Brighton Pier

Another Pier, this time in Brighton. To get to Brighton may not be expensive, as Southern Railway offers good deals, especially off – peak.
Smell of fish and chips is everywhere and Brighton Pier comparing to Southend Pier if full of people. Both got a long history, however Brighton Pier was quickly used for a commercial use. It was open in 1823 and went through a lot, once even was rebuild due to strong storm. Together with West Pier made The Royal Suspension Chain Pier. First theme park machines were there in 1905 and another entertainments on the pier are Casino, fortune tellers, kiosks selling souvenirs, confectionary and entertainment stalls with games and of course fish and chips. However don’t buy ice-cream or any snack on the pier – sea goals with definitely catch it, I’ve seen in myself! They’re not scared and they are very hungry!

The West Pier wasn’t that fortunate as now it’s only leftover construction due to fires and storms. However there are big plans to rebuild the pier. It is a long term aim as first Brighton is building a new tourist attraction i360, an observation tower on the beach. More details and photos here: Brighton i360. It looks very impressive!

Some street art in Brighton, including Banksy…

Brighton is great… but it’s a shame no sand on the beach, pebbles are great too, but sand would be perfect!

Southend Pier

Southend Pier is the world’s longest pier! It was opened in 1889 and its 1.341 miles long! The Pier survived a lot, such as two world wars, boat crashes, waves, fires and economic decline.

The walk on the pier is great on a sunny day, if is raining you can take an electric train! yes, train on a pier, that’s a great idea.

There is also a tiny museum, located inside the Pier’s entrance, where you can see photographs of the pier from previous years, restored Pier signal box and even old train carriages and old penny slot machine. However the museum is open until the end of September, so be quick to visit. In the same building there is also a Visitor Information Centre.

On the end of the pier there is The Royal Pavilion, opened in 2012 with variety of events and a cafe.
On the pier there is also the RNLI lifeboat station, gift shop and a deck to sit down.

Love it every time…

“The pier is Southend, Southend is the Pier” by Sir John Betjemen