Brighton, England — Where to Go
Brighton Sightseeing Overview
The main sights in Brighton are the Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Pier and the Lanes conservation area. To take in the seaside atmosphere properly, it is also recommended to take a stroll along the seafront that stretches from Hove in the west to Brighton Marina in the east. The marina is one of the biggest in Europe, providing berthing for around 1,200 yachts.
A visit to the new Cultural Quarter is also a must. Close by is the North Laine area with its many shops and busy, bohemian atmosphere. Brighton Racecourse is also worth visiting, as it has a fantastic location on a hill high above the city.
Brighton Tourist Information
Brighton Visitor Information Center
Bartholomew Square
Tel: 0300 300 0088.
Website: www.visitbrighton.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-1700; Sun 1000-1600 (in summer only).
Check the website for the special offers section with discounts on hotels, shops and restaurants in Brighton.
Key Attractions in Brighton, England
The Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion, with its Indian Mogul exterior created by John Nash, was the seaside palace of George IV. It is a landmark in Brighton, and its minarets and onion domes have been part and parcel of the popular image of the town since the 1820s. Guided tours through this richly-decorated palace are offered. Refreshments are available in the Queen Adelaide tea room.
4/5 Pavilion Buildings
Tel: (01273) 290 900.
Website: www.royalpavilion.org.uk
Brighton Pier
Brighton Pier epitomizes old-fashioned English popular seaside culture. Built in the 1890s, the pier offers fun in the form of roller coasters, children's rides and all kinds of slot machines and video games. There are also places selling sweets and candy (including the famous Brighton Rock) as well as bars and a restaurant out on the pier.
Madeira Drive
Tel: (01273) 609 361.
Website: www.brightonpier.co.uk
The Lanes
The Lanes, with its intricate network of narrow, twisting alleyways, is the historical heart of Brighton, as it was here that the old fishing village Brighthelmstone had its center. Today this maze-like area offers an extraordinary mix of shops, pubs and restaurants. In the middle is Brighton Square, with a bronze sculpture by James Osborne.
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is a state-of-the-art visitor attraction, with dynamic galleries and displays. It houses one of the UK's finest collections of modern decorative art and design, with Salvador Dali and Edward James's 'Mae West's Lips' sofa among the highlights.
Royal Pavilion Gardens
Tel: (01273) 292 882.
Website: www.virtualmuseum.info
Brighton Sea Life Center
Brighton Sea Life Center is the world's oldest operational aquarium. It offers a winning combination of Victorian architecture and innovative marine displays. Giant sea turtles, black-tipped reef sharks, giant Japanese spider crabs and seahorses roam this marine world, spectacular views of which are made possible by a large underwater tunnel.
Marine Parade (near Brighton Pier)
Tel: (01273) 604 234.
Website: www.sealifeeurope.com
Further Distractions
The Booth Museum of Natural History
This museum houses over half a million specimens and natural history literature from the last three centuries. It also has hundreds of British birds as well as butterflies, skeletons, a whale and dinosaur bones on display.
194 Dyke Road
Tel: (01273) 292 777.
Website: www.virtualmuseum.info
West Blatchington Windmill
The restored mill at West Blatchington is a Grade II listed building. A visit to the mill is an informative experience, as there are information panels giving details on the history of milling and the history of the West Blatchington Windmill itself. There is plenty to learn about milling and agricultural topics at the mill.
Holmes Avenue, Hove
Tel: (01273) 776 017.
Website: www.virtualmuseum.info
