I’m not a huge fan of England. I thought I’d get that out of the way so we know where we stand.
My issue with England is the weather. My mood is very much affected by it, and I suspect too many rainy days would put my good spirits to the test. So I wasn’t heading to the UK thinking I might stumble upon somewhere to retire one day.
But Brighton and London found their way into our plans quite naturally. *le husband often travelled to the UK for work, and I sometimes tagged along. If we were flying home from London, we’d stay an extra day or two to meet up with friends who lived there, wander around and try different restaurants.
Brighton — I Could See Myself Retiring Here
I ended up in Brighton quite by chance. While *le husband was in meetings, his boss asked someone from the office to be my guide and walking companion. A sort of babysitter for me. 😂
I was delighted, because it meant I could see a few places and hear stories from someone who actually lived there.
As a little aside, I also enjoy playing “tour guide” for colleagues visiting Brașov from abroad. I take them to our favourite spots, away from the tourist sights they’ve already had enough of. So it was lovely to be on the receiving end for a change.
We arrived in Brighton in a Fiat 500. So cute! 😍 Our first stop was for something to eat, to fuel up for our walk, and then we started popping into shops.
It was late October, so Halloween preparations were in full swing. One window was filled with skulls, pumpkins and other Halloween shapes made from white and dark chocolate. My kind of Halloween. 😁
We also visited the toy museum, where we saw toys from all over the world. We even found dolls from Romania! It’s a small world, even when it comes to toys. 🙂
Brighton Palace Pier and the October Sunshine
We continued towards Brighton Palace Pier, where I stopped for a few minutes just to take it all in. The sea, the pebble beach, the seafront… I loved it. The sunshine certainly helped.
Chilly sunshine, by my standards. I was dressed for late October, in a winter coat and boots. The locals were on the beach in flip-flops and short-sleeved T-shirts.
So I was the one who looked out of place, even though I thought I’d dressed perfectly sensibly. 😂
I learnt that they make the most of every ray of sunshine, whatever the temperature. Sun’s out, layers off! 😆
A Bookshop and a Retirement Plan
At one point, we went into a bookshop where two ladies were chatting about something that clearly amused them. As soon as they saw me, they started talking to me as though we already knew each other.
I really liked how relaxed people were. After our seaside walk, that little encounter in the bookshop gave me another reason to like Brighton.
And just like that, I — the person who says she isn’t a fan of England and wouldn’t cope well with all that rain — decided I’d quite like to live somewhere like this when I’m older.
With the sea nearby and people who have time for a chat.
Around Sussex — Goring and Other Stops
Beyond Brighton, we also explored some of the surrounding area. Lots of greenery, narrow roads, hedgerows and houses that made quite a change from the city.
I have to give the rain some credit here. I complain about it, but all that green doesn’t water itself. 😅
Highdown Gardens, near Goring-by-Sea
One of our stops was Highdown Gardens, near Goring-by-Sea. Trees, lush vegetation and open meadows in the surrounding area. We had sunshine here too, so England was showing itself at its best. 😁
Arundel and Fulking
In Arundel, we stopped by the castle, with its stone walls and towers. Even from the street, there’s plenty to look at: the imposing gateway, the battlements and the towers rising behind the walls.
We also stopped in Fulking to eat at The Shepherd & Dog. Trees all around and a narrow lane — that unmistakably English setting.
London — Walking Beneath Grey Skies
In London, we visited the Natural History Museum, where we enjoyed the exhibits and learnt interesting things about the history of the Earth and the evolution of life. Fossils, skeletons and creatures from millions of years ago made a change from our walks around the city.
We also tried various pubs in search of the best fish and chips. It’s become our “traditional” meal whenever we visit England. 😁 Since we’re here, we might as well try another one. Perhaps it’ll be even better.
We walked around Westminster, past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and explored the area around Tower Bridge, beside the Thames.
Every time we visited, we had gloomy weather, fog and grey everywhere. The sky, the water, the buildings… exactly the sort of weather I don’t get along with. 😅
So, although we saw some interesting places, I can’t say I’m in a hurry to return to London.
Final Thoughts on Our Visits to England
❤️ What we (well, I) loved:
- Brighton, with the sea nearby and relaxed people who chatted to me as though we already knew each other. I could see myself retiring here. 😁
- The food! I don’t think I tried anything I didn’t like. I’m a fan of shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips has become our “traditional” meal whenever we’re in England. And don’t get me started on the desserts: sticky toffee pudding, apple crumble, bread and butter pudding… I love them all. 😁
💔 What we (okay, I) didn’t like:
- The gloomy weather, fog and grey skies we had every time we visited London. For someone whose mood is so affected by the weather, it’s not the ideal combination.
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