When I visited London and Cambridge a few weeks ago I felt the sudden urge to feel the sea breeze, so decided to spend an afternoon in Brighton. The train from London Victoria takes approximately an hour and passes fairly quickly.
Brighton is a seaside city in the South East of England. Historically speaking, it began life as a small Saxon village named Beorthelm’sTun (‘Tun’ meaning ‘farm of a village’) and, centuries and centuries later, joined with the City of Hove in 1997 to become Brighton and Hove. Over the years then, the place has gone from a fishing village to a seaside destination where many students now preside and is revered for its vibrant cultural and music scene.
Walking downhill towards the beach after arriving at the train station In Brighton
Walking down towards the shore, you pass the city centre with all its shops, restaurants, malls and a cinema. You can find everything you need at a short distance in Brighton. And, once you arrive at the coast, you can’t fail to notice the two piers in the distance, the West Pier and Brighton Pier, as well as the Brighton Wheel.
The West Pier opened in 1866 and, following its construction, a concert hall and theatre were added, attracting many tourists (their peak years being 1918-19). After the Second World War, however, the pier’s popularity went into decline and the company behind it could no longer maintain its upkeep, leading to its closure in 1975. Sadly, as the years of abandonment passed, it slowly fell apart and, due to several fires, only its burnt, melancholic structure remains. Owned by the West Pier Trust, there are currently no plans to resurrect it and return it to its former glory; for better or worst.
The remains of West Pier can be seen in the distance
The Brighton Wheel (alternatively known as the ‘Brighton O’ or the ‘Wheel of Excellence’) is a giant Ferris wheel that was erected in 2011 and is scheduled to remain in situ until 2016 (so, if you want to see it you haven’t much time left!). Initially the brainchild of Paramount Attractions and planned to be put up closer to the West Pier, the wheel’s design kept changing but, constructed in Germany, it first travelled to South Africa where it served as a tourist attraction during the 2010 football World Cup before taking up its current residence here on the English south coast.
The Brighton Wheel is 50m high and 45 m in diameter
I must confess I’m scared of heights so didn’t go on the wheel, however – with 36 pods and 1 VIP pod – the panoramic views it affords those who are brave enough to venture on it are supposed to be spectacular.
The Brighton Marine Palace and Pier (also referred to as the ‘Palace Pier’) is a true children’s delight. Bursting and brimming with games, rides and places to eat, it’s definitely the perfect place for families!
The Entrance to the Brighton Marine Palace and Pier
Actually the third pier to be built in Brighton, the Palace – or just Brighton – Pier opened in 1899; it’s now owned by the Noble Organisation. Like its forebears, in 2004 it too suffered from a major fire; fortunately, however, it was far from destroyed and its damaged features successfully restored. Proudly straddling the land and the sea, it grants visitors a beautiful view of the city behind it.
After a lot of walking, I sat down with friends to enjoy lunch as, along the waterfront, there are many restaurants – if you’re lucky enough to enjoy a sunny day, don’t take it for granted!
Having lunch at the coast on a sunny afternoon in Brighton
Another landmark absolutely not to be missed is the Royal Pavilion – or the Brighton Pavilion. Set back slightly from the coast, it nonetheless can be easily spotted and is only a few minutes’ walk from the shore. Technically a former royal residence, it was built in 1787 – originally a transformed lodging house – and used as a retreat for the then Prince Regent (later King George IV), being advised, as he had been, of the benefits of the resort’s climate and seawater. Exotic and sumptuous to look at, the pavilion boasts an Indian inspiration, having been built in the era’s Indo-Saracenic style by architects Henry Holland and John Nash; however much that can be seen today is Nash’s work (for he extended the building in 1815).
- The entrance to the Royal Pavilion at Brighton
After several Royals enjoyed use of the building, it was eventually sold to the town of Brighton by Queen Victoria in 1850 (she wasn’t exactly a big fan) and subsequently used as both a military hospital during the First World War and later a concert hall – known as the ‘Brighton Dome’. An icon of the city, the Pavilion is utterly wrapped up in Brighton’s history and culture. Among other things, it’s now used as a venue for weddings – in case anyone’s looking for a unique location!
So, if you’re in London for a few days, why not also take an afternoon to enjoy Brighton and its coastline?
Other attractions not to miss in Brighton include:
- The Brighton Marina
- Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
- Brighton Fishing Museum
- Brighton Racecourse
- The Clock Tower
Interesting fact: Did you know that the beach scenes in the 2004 film ‘Wimbledon’ were also filmed in Brighton? A great movie and a great location.
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