For those unfamiliar with Pride and Prejudice, Brighton (a seaside town south of London) is a place where the youngest daughter of the Bennett clan goes for a social season and ultimately gets in trouble with a particular up-to-no-good officer. Kitty, her slightly older sister desperately wants to go to Brighton too but much to her disappointment, is not invited. Kara and I talked about going on a day trip somewhere close to London and decided that Brighton would be a perfect spot. I mean if Kitty wanted to go so badly, we figured it was worth a trip.
We took the train from London to get there–only about an hour and you are dropped off in the heart of Brighton. I would say Brighton is a great mixture of the ocean, history, and modern-day color. Perfectly situated for a day trip, you can come and leave in a day and still feel like you got a good taste of the town.
We started our day by walking around the North Laine area where there are some eclectic shops and yummy restaurants. I wish we had taken more pictures of the buildings and neighborhood but this is the best I have got.
I could really picture what this town must have looked like back in the day. Lots of old and beautiful architecture with the ocean as a backdrop. Today, the town adds to it kind of a youthful hippie vibe. The mixture of the old and the new is always an interesting one to me so I really liked observing life in Brighton.
Our hands down favorite activity of the day was visiting The Royal Pavilion.
Oh how we loved this palace. If we were allowed to take pictures inside you would be subjected to a slew of photos showing you exactly why the pavilion is so amazing. Although I am afraid pictures wouldn’t really do it justice. You have to go inside and see for yourself.
The palace was built by the prince regent in the early 1800’s (who eventually would become King George IV.) It is crazy interesting since on the outside it looks like it should be in the Middle East somewhere and on the inside there is this wacky but opulent mix of Asian art, themes, and decor mixed with the more traditional regency style. There is no way my description can do it justice. I mean there is a huge gilded dragon affixed to the central chandelier in the banquet room. That is the kind of stuff I am talking about. Crazy stuff.
They give you those self guided tour headsets and Kara and I couldn’t get enough. We listened to every possible nugget of information. We spent a long time inside and so before we finished the tour we stopped for a refreshing beverage on the upstairs patio.
Here’s to you King George.
Here is the view looking out onto the pretty gardens. Masses of people hang out in the park nowadays. It is where I would eat lunch everyday if I lived in Brighton.
After the pavilion tour we were ready for some relaxing time at the beach. Both of us have special attachments to the ocean and were looking forward to digging our feet in the san….
Strangest sand ever.
Yes folks, the beach consists of millions upon millions of rocks. It is so interesting and oddly comfortable to lay down in. Kara and I spent some quality time sitting, staring at the ocean and resting our tired feet.
The above picture overlooks Brighton Pier. That is the best segue I could think of so I could show you this picture.
At the end of the pier is a mini amusement park. We walked to the end but didn’t go on any rides as our energy was starting to wane. Brighton turned out to be the perfect day trip from London. It is different enough to enjoy the contrast from London and full of unique sights to keep you occupied.
We love you Brighton!
Next time: Norway gives us a cold reception.
Brighton looks like such a wonderful spot. That beach is totally cool.
Getting out of those major European cities for the day can really be necessary sometimes – for me, they can be too intense without a bit of a break. Brighton does look like it was perfect!
Great photos – that palace looks fabulous! I just posted about my trip to Brighton, too. Unfortunately, not the same Brighton.
I’m from England originally and love seeing any pics of the UK. You have some great ones. Thanks for sharing. I’ll be going ‘home’ in July and will have to share some pics on my knitting blog as well as my daily blog.
How fun! I’m glad you two were together. Wouldn’t want you getting into trouble like Kitty!
How fun! When I went to the Royal Pavilion I had just been completely soaked by a massive wave that snuck up on us as we were posing for a picture. It was completely mortifying to walk through that lovely place with squeaking shoes and wet pants. I hardly think I got a true feel for the place. I still have a lovely stone from the beach there-I’ve kept it in a coat pocket for 9 years (yes, I have a coat that is completely out of style that I have kept for 9 years because I bought it for my London days). Did you two meet any dashing men in their regimentals?
Okay, first you two look SO great.
second, I can’t even stand that you got to go to Brighton….I heard the Jane Austen accent and everything!
“A little sea-bathing would set me up for ever. “
The Royal Pavillion is amazing isn’t it. I went a couple of weeks ago for the first time, we only live a 40 minute train ride from Brighton!
Remember how we’re going to set our feet in Hawaii sand in a month? Yeah! I remember!
This trip looks crazy fun. I’m still bitter that it happened without me, btw.
How fun! Thanks for sharing and letting us travel (and visit Kara) vicariously through you!
Yay! You made it to Brighton! Most of my UK time has been spent there, and it is just darling. Love the beach, the pier and shopping in the Lanes.
Wow, looks like you girls are having such a great time! You make me want to pack up my sisters and go on a girl trip! Really been enjoying your blog lately.