8/17 (Monday) – Brighton

Since the day was so lovely we decided to take the train to Brighton The walk from the station took us past the St. Peter's Church.  The front of the church was covered with scaffolding and we couldn't get in but we did walk around it for some views.

The walk took us through a pretty park...

and past some great old buildings.

The walk also took us by the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange.

Having no information on the history or use of the building, Mary did a little research on it once she got home.  The center area was built as a riding school for the Prince Regent (later George IV) and it now has an adjoining concert hall that was originally the stables for the horses.  The circular concert hall was apparently modeled after a building in Paris called the Corn Market...hence the name Corn Exchange.  But this building was never used to exchange corn.

The main attraction in Brighton (besides the beach) is the Royal Pavilion.  This was a pleasure palace/retreat built by Prince of Wales/Prince Regent/George IV over a 40 year period.  The exterior looks very much like something from India, the interior (again no photos allowed) is very Chinese. 

Décor was over the top in opulence and detail.  Truly memorable.

We then walked through a pedestrian section of town with lots of shops and restaurants...


Window display in a men's clothing store.



to the beach and pier.  The beach from a distance looks like sand (due to the color) but actually consists of medium size pebbles.

The pier is over 100 years old and is very long with many shops, eateries, arcades and rides.  Definitely fun for the entire family. 

The beach appeared to stretch for miles in both directions.

People were fishing off the piers...

and there were the usual street artists and entertainers looking to make a few bucks (pounds). off the tourists  One gentleman took a different approach and sculpted some pretty lifelike dogs from sand. 

When we got back to London we had dinner and then headed back to Gourmet Burger Kitchen for our last fix of the world's best chocolate shakes.

Tomorrow we head back to the US.  It's been a long trip and we've seen tons of stuff.  It will be good to get home but the England is a wonderful place to visit and we will both miss it.  But my guess is we will be back.