The sunny weather forecast seemed too good for April at 18°☀️ over Brighton and Hove, a lovely opportunity to enjoy the beach after a very busy week!
Commencing our journey late that morning was favourable after a solemn Easter vigil, although the Thames link trains seemed a bit crowded owing to the bank holiday weekend. Family discount tickets were offered over the other exorbitant prices by friendly and helpful station attendants.
Inside the train Milly settled easily after a considerable seating area got cleared at Gatwick and she soon commenced her usual ritual of getting her snout up sniffling in scents by the window and posing for photos. Posing comes so naturally to Milly????
Alighting from the train we headed toward the Brighton Pier enjoying the bright inviting sunlight. The lovely sights of the Pavilion, the fountain and green grounds lit with vibrant coloured tulips and the classic red brick edifices made our walk very scenic and engaging.
Seaside was afresh with redolent scents from the refreshing morning sea water and the sound of sea gulls calling appealed to my heart reminding me of earlier visits… The gulls soon headed toward our ice cream though????but as we walked cautiously facing the sea they continued flying forward. We enjoyed our long walk on the pebbled beach soaking in the rhythms of frothy sea waves that drenched the gleaming colourful stones…
The pebbled beach was pleasantly warm with the rays of the Easter sun although the waters were really chilly. Milly could not resist at first as she jumped forward thrusting her shoulder into the water and when she felt the chill she immediately backed away????
After the long walk we decided to go for a hearty fish and chips meal at Harry Ramsden’s restaurant but they declined us from dining inside because of Milly and so we took the alternative option????…. “a take away”
The takeaway service seemed very slow as preference was given to the restaurant customers over takeaway customers, yet somehow the delivery guys seemed to be served really quickly!
The battered fish was fresh and delicious although the plain thick chips lacked innovation.
We relished our meal instead by the sea front enjoying the spectacular sights around!
After lunch we carried on leisurely exploring the coast line with ice cream softies while watching zip wire sports.. (sadly the Pier does not allow dogs inside)
Zip wire enthusiasts made their way up the spiralled winding stairway that was quite high up, then at the platform atop they were amply secured to the waist. Soon the sport organisers nudged ready as the sportsmen dived forward on the gradient metal rope exhilaratingly screaming onwards until the line’s end ! It seemed more fun to watch rather…????
How about some “Pirate crazy golf” Joshua excitedly shrieked out while gesturing us toward the entrance to the course… and so we booked a family group ticket to the “Pirate crazy golf”! Initially it was to please Joshua yet as we started playing we all got into a playful spirit enjoying the game over every mini course.
The 18 holed miniature golf course was rather entertaining and families soon followed suit…
Milly sat on the side benches lining the course watching us aim the golf balls down the putting hole while we also moved her along the course, and as we cheered at aces or encouraging each other at misses she nodded her head as if in approval… surprisingly this was a complete family-fun venture!
The mellow sun rays helped us finish the game rather energetically with very many memorable pics.
Soon back again at the beach into the shallow waters Joshua and Milly sprinted dashing into the receding foamy waves and experiencing just pure fun… while I sauntered across the pebbled shoreline scrunching over smooth stones feeding birds, it felt quite therapeutic !
It reminded me of the song “Feed the birds” from Mary Poppins, taking me decades back in tears and how my mum loved that movie???? She loved coming to Brighton too, strangely the last time that I had brought her to Brighton it was to be her last visit , I could almost see her tucked into a sun lounger smiling over an ice cream… only memories remain✨
Inhaling in the crisp sea breeze I paused gazing at the seagulls soar , occasionally they hovered in the sunset glow bringing in a warm feeling! I came across a fresh water spring outlet that emerged from under the stones and it gently joined into the sea. The birds cleverly gathered around this area to dip in quenching their thirst, it was vey relaxing to watch.
After enjoying their playful sprint both Milly and Joshua headed back in a cheerful wave pleased and still engaged in their amusements. Time seemed to pass by without much effort and the irresistible sea seemed to glow in the dusky lights! The Beach lights lit up for the evening inviting us to supper.
To complete the family day out we resorted to comfort food at The Harvester… Milly made herself extremely snug and cosy under the pile of coats on the bar couches and sank into a deep nap. Later on she woke up excitedly and was very satisfied eating some steak that I saved for her. The veg “Chilli Non-Carne” was a fantastic vegetarian option. Over comfy seats we huddled munching warm food and chatting endlessly…
To end the relaxed evening we strolled along the pier with some more cone ice cream topped with flakes???? and then leisurely made our way toward the bus stop. As I waved acknowledging my deepest memories from the past I realised new ones were being made, a pleasant and enjoyable family day out at Brighton! The lights from the pier seemed to dim as our bus drove further up and away until we could see them no more…
-Jeannette D’Souza ( Apr 2022)
