Attractions

Sealife

SEALIFE Brighton is the oldest operating aquarium in the world and is a fantastic family day out. With a huge collection of species, including sharks, seahorses, rays, piranhas and Lulu and Jersey the two giant turtles. Walk through the underwater tunnel, take a trip through Amazonia and jump aboard the UK’s first glass bottomed boat.

SEALIFE Brighton, Marine Parade, Brighton • 01273 604 234 • www.sealife.co.uk

‘Mixology School’ Brighton Cocktail School

If cocktails are your thing and you like to get involved then the ‘Mixology School’ is the place to visit.

From an action packed 2 hour Cocktail Masterclass, a 1 day introduction to Cocktails and Mixology course filled with knowledge and knowhow, to a Global Bartenders Certificate taught over a week, they teach it all.

Mixology School are also one of the country’s leaders in Molecular Mixology, so if you fancy yourself as a bit of a ‘Heston’ you can sign up for a course.

If you’re more of a spirit connoisseur then why not try a Whisky Blending Classes where you get to learn about your true loves of whisky and create your very own blend. Or one of their Guided Spirit tastings.

On top of all of that Mixology Group can come to you. Whether you would like a Cocktail Masterclass to kick off your party or a Bartender to mix you drinks all night then these are the guys to call.

www.mixologygroup.co.uk

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

Brighton Scenic

Take a Pleasure Flight from Shoreham airport from only £48 adults and £40 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. Discounts available for 3 persons travelling together

07918 902 721 • www.brightonscenic.co.uk

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

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

Water Tours

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. Plus this year sees the new Power Boat Ride – a 25 minute tour for the more adventurous – be warned though as you could get splashed and it can get bumpy!

07836 262 717 • www.watertours.co.uk

Nymans Gardens

Set in the High Weald with splendid views, Nymans features a series of experimental garden designs with spectacular planting and beauty all year round. Springtime sees the bluebells woods explode in a sea of blue, Summer is a exuberant display of colour, Autumn sees rich yellows and fiery orange and Winter is filled with the scent of daphnes. Don’t miss the ancient woods and take a tour around the gothic mansion, half of which is now romantic ruins.

Pop into the garden centre where you can snap up plants propagated from Nymans nursery and refuel in the restaurant serving up delicious home-cooked food.

Nymans • Handcross, Near Haywards Heath • 01444 405 250 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-nymansgarden2

Hove Museum & Art Gallery

Admire the fabulous Indian gateway on your way in and then marvel at one of the finest craft collections in the country and the fantastic toy collection in the Wizard’s attic. Hove pioneered the film industry in the 1890s so don’t leave without checking out the film gallery.

19 New Church Road, Hove, BN3 4AB• www.virtualmuseum.info

Brighton Racecourse

Not only famous for racing – fixtures run from April to October, Brighton racecourse holds many events, ranging from Rock & Gem shows to Tattoo conventions, plus a huge market every Bank Holiday, which packs them in, so get there early.

Freshfield Road • 01273 603 580 • www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk

Breeze up to Devil’s Dyke on the 77 bus!

Breeze up the Devil’s Dyke and see the stunning South Downs, take in the dramatic views, go for a stroll, have a beer or two… Always a double-decker, the number 77 runs every hour – every weekend throughout the autumn and winter (that’s Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays except 25 December). Get on board at the bus stop on the seafront just west of Brighton Pier – or opposite Brighton Station (outside the Queen’s Head pub). It’s only £5 return and two kids per adult travel free!

www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/breezebuses 01273 292480

Brighton Fishing Museum

Discover Brighton’s fishing history and heritage through photographs, artefacts and restored traditional Sussex clinker fishing boats. Afterward, stroll across to the smokehouse and sample some of the freshly caught fish and winkles.

Kings Road Arches, Brighton • www.brightonfishingmuseum.org.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 The Go Wild! playground and don’t forget to take a ride on Thomas the Tank engine too!

Alfriston just off A27 Lewes – Eastbourne Road, approximately 12 miles from Brighton • 01323 874 100 • www.drusillas.co.uk

Preston Manor

Preston Manor is decorated in Edwardian style with many original features and exhibits and has over 20 rooms to visit. The question that everyone asks is: Is Preston Manor haunted? Checkout the website for special events and Ghost tours.

Preston Drove, Brighton, BN1 6SD• www.virtualmuseum.info

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

Tuk Tuk

Here’s a novel way to see the sights and sounds of Brighton & Hove… hop on a tuk tuk! The Brighton Tuk Tuk company operates a small fleet of private hire vehicles that are available to book in advance for private tours, parties, weddings… you get the idea! We were recently treated to a zip around the seafront to much amusement. Elvis and Marilyn come as optional extras!

For more info or to book call Mark on 01273 233 953 or visit www.brightontuktuk.co.uk

Coral Brighton & Hove Greyhound Stadium

For a great afternoon of evening of entertainment for the whole family that’s affordable, check out the deals that are on offer to save £££s. There’s the fabulous Skyline restaurant where you can have a 3 course meal, which is a family favourite for Sunday lunch.

Nevill Road, Hove • 01273 204 601 • www.brightonandhovegreyhoundstadium.co.uk

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

The Old Police Cells Museum

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

Wilderness Wood

Wilderness Wood is a 2,000 year-old 62 acre family run, sustainable woodland. The visitor centre offers workshops and seasonal activities, plus a Barn Cafe, dishing up homemade food that’s locally sourced and organic where possible. Take a magical walk through the woods or for the more adventurous you can hire a woodland shelter and sample wild camping!

www.wildernesswood.co.uk

Hadlow Down, East Sussex, TN22 4HJ • 01825 830 509

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

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

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.