Distance from London: 47 miles or 76 kilometres.
Brighton began as a small fishing village in the 7th century. It was mentioned in the 11th century Doomsday Book as having the name of Brighthelmstone.
In the 18th century, a prominent physician recommended the health benefits of breathing in Brighton’s fresh air and swimming in its bracing sea. As a result, the popularity of the fishing village grew, and visitors flocked to take their dip in the sea. As hotels were developed and restaurants and entertainment venues were added, the village grew to become a small town. Brighton became even more fashionable during the Regency Period (this was when King George III was ill and his son, young George, Prince of Wales, was designated ‘Regent’ on his father’s behalf). The Prince of Wales was viewed as a wasteful philanderer, and he brought his court here, away from the disapproving eyes of London. Along with the young George came many fashionable designers, architects and new thinkers.
While here the Prince of Wales fell in love with a young Catholic widow, Maria Fitzherbert, and secretly married her. They lived in a farmhouse on the outskirts of town and were the toast of Brighton’s bohemian society. All was well for the couple, until George was called for his official marriage (he could not officially marry a Catholic, he was heavily in debt and Parliament promised to increase his allowance if he took a more ‘respectable’ bride). When George married Caroline of Brunswick, Maria moved to a small house in Brighton. The Prince’s marriage to Caroline proved to be disastrous with Parliament eventually paying her to stay out of the country.
Much of the architecture stems from George’s happy years here with Maria. The Royal Pavilion and the buildings in the Montpelier and Brunswick areas all began at this time.
In 1841 the railway came to town bringing Londoners in even greater numbers. The railway station, with its clock and ornate roof, and Brighton pier are all from the town’s Victorian era.
Train
From Victoria and London Bridge train stations. Journey time about 1 hour, with non-stop service.
Tel: 08457 48 49 50
Visit www.thetrainline.com
Bus
From Victoria Coach Station, the journey time is around 2 hours and 10 minutes
For information visit www.nationalexpress.com
The Royal Pavilion
This was built for the Prince Regent (later King George VI) in the early 1800s by John Nash. The exterior was inspired by the Indian architecture of the Taj Mahal, while the interior was influenced by Chinese décor. In addition, some of the present furniture has been loaned by the Queen. Tours are recommended with audio guides in many languages.
A beautiful tearoom overlooks the Pavilion gardens.
Royal Pier
The pier juts half a kilometre out into the English Channel, and it is well worth the walk because it is simply such a Victorian pastime to promenade along the pier. Along its length are shops, food stalls and fairground rides. There was a second pier to the west of Brighton, but wear and tear from the sea and, finally a fire, took their toll. This is now closed to the public.
Brighton Beach
The beach is scattered with pebbles at high tide, but at low water there is a sandy beach which is a delight for walking, playing and running. A designated nude beach lies at the east end.
The Sea Life Centre
This is the oldest working aquarium in the world. The centre has a walk through underwater tunnel.
Toy and Model Museum
Under an archway near the train station.
The Lanes
The small narrow streets are the original Brighton. Many of the buildings are now shops, including a large number of antique traders.
North Laines
This web of alternative shops represent Brighton’s hippies, punks, Goths and all those who find the mainstream too vague.
Downloadable podcasts are available from the website
Bus
A hop-on/hop-off bus tour takes in most of the sites.
When stepping from the train most visitors walk to the pebble beach and Victorian pier. But a more ambling route will take in many of the town’s attractions.
From the train station, walk under the railway bridge and onto Trafalgar Street, passing the Toy and Model Museum.
At the bottom of the street lies St. Peter’s Church with its Gothic architecture (1828).
As you walk down Trafalgar Street you will eventually come to the junction with Sydney Street, turn right and you are in North Laine with its colourful independent shops. Follow this route, through Kensington Gardens and Gardener Street to New Street, turn left.
The Royal Pavilion sits at the bottom of New Street.
When you leave here, follow the Old Stein road toward the beach and Royal Pier. On the right side of the road is number 55, this house was the home of King George VI’s mistress, Maria Fitzherbert.
To the left of the Pier is Volks Electric Railway, created by a Victorian inventor. It is the oldest running electric railway. Part of the rail used to sit on stilts over the sea, but this has now been lost. You can take the railway to the sports centre and the marina.
When you return to the pier, turn right to the Lanes. The cobbled streets are a great place to wander.
To go back to the train station, find North Street and North Laine for your route of return.