Brighton
Brighton attracts tourists. not only from across the UK but The World. It combines the charms of a seaside town, the South Downs National Park and a buzzy eclectic city all in one place; just 47 miles from London. The Royal Pavilion is at the very center of it all with a colourful history stretching back over 200 years. It was built as the seaside pleasure palace for King George IV and has also served the city as a civic building and First World War hospital. It has now become a true icon of Brighton (BN1 1EE). If you are looking for pleasure, then the Brighton nightlife is where it’s at!
The Piers
Brighton’s famous West Pier at Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2FL, opened in 1866 and was designed by Eugenius Birch. It was the first pier to be given the Grade I listing in Britain. Sadly, on 28th March 2003 the pier was the victim of an arson attack and burnt down, but the structure remains and has become a popular photography spot for locals.
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Just a few months later, on 11th May, the Concert Hall which had already been seriously damaged in a winter storm, was also subject to an arson attack, deliberately set on fire. To find the best views of the old West Pier, or the still standing Palace Pier, why not take a trip up the i360 Viewing Tower. It’s from here that you can take in the sights from a height with a glass of champagne in hand (BN1 2LN).
The Brighton Palace Pier or “Brighton Pier” at Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1TW is a Grade II listed pleasure pier and is still standing. It’s the last remaining pier from 3 originally built over the years.
Previously, there was also the Royal Suspension Chain Pier, which was the first major pier built in Brighton in 1823. This pier designed by Samuel Brown, only lasted 73 years as it was destroyed during a storm in 1896. As the water level lowers on the shores of Brighton, wooden stumps appear along with cyclopean blocks. These are sadly the only remnants of that chain pier.
Today, the attractions on the remaining pier, which was opened in 1899, include the usual British seaside pier amusement arcade, rides and other attractions as well as a Rollercoaster.
More things to do and places to see around Brighton
If you are looking for a day away from the sea, Stanmer Park at Lewes Rd, Stanmer, Brighton BN1 9SE is a large public park. It’s a Nature Reserve and registered on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England at Grade II level. Enjoy wonderful woodland walks, take a picnic or just relax with friends. The park spans 485 hectares. Stanmer Village at BN1 9QA is also worth a visit, as it’s a great example of an 18th century working village.
Pay a visit to the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery at Royal Pavilion Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE.
Brighton Toy and Model Museum can be found at 52-55 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4EB. It occupies 4000 square feet of floor space within the victorian arches supporting the forecourt of Brigthon Railway Station.
Booth Museum of Natural History is based at 194 Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 5AA and run by Brighton and Hove Council.
For some fresh air, head to The National Trusts’s Ditchling Beacon which is the third highest point on the South Downs. It is a large chalk hill with a very steep northern face. You will find sheep grazing and plenty of open grassland. Ditchling Bostall, Ditchling, Brighton BN1 8ZB
Brighton Pier
If you feel that you need to breathe some fresh air into your life; finding your relationship suffocating, here are some family solicitors in the area
Dean Wilson LLP Solicitors are an award-winning family team established over 100 years ago and you can find them at Ridgeland House, 165 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN3 1TL.
Alternatively, for a firm in the centre of town, Burt Brill & Cardens Solicitors have an equally long history offering a full range of legal services. They can be found at 30 Old Steine, Kemptown, Brighton BN1 1FL.
Family Law Partners are based in 5 Clifton Mews, Clifton Hill, Brighton BN1 3HR and they claim, ‘Our team is truly different. We’re everything you would expect from a family lawyer (integrity, professional, trustworthy, patient) but with support and care that is second-to-none.’
O’Sullivan Family Law have office in Brighton at 3rd Floor, Queensberry House, 106 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XF. They are also based in Lewes at 92a high Street, BN7 1XH and Hove at The Dock Hub, Willbury Villas, BN3 6AH
Goodlaw Solicitors – “We understand that contacting a solicitor can be daunting and stressful and we make every effort to deal with our clients’ issues professionally and with empathy”. 6 The Drive, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3JA
Cognitive Law – “We understand that a breakdown in the family is an emotional and stressful time. A sensitive and delicate approach is required when resolving family issues as quickly and painlessly as possible.” 15a Brighton Place, Brighton BN1 1HJ
Una Archer features in The Hug Directory for East Sussex. She helps parents to soften the impact of separation.
Mediation
For those couples looking for a much more cost-effective way to divorce, it is worth looking at mediation. In the courts today, you have to prove that you have had at least one session of mediation prior to court proceedings starting.
Should I try mediation?
There is only one excuse for not attending mediation before hitting the courts and that is where a party has suffered domestic abuse or violence. In this case, it is understood that the last thing a victim wants to do is to try and reason with their abuser and sit in the same room or building.
Mediation exists to try and solve the issues which arise when a couple separate. The mediator takes the form of an adjudicator and will make sure that discussions take place in a constructive manner and that each party has the opportunity to be heard. It can be used for matters concerning children and finances, so is flexible.
Mediation must not be confused with relationship coaching or counselling. When couples arrive at the Mediators office they are there because the marriage has irretrievably broken down and divorce proceedings have started. The concern of mediation is that each party gets what they feel is a “fair deal” in the separation. Read more about mediation is this article
If you are going through a life-changing situation, don’t forget your finances. We have found these financial planners in the area
- North Laine Financial Management – West Wing, 47 Old Steine, Brighton, BN1 1NW
- Antrams – 44-46 Old Steine, Brighton BN1 1NH
- Apect8 – Telecom House (5th Floor), 125 – 135 Preston Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 6AF
- Pembroke Financial Services – Marlborough House, 102-110 High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex BN43 5DB
- Bright Blue Wealth Coastal – 21 Kensington Street. Brighton BN1 4AJ
Your financial health during separation
How can a financial planner help?
You may have come out of a divorce with a settlement or a house, or you may have left with nothing. Look at what you do have and make it work for you. If you have come out with something substantial it is worth speaking to a financial advisor to see how you can best nurture it. You have to consider the future and look after what you have, ensuring that you don’t lose the lot!
