Filed under: beach, day trip, England, family, top-feature, weekend getaway
A Day At Brighton Beach and Pier
Brighton is sometimes referred to as London-by-the-sea, and is a popular weekend escape for Londoners. It is a short (less than an hour) train ride on the overground from London, and once there, most of Brighton’s key central areas are accessible on foot within a 15 minutes walk.
There are plenty of things to do in Brighton, and some of the most popular spots are the Brighton Pier and Beach.
The first thing many people notice about Brighton beach is that it has no sand. It is a shingle beach made up of billions of tiny pebbles. The pebbles are soft and rounded and are easy to walk on, they actually massage your feet – and an upside – no sand stuck through your picnic basket, or blankets. Some people think the water at Brighton is too cold for swimming, unless it’s the peak of summer, but many brave-hearted swimmers are seen taking a dip year-round.
A must-do while at Brighton Beach is to get fish and chips. The fish is fresh, and served in the English style – in newspaper, with salt and vinegar for condiments. One difference is the skin of the fish is usually left on, beneath the batter, rather than being removed.
Brighton Pier, officially named ‘The Brighton Palace Pier’ or ‘Palace Pier’ was constructed over several years. Work began on it in 1891, and it was intended solely as an amusement and pleasure emporium. It opened in May 1899, and covered about two and a half acres.
In 1984 the Pier was purchased by the Noble Organisation and they added the Brighton Pier signage that is seen in postcards and photos today. It is still officially recognized by the National Piers Society under the name of the Palace Pier, and many locals and local news networks still refer to it as such.
The Pier is a year round attraction, with plenty to do even on a wet rainy day as most of the attractions are undercover. The Pier has a theme park with the usual rides such as the haunted house, a roller coaster, giant drops and merry go rounds. The Pier also has a casino, an arcade hall (The Palace of Fun), a food court, souvenir shops, ice cream shops, candy stores – almost anything you can think of.
The Palace of Fun has all the traditional fun arcade games, along with newer high tech games, and if arcades are your thing, you’ll find something for every age group.
There are plenty of take away foods to choose from on the Pier. Traditional carnival food is available along with pizzas, crepes, hundreds of ice cream stalls and Brighton’s famous sugared doughnuts. It may be a good idea to put your diet on-hold for the day.
Entry to the Pier is free, and most attractions and rides are under £5.
After your day exploring Brighton Beach and Pier I recommend you explore some of the funky cafes and bars on the promenade. They are the perfect place to relax after a fun day.
Some of my favourites are:
The Scoop and Crumb, a retro-style independent cafe which sources its ingredients locally and describes itself as producing food with passion, taste, beauty, and fun. Scoop and Crumb serves fresh open style sandwiches which flavours like smoked duck with fresh orange, and smoked fillet of beef with horseradish and potato salad. It also serves freshly roasted coffee, old fashioned ice cream sundaes served in tall glasses, and has an ever changing range of fresh ice creams and sorbets made on premises. Ice creams and sorbets flavours include Rhubarb and Custard, Sherry Trifle, Real Tiramisu, and Roasted Plum Crumble. Doesn’t it make your mouth water just thinking about it?!
The World Famous Pump Room Cafe is in a great location on Brighton Beach. Situated directly below the Grand Hotel, a popular accommodation choice for travelers. The World Famous Pump Room serves sandwiches, toasties, and soups, and also makes acai and Brazilian style drinks.
My third favourite cafe is Barefoot Café, it has a mellow Californian surf vibe with a large sun decked area, chill out music and great food. This independently owned cafe serves healthy home made salads, sandwiches, mezze plates and delicious cakes. Wine, bottled beer, juices, smoothies are available along with excellent fair trade coffee and teas. The Barefoot Café describe themselves as a ‘locals’ secret’, and once you’ve found it you’ll want to come back.
After dark, many of the cafes and bars become nightclubs and locals and tourists alike come out to dance the night away.
Getting to Brighton:
The overland train is quick, easy, and affordable. If you prefer to drive it is just 45 minutes by road from the M25 London orbital motorway, or half-an-hour from London Gatwick Airport. It is also on a direct rail link from the Eurostar Service at St Pancras, and accessible by regular coach connections from Gatwick airport.
Getting around Brighton:
Once you get to Brighton, you’ll find it’s easiest to explore the city on foot. The railway station is only 10 minutes from the city centre and the sea is literally a stone’s throw from the city’s main attractions, shops, restaurants, hotels and nightlife.
You can also explore Brighton on foot with a Brighton walking tour.
Other information:
Brighton Pier is open every day except Christmas Day. Rides run from 11 am to 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and noon to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Times are subject to change dictated by weather conditions.
Enjoy your visit to Brighton. I think it’s a must-see for anyone visiting England.
Photo credits: Thanks you my friend Bronwyn Sweeney for the photos.
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