Down South By Steve Rudd

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Brighton has always been one hell of a popular place, but until one freezing cold day in February of this year I had never before spent anytime whatsoever there in my twenty-four years in this forever-overwhelming world. I thought it was high time I paid the place a visit, and seeing as though I was down in London anyway - and a return National Express coach ticket down to the coast cost just £15 - I really didn't have any excuses not to go.

The coach terminal in Brighton is right next to the famous Pier, which lies the best part of a mile east of the old West Pier that is no more - just a skeletal frame that's quite literally all washed up and quite haunting in its decadent appearance. So, having got dropped off in a perfectly central location I headed straight down the pier that comes complete with a pretty impressive amusement park that was hustling and bustling with kids... even though it was a school day, and mid-afternoon at that. Ah well, you're only young once, and I'm sure being hurled around a big dipper is more of a laugh than double Maths.

After arriving in a new place for the first time I usually make sure I get some accommodation for the impending night sorted as soon as I can, and you can't really fail to find somewhere decent in a seaside-sited city of Brighton's size.

Still, the Tourist Information Centre had just two hostels to recommend for the backpacker, with one being the YHA (Youth Hostels Association) establishment a few miles north of the city centre in the Patcham suburb, and the other being a St. Christopher's Inn that's to be conveniently found as soon as you get off the coach - and thus right near the pier.

Me being me, and feeling like a walk to get to know the area a whole lot more intimately, I opted for the former and set off north up London Road towards Patcham, which is just about as far north as you can go in the conurbation. Past the infamous and architecturally astounding Royal Pavilion I traipsed with glee, and onward past the beautifully expansive grounds of Preston Park, and then the smaller but no less charming Withdean Park.

The youth hostel itself is just a little way off the Brighton & Hove by-pass (which further reminds you just how far you've walked once you get there), and also not too far from a picturesque wedge of the South Downs escarpment.

In the end I didn't actually stay at the youth hostel (for a couple of reasons, one being the fact that it - truth be told - looked a bit dark and dingy), so I headed the few miles back into town, feeling somewhat better for having seen that cross-section of Brighton. I later found that the St Christopher's Inn joint, that I had initially ignored altogether, wasn't all that bad after all.

For the day-tripper, there is plenty in the city to keep one occupied. Shopaholics are in for a treat, for shops are plentiful. Brighton really is fashion and food-obsessed, with a staggering plethora of classy boutiques and plush restaurants around every corner. Also, all of the main chain department stores are to be found near at hand.

If it's the height of summer, then the beach obviously beckons, but be warned - there is more shingle than sand to be found, so bathing and playing on it might prove - to certain extents - relatively painful.

Continued ..... Next Page

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