A narrator describes the importance of the sea and the coast to Britain: coastguards watch the Channel; ships in ports; a passenger ferry.

As London swelters in a heatwave, thousands head for the seaside by bicycle, coach, train and car. They head for Brighton, Bognor and Bournemouth.

Children have pony rides and play on the beaches. There's a seaside minstrel show. Young people dive into an open-air swimming pool and slide down a water chute. After lunch, people doze in deckchairs while a brass band plays. Later on there is dancing.

A funfair includes midget car racing and dodgems. Brighton Pier is lit up and waves break on the darkening beach.