A splash of sunshine this morning was enough to entice us out on a day trip to Brighton on the south west coast.
We arrived there to a howling gale and thousands of motorcyclists, scooter-riders and others on similar machines! Motorbikes as far as the eye could see parked along the beach front.
Enjoyed cod and chips before strolling the promenade (being bowled along might be more accurate) and the famous pier. Lots of amusements, including the Brighton Wheel. Maybe a bit tacky but fun to see (photos – see link below). Would have loved to use the free blue and white striped deckchairs but clearly not an option in that wind.
Brighton has a stony beach but that didn’t deter the grandson who had a quick play and would have loved to paddle as well despite the inclement weather. The poor lifeguards were on duty and just about the only others on the beach – tied to their shelter no doubt!
The highlight of the afternoon was a tour of The Royal Pavilion, surely the quirkiest, most exotic and theatrically splendid of all the royal palaces and the only one that is not owned by the Crown. Owned by Brighton town, it was purchased when Queen Victoria planned to have it sold/demolished as it didn’t provide enough privacy away from the commoners visiting Brighton and it didn’t suit her large family. The furniture was “shipped out” prior to selling, some is now at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle and some was returned to the Pavilion. Built by George IV (as a pleasure palace) it is described as Indian on the outside, Chinese on the inside but really it is an eastern interpretation of that. The palace is magnificent in its own way- in the Banquet Room, the 30 foot, 1 tonne chandelier in the dining room is a stand-out piece – complete with dragon, palm tree and 3-D leaves and 55,000 glass lobules. The music room is also sumptuous. George apparently loved entertaining and surprising his guests so lots of drama and contrasts to be seen. The royal kitchen (one of five) is pretty amazing for it’s time and would have been impressive in operation- 5 row spit turned by pulleys, huge steam ovens, light and spacious. There is a 100 course menu on display- 40 entrees alone! Nothing on a small scale or understated here.
Highly recommend a visit here and the commentary is excellent- one of the best experienced. Sorry photos not allowed in the Pavilion but try Googling “The Royal Pavilion!”
Comments
Comment by M&G on 2013-09-16 00:29:41 -0700
Sounds good – our ‘history’ is so young in comparison. Not sure if you are up with the America’s Cup online but many NZers have gained a few more grey hairs over the last couple of days! Hope the weather improves for you.
Comment by Albert Tucker on 2013-09-26 22:03:38 -0700
I just catching up. Mother very much the same, no changes. Me doing OK, but a bit off last couple of days. Just tired. Baby sat for Adelle yesterday for 3 hours. Children well behaved and no trouble. Too bad about the “CUP” Out gunned, out sailed, too much finance on other side. Must go, dinner is a-cooking. Love from us both.
