Sightseeing in Brighton

Brighton is a seaside town in Sussex, United Kingdom, which is less than hour by train from London. There are a few things to do and see in Brighton if visiting there for a day out or even for a short weekend break. I have been to this seaside town many times for weekend breaks. Bed and Breakfast hotels are available at reasonable prices and there are a range of hotels to stay in.

The Beach Area

Brighton beach is a shingle beach. There is a nudist area, which is in the south east part of Kemp Town, which is a village area in Brighton. Kemp Town is a thriving place for restaurants and cosy pubs. It is a flamboyant mix of grand seafront crescents, elegant squares and a bustling shopping area with a lively village feel. In 1782 - 1840 Thomas Read Kemp took over 30 years to complete the magnificent Kemp Town. Many famous people were known to have lived in Kemp Town, as it became a desirable estate. Among the residents that once lived there were Lewis Carrol, Vita Sackville-West and the sixth Duke of Devonshire.

At the Brighton seafront there are bars, restaurants, nightclubs and amusement arcades. The beach has, also, been awarded a blue flag. Many families visit Brighton beach every summer, as it is a great place for a day out.

What to do and See in and Around Brighton

Here are a list of things to do and see in Brighton:

Friday Guide Discover Bus Tour - There is a guide tour bus that takes a trip around Brighton on a Friday each week. This is a UK style double-decker bus with an open top roof. It will take you from Hove to the Marina and all around Brighton. You can get on and off at different locations. A great way to get a look at what there is in Brighton.

The Seafront Wall - If you like walking then why not take a walk along the seafront wall. It is a leisurely walk. It will take you along the seafront from Brighton Pier to the King Alfred Leisure Center in Hove. The distance to walk is about two miles.

Ashdown Forest Llama Park in Forest Row - Visit this park just outside Brighton in Forest Row. See animals like llamas and alpacas in the Ashdown Forest. You will see large herds of these animals. There is a farm trail, picnic area, museum, coffee shop and a gift shop. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 17.00 p.m. Prices for adults are £5.95 per person and for children ages 3 - 16 years it is £4.95 per person.

Arona Khan Creative and Crafty - In the Brighton and Hove area is this Craft Center. Learn quick and easy ways to wrap presents, make beautiful bows, create gift baskets and hampers. Fun for all ages and you can stay for a minimum of two hours. This is a great time out for a group of children or friends.

Brighton Marina - Spend the afternoon or evening in Brighton Marina. The Mermaid Walk has many restaurants and free entertainment in the summer.

Surf and Ski Sports - This large shop stocks clothing and equipment for rock and ice climbing, backpacking and hill walking, snorkelling and snowboarding. They have an expert boot clinic and a ski workshop.

Sealife Centre - This place has a an underwater observation tunnel. It is a very long tunnel. Children can enjoy close encounters with all sorts of species in the touch pools, while all the family can sit at the edge of a diving hatch to hear the story of Captain Nemo and the Nautilus. Feeding demonstrations and a captivating collection of seahorses are there too. Visit the Sealife website for more information.

Brighton Festival - Brighton's annual art's festival takes place every second week in May and is a mixture of theatre, classical music, free street theatre, literature and art. All the big venues play a part. There is, also, Streets of Brighton weekend with three days of free music, circus and local community events.

Churchill Square - This is the south coast's premier shopping centre. It was rebuilt in the late 1990s and has over 90 shops. There are family restaurants and lively cafes, which are all under one roof with car parking. Great place to visit for shopping.

Lewes Castle - Take a trip to Lewes not far from Brighton and see Lewes Castle and the Barbarian House Museum. This Norman castle in Lewes is great for the kids. In the Barbarian House Museum you will learn more about the history of the area with interactive and static displays. Lewes Castle is one of the oldest castles in England. It was built after the Norman Conquest in 1066. This is a fun day out for children. A train from Brighton will take you to Lewes railway station. Go to the Lewes Castle website for more information.

So, if you are taking a trip to the UK then visit Brighton in Sussex.