Different Seaside Towns

Read the descriptions of four seaside towns in England. The towns may be chosen more than once.

A — Brighton

Brighton lies on the slope of a hill, in the middle of a broad and shallow bay with a pebble beach and some sand at low tide. Its chief attractions are its clear and bracing air, the fine expanse of sea, bordered by white chalk-cliffs, and the crowds of visitors, because it is a very popular place. There are a large number of old and interesting buildings in the town, in particular the Royal Pavilion, built in an Oriental style by the famous architect, John Nash, for the Prince Regent. In the summer, there is horse racing at the town race course, immortalized in Graham Greene's novel, Brighton Rock, and Brighton is well-known for its numerous public houses. Finally, there is an interesting aquarium near the Palace Pier. On the landward side of the town, the South Downs provide many interesting walks and viewpoints.

B — Bournemouth

Bournemouth stands on two small hills in the sheltered valley of the Bourne river, the banks of which are laid out as public gardens. It is well-known as a healthy, attractive and modern resort, surrounded by gardens and pine forests, which are popular all year round. There are excellent and extensive sandy beaches for bathing, and a long line of picturesque cliffs, along with other very interesting things to see, such as the town art gallery and museum, and the East Cliff rock garden which attracts many geologists because it contains a large collection of British geological specimens. The town has literary connections, with Thomas Hardy and R. L. Stevenson, and Mary, the second wife of the poet Shelley, is buried in St Peter's churchyard. Finally, walkers and ramblers can enjoy pleasant walks along the coast in both directions.

C — Torquay

Torquay is a seaside town in Devon, England, about 29 km south of the county town of Exeter and 45 km east-north-east of Plymouth, on the north of Tor Bay. The place dates back to prehistoric times, and there are numerous archaeological remains. It is a well-known resort and spa, with excellent bathing on a sand and pebble beach, and because of its reputation for having a mild climate, it is a popular place for people with delicate chests and pulmonary problems. There is sub-tropical vegetation, palm-trees and the like, growing in the public gardens, and visitors can enjoy picturesque cliff walks, but the town is best seen from a boat in the bay. In fact, Torquay is an important yachting station and an annual regatta is held there in August or September.

D — Hastings

Hastings is famous for the Battle of Hastings in 1066, in which the Normans defeated the Saxons and took over the country. One of the most interesting historical monuments in Britain, Battle Abbey, is near Hastings, and it was founded by William the Conqueror after his victory over the English, led by Harold. The Abbey stands on the exact spot where the English king fell, and there are many old buildings, including the remains of a Norman castle, which is open to the public. The sea front, which is about three miles long with a fine esplanade, is striking. The beach is pebble with sand at low tide, and the town is active only in summer. Along the seafront there are row upon row of cheap bed and breakfast hotels, and finally there are cliffs to the east, which provide walks to the well-known beauty spots of Fairlight and Ecclesbourne Glens.