English Seaside Towns - Historic Brighton
A Traditional British Beach Resort with a 19th Century Royal Palace
May 10, 2009
Brighton is slick and sophisticated but there’s also a whiff of Coney Island about it, although a small whiff. Walk down Marine Parade to the Palace Pier pier to see an example of fine Victorian seaside architecture. Take a stroll to the end of the pier, past the candy floss kitsch, and you can have your own Titanic experience as you gaze out across the waters of the English Channel.
Brighton – Royal Pavilion
Within easy reach of London, Brighton became popular in the early 18th-century with the Prince Regent, later to become King George IV, who built a magnificent seaside palace, the Royal Pavilion. In the mid 19th-century it was rebuilt by architect John Nash who created the extraordinary building we see today - a strange mix of Indian domes and minarets with a lavish Chinese style interior.
Brighton – The Lanes – Historic Shopping Area
The Lanes is the oldest part of Brighton. It was the first area to be reconstructed after the original village was burnt to the ground by the invading French in the 16th-century. Its narrrow lanes are lined with small cafes, gift shops and antique shops, many housed in the original buildings.
Brighton – 19th-Century Theatre Royal
Save an evening for the beautiful Theatre Royal, a very special place for Brightonians, It is a listed building, first opened in 1807. They present an eclectic mix of West End musicals and plays, along with performances of opera and ballet. Many famous actors have worked here, including Sarah Bernhardt in the19th century and Flora Robson, Ingrid Bergman, Lauren Bacall and Bette Davis in the 20th.
Other Things to See and do in Brighton
Brighton Pier
One of the most popular attractions along Brighton beach. It’s traditional arcades are home to restaurants and cafes, gift shops, a fun fair, free attractions like the new ice rink.
Sea-Life – oldest operating aquarium in the world. A chance to get close to close everything from starfish to seahorses, sharks and stingrays.
Volk’s Electric Railway opened in 1883 and is the world's oldest operating electric railway. It runs for just over a mile along the Brighton seafront
Brighton Beach is nothing like its sandy counterpart in New York. Here you crunch along the beach instead of wallking along it – it’s pebbles, pebbles all the way – but a lovely walk at sunset.
Horse Racing – Brighton Racecourse is located just outside the city and operates all through the year.
Historic Veteran Car Run from London to Brighton on the first Sunday of November every year. The world’s longest running event. of this type.
Antiques Fair every summer
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