The vibrant seaside city of Brighton is a great place for families to visit. Brighton really does seem to have it all, combining a traditional British seaside resort with a modern and hip town. There is so much to see and do in Brighton that it really does make the perfect place for a family visit.
Families love Brighton as it is virtually impossible not to be bored here with a range of activities on offer that suit children of all ages. The famous Brighton beach has to be seen and here you will find the usual seaside attractions like fairs and arcades and various places to eat. However if you still want to get the children into the great outdoors there are also some very good parks in the area with fun, modern equipment for the kids to play on. Near to the West Pier there is also a park that has a paddling pool, which is fun for younger kids when the weather is good.
The Marina is packed with things to do from eating out to shopping but there are also plenty of child-friendly activities too. Here you’ll find boat trips, virtual golf, cinemas and bowling; something to keep everyone occupied. There are lots of family friendly places to eat at the Marina, you can choose from American, Italian, Indian or Chinese food to name just a few.
If the weather isn’t so good and you are visiting Brighton over the weekend you could take a trip to the Saturday Kids Club at England’s oldest cinema the Duke of York’s Picture House. The Komedia Theatre is also another great place to visit on a rainy day – or any day – they have regular comedy shows aimed at children that the adults seem to enjoy too!
Brighton’s Toy and Model museum is a wonderland of toys from all over the world and all periods of history. This fascinating museum is a great place to visit for children and adults alike. Parents can remember toys from their childhood and kids will be amazed at the variety of toys people have played with over the years. The Sealife Centre is another good place for families to visit with sharks, rays and giant turtles kept here. There are handling pools where children can touch starfish, crabs and anemones if they are brave enough.
During the summer season the Volk’s Electric Railway opens, this narrow gauge railway is the oldest electric railway in the world. The route takes you along the seafront at Brighton from the Pier all the way to the Marina and makes for a very enjoyable journey.
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Just fifty miles south of London, England is the coastal city of Brighton – a laid back and unpretentious city that is home to unique restaurants and lively nightclubs. If fortunate enough to visit this popular vacation spot, be sure to stop by the following attractions:
The Royal Pavilion – The Royal Pavilion is at the center of Brighton. It is a former farmhouse that was later developed into a retreat for King George IV when he was still Prince Regent. To the locals it is known as “Brighton Pavilion” or even just “The Pavilion”. On the edge of the Pavilion gardens is the Brighton Museum, both the museum and the pavilion itself cost a small fee to visit but they are a memorable part of any trip to the area. These beautiful structures are rich in history and worth seeing as you tour the town.
The Palace Pier – Though a few piers had been built in Brighton, this 1899 Pier is the only one that remains. It was originally built to allow easy access for pleasure craft and to house amusement rides. Today, it is home to an array of tourist shops, nightclubs, restaurants, arcades, and even a modest fair. Though some view it as flashy and garish, it is well worth the time to explore the Palace Pier. Considering the cost is free and the promenade provides a view of the seashore, taking a stroll along the pier is an attraction not to pass up.
The Lanes – For the bigger chain shops, Churchill Square is the place to go. However, if you are looking for exclusive and exceptional stores than are locally owned, the Lanes will be your shopping mecca. The complex tangling of streets could take a few visits to get oriented with, but the jewelry, antique, and clothes shopping you will find is worth the effort. The Lanes sits in the oldest part of the town, which is also home to town hall and the visitor information center. Do not worry about getting lost on your way to one of these locations – they are easily found in the town center.
The Beach – And last but not least, when you are in Brighton, you have to visit the beach! Brighton sits along the south coast of England and is infamous for not having sandy, pristine beaches. What it is known for is its pebbled beaches and its many bars and nightclubs that dot the beach line. It is a totally different atmosphere and a lot of fun. The beach is also a great place to catch a free movie, a free street performance or live music. It is a fun place to be and an even greater place to visit! You definitely have to make it a priority when you visit Brighton!
