The programme is narrated by Rajan Datar, whose investigative style brings credibility and warmth, supported by on‑screen experts, local activists and everyday holiday‑makers. Production values are high, with drone footage, archival material and immersive sound design that place viewers at the heart of each seaside town. The series is positioned as both documentary and light‑hearted entertainment, offering full details of each location’s history, current challenges and future aspirations. WHY WATCH FOR DISCERNING UK VIEWERS SEEKING QUALITY PROGRAMME CONTENT, THIS SERIES DELIVERS AN IN‑DEPTH REVIEW OF THE UK’S COASTAL REGENERATION, BALANCING DRAMA WITH FACTUAL INSIGHT. It appeals to fans of British TV who appreciate a thoughtful blend of social commentary, environmental journalism and community storytelling. The series also serves as a valuable television guide for anyone planning a coastal getaway, providing practical tips and highlighting hidden gems. Its focus on climate pressures, heritage preservation and local grit makes it a timely and compelling addition to the entertainment landscape. BBC News CONTEXT RAJAN DATAR TOURS BRITAIN'S SEASIDE TOWNS, UNCOVERING REVIVAL, CLIMATE PRESSURES AND COMMUNITY GRIT FITS SEAMLESSLY INTO BBC News PROGRAMMING, joining the network’s tradition of high‑quality documentary series such as “Coast” and “The Great British Bake Off” in its celebration of British culture. The series complements the channel’s commitment to regional storytelling and environmental awareness, offering UK television audiences a fresh perspective on beloved seaside destinations while reinforcing BBC News’s reputation for delivering engaging, informative and beautifully produced content.