Saturday 11 August 2012

Palace Pier, Brighton

I spent a day at the seaside town of Brighton on Monday with my daughter Emma. Although I've had many beach visits there when the children were younger, I've always wanted to explore 'The Lanes' where all the shops are and visit the Royal Palace (Pavilion) which I've only ever driven past.

As the sun was shining we decided to visit the pier first .
An old chain pier was originally built at Brighton in 1823 primarily used as a landing stage for passenger ships that sailed from Dieppe in France. 
After being destroyed in a storm in December 1889 Palace Pier (originally named The Brighton Marine Palace) was built and opened on 20 May 1899.
 The Pier is 1722 ft long and acknowledged as one of the finest piers ever built. 



I love its beautiful painted metalwork some of which still survives.


At night time it looks really pretty when all the lights are switched on.
There was a fortune teller in a pretty painted gypsy caravan  
as well as the traditional seaside shops selling rock, sweets and candy floss, 
  traditional carousel rides 
and a Helter-Skelter. 
Although you pay for the rides, entrance is free and deck chairs are provided free of charge if you just want to relax and look out to sea. The wind was blustery so we decided to visit the Pavilion which has got to be one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen. I'll post some photos in the next few days...

6 comments:

  1. Hi Jacuqi: What a fun day you must have had. Your pier, which we call wharf, in the US, is very pretty. I love the iron work and the way you can sit and look at the ocean with a drink. Ours, you can sit and see the ocean also, but it costs you alot of money, because it is in a restaurant and the prices are quite steep, although the fish is fresh and good. Thank you for your sweet comments about my front porch. We do enjoy it and can have a good drink there for free..Happy Weekend..Judy

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  2. Absolutely gorgeous...and to think that view is free. What a wonderful way to spend the day. Smiles...Renee

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  3. Looks lovely. Brighton is somewhere we have never been but I would love to visit one day. I like the sound of wandering down the lanes in search of antiques too.

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  4. Wonderful photos of Brighton, I can imagine the ladies and gents of the time, promenading up and down taking in the air.
    Thea x

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  5. How fun!! The metal work on the pier is amazing. Love the carousel horses and the candy shops! And the Gypsy caravan too! Hearing about Brighton always makes me think of Jane Austins "Persuasion".

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  6. I love Brighton, all my childhood souvenirs! Loved the rocks and fish and chips shops!!!

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