The recipe for a classic British holiday has changed drastically over the years.

Once, no seaside break was complete without bargain ice creams, hours spent in the amusement arcade and traditional entertainment on the beach.

But today, many of these staples are fast fading away - replaced with smartphone screens, modern attractions and, for many, holidays overseas. Some have already vanished altogether.

Read on to discover the much-missed hallmarks of a traditional British holiday.

Arcade games are an addictive way to pass an afternoon, especially when the British seaside brings a downpour - even in the height of summer.

Nowadays, though, you'd be hard-pressed to find a game that costs as little as those beloved 2p pushers that were a pivotal part of UK seaside holidays, from the 1970s right through to the 1990s.

In line with the modern cost of living, even these family games have soared in price.

Also known as coin-pushers or penny falls, you can still find them in some places - but you are more likely to find games asking for 10p or even tokens instead.

Bathing Belle pageants, Knobbly Knees contests, and prizes for the Loudest Snorer, Shiniest Bald Head and Bonniest Baby are among the events you could enjoy at Butlin's resorts in days gone by.

Knobbly Knees pitted older men against one another, allowing them to compete for the title of the most misshapen knees. 

Back in June 1947, the contest at Butlin's Skegness camp was even judged by comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.

Nowadays, these are confined to occasional retro-themed nights, and don't exist in the way you may remember. 

In the days before most households had a television, end-of-the-pier variety shows were all the rage.

You could expect family-friendly entertainment ranging from stand-up comedy, slapstick, music, magic, dance and specialty acts such as ventriloquism or juggling.

Nowadays, only two major seaside towns host such events. 

The Cromer Pier Show in Cromer, Norfolk, is the last full remaining show, while Brighton Palace Pier hosts a shorter musical celebration, The End of the Pier Show. 

Back in 2024, performer Paul Douglas told BBC that traditional Punch and Judy seaside performances were on the way out – and little has changed since then.

Puppet shows featuring Mr Punch, his wife Judy, their baby, a crocodile and a police officer have been on the decline, despite being a British tradition since the 17th century.

Some existing shows have also faced calls from domestic violence campaigners to cut scenes depicting violence in the slapstick show.

Paul's verdict on the future of these shows? 'I think [the tradition is] going to go,' he said.

For nearly six decades, a pit stop at a Little Chef was an integral part of any road trip around the UK.

The sight of the familiar red-and-white logo – depicting a friendly-looking cartoon figure in chef's whites – would signal a welcome breather on a long journey. 

Founded in 1960, the Little Chef was a precursor to the modern service station but, without shopping outlets and refuel options, the appetite for the roadside cafes eventually waned and, in 2018, it closed altogether.

The buildings themselves, however, have found an unusual new lease of life.

Many are now occupied by adult stores – selling everything from sex toys to fetish and bondage gear to lingerie and lubricants.

Few treats scream 'summer holiday' like a cone of vanilla with a flake stuck in it - also known as the 99 Flake, preferably enjoyed with the sea in view.

Despite popular belief, the ice cream's name is said to have originated with Italian royalty. Allegedly, the monarchy had a guard made up of 99 soldiers, so anything special was referred to as a '99'.

In the 1980s and 1990s, it was easy to purchase one of these refreshing treats for less than £1. But not so any more. 

This summer, it was revealed that traditional '99' ice cream cones with a chocolate flake are now selling for up to £6.