Attractions and Places to Visit in Brighton and Hove
Brighton, the largest and best-known seaside resort on the English Channel, stretches some five miles along the pebbled and sometimes-steep chalk shoreline of the South Downs. Once a fishing village with narrow winding lanes, the 18th century saw Brighton blossom into an elegant vacation spot where England's elite relaxed under the restorative influence of sea air while strolling along the boulevards and piers, or relaxing in fashionable spas and hotels. Reminders of this period still abound: charming Regency terraces, the delightful Palace Pier and the Royal Pavilion, the exotic summer home of one of the country's most flamboyant and eccentric kings.
Today, Brighton's famous pebble beaches are lined with countless souvenir shops and amusement arcades. But it remains a culturally vibrant destination with a full calendar of cultural events including horse races in the summer, and the famous London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in November. It also boasts a rich literary history, and over the centuries has played host to distinguished writers including Samuel Johnson, Jane Austin and William Thackeray.
Preston Manor is a stunning historic house decorated and furnished in the Edwardian style, located north side of Preston Park just as you come into Brighton, well worth a visit to the house and private gardens. Be warned, it’s also Sussex’s most haunted house, The Booth Museum has a great array of birds, bones and butterflies and it even has a mermaid well be it a taxidermy folly of half monkey and half salmon.
Brighton Museum has a great selection of artefacts on show, from Fine Art, Fashion, 20th Century Art & Design, Ancient Egyptian, Brighton Past, Willett’s Pottery as well as private exhibitions. If you’re visiting the Palace you can get a ticket for the museum for just £1 extra. Well worth it.
Theatre royal is a stunning grade II listed Theatre built in 1807 right in the heart of the city, and hosts everything from, Opera, plays, ballets and musicals. If you’re an art lover, Kellie Miller Arts is an absolute must visit for the best of independent highbrow Art from local artists and more. If you’re going to buy anything to remember your visit to Brighton, make it arty and not just crafty.
You will never believe what this amazing building was originally designed to be. Brighton Dome hosts it all from, Theatre, Comedy, Dance and Music, both contemporary and classical. I last visited here early 2015 to see Buena Vista Social Club, those guys can jam.
Let’s get medieval, little St Peter’s church in Preston Park, is Brighton’s oldest standing building and houses wonderfully old wall paintings dating back to around 1260. It’s free to go in and situated next door to Preston Manor house, so worth popping in.
Iconic tourist attractions to beachfront cool, Brighton is a treasure trove of things to do and places to go. Vibrant, colorful, fun and free, Brighton offers the energy of the city and freedom of the sea. It really is unique. From the stunning heritage of the Royal Pavilion, Regency architecture and Victorian aquariums to the seaside fun of Brighton Pier, the Brighton Wheel and the famous pebble beach, Brighton offers something for every walk of life.
Bursting with beachfront sports and events, tranquil green spaces, plus Brighton tourist attractions and activities for all the family, there’s so much in store just waiting to be explored. You’ll also find a world of beautiful Sussex countryside, castles, country houses, parks, forts and gardens just moments from the city! From iconic Brighton tourist attractions to beachfront cool, Brighton is a treasure trove of things to do and places to go. Vibrant, colorful, fun and free, Brighton offers the energy of the city and freedom of the sea. It really is unique.
From the stunning heritage of the Royal Pavilion, Regency architecture and Victorian aquariums to the traditional seaside fun of the famous Brighton Pier and pebble beach, Brighton offers something for every walk of life. Bursting with beachfront sports and events, tranquil green spaces within the city limits, plus Brighton tourist attractions and activities for all the family, there's so much in store just waiting to be explored. You'll also find a world of beautiful Sussex countryside, castles, country houses, parks, forts and gardens just moments from the city too!
