You’ll never be lost for things to see and do whilst you’re in Brighton and the surrounding area. Choose from thrill rides on Brighton Pier, under sea adventures at SEA LIFE (or if you’re a pro then really splash out with the Brighton Dive Centre boys), have a ball with Orb360, or head out to the beautiful South Downs and explore picturesque Lewes or one of the many castles & gardens to be found across Sussex...
Dive in to SEA LIFE Brighton
Explore a whole underwater world including tropical swamps, shark infested coral reefs and the all-new Serpents of the Sea exhibit filled with deadly sea snakes and gruesome looking eels.
With over 150 species on display you’re sure to be entertained and amazed. We’re big fans of the sea turtles which you can watch swimming gracefully above you from the underwater tunnel. The Lost in Amazonia mirror maze is great fun for adults and children alike – within the maze you’ll discover piranhas and poison dart frogs alongside freshwater stingrays and tropical fish, all within a lush rainforest setting.
SEALIFE also has the distinction of being the World’s oldest operating aquarium and the Victorian arcade has been beautifully restored in recent years to complement the new displays and exhibits.
Sea Life Brighton, Marine Parade 01273 604 234 • www.sealife.co.uk
Take to the skies with Brighton Scenic
We say: Take a Pleasure Flight from Shoreham airport from only £38 adults and £30 children. Your pilot will fly you over Brighton and the Sussex Coast, giving you the opportunity to take some fabulous photos whilst you listen in to the complimentary guided tour on your own headset. The plane seats a maximum of three passengers per flight. Suitable for all ages over five years. Flying days are flexible and bookings are essential.
07918 902 721 • www.brightonscenic.co.uk
Live like a king at the Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion is one of the most spectacular heritage buildings in the UK. A former palace, built by John Nash for the Prince Regent (later George IV), this decadent display of orientalism and chinoisery won’t fail to impress even the most jaded visitor. We highly recommended a guided tour to really breathe life into the palace.
Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, BN1 1EE
03000 290 900 • www.royalpavilion.org.uk
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
The city’s largest museum has a fantastic collection of modern design, alongside a fascinating art collection, anthropological galleries and a mass of well-presented information about the story and development of the city. Entry is free and the café serves a mean carrot cake!
Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, BN1 1EE • www.virtualmuseum.info
Brighton Dive Centre
Flippin’ ‘eck! Brighton Dive Centre has just introduced a dive taster session for complete beginners for a mere £25 per person... you get a basic introduction to the joys of scuba all in the comfort of a local swimming pool.
For the more advanced diver, or those who can commit to a couple of training sessions over a weekend, the guys have teamed up with Brighton Pier to offer dives off the lower observation deck of the pier straight into the deeps. Or for real exhilaration you can dive in the shark tank at SEALIFE Brighton.
01273 606 068 • www.thebrightondivecentre.co.uk
Brighton & Hove Greyhound Stadium
An afternoon or evening at the races is fantastic value and great fun for all ages. On sunny days watch the action trackside, or relax in the huge glass fronted pavilion containing a selection of bars and restaurants. With tote bets starting at just £1, free entry on selected days, and a wide range of entry/dining/bet packages it’s a sure fire winner!
Nevill Road, Hove, BN3 7BZ • 01273 204 601
Get snap happy with Fotos on Foot
Here’s a new angle on traditional sightseeing – develop your creative side this summer with Brighton based photography tours ‘Fotos on Foot’. Improve your camera skills, whilst exploring the picturesque Royal Pavilion gardens, Brighton Pier and street scenes of the bohemian North Laines. Qualified tutor Laura Dodson will give advice on composition, using available light and more whilst you get an insiders guide to all the best photo spots in town. A unique experience and suitable for those too busy to do a longer course; it’s time to take your camera off ‘Auto’!
For more info call Laura on 07968 246 102 • www.fotosonfoot.co.uk/
Breeze Up The Downs
Escape the bustle of the city any Sunday and breeze up to Devil’s Dyke or Ditchling Beacon on the #77 or 79 bus which run hourly from central Brighton. At just £4.50 return, including up to 2 children free, its the perfect way to blow away the cobwebs!
