Brighton

Written: April 3rd, 2008  Print This Page  Email This Page

Overview: Brighton is an area located in the southern coast of England and, with Hove, forms the coastal city of Brighton and Hove. It is one of the popular destinations of tourists from all over England and from the world.

Sights & Activities

The beache of Brighton is a popular destination of holidaymakers who wish to soak in the sun during the summer months. Apart from swimming, sunbathing is a popular activity in this long stretch of sand. Boating enthusiasts can also hire boats at the Brighton Marina, located at the eastern end of the city’s coast line.

However, the city’s most famous historic residence is the Royal Pavilion, once used by royalty as a seaside retreat. Located along Pavilion Parade, this structure is unusual in style, being built in the Indo-Saracenic style. The pavilion was also used as a hospital during World War I. During the present times, it is used as venue for personal and corporate events.

Another historic structure is situated right next to the Royal Pavilion, the Marlborough House. Designated as a grade I listed building, it is situated along Old Steine. Built in 1765, it is presently undergoing renovations for future use.

The St. Bartholomew’s Church is situated along Ann Street that opened its doors in 1874. Because of its height, this Anglican church is quite visible in the city’s skyline.

Visitors should also take the time to stop by the Duke of York’s Picture House, an art house cinema that operated continuously since 1910, making it the oldest of its kind in the country. The interiors include a cinema and a café.

Brighton also boasts of several outdoor spaces that people often head out to for relaxation and recreation. The Queen’s Park features a pond with several waterfowl, a playground, a scented garden meant for disabled people, and sporting facilities like tennis courts and bowling green. Around the park are several attractive Victorian terraced houses that provide architectural and aesthetic interest.

Near the shore is the St. Ann’s Well Gardens, named after a chalybeate spring located right within its grounds. Just like the Queen’s Park, this outdoor space also features a scented garden, a playground, and lawn bowling facilities. A fish pond is also available.

Another extensive outdoor space in Brighton is the Preston Park, which apart from sporting facilities also features a rose garden. Across it is the Rockery, the largest municipal rock garden in the country. It is a wooded area that provides a serene place for visitors and locals to get away from the city life.

The whole family will definitely derive much enjoyment when they visit the Brighton Marine Palace and Pier, which features a domed arcade and several amusement rides, including two roller coasters.

Because of the huge number of visitors who come to Brighton every year, a lot of establishments have been put up in the city to service them, like restaurants, pubs, and accommodations.

Weather

Brighton enjoys a mild climate that rarely experiences extreme weather changes. Being near the ocean, summer is sunny and warm while winter is mild with frequent rains. Just like the rest of the country, weather can be fairly unpredictable throughout the year in Brighton, so bringing an umbrella and a coat would be prudent action for those who wish to visit it.