Bright and Breezy Brighton Pier
Perched seaside in the town of Brighton is an old-time, wood-planked boardwalk complete with Ferris wheel, a roller coaster and other rides, games, tried-and-true boardwalk favorites like corn dogs, cotton candy, little donuts, ice cream and such. We strolled, munched, and tried our hands at winning a game or two. The fresh ocean air felt invigorating and it was great to be sea-side for awhile (even though the seagull stole my tiny donut just as I was about to eat it; he snatched it right out of my hand)!
A popular sea side resort, Brighton, was created from the neighboring towns of Hove and Brighton and is located on England’s southern coast (about 47 miles south of London). It became especially popular as a health resort for sea bathing -- a supposed cure for illnesses -- along with sea air. Then when King George IV built the palatial and opulent Royal Pavilion there, the area became even more fashionable to visit. Among other things, Brighton is known today for quirky shopping areas and a vibrant music, art, and cultural scene. And, me thinks, delicious cotton candy!
Opulent Royal Pavilion
It became a fashionable resort when King George IV spent time in the town and constructed the Royal Pavilion -- which is an over-the-top former royal residence. With its domes and minarets, it looks Indian in architecture from the outside, but is done in Chinese decor inside. It includes an eye-popping dining room where elaborate meals were served -- some with up to 36 courses -- with a carved and silvered dragon which holds a one-ton chandelier, a mammoth kitchen (complete with a steam table and towering palm tree looking supports), spectacular music rooms (one domed ceiling is decorated with 26,000 plaster cockleshells covered in 18 carat gold) and Queen Victoria's apartments.
Throughout the years, the Pavilion has served as an opulent party house, a military hospital for wounded Indian soldiers, and a venue for public assemblies and entertainment. A portion of it was once used as a corn exchange, a museum and art gallery and a library, as well.
It's now been restored to its former grandeur and is quite the unbelievable place!
Breathtaking Beachy Head
Windswept, sheer cliffs of chalk jutting skyward. Its 530 foot drops. Miles of rugged yet serene rolling cliffs form Beachy Head in Eastbourne -- it's a catch-your-breath beauty like I haven't seen before.
The red and white striped lighthouse below Beachy adds such character to the whole magnificent spot. As do the little wildflowers and the sloping ice plant and grass-covered expanses as you walk for a seemingly endless time on the undulating land to the lighthouse at the end of the cliff top -- and back!
Oddly enough, we continued to see people pulling suitcases behind them, even up there!?!
A tasty dinner outside at the local pub gave us a chance to rest our exhausted feet, soak in some more of the beautiful scenery and indulge in some fantastic English food. A triple win!
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