Bathing machines, or bathing vans, were essentially wooden huts with wheels that were used from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth century. Inside each one there was generally was a bench, a flannel gown and towels.

The bather, generally a woman, would change into her bathing costume inside the van. Then the machine was wheeled or slid into the water either by horses or people. If the beach had pebbles, the trip was often an uncomfortable one for the occupant.

The bather entered the sea via the front door of the van, down a step ladder. If she was unable to swim, a cord was placed around her waist and attached to the van. Then the bather would immerse herself in the water for ten or fifteen minutes.

The purpose of the bathing machine was to preserve the modesty of the bather, who was generally female and from the wealthy classes. As social attitudes toward the body began to change, bathing machines gradually became obsolete. By the 1890s, they were often used purely as stationary changing rooms.