01273 292 480 • www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/breezebuses
Brighton Watersports
The city’s #1 watersports company is conveniently located in the seafront arches close to the West Pier. Choose from sea kayaking, dinghy sailing, and the fun new sport of paddle boarding. Introductory lessons and supervised sessions are available to ensure you stay safe in the water.
185 Kings Road Arches, BN1 1NB • 01273 323 160 • www.thebrightonwatersports.co.uk
Anchors away!
We say: Based at Brighton Marina, Water Tours offers you the chance to sample life on the ocean waves (and be home in time for tea). Their incredibly popular mackerel fishing trips allow budding sea-dogs of all ages and abilities 90 minutes of fishing (rod hire is available or you can bring your own). Alternatively take a Pier Pleasure Trip - a 45 minute cruise through the Marina, out to sea and then on to see both piers as never before. Memorable private hire cruises are available for groups of up to 60.
07836 262 717 • www.watertours.co.uk
Stanmer Park
Stanmer Park is located on the very edge of the city, and is popular with locals looking for a breath of country air. Centred around the historic Stanmer House, you’ll find many miles of walks through woodland, parkland and farmland. There’s also the quaint Stanmer Village to explore, and there’s a great tearooms where you can rest your weary legs.
Stanmer Park, off A27 • www.stanmerpark.co.uk
Drusillas
Drusillas features all kinds of animals from penguins to gibbons and beavers to meercats, plus there’s also loads of energy-burning activities for the kids including a massive playground and the chance to see if you can run as fast as a cheetah. Oh, and you can take a ride on Thomas the Tank engine too!
Drusillas Park, off A27 (Lewes-Eastbourne road), near Alfriston • 01273 874 100 • www.drusillas.co.uk
Bluebell Railway
Train and history buffs should head to the Bluebell Railway (Sheffield Park or a short bus ride from East Grinstead station) for a steam train ride through the countryside - a great way to see the seasons Autumn colours. As well as daily services, there are loads of themed trips on the railway so check the website for details.
www.bluebell-railway.co.uk • 01825 720 825
Middle Farm
Nestling at the foot of Firle Beacon on the South Downs in Sussex, Middle Farm is a 625 acre working family farm. Kids will love meeting the many animals in the open farm area then burning off some energy in the hay play barn, whilst grown-ups can indulge themselves in the massive farm shop and the National Collection of Cider & Perry.
A27 at Firle near Lewes • 01323 811 411 • www.middlefarm.com
Enjoy all the fun of the fair at Brighton Pier
Brighton Pier is the world-famous icon of the city, and is constantly ranked as one of the top visitor attractions in the UK. Enjoy traditional slots and side shows alongside the latest white knuckle rides, plus a wide range of dining and drinking options.
Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN1 1AD • 01273 609 361 • www.brightonpier.co.uk
The need for speed at Race-A-Way
This unique attraction features five giant Scalextric tracks based around famous British circuits, including Brands Hatch and Silverstone, plus a street circuit of Brighton. Each circuit can accommodate up to four players with each race being 8 minutes long. Suitable for children aged 8 upwards (and we know that big kids can’t get enough either!)
5 Hove Street • 01273 734 385 • www.raceaway.co.uk
National Museum of Penny Slot Machines
Tucked away under the seafront arches near Brighton Pier you’ll find the hidden gem that is the National Museum of Penny Slot Machines. This small but perfectly formed arcade is packed with old time slot machines, curiosities and even a ‘What the Butler saw’. Change your modern day cash for a bag of old pennies and enjoy some good old fashioned fun!
250 Kings Rd Arches • 01273 608 620
Booth Museum of Natural History
Kids will love this quirky museum featuring over half a million specimens, natural history literature and data extending back over three centuries are housed in this fascinating museum, including hundreds of British birds displayed in recreated natural settings. Plus butterflies, skeletons, a whale and dinosaur bones. Closed Thursdays.
