Before I start I must warn you that I'm very biased. I live in Brighton (or Hove actually as the saying goes) and I love it. I came here in 1994 to go to University of Sussex nearby and just never got round to leaving.
If you're looking for somewhere to visit this summer let me try to entice you to Brighton. We're very proud of our newly acheived City status and we've got so much to offer. Whatever age you are and whatever interests you have Brighton will be bound to satisfy you. Lets start with some obvious basics.
Unless you live on the South Coast (in which case I'm sure you already know how to get here) the easiest way is to get to London Victoria. From there you can catch a train or coach to Brighton. There is an express train that takes less than an hour. Even the standard train takes less than two hours. The coach takes two hours. Both the coach and the train terminate in Central Brighton and are very frequent to and from the city.
For train times: www.railtrack.co.uk or 08457 484950 For coach times: www.gobycoach.com
There is accomodation to suit every budget in Brighton. If you're the last of the big spenders check out The Grand (5 star), The Hilton Brighton Metropole or The Thistle Hotel (both 4 star). All located on Brighton seafront.
If you're working to more of a budget or travelling with a family you may like to try something less extravagant. There are many 3 star hotels along the seafront offering accomodation from £30 per person per night, normally including full English breakfast and VAT. Prices can vary wildly depending on the seaaon, availability and whether or not there is a conference taking place in the town. For starters there is The Queens Hotel, The Kings Hotel and The Brighton Hotel. If you are travelling with children make sure you ask for a family room where there should be enough space for them to put extra beds in for you.
If you are simply looking for cheap and cheerful then try one of the guest houses or b&bs. There are absolutely loads of them especially in Kemptown to the East of the Brighton Pier (formally the Palace Pier) in the centre of Brighton seafront. Check out Paskins Hotel, Penny Lanes Hotel and Regency Hotel.
Wherever you stay, the most important thing you must do when checking in (other than paying that is!) is ask for a tourist information map. It will show you where the attractions are that I mention and other ones besides.
For accomodation info: www.tourism.brighton.co.uk
What are you going to do then now you're here?
The kids will love the new play area on the lower promenade in Brighton. It's complete with climbing frames etc for all ages as well as a large shallow pool with plenty of shade. There's plenty of space around the side for parents to sit and there are changing rooms and toilets so you can sunbathe too. There is plenty of space for pushchair parking and baby changing facilities are also provided. The whole area is enclosed by low level fencing and secure gates so that children are safe. There is a newsagent type shop nearby if you've forgotten or run out of anything. There are also two restaurants nearby, Lucy's and Alfresco, who are more than happy to accept children.
If your kids (or you!) are looking for thrills wander along to the Brighton Pier (just look along the seafront, you can't miss it!). It's free to enter and there are rollercoasters and other such rides as well as the usual fairground stalls and arcade attractions. If you're feeling peckish here nibble on some candy floss or other snacks from the many side stalls. Alternatively you can guzzle down some fish and chips at the Palm Court Restaurant. If you fancy a drink there are three bars. Horatios accepts children until 8pm. The Offshore Bar is the place to go for Karaoke and Victorias Bar is for sports fans.
The Sealife Centre is another wonderful kids activity. Opposite the Brighton Pier it is full of fish and is open from 10am daily in the summer. Admission is £6.95 for adults and £4.50 for children.
www.brightonpier.co.uk www.sealife.co.uk
One of the most popular historical attractions in Brighton is The Brighton Pavillion. Located just north of the seafront it was the brainchild of King George IV, who visited Brighton in 1783 and fell in love with the place. The Pavillion took 30 years to build and £500,000 (a lot of money then) and to this day is a very controversial building - you either love it or hate it. Come and find out. It's open from 10am in the summer. Adults: £4.90, children: £3.00.
Probably the most popular adult activity in Brighton, other than sunbathing and drinking, is shopping. Churchill Square shopping centre is home to every type of shop you could possibly need as wells as a Debenhams department store on three levels. There is also a food mall on the top floor including a McDonalds.
But don't just stick to these traditional shops, you can get them anywhere. Take a walk to the East of Churchill Square, down North Street and look out for the signpost to your right to the Lanes. This is a veritable maze of antiques and jewellry shops as well as pubs and cafes. The Bath Arms is a great place to sit down for a drink and a snack, as is Gars Chinese reastaurant. For the vegetarians there's Food for Friends or Terre a Terre.
Again from North street if you take a left down Bond Street you will find yourself in the North Laines, being the newer version of the Lanes. This area is filled with unique and diverse shops, such as the Bead Shop and Yum Yums Chinese supermarket. My favourite eaterie in this area is The Dorset Street Bar. They serve unusual beers and cider and their Mussels are out of this world.
When you've finished shopping and you're ready for a night out let me suggest Preston Street as a good place to start. The road is lined on with restaurants on both sides from top to bottom. It is home to every type of food you could possibly be looking for, and for every type of budget. If you're feeling flush check out China Garden at the bottom of the road. I used to live in Hong Kong and for me this is one of the only restaurants that serves authentic Chinese food. A more traditional eaterie is the Taurus Steak House further up the road and for American food there is Dig in the Ribs.If you fancy a bit of a boogie later on, West Street houses several clubs (I love the Event II on a Friday night) the majority of the rest being located on the lower promenade on the seafront. Their featured artists and type of evenings change regularly so it is best to ask at your hotel. A word of warning however, jeans and trainers are normally considered unacceptable.
Preston Street/Clubs: www.thisisbrighton.co.uk (follow the link for eating out)
There we go, that's my guide to Brighton. I could say more but then there wouldn't be anything for you to come and see would there! I hope that if you do visit you enjoy coming here as much as I enjoy living here.
Look forward to seeing you.
Shell.
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I'm moving to Brighton in about a month and havn't really visited properly before so now I'll have more of a clue where to go, thanks! Moll
tomhughes78 08.03.2003 12:18
I used to live in Brighton until I started uni last year - I still love going back at holidays :) tom
AmeetC 14.08.2002 13:03
The op here is truly wonderful. I am so far away from it and praying to the almighty to write foreign travel in my life, Brighton to be more specific. -- AmeetC
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Advantages: good variety of artwork, absolutely free unless you buy some artwork,you get to see some lovely houses, meet some friendly artists Disadvantages: you can't see them all, can be a bit tiring trekking around Brighton!
Jul 28th, 2002
very helpful by (100%):
