For marine surveys and travel to Brighton Marina below are some directions
These directions will help to avoid the traffic on the London to Brighton Road that can be generated from the events on the sea front
There is free parking in brighton marina's multi story car park. It should be noted that on a hot weekend day it is busy.
- From the A27 turn off at the B2123 Falmer/Rottingdean road
- Take the right at the first set of traffic lights by the 'Downs View' pub
- Drive through Woodingdean and up the steep hill
- At the traffic lights next to the race course crossing turn left to cross the race course
- Drive down the hill and continue straight on following the signs for the marina and parking
A short history of Brighton Marina
Brighton is on an exposed straight coast line surrounded to the east with cliffs; with the prevailing wind making for a lee shore (the wind blows onshore).
This means that historically Brighton has offered no degree of natural shelter such as that found in the harbors of the Solent (to the west). It has, however, been a south coast 'port' since the 14th century due to the proximity and transport links with London. In fact it was the fastest route from London to Paris during various periods of history.
Due to this lack of natural shelter, many proposals have been put forward over the years to create a harbour at Brighton.
The first of which to be realized was in 1845, a floating break water to protect the Royal suspension chain pier, the first of Brighton's three piers which was opened in 1823. Its primary function being a landing stage for ships; thought it quickly became a popular promenade The break water lasted for just one year before it was towed away. The chain pier was destroyed by storm damage in 1896. Parts can still be seen at low water today from Brighton Marina.
As horse and cart where replaced as the main means of transport with the London to Brighton railway and its extension to Newhaven's deep water port the need for a Harbour in Brighton was arguably 'not of such important commercial interest'.
It was then not until 1971 that Brighton Marina as we know it was put into construction as a leisure port. The infrastructure was finally completed in 1977 and the first boats arrived in 1978. The longest standing vessel in Brighton Marina is understood to be a heavenly twins cat surveyed by ourselves.
By the late 1980's the shops, superstores, inner harbour flats and houses seen today were built. The forward line of flats overlooking the marina itself were built later by Barratt Homes. Which concludes most of what we see in the marina today.