The ocean has always been closely linked with British historical development. In the age of navigation, Britain relied on superior maritime geographical conditions to develop maritime trade and navigation industry, and gradually grew into a maritime power. Coastal ports such as Liverpool, Bristol and London were once the most important trade and transportation hubs in Europe. A large number of coastal towns rose with the development of maritime trade, forming unique coastal urban style and folk customs. The maritime history of exploration and trade has cultivated the British spirit of adventure, openness and enterprising. British coastal towns have unique cultural characteristics different from inland cities. Most coastal towns retain classic Victorian seaside architecture, quiet seaside streets, retro seaside amusement parks and traditional fishing ports. In summer, seaside resorts become the most popular leisure places for British people. Ordinary families choose to spend holidays in coastal towns, enjoying sea breeze, beach leisure and fresh seafood. Seaside holiday has become the most mainstream folk leisure way in Britain. Fishery culture is the foundation of traditional British coastal culture. For hundreds of years, coastal residents have relied on fishing for a living, forming simple and tough fishing village folk customs. Traditional fishing villages retain ancient fishing tools, fishing customs and marine sacrifice rituals, recording the working and living conditions of coastal residents. With the development of the times, traditional fishery has gradually transformed into modern marine tourism and ecological fishery, but the simple, tough and hardworking fishing village spirit has been inherited. Maritime folk custom and art are important parts of coastal culture. British coastal areas have a large number of marine-themed folk songs, legends and literary works. Many British writers and painters draw inspiration from the ocean, creating classic works with marine characteristics. Maritime festivals, sailing competitions and beach carnivals are held regularly in coastal towns, enriching the connotation of coastal culture and inheriting maritime folk traditions. In modern society, British coastal culture undertakes new cultural and ecological missions. The British government has strengthened the protection of coastal ecological environment and ancient coastal towns, retained the original style of coastal areas, and developed characteristic marine cultural tourism. At the same time, coastal areas have become important places for British people to relax and return to nature, carrying people’s yearning for freedom and natural life. The ocean shapes Britain’s open and inclusive national character. The long-term maritime trade and coastal life make British culture good at absorbing foreign excellent cultures and maintaining an open and inclusive attitude. The tough and enterprising maritime spirit has become an important spiritual wealth of the British nation, and coastal culture has become an indispensable unique symbol of British national culture.
