It really takes something to get people out for a 90 minute walk through history on a day earmarked to celebrate the crowning of a certain somebody – something that could be argued might also attract the attention of many history boffs. Up the ante to wind and constant rain throughout and you’ll get some impression of the gentle guide Julian’s pull. With 14 years’ experience under his belt putting together a range of walking tours that are constantly updated, and a genuine interest and affection for his subject – the city of Brighton with its hidden secrets and proud curriculum vitae – there’s a soft fascination in his clear delivery that is delightfully contagious.
Starting at the Brighton Town Hall, and meandering with intent through the twittens and lanes of central Brighton, through the Lanes and around the rear of the station and back again into the North Laine – this walk holds an intimacy with the city and its decadent past here. The depths of criminal infamy and the heights of royal debauchery are touched upon, by way of hen party Air B’n’Bs and the odd graveyard.
There’s a sense of the living history in the walls and houses passed by, the future touched upon too with hopeful plans for the Hippodrome. Plus useful links and sources offered generously by Julian at the end of our tour. We too are invited to join him in researching this wonderful battleground for plentiful stories, should we so choose.
“Golf is a good walk spoiled,” was once attributed to Mark Twain. Conversely, Back Passages of Brighton’s Walking Tour is a good walk elevated. Whether a local or a day tripper, there’s plenty of interest to learn on this picturesque perambulation – even short cuts around the crowds on Queens Road! There are more than enough Brighton stories to fully engage and entertain for the duration and marvel at next time you pass a narrow alleyway. Without a rude pun even touched on – despite the tour’s title.
Back Passages Of Brighton: Walking Tour
Brighton Fringe
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