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Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

A picture of Ramsgate

Ramsgate

a Seaside Town in the county of Kent

Pictures of Brighton

a Seaside Town in the county of East Sussex

About Brighton

Once a fishing village, Brighton was firmly put on the map in the 18th century by the young Prince of Wales, later to become George IV. He built Brighton's best known building - the lavish Brighton Pavilion. Architect John Nash was responsible for the Oriental style of the building which, like or loath, has been largely admired by an endless stream of visitors for over 200 years.

An air of supreme elegance pervades throughout this lovely old town, and visitors can wander through fine Regency Squares around which are set some of the finest domestic architecture in the country, for the houses here belong to a period when "style" mattered.

The oldest quarter of the town is known as The Lanes. This is made up of a myriad of narrow passages lined with fishermen's cottages from the 17th century. In the past thirty years or so, these cottages have been transformed into antique, art and craft shops, where you will always find a willing owner ready to offer a "good deal" and even if you don't wish to buy, these shops are a joy to stroll around while you quietly soak up the atmosphere of old Brighton.

This has always been a place of culture, and over the years Brighton has received many illustrious visitors and has had numerous famous people living in the town. These have included; Lawrence Olivier, Ivor Novello, Albert Finney, Oscar Wilde, Dame Flora Robson and Dame Anna Neagle. In Victorian times, Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor and celebrities Zoe Ball, Chris Ewbank and Dora Bryan still live in Brighton.

Dancing has always been popular in Brighton. In past era's grand balls took place in lavish homes. Victorian times saw a flurry of Ballrooms spring up, these existed for a number of decades. During the 20th century Brighton had a couple of famous Ballrooms, and people were able to enjoy dancing to the melodies of the day played by bands led by Billy Cotton and his band, and other well known 20th century bands led by equally famous band leaders.

Brighton has almost three miles of seafront overlooking a mainly shingle beach which acts as a magnet for visitors from both home and abroad. The views from the curve of Brighton Bay towards Newhaven and Worthing are quite spectacular. The modern Marina is filled with seacraft to rival that of Monaco! The Marina is a diverse destination, not only are there excellent harbour views, but visitors can amble amongst homes, bars, restaurants, shops, there is even a cinema and a bowling complex.

Visitors who enjoy looking at churches will be impressed with the cavernous St.Bartholomew's Church, this is one of the tallest churches in the country and features stunning architecture, carvings, beautiful stained glass, and lavish decoration. St.Helen's Church is magnificent, with parts of the building dating back over 800 years. Here you will see amazing church treasures which make the church to be a seemingly endless place of fascination.

There is good all year round entertainment in the town's theatre's. Interesting museums recall the town's seafaring history and tell of the life and times of the people who have made Brighton the splendid town we enjoy today.

Brighton is truly the Queen of the Sussex coast, well worth a romantic weekend, or a longer stay to explore both its seafaring heritage, its architecture, and the fabled Sussex coastline.


Attractions in Brighton include: The Royal Pavilion, St. Peters Church, St. Nicholas's Church, The Lanes and Royal Crescent.

Recommended towns & villages near Brighton

Telscombe beach and cliffs, East Sussex

Telscombe (6 Pictures) in the county of East Sussex

(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction E of Brighton)

The tranquillity of this attractive little village is owed to its seclusion. Telscombe rests in a fold of beautiful Sussex countryside, and the fact that it is difficult to reach from the coast, adds to its charms...

Shoreham Airport

Shoreham-by-Sea (94 Pictures) a Seaside Town in the county of West Sussex

(6.3 miles, 10.1 km, direction W of Brighton)

Now an increasingly popular and interesting resort...

Wings Place

Ditchling (14 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of East Sussex

(6.6 miles, 10.5 km, direction N of Brighton)

A pretty village situated in the South Downs..

Lewes

Lewes (112 Pictures) a Historic Market Town in the county of East Sussex

(7.1 miles, 11.5 km, direction NE of Brighton)

Lewes is the boyhood home of the famous diarist, John Evelyn (1620 - 1706) He lived at Southover Grange, an Elizabethan house, which is close to the castle...

Newhaven Harbour, Newhaven, East Sussex

Newhaven (41 Pictures) in the county of East Sussex

(8.2 miles, 13.1 km, direction E of Brighton)

Best known for its cross channel ferries and for its fort built in the 1860's as part of Britain's coastal defences, but which is now a fascinating museum offering visitors the opportunity to experience a massive fortress at first hand...

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Nearby attractions..

Royal Pavilion in Brighton

The Royal Pavilion (39 Pictures)

(0.2 miles, 0.4 km)

The fantasy skyline of Brighton's Royal Pavilion with its confection of domes and minarets, amazes and intrigues all who first.....

A picture of Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier (41 Pictures)

(0.4 miles, 0.6 km)

Brighton Pier is famous for its thrilling rides. Take a journey on the 'Wild River' flume and climb the water mountain for a.....

Snow on Ditchling Beacon, East Sussex - March 2005

Ditchling Beacon Hill Fort (3 Pictures)

(5.3 miles, 8.6 km, direction N)

..

Newtimber Place. West Sussex

Newtimber Place (4 Pictures)

(6.5 miles, 10.4 km, direction NW)

Newtimber Place is a Sussex moated house, build of flint and brick with a roof of Horsham stone. The original house was probably.....

Anne of Cleves House in Lewes, East Sussex. Taken in 2005.

Anne of Cleves House (3 Pictures)

(6.9 miles, 11.0 km, direction NE)

..

Lewes Castle

Lewes Castle (15 Pictures)

(6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction NE)

Lewes is dominated by its famous castle built by William de Warenne, trusty confidant and follower of William the Conqueror. It.....

St Mary's House & Gardens, Bramber, West Sussex

St. Mary's House & Gardens (1 Pictures)

(8.5 miles, 13.6 km, direction NW)

..


All attractions in Brighton
All attractions in East Sussex
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