There is a discussion in Emma, chap 12, about the merits of going to Cromer, vs South End.

South End is, apparently, "an unhealthy place", whereas Cromer is "the best of all sea bathing places, A fine open sea... and very pure air."

I find this quite interesting not least because today Southend (Essex) is considered a more "lower class" place than Cromer (Norfolk). I wonder how far JA was reflecting her own or other people's opinions of different resorts? I don't think JA ever visited Cromer or Southend herself, although she did go to Lyme Regis where she sea bathed. She must have heard about these places, so sea bathing and seaside resorts must have been talked about?

Does anyone know who JA knew who might have visited Cromer or Southend and told her about them?

Link to a brief histoyr of Southend which says it was a bathing resort with bathing machines by the end of the 18th century.