Actually this could equally be regarded as memories old England, it just happens that the top picture was taken (not by me) in Tenby.

It depicts a row of bathing machines. These boxes on wheels served more than one useful purpose. They permitted one to change into bathing attire without fumbling about on the beach ensconsed in towels, which is basically what a beach hut does nowadays. However they had the advantage of transporting you down the beach so as to conserve your energy for the actual bathing, and as they were actually hauled into the sea they also allowed you to avoid getting your feet wet too soon.

Despite the traditional association of beaches with donkeys, these vehicles were drawn by horses. If you have ever tried driving a donkey into the sea you will know why. Getting them to go anywhere is hard enough. Donkeys are not stupid.

The picture below depicts a Belgian bathing beauty who has taken fright and evacuated the machine as soon as it entered the water. The alternative theory that she merely wanted to wash her feet is unlikely.