Brighton Peterborough Train

Brighton can trace its origins back to Brightelmstone which dates back to before the Domesday Book (1086) but developed as a health resort and spa during the 18th century. It was frequently used by the then Prince Regent and became a popular destination for Londoners to escape the city, especially the following the arrival of the railway in the 1840's.

Brighton's traditional economy for its first 700 years was centred on the fishing industry. Land called the Hempshares, the site of the present Lanes) provided hemp for ropes and sails were made from flax which was grown in nearby Hove. Fishing nets were dried and boast were kept on land which became Old Steine and fishermen lived and worked on the foreshore below east cliff. Herring and mackerel were the main products, but plaice, cod and conger eels were also fished.

In the 18th century the economy diversified as the town grew. Small-scale foundries were established, especially in the North Laine area; coal importers such as the Brighthelmston Coal Company set up business to receive fuel sent from Newcastle; and the rise of tourism and fashionable society was reflected in the proliferation of lodging house keepers, day and boarding school proprietors, dressmakers, milliners and jewellers.

The city of Peterborough, in the county of Cambridgeshire, has a mix of attractions from countryside walks, nature reserves and villages to city centre heritage attractions. Explore the city's Norman Cathedral with magnificent architecture set in beautiful grounds or visit Burghley House, John Clare Cottage and Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre with its historic Watermill. The Nene Park, which opened in 1978, covers a site 3.5 miles long, from slightly west of Castor to the centre of Peterborough. The park has three lakes, one of which houses a watersports centre. Ferry Meadows, one of the major destinations and attractions signposted on the Green Wheel, occupies a large portion of Nene Park. Orton Mere provides access to the east of the park. Southey Wood, once included in the Royal Forest of Rockingham, is a mixed woodland maintained by the Forestry Commission between the villages of Upton and Ufford. Nearby, Castor Hanglands, Barnack Hills and Holes and Bedford Purlieus national nature reserves are each sites of special scientific interest. In 2002 the Hills and Holes, one of Natural England's 35 spotlight reserves, was designated a special area of conservation as part of the Natura 2000 network of sites throughout the European Union.