Brighton Marina and Roedean School

A day in Brighton with Susan’s friend Stella and her daughter Amiee. We usually see them once a year at some point but it has been difficult to find a date this year to visit for the weekend so we decided on a day in Brighton. They travelled from Gosport, us from Bearsted.

We forsook the car, deciding to travel by rail, about 30 minutes slower but potentially more relaxing and with a 2Together railcard no more expensive than taking the car when Brighton’s high parking charges are taken into account.
 
We went via Ashford International, picking up a train there directly to Brighton rather than going up to London and back down again. The little two carriage train was packed at Ashford becoming ever more packed on its journey to Brighton passing through Ham Street, Appledore, Rye, Winchelsea, Hastings, St Leonards, Bexhill, Eastbourne, Polegate, Lewis and Brighton. We were fortunate to have seats but the overcrowding was a disgrace, seeming to be a common occurance as the other time we travelled this way, last August, it was just the same. Not enough stock, a train of double the size would have been full. I wonder what it’s like during a weekday? It was just the same on the way home. No wonder Southern are in trouble.
 
We had a grand day in Brighton. It was warm and sunny for a mid October day although it was cloudy inland. A very short walk from the busy station took us to a local coffee shop which started the day well. Then a long walk along the seafront to Brighton Marina where we stopped for lunch (using Tastecard). After lunch we continued walking along the outer marina wall, still in bright, warm sunshine. Lots of boats as you can see and loads of fishermen too (mostly men), of which the extra caught my eye.
 
On the way back, with the sun setting fog began to roll in, obscuring the remnants of the old West Pier and blanketing the view of people going up in the Brighton i365. It was quite funny for us but must have been most annoying for those going up in the “doughnut” because as the ring ascended it disappeared into the fog, only to reappear on its way down. A trip is £16 on the day, £14.40 online with no 360 panoramas or views miles inland and across the Channel.