The City of Brighton and Hove

Three of us set off for first part of this "figure of eight" shaped urban ramble based centrally.

We passed the clock tower on our way up to Brighton Station to start the walk. Walking down Camden Terrace,, a twitten (local dialect for an alleyway), we proceeded to St Nicholas's Church which is the oldest surviving building in Brighton. Another twiten led us to the Montpelier district of the town - lots of classical and Recency architecture here, with Montpelier Crescent (Amon Henry) being the highlight of the area. Crossing the St Ann's Well Gardens, where Brighton's reputation as a health spa began due to the natural spring there being a source of particularly good spring water, we strolled down to the wonderful green expanse of Brunswick Square.

Proceeding along the seafront - see earlier post - we turned left at the Palace Pier and passed the Old Steine Gardens to walk through the Lanes, a quirky and colourful area with lots of interesting shops. Next we walked through the Cultural Quarter which includes the Brighton Dome, the Museum and, of course, the Royal Pavilion. Designed by John Nash, the palace here has an Indo-Islamic appearance on the outside (very Silk Road); the interior is saved for my next visit to Brighton,Les mer