After completing our Nice housesit we flew to Gatwick and before our return to Canada on May 13, 2018 we took the Thameslink southbound train to visit Brighton.
We'd driven through Brighten in the mid 1970s, but did not stop to visit either the Pier or Royal Pavilion. This time around we were determined to do both as well as ride the British Airways i360.
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| Photo Courtesy of British Airways |
Completed in 2016 the i360 is unique in that it is not stationary. The entire viewing pod moves up and down the core structure, taking about 20-minutes to complete the journey in both directions.
The pod can accommodate 175 people per trip allowing for plenty of space to walk about and admire the view. (Even on an overcast day it was pretty impressive!)
There is also a bar onboard should one wish to indulge.
From 1866 to 1975 the West Pier attracted and entertained visitors.
Then, in 2003, after years of neglect, it burnt down. All that remains today is the partially immersed shell.
The newer eastern Pier, however, is still going strong and visible behind us.
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| Looking east |
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| Looking west |
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| Looking north |
Our next stop was the pier and we walked back along the boardwalk that is home to countless restaurants, shops and rides all vying for visitors and their cash.
Even the rain did not dampen the pier's amusement park-like atmosphere.
At lunchtime we were determined to get in out of the rain and so headed back into town. The Pump House was a perfect place to dry off with a Guinness in hand as well as enjoy some traditional pub fare.
John opted for chicken while I ordered fish.
A short distance from the pub is the Royal Pavilion and we spent the remainder of our afternoon there exploring its lavish interior.
Photos are not allowed - not that I really minded as it gave me a perfect excuse to focus on the wonders of each room and listen to the informative audio guide. (All nine photos below are courtesy of Google.)
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| Hallway |
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| Staircase |
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| Banqueting Room |
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| Great Kitchen |
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| Music Room |
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| Games Room |
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| Gallery Room |
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| Queen Victoria's Bedroom |
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| The Salon |
We had a super day in Brighton, but it felt great to be heading home. Next stop - Ontario!
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