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Things to Do
Whether you’re looking for fun things to do, cultural inspiration or some quality relaxation, Brighton is a perfect place for all those things, largely thanks to its ideal location sandwiched between the scenic Sussex countryside and the sea.
Famous Brighton must-sees
There’s no shortage of iconic landmarks in Brighton. The Royal Pavilion is a palace like no other, brimming with decadence and Eastern inspiration, and rich with stories of its former occupant, the party-loving Prince Regent. Right next door is Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, and between the two are the Pavilion Gardens, a perfect place to picnic in the summer or go ice skating in the winter.
Along the seafront you can find Volk’s Electric Railway (the oldest continuously running electric railway in the world), Sea Life Brighton (where you can view sharks and turtles from an underwater tunnel), Brighton Palace Pier and the haunting skeleton of the West Pier, and the sky-piercing Brighton i360, where you can admire panoramic views while sipping a glass of Sussex fizz.
Adventures and experiences for all
There are theatres big and small throughout Brighton & Hove, as well as live music venues, cinemas (check out one of Britain’s oldest, the Duke of York’s Picturehouse) and nightclubs galore. From West End productions to local bands, to comedy, cabaret, drag shows and open-mic nights, no matter what day of the week it is, you’ll find something fun to do. Whether you’re visiting as a couple or as a family, with a group of friends or colleagues, or simply travelling solo, there’s an abundance of exciting and relaxing things to do, including: hiring bicycles, beach volleyball, rock-climbing, zip-wire, trampolining, stand up paddle boarding, wakeboarding, canoeing, skateboarding, themed walking tours (such as ghosts, foodie, street art), pottery-painting, sea swimming, sauna on the beach, yoga classes, meditation classes, escape rooms or going to see premier league Brighton & Hove Albion play at the American Express Community Stadium – to name just a few!
Relaxation and tranquillity
With eight miles of beach stretching from Shoreham to the picturesque village of Rottingdean, you can always find a quiet spot to sit and read or go for a swim. You’re also never far from a green space in Brighton – the city has seven Green Flag parks to choose from. But if you really need to get out into some wide open space, the South Downs National Park is a 30 minute bus journey from the centre of town, and with its International Dark Sky Reserve status, it’s also a great place to go star-gazing at night. With Stanmer Park in one direction and the dramatic landscape of Devil’s Dyke in the other, you’re just a short bus or cycle ride away from some quality green-bathing.
Brighton is also a great base from which to explore the historic towns of Lewes and Arundel with their medieval castles, stunningly beautiful Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters Country Park, the Bluebell Railway and numerous Sussex vineyards, that are now rivalling the Champagne region in France for their award-winning sparkling wines.
Notice we haven’t mentioned the vast choice of restaurants, bars and shops you can visit? That’s because they merit a page of their own over here: Eat, Drink, Shop.
