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The Royal Pavilion
King George IV's former seaside residence is a stunning piece of
architecture and deservedly Brighton’s most popular attraction.
The grounds are extensive and beautiful and there are a few fine
outdoor restaurants nearby. Tours are available, and are
handicapped accessible.
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Palace Pier
A promenade along the pier is a trip back to the more innocent
fun-fair days of the Victorian age, with rides, food stalls,
candy floss and even pubs perch improbably on the pier. A
typically English, ‘Enid Blytonesque’ experience.
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Brighton Beach
Made entirely of pebbles, the beach comes as a surprise to many
visitors, but it’s a popular place for locals to get some sun
and fresh air, even in winter, and is a focal point for the
city.
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Volks Railway
Built and opened in 1883 by local inventor Magnus Volk, this was
the first public electric railway in the UK. Running right next
to the beach in open sided carriages, the train from Brighton
Pier to Black Rock, near Brighton Marina, and is a popular
attraction.
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North Laine
Gardner Street and Kensington Gardens, collectively known as the
North Laine, is the favoured shopping area for those looking for
the unusual, the unique and the eclectic.
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Clock Tower
Built in 1888 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee,
the clock carries portraits of the Queen, Prince Albert and
their son, the future Edward VII, and his wife. Above the clock
is a gilt copper sphere, a time ball that once rose up a mast
every hour and fell on the hour. The mechanism is no longer in
use as the council had so many complaints from local residents
about the noise.
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Artist’s Quarter
A series of small, interesting studios and shops under the
arches of the promenade where local painters, sculptors and
toy-makers make and sell their wares, which make popular
souvenirs of the city.
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Peace Statue
Originally meant to celebrate the reign of King Edward VII, this
statue on the main seafront road has since become known as the
Peace Statue because of the Peace Festival on nearby Hove Lawns
every summer. The statue takes the form of an angel of peace
holding an orb and an olive branch and is impossible not to
miss.
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Preston Park
One of the most popular parks in the city, Preston offers plenty
of activities and sights for visitors, from beautiful gardens, a
cycle track, cafes, the impressively Edwardian Preston Manor and
a variety of local events.
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St Helen’s Church
This is the oldest building still in use in the city and
contains many ancient features including religious wall
paintings and original timberwork. The churchyard also contains
many interesting headstones.
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Devil’s Dyke
This huge Canyon carved out of the hills is popular with (rather
fit) walkers for the excellent view, as well as the rather
entertaining story of how it was created.
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South Downs
This is a range of hills ("Downs" is an old English word for
moderate hills) near the city and just off the coast. The grass
covered downs are very popular with locals for walking and
picnics. Near Ditchling Beacon and Stanmer Park is a lovely but
little known memorial, dedicated to the memory of the Hindu and
Sikh soldiers who died in hospital in Brighton during World War
I.
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Kemp Town
Located at the eastern end are Sussex Square and Lewes Crescent,
this area has plenty of pubs, boutiques, B&Bs and many
interesting little shops. Kemp Town is also the spiritual home
of the city's large gay and lesbian community.
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Arundel Castle
Built by the Earl of Arundel at the end of the 11th century,
this lovely castle is located in nearby Arundel. Surrounded by
well kept grounds, it contains a collection of 16th century
furniture and artworks by Gainsborough and Van Dyck, amongst
others. The castle also has historical links with Mary, Queen of
Scots and Henry VIII.
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Beachy Head
This windswept headland is one of the most spectacular spots on
the South Coast, overlooking the lighthouse 500 feet below. It
is also the most popular suicide spot in the UK.
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