The Insiders Guide to Brighton

By Josh Johnson

The city of Brighton, famed for its seaside resort appeal and its vibrant nightlife, has always been a place with an appeal stretching across generations. The city itself had a considerable impact on my decision to attend the University of Sussex and, since living there for a year so far, I have had to opportunity to explore a small fraction of what Brighton has to offer.

1) The Royal Pavilion: arguably Brighton’s most iconic building, the 18th Century palace is a must-see for any visitor, especially as its beautiful gardens are free for the public to enter.

2) The British Airways i360: with panoramic views of the Brighton skyline, there is no better way to see the city than from 450ft in the air.

3) Brighton Pier: a staple of the seaside city, Brighton’s Pier boasts view of the coast with an enough arcades, rides and bars to keep anyone entertained.

4) The Lanes: one of the oldest parts of Brighton, the famed Lanes are home to a colourful array of shops and cafes which make them a perfect place to stop off for some window shopping.

5) Theatre Royal Brighton: if you are a fan of live theatre, the Theatre Royal hosts a wide range of shows from comedy acts to West End productions, making it one of the town’s greatest attractions.

6) Sea Life Centre: if you don’t fancy a swim, the Brighton Sea Life is the perfect place to see the aquatic life without having to get your hair wet, plenty of marine critters make it a great spot to spend a couple of hours.

7) Cycling Tour of Brighton City: if you are looking to see the landmarks of Brighton and get some exercise in while doing it, taking one of many group cycling tours is a great option!

8) The South Downs: a little while from the hustle and bustle of Brighton’s centre, the South Downs offer miles of beautiful countryside perfect for hikers and picnics.

9) Brighton Marina: found only a short drive away from the pier, Brighton’s Marina is a perfect place to get dinner overlooking the water. With plenty of restaurants to choose from, a cinema, and even a Weatherspoon’s, you will not be short of choices here.

10) Volk’s Electric Railway: if you are looking for a more novel way to reach the Marina, Volk’s Electric Railway runs along the seafront to and from the pier; being the oldest operating electric railway in the world, it’s a great piece of Brighton history to experience.”