194 Dyke Road • 01273 290 900 • www.booth.virtualmuseum.info
Bowl yourself over at Bowlplex
It can be a struggle finding evening entertainments that will keep the kids out of trouble but also allow mum and dad to have a relaxing drink. Enjoy 10 pin bowling, arcade, bar, snacks and American pool, all within a self-contained environment (there’s also a Cineworld multiplex cinema opposite). Booking recommended on Fri/Sat evenings.
Brighton Marina • 01273 818 180 • www.bowlplex.co.uk
Brighton Toy & Model Museum
Through a small doorway under the bridge that runs below Brighton Station’s forecourt, you’ll find this fascinating museum that is packed to the rafters with toys from yesteryear. Much loved trains, planes, puppets, teddy bears, cars and every other toy and model imaginable will entertain kids of all ages. Closed Sunday and Monday.
52-55 Trafalgar Street • 01273 749 494 • www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk
Kids just love Paradise Park
Located on the edge of Newhaven, approximately 6 miles along the coast from Brighton, Paradise Park is a family owned and operated pleasure gardens that will delight and educate all ages. Featuring all manner of exhibits, a dinosaur park, miniature train ride, and themed gardens, there’s plenty to see and do for all ages. Our roving reporters were really impressed not only by the activities on offer but also the great value for an entire afternoon out - a mere £70 for 10 people including entrance and little extras such as fish food and the 20p arcade.
Avis Road, Newhaven • 01273 512 123 • www.paradisepark.co.uk
Ghost Walks of the Lanes
Hook up with master storyteller Rob Marks and learn the gruesome truth of Brighton's past on this fun and slightly scary walking tour of Brighton's famous Lanes. There's even a stop off for a refreshing drink at a little haunted bar along the way...
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7.30pm prompt from the Druids Head pub, Brighton Place (booking not required)
01273 328 297 • www.brightonghostwalk.co.uk
The Regency Society Blue Plaque Walks
Head to the Regency Society’s website and download pocket sized guides to three easy walks talking in the history of Kemp Town, central Brighton or Hove seafront. Brighton & Hove have been home to many colourful and influential figures from history and these fascinating self-guided tours take in the highlights. A great way to explore the city!
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Take a tour!
Brighton is overflowing with quirky places to explore, whether you’re taking a shopping spree through the maze of the south Lanes or a spooky walk at the hands of our very own ghost hunter Rob Marks. Here’s some of our favourite tours so you can see a whole new side to Brighton & Hove.
The Regency Townhouse
The Regency Town House is a grade 1 Listed terraced home of the mid-1820s being developed as a heritage centre and museum to focus on the architecture and social history of Brighton & Hove between the 1780s and 1840s. Currently being painstakingly restored to it’s former glory, fascinating tours of the house are available by prior arrangement.
Tours by arrangement • £5 • Advance bookings only - call 01273 206 306 or visit www.rth.org.uk • Brunswick Square, Hove
Hidden in the basement of Brighton Town Hall, Brighton’s original police cells make for an intriguing tour. There’s quite a collection of truncheons!
Every Tue, Thu & Sat 10.30am • Free • You must book a tour in advance by calling 01273 291 052 • The Old Police Cells, Brighton Town Hall, Bartholomews • www.oldpolicecellsmuseum.org.uk
Ghost Walk of the Lanes
Are you brave enough join master story teller Rob Marks on a chilling walk around Brighton’s famous Lanes? With snippets of history thrown in and gruesome facts to keep you engrossed (or just grossed!), it’s great for all ages.
Every Thu, Fri & Sat 7.30pm • Adults £5, Seniors/students £3, Children £2 • Meet outside the Druids Head pub (opposite Donatello) in Brighton Place • 07522 605 524 • www.ghostwalkbrighton.co.uk
Brighton’s Victorian sewerage system is one of the most magnificent examples of civil engineering from this period. The Sewer Tour lasts approximately one hour and starts under Brighton Pier and emerges back at ground level through a manhole in the middle of the Old Steine Gardens. Don’t attempt this with a hangover!
