Three ‘must see’ sights in Brighton
World famous Brighton has a fascinating history which will stimulate your interest.
Wandering around the streets you find the features that have made this
seaside resort so special and so popular. There are surprises around many street corners as
you discover how the past has blended into modern Brighton. During your stay there are three
unique, ‘must see’ attractions, The Royal Pavilion, Brighton Pier and The Lanes. Convenient for
the many Brighton hotels these sights are close to each other in the central part of the City.
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The ‘ City of Brighton and Hove ‘ was formed in 2000. The partner towns had previously co-existed,
both having grown from smaller beginnings. Brighton began as a settlement
The Royal Pavilion, Brighton
by the sea when the villagers made a living from fishing and seafaring. Until the 18th Century
the coastline suffered constant erosion and the town was in a poor state of repair. Its fortunes
were reversed by the health fashion of the day that introduced the therapeutic properties
of bathing in the sea. The wealthy sick and the ‘better-off’ afflicted, travelled to Brighton
in order to find remedies for their maladies. This influx grew rapidly and with it came new fame
for the town. The Prince Regent, later to be crowned George IV, visited Brighton and liked it
so much that he was inspired to build ‘The Royal Pavilion’. This was a grand, flamboyant,
oriental style extravagance and by the time it was completed George had been crowned
King and failed to make good use of it. The royal patronage of the town led to further popularity
for the area and in particular the rapid expansion of substantial housing and social amenities in
and around the town centre. The beaches, salt water and the crisp sea air created the platform for
the popular development of the seafront. A new stylish resort had been born and as it grew it
attracted a rapidly increasing number of newly mobile visitors.
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The Lanes
The Lanes, a shopping extravaganza
The Lanes, once narrow paths running through vegetable gardens in the centre of the early
village of Brighton, have evolved into a pedestrian haven of smart boutiques, jewellery, clothing
and antique shops. The bohemian style of the little independent stores, together with quaint
slim streets, creates a warm and friendly environment. This is a place where people are
busy shopping whilst others sit back, relax and
watch the world go by over the brim of
a relaxing drink in one of the many
restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and bars.
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Piers are a classical part of many seaside towns and in so many places they have been
destroyed by fire. It seems astonishing when they are surrounded by water!
Brighton has seen three piers. The Chain Pier of 1822-1896 functioned as landing
platform for shipping as well as a walkway for pedestrians. The West Pier 1866-2003
was a traditional Victorian extravaganza. It was damaged first by storms in 2002 and
then by two arson attacks in 2003. The twisted metal remains of the structure are still
visible. Brighton Pier, formerly the Palace Pier built in 1899, still welcomes guests
to a selection of bars, restaurants and amusement arcades.
Plans have been approved for an adventurous new high viewing platform, to stand
near to the site of the old West Pier, there is even talk of a giant wheel, similar to
‘London Eye’, but only time will tell if these projects get off the drawing board.
