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Day Out in Brighton: Oh I do like to be beside the seaside…

17 June, 2014 By Anna S E Lundberg Leave a Comment

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that we travel the world while leaving our own backyard unexplored. I’ve seen very little of the UK despite spending most of my life here, choosing instead to go to more exotic destinations for weekend breaks and longer holidays. Now I’m resolved to turn my attention to this great nation, exploring more of London and beyond…

First up, Brighton: a seaside resort since the 18th century, it’s been called “The Queen of Watering Places” (Horace Smith), “one of the best physicians” (William Makepeace Thackeray), and “London-by-the-sea”. Alas, the weather was not quite beach-worthy on Sunday, but that just meant that it was cool enough to walk around all day exploring the city…

Sunday was the day of the London to Brighton bike ride, and the streets were filled with bikers arriving at their final destination. It was also World Naked Bike Ride day. Luckily for me, though, Brighton had chosen to do the naked bike ride the previous weekend, so riders on this day were fully clothed in gorgeous lycra. Some were dressed as smurfs, but smurfs with clothes on, thank goodness.

Brighton is also sometimes referred to as “the gay capital of Europe”, most evident perhaps in the artsy Kemptown area, where I spotted one or two elderly gents with blonde pigtails and pink cardigans. I also witnessed a brawl, which was very exciting. (Don’t people have better things to do than to punch each other? Life is short, people!)

It’s a city full of history and colour, and I can only imagine it comes to life even more on a sunny summer’s day…

Ship Street Gardens
The city is full of narrow little lanes and alleyways, with shops selling anything from antiques to sex toys.
Royal Pavilion Brighton
The Royal Pavilion is an extravagant leisure palace built for George IV, who originally came to Brighton on the recommendation of his physicians.
Brighton Pier
They’ve managed to cram all sorts of fairground rides, games and sweet stalls onto Brighton Pier, which is now the only remaining pleasure pier, and an icon of the city. (I don’t know my maritime signals but I’m assuming that flag means IT’S FAR TOO COLD AND WINDY TO SWIM HERE. STAY OUT, YOU FOOLS!)
Fresh seafood stall
I didn’t eat any fish and chips – blasphemy, I know, but there is more batter than fish, and far too much potato for my liking… Instead I had a lovely little pot of crab as a seaside snack, and lobster for lunch, darling.
Grand Hotel Brighton
The Grand Hotel was bombed on 12th October 1984 in an attempt by the IRA to kill Margaret Thatcher during the Conservative Party conference. Although she survived, five were killed and 31 seriously injured, and a gaping hole was left in the façade of the hotel.
The West Pier Brighton
The West Pier was closed to the public in 1975 and has since then faced various storms and fires, most recently being intentionally demolished to make way for a new observation tower.
Brighton Wheel
The London Eye, I mean, the Brighton Wheel…
Brighton naturist beach
Aha! An opportunity to see some naked bodies after all! I resisted the urge to peak over the mound, however. I’m Swedish, after all, so nudity in public is of course all very normal…

 

Filed Under: Europe, Travel, United Kingdom Tagged With: brighton, brighton pier, brighton wheel, grand hotel bombing, kemptown, the lanes, west pier

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Anna Lundberg is a success coach and business strategist who helps experienced corporate professionals reimagine success outside of the 9 to 5.

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