Lewes is also the home of the Harvey Brewery - while walking through the town you could distinctly smell the hops brewing. On to Brighton - glorious day as you can see - definately a bite in the air but fantastic blue skies. Brighton wasnt what I expected, I was kinda expecting a seaside village like Whitianga (without the white sandy beaches), but it was nothing like that. Actually quite a big town with fascinating alleyways and shops everywhere. The main drag had all the apartments along the sea front.
We parked just across the way from the old pier - the remenants still rotting away into the sea.
Then of course there is the famous Brighton Pier! Which is an amusement area full of bars, little stalls, amusement park rides and arcade style areas with arcade games, pokie machines and video game machines.
A fantastic photo opportunity at every stop eh?
Pete even found a reminder of Arntie R!
After we left the pier we went into the township and Pete showed us around the Brighton Royal Pavillion. This sea-side residence was built for King George IV, and was also used by his brother William IV and their niece Queen Victoria. Originally a farmhouse, in 1787 architect Henry Holland created a neo-classical villa on the site. It was later transformed into its current Indian style by John Nash between 1815 and 1822.
After lunch at an old style English Pub (Helena had Fish'n'chips!) we had an extensive wander around "The Lanes" - the cultural part of Brighton. Very similar to Cuba Mall but 50 times bigger! Lots of alternative style shops, cafes and jewellers!
We parked just across the way from the old pier - the remenants still rotting away into the sea.
Then of course there is the famous Brighton Pier! Which is an amusement area full of bars, little stalls, amusement park rides and arcade style areas with arcade games, pokie machines and video game machines.
A fantastic photo opportunity at every stop eh?
Pete even found a reminder of Arntie R!
After we left the pier we went into the township and Pete showed us around the Brighton Royal Pavillion. This sea-side residence was built for King George IV, and was also used by his brother William IV and their niece Queen Victoria. Originally a farmhouse, in 1787 architect Henry Holland created a neo-classical villa on the site. It was later transformed into its current Indian style by John Nash between 1815 and 1822.
After lunch at an old style English Pub (Helena had Fish'n'chips!) we had an extensive wander around "The Lanes" - the cultural part of Brighton. Very similar to Cuba Mall but 50 times bigger! Lots of alternative style shops, cafes and jewellers!
On our way home Pete took us up to see Jack and Jill - two windmills but unfortunately they are closed over the winter months.
Great views from Jack and Jill overlooking the west of the South Downs - over Pete's town of Burgess Hill.
Great views from Jack and Jill overlooking the west of the South Downs - over Pete's town of Burgess Hill.
Home again, a night in tonight - having Helena's (the English Helena not the kiwi) homemade Lasagne and some yummy garlic doughballs which the kiwi Helena has fallen in love with.
Hard to believe its our last chance for UK sightseeing tomorrow!