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Whether it’s a scenic beach front, great shopping, the arts, or just lots of fun, Brighton has it. With its mix of sites and attractions, there’s always things to do in Brighton, whatever time of year you visit. Being a seaside town, Brighton’s beach front is, naturally, its main attraction, and it has all kinds of activity (such as sunbathing, surfing, sailing, volleyball and skateboarding) going on. If it’s shopping you want, the area of Brighton called The Lanes offers a mix of cool and unique shops set amongst a maze of quaint, timeless streets.
As every English seaside town should have, Brighton has a pier. Actually, it boasts two piers but one has, unfortunately, been ravaged by storms over the centuries and is now awaiting redevelopment. The pier which survives intact is now known simply as Brighton Pier and with the dodgems, roller-coaster, arcades, cafes and restaurants, it’s a typically-English affair. The pier acts as the focus for fireworks displays during the summer months and these line the beach front with a mass of visitors to enjoy the spectacular displays.
When visiting Brighton, one must pay a visit to The Royal Pavilion. Built for The Prince Regent, the future King George the IV, it was in use by The Royal Family until Victorian times. It boasts an Indian style and reflects other Asian cultures as well, principally Chinese. The building and decoration of The Royal Pavilion was a “no expense spared” project. To appreciate the building in all its splendor, plan a visit to walk around and enjoy it in person on your trip to Brighton.
Brighton hosts many walking tours, as does nearby Hove. If you’d like to expend a little energy and see Brighton by foot, you will be fascinated by the history of the towns and nearby areas. Brighton’s walking tours are guided and you will learn a lot about local history and landmarks from the guides. They can also provide you with information about other places to visit and things to see during your visit. If a walking tour isn’t your thing, there are always Brighton’s wonderful bus tours. A daily ticket will allow you to get on and off and back on the bus as you stop where you will and reboard to see the next site. You will have a chance to make a leisurely day of it, seeing the sights and stopping for tea or lunch along the way. The bus tours take you by all of the major tourist attractions as well as major monuments and landmarks. Consider a bus tour early in your visit to give you an idea of what Brighton is all about!
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With a near perfect balance of beach town atmosphere and city infrastructure, Brighton can offer something for all tastes. Whether it is retail therapy you are after, relaxing on the beach, amenities such as visiting art galleries or museums, or viewing the traditional English architecture, it is all possible. Brighton has very good transport links, so whichever way you travel, finding your way there is no hassle. Londoners have been traveling to Brighton for holidays for over a hundred years due to the stark contrast from the stresses and strains of city life compared to the relaxed atmosphere of Brighton. Brighton is also very popular with tourists from all over the United Kingdom and Europe, who wish to experience the appeal of a British beach town.
Brighton is arguably the most quintessential seaside town in the whole country. It has a beautiful beach, a grand pier, a former royal palace, a sea life center and a theater. Whatever you would expect to find at a typical English coastal resort, you will find it in Brighton. It is not just its physical features that make it such a wonderful place either, it is just as much the general atmosphere and ambiance of the place. Brighton is certainly one of the most culturally diverse places in the United Kingdom and attracts people of all metaphorical shapes and sizes. Not only is Brighton popular with the younger generation due to it’s University and large number of bars and nightclubs, it is also popular with people who have visited with their parents fifty or sixty years ago or more and have returned every year since.
Brighton has been a family holiday destination since the mid-1800s when rail transport began to be accessible by the masses. There are so many things for young children to see and do, such as fairgrounds, shows, amusement arcades and other amenities. It is a perfect place for you to wear out your little scallywags! In terms of accommodation, there is something for all budgets and tastes. From bed and breakfasts, hostels, and caravan parks, right up to themed hotels and 5 star resorts. Though always remember that the best place to be is near the beach. If you are looking for the best cheap seafront Brighton budget hotels, then an online search is highly recommended before you travel.
So, to summarize, if you want to experience a charming, typically English, seaside resort, then look no further than Brighton. Having been there once, you will no doubt be a return visitor, just like the most of the millions of people who visit there each and every year. Who knows, you might even be tempted to make it make it your second home!
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