Day Trip: Brighton

While staying in London, I took a daytrip to the famous Brighton. The city rose to popularity among Victorian Britons in the 1840's after the construction of the railways. The construction of the Palace Pier attracted thousands of wealthy Victorians as a nice summer vacation spot away from the big city. This seaside town is still a popular weekend getaway for Londoners and tourists a like. Although a bit different than most beaches (presence of pebbles rather than sand), it still radiates a festive, social, and relaxing atmosphere. 

Only 1 hr train ride from London (train leaves every 30 minutes-1 hr), it is worth a visit. It's a nice change of pace and scenery. 

Train ride from London Victoria Station to Brighton:

Brighton Train Station:

       

After walking downhill on Queen's Street (main road that passes through the city's heart), I stumbled upon Brighton Beach. It was a sight to see! The weather was perfect and it was nice and warm almost felt like I was in California again. The view was like a postcard: the Brighton Pier protruding over the ocean, the clear blue skies, the calm waters hugging the pebbled shores. 

Pictures of Brighton Beach and Pier:

 

 

 

     

During my walk around Brighton Beach, I got hungry and found this old fish and chips shop so stopped in and picked up lunch. I could tell from the outside that this was a popular and historic place to dine. I came across many similar shops, but it seemed too commercialized and touristy. This one seemed like a simple local place that does one thing right and doesn't have to cater to new and modern tastes. 

Pictures of the fish and chips shop:

    

After I picked up my bag of fish and chips, I strolled down to the beach and sat on the beach and enjoyed the scenery. 

Then, visited the imposing, exotic-looking, and famous Royal Pavilion. This rather interesting palace built for George IV was created as a luxurious respite and showcase of the British Empire. It's architecture uses a blend of Mughal, Ottoman, and Chinese styles. It was meant to be a place fro George IV to host, entertain, and house royal and distinguished guests who visited Brighton. The exterior reflects is more Middle East and Central Asian styles. The interior displays more Eastern Asian influences. 

Pictures of the Royal Pavilion:

 

 

Unfortunately, they didn't allow pictures inside the palace so I'm not able to post any. The interior was nice and extravagantly decorated with Chinese and Eastern-style furniture, wall paper, dining ware, and decorations. It was made to impress guests for banquets and special occasions. It was beautifully restored after the war so it appears as it did during its former glory days. 

At the balcony level, there is a little cafe which serves tea and pastries. I was feeling a bit fatigued from walking around so I got a table and ordered a proper English tea and scone set. 

After my afternoon tea at the Royal Pavilion, walked around the streets of Brighton. Discovered some quaint and interesting boutiques and cafes. I discovered there was a big art scene in the city so there were a lot of eccentric buildings, vibrant colored walls, and galleries.

Pictures of some of the interesting alleyways:

    

 Overall, I enjoyed this daytrip to Brighton. It was a nice getaway from busy and crowded London. The whole city is walkable so there's no need to use public transportation unless you want to get outside of the city. Most major sites and the beach are only a short walk from the main train station. It's easy to imagine this place being a major vacation hub during the Victorian era due to its proximity to London, the ocean, and its relaxed atmosphere. I've always been curious about traveling to Brighton after hearing from friends who have studied or traveled there. If you have a few days in London, I highly recommend that you spend a day in Brighton to experience this vibrant seaside town.

Stay tuned for the next blog post series which will focus on my trip to Scotland!
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England Day Trip Part I: Salisbury, Stonehenge, Bath

This entry is one of a few devoted to daytrips made during my recent trip to the UK. 

I found a package daytrip excursion deal through "Golden Tours" (London-based tour company) to Salisbury, Stonehenge, and Bath which included a roundtrip bus ride/tour guide from London Victoria Station. It was a pretty good deal since it included 3 major sites within a few hours drive of each other. We started off in the early morning and departed for our daylong excursion. It was great to check off all these places off my bucket list in one day. 

First Stop: Salisbury

A small town which has been known for centuries by the famous Salisbury Cathedral. Most of the cathedral was completed in 1280, but it was not until 1320 that the iconic tower and spire was installed. The cathedral is one of the most famous in England and should be visited. In addition to its superb Gothic architecture, it houses an original copy of the Magna Carta (c.1215) or "Great Charter"--earliest democratic law signed by King John. The law granted political reforms and allowed for:more political representation, limitation of monarchic power, equality, and basic freedoms granted to citizens. The original document can be viewed for free at the British Library in London (near King's Cross St. Pancreas). It was amazing to see this ancient document that influenced and paved the way for future democratic governments in the U.S., France, and other nations. 

Pictures of the cathedral:

 

Inside the Cathedral:

World Oldest Clock (c.1386)

Nave

Battle Used Flags

Old knight's tomb

Second Stop: Stonehenge

Stonehenge has been shrouded in mystery for centuries ever seen being erected in 
3000 BC. It was built in the Neolithic Age. Historians and archaeologists suggest it's remains and circular structure indicate a religious or burial significance. No one is really sure why or how this monolithic masterpiece was constructed. Surprisingly, it was stood for thousands of years and continues to draw interest from tourists. It is one of the biggest draws to England due to its cultural and historical value. Unfortunately, due to the overcrowding and partial damage to the site, Stonehenge is now roped off so you can't too close to it. I guess this is good and bad (good- preserves and protects this sacred site, bad-can't get too close to it). 

Stonehenge pictures:

 

 

Third Stop: Bath

A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the site of the best preserved ancient Roman baths in the world. Originally named Aquae Sulis, it was founded in 60 AD during the Roman occupation of Britain. Known for its curative and therapeutic properties, Bath had flourished as a major city in Roman Britain for the next few hundred years. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city and the baths slowly fell in the disrepair and it was largely forgotten. It was not until the the late 15th century that the baths regained its importance and appreciation. From the 17th-20th centuries, the baths were renovated, improved, and reestablished as a hub of health and relaxation. 

 

 
                                              Spa Water Complex  


                                     Original spa water flow




    You can taste the mineral water! Tasted like iron..haha. 

 

Roman artifacts found at the Roman Bath Complex

Travel tip: These 3 sites are often combined into a 1 day full excursion package deal. There are many companies offering this and they originate from London. Most hotels and tourist information centers have brochures for this and they cost around $120/person. Not a bad deal as you are provided with an air-conditioned bus and a guide. 

Overall, I was pleased with this tour as we had more than enough time to enjoy and fully appreciate these 3 great sites. Salisbury was interesting because I didn't know much about it before I went on the tour and now I appreciate and understand it's significance. I've always wanted to visit Stonehenge ever since I was young. I was fascinated by ancient world famous archaeological sites after reading about them in Eyewitness books and watching tv documentaries. I never thought I would actually visit it, but now that I'm more well-traveled and have the opportunity, I try to visit the places I once dreamed about. Bath, was also an interesting place due to its long history and beautifully preserved architecture. It is amazing to see culture rediscovered and showcased for visitors and locals to understand it's importance. 

Stay tuned for the next entry which will be on a daytrip to Victorian Brighton!

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