6.30pm Tue & Thu, & 9.30am/11am Sat • Suitable for ages 11+ • Tours must be pre-booked via the website • Runs Tue, Thu & Sat in May, then Wed & Sat from June to September • http://www.southernwater.co.uk/homeAndLeisure/daysOut/brightonSewerTours/
This fascinating tour starts at the West Pier then takes a gentle amble along the promenade. You’ll hear about the fascinating, glamorous, and ultimately tragic story of this great pier, alongside other historical stories of the seafront. Tours last approximately 1 hour and cost £5pp.
Every Sunday at 11am from the upper prom kiosk at the West Pier, Brighton • 01273 321 499 • www.westpier.co.uk
Palmeira Mansions
Take a glimpse at Victorian life in house tour that reveals the opulence, taste and lifestyle of a nouveau riche gentleman. This terraced house with its impressive Grade II* listed interior has miraculously survived and is now part of the English Language Centre in Hove. Tour last approximately 1 1/2 hours and cost £6pp.
Every first Sunday of the month at 11am • The English Language Centre, 33 Palmeira Mansions (corner of Salisbury Road & Church Road), Hove
The Old Ship Hotel
The Old Ship Hotel dates back to 1559 making it the oldest hostelry in the city. Frequented by royalty, aristocrats and artists, the hotel features a grade II* listed assembly rooms and extensive cellars. This historic building is immersed in Brighton’s history and its development as a seaside resort. Tours last approximately 1 hour and cost £5pp.
Every first Friday of the month at 6pm • The Old Ship Hotel, Kings Road, Brighton
Healthwalks
Healthwalks are a great way to be more active, get out in the fresh air, explore the city and meet local people. They are ideal for those who want to start exercising in a gentle and safe way, as well as those who want to walk regularly, but don't have the time to attend longer walks.
There are sixteen regular walks across the city, and lengths range from under a mile (average walking time: 20-30 minutes) to three-four miles (average walking time one and a half to two hours walking time). They are all free, led by trained Volunteer Walk Leaders and are also accessible by public transport.
Walks are held at different times every day of the week • For a full list of free walks visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/healthwalks
Bike360
Bike on the Dyke in 2010 with Bike360 – a new adventure activity offered by the Orb360 boys at their HQ on Devil’s Dyke . Hop on one of their funky mountain bikes and explore the beautiful South Downs on a pre-planned trail, or go ‘off piste’ and create your own route. With zorbing and mountain boarding too, you won’t find more action and exhilaration this summer.
Orb360 / Bike360 runs every weekend at Devil’s Dyke, Brighton • Advance booking is recommended 08456 434 360 • www.orb360.co.uk • www.bike360.co.uk
Stroll the prom and hear the fascinating, glamorous and tragic story of Britain’s finest pier in the context of the history of Brighton seafront.
The West Pier was designed and engineered by Eugenius Birch to attract visitors and survive in the hostile environment of the seashore. Built in 1866, it was a simple and functional structure built out from the sea using dozens of cast iron threaded columns screwed into the seabed and strengthened by a lattice of ties and girders that provide the necessary strength to support the promenade deck whilst allowing seas to pass harmlessly through.
Originally the West Pier had an open deck with only six small ornamental houses of oriental design, two toll houses and glass screens at the pier head to protect visitors from the wind and sun. In 1875 a central bandstand was added. In the 1880’s weather screens the full length of the pier, steamer landing stages and a large pier head pavilion were constructed.
The final building, completed in 1916, was a graceful concert hall. The result is seaside architecture at its finest, designed to attract and entertain holiday-makers with all the pomp and frippery that is the essence of the English seaside resort. The pier is unique in being largely unaltered since that time, its proportions and style are unrivalled and its concert hall and theatre are two of the best surviving Victorian and Edwardian seaside entertainment buildings.
Tours every Sunday at 11am from 11th April (lasts approximately an hour). Meet in front of the West Pier Rock Shop on the upper prom, King’s Road • Tickets £5, Children under 12 free • 01273 321 499 • www.westpier.co.uk
