When I visit the UK one of the places my Mum and I like to visit is Brighton Marina in East Sussex. It has a wonderful boardwalk (The Waterfront) lined with restaurants that overlooks the boats in the Marina.
A window seat is a must or, even better on a nice day, a seat outside under an umbrella taking in the sea air.
Brighton Marina In East Sussex
Setting The Foundations
The foundations for the Marina were put in place during the 1970s when I was a teenager. It was officially opened to boats in 1978. The Marina has a high sea wall for protection and, according to the official website, one of the largest non-commercial locks in Europe. The locks provide access to the inner harbor. The Marina was officially opened by the Queen and Prince Philip.
However, it would appear that construction costs vastly exceeded budget and the marina development ground to a halt.
Shops and Restaurants Were Added
I don’t really remember much about the Marina until the 1980s when I was aware of the building and development of the commercial area. Of particular interest to us then was the big supermarket that was built,together with a large multi-storey car park. Shops and restaurants were gradually added and it really became a place to go for a day out.
Since early 2000 residential accommodation has been added. Now there are a range of exclusive housing opportunities including apartments. Building continues with new apartments and restaurants being added – on my last visit in 2020 I noticed a penthouse flat available for well over £1m … it had fabulous views!
A Lovely Day Out
On last visit, pre COVID, Mum and I parked in the big car park and then walked through towards The Waterfront, stopping to look at some of the new restaurants that would be opening shortly. We then walked along the boardwalk and decided where we would eat. not easy given there is such a large choice of restaurants! We managed it though! After a wonderful meal, in a window seat of course (it was breezy that day), we walked around the Marina Village and looked at the apartments, moorings and boats.
I should say that I get dreadfully seasick and whilst it is wonderful to look at all the boats I have no desire to actually get in one. I will settle for taking photographs. But there is something nice about being able to wander around and then find somewhere to sit and watch the world go by – preferably in the sunshine and with a drink to hand. A return visit to Brighton Marina will be definitely on the cards.
Where To Buy Prints Of My Brighton Marina Images
Purchase my images of Brighton, including Brighton Marina from:
My RedBubble store (worldwide shipping)
My Pictorem store (free shipping in North America).
This article was originally published in 2016 and updated and republished 5 April 2022.
Before you go
My name is Dorothy Berry-Lound an artist and writer. You can find out more about my art and writing at https://dorothyberryloundart.com.
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Thank you for reading!
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