Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best Brighton has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
- Viewpoint
- Get yourself onto the Booster ride or the old-fashioned rollercoaster precariously perched at the end of Brighton Pier for a bird's eye view of the sea. You'll then be fully deserving of a comforting drink somewhere nice and civilised afterwards.
- Arts and culture
- Brighton is a lot more sophisticated and cultured than many of its visitors realise. The Royal Pavilion is an unforgettable sightseeing experience – inside and out. Originally built for King George IV as his seaside folly, it was transformed into its present Taj Mahal-like grandeur around 1820, and a more recent £10 million refurbishment has restored it to its full glory (www.royalpavilion.brighton.co.uk). Across the road, the contents of the Brighton Museum have appeal for all ages, too. For more activities and sights nearby, see our East Sussex destination guide.
- Shopping
- The Lanes are a fun patch to wander through, with the little jeweller shops and designer boutiques to see before you stop for a coffee in Brighton Square. Amid the patchouli-infused student appeal of the North Laines, there are loads of cute homeware troves. One of our favourite places for artwork and homewares is Castor and Pollux in King’s Road Arches (+44 (0)1273 773776; www.castorandpollux.co.uk). Gresham Blake on Bond Street does a particularly fine line in natty gents’ attire and bespoke tailoring (+44 (0)1273 609587; www.greshamblake.com).
- Daytripper
- Bexhill used to be the preserve of pensioners, but this genteel seaside town is looking livelier these days: the De La Warr Pavilion is a Modernist masterpiece and houses an excellent contemporary arts centre (www.dlwp.com). Hastings retains its easy kiss-me-quick attractions; Eastbourne and Bexhill have long stretches of pebble beach; while the cobbled streets of historic Rye are charming. For more ideas, see our East Sussex destination guide.
- Perfect Picnic
- Forage at Bill's Produce Store on North Road (+44 (0)1273 692894; www.billsproducestore.co.uk) and take your delicacies down to the beach.
- Walks
- The 100-mile South Downs Way starts near Beachy Head and goes all the way to Winchester; the stretches near Brighton are among the most spectacular (www.nationaltrail.co.uk).
- Children
- Brighton’s Sea Life centre is one of the best in the UK (+44 (0)1273 604234; www.sealifeeurope.com).
- Activities
- Waterskiing, wake-boarding and sailing are all on offer in Brighton. Away from the water there are classic spectator sports: Brighton Races (www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk) are on from April to October, or a night at attractive greyhound stadium (+44 (0)1273 204601; www.brightondogs.co.uk). Speak to the concierge at your hotel, who can help you to organise activities like these.
Diary
Mid April–mid May Brighton Arts Fringe festival (www.brightonfringe.net). May 3–25 Brighton Festival is the biggest arts event in England. First week in August is Gay Pride (www.brightonpride.org). October Brighton comedy festival (www.brightoncomedyfestival.com). New Year's Eve Firework display on Brighton Pier, which can be watched from rooms with a view.
