 |
West Pier Brighton
|
It's a bit grey, and a bit drizzly but we have time to kill before the Marillion concert later this evening. Only my second ever visit to the city after completing 'The London to Brighton' cycle ride in 1994. That didn't end well either...An opportunity to explore a little around Brighton or 'London on Sea' as it is sometimes called. One of the most iconic images (at least for me) are the skeletal remains of the historic West Pier.First opened in 1866 was the first Grade I listed pier in England. It closed to the public in 1975 and went into dramatic decline. Storm damage and arson attacks have left it beyond repair. The ghostly image sits abandoned off shore. A nostalgic reminder of the 1860's Victorian heyday for the construction of piers.
 |
View from Brighton Palace Pier
|
After all the hot weather this Summer today is grey and drizzly. Having viewed the West Pier it was only right to walk along the functioning 'Palace Pier'. Constructed in 1899, the third pier to be constructed in Brighton after the 'Royal Suspension Chain Pier' and West Pier. Sadly the Theatre is no longer . closing down in 1986. It is now just an amusement park in the ocean. It is popular though with millions of visitors. As a big fan of the 'Carry On films' I can tell you that 'Carry on at your Convenience' was filmed here in 1971. It is
1,722 feet (525 m) long and contains
85 miles (137 km) of planking.
 |
Wall mural tribute 'Fat Boy Slim'
|
Back on 'dry land' we pass the iconic 'Grand Hotel'. 'The original Palace by the Sea'. It opened in 1864 and has classic Victorian architecture. It is easily the most expensive Hotel in Brighton and was designed for the upper classes. It hit the headlines in 1984 when the IRA tried to assassinate the then Prime Minister 'Margaret Thatcher. During the Conservative Party Conference a bomb was detonated causing terrible devastation and loss of life. In one of the side streets I spot a wall mural for Brighton's favourite son 'Fatboy Slim'. Born Quentin Leo Cooke, better known as 'Norman Cooke'. A musician and DJ and original Bass player for the band 'The Housemartins'. These days he is much in demand for Festivals all over the world , as well as producing. Dance and House music isn't my bag so I can't tell you much more sadly.
 |
Brighton i360
|
The Brighton i360 is an imposing sight. A moving observation tower located on the seafront. Standing at a 162-metre (531 ft) moving the tower opened on 4 August 2016. From the fully enclosed viewing pod, visitors experience 360-degree views across Brighton, the South Downs and the English Channel. It was pretty much designed and developed by the same team responsible for the 'London Eye'. Formerly known as the British Airways i360 for sponsorship purposes, the
project originally aimed to attract 739,000 paying customers every year. We won't be going up today though with the weather being as it is. instead we take a wander through 'The Lanes', lots of narrow lanes full of small and mostly independent shops. 'The upside down house' catches the eye. Apparently visitors can walk on the ceiling! It is not suitable for people with Vertigo, mobility impairments or pregnant women. Otherwise go and impress your friends with some unique photos. Talking of unique and strangely weird. ... I have spotted the same individual three times now wearing a road cone as acceptable head-wear. With his ghetto blaster blaring you really can't miss him. Nobody (except me) seems to even notice him. Maybe they are used to him as a regular feature.
 |
|
 |
Jubilee Clock Tower
|
It has certainly been an entertaining walk through Brighton. But we now have to get to the Marillion gig at the nearby Dome.
No comments:
Post a Comment