Feisty Tourist

My day trip to Brighton with my classmates back in 2000 was one of my favorite day trips.  (Okay, I’ll be honest - they’re ALL my favorite day trips.)  Brighton is on the south coast and is one of the largest and most notable settlements by the sea in the UK.  It became a health resort during the 18th century, and it’s still popular with travelers today.

Image of Royal Pavillion from Wiki, Brighton Pier from Sussex Tourist Guide.

Where to Stay
This is really perfect for a day trip from London, so I’d recommend just taking the train in for the day.

What to See/Do
Royal Pavillion: This palace was constructed in the early 19th century.  The structure itself is in the Indo-Saracenic style prevalent in India.  The interior is a combination of Indian and Chinese styles.  The whole thing is so over-the-top fabulous that it alone makes the trip to Brighton worth your time.

Brighton Pier: This pier first opened in 1899 and is pretty much just too cute for words.  There are rides, a restaurant, games at the arcade and side stalls, and a few bars.

Brighton Festival: This annual arts festival takes place each May.  It began in 1966 and is the largest mixed art festival in England.

Queen’s Park & St. Ann’s Well Gardens: Queen’s Park is a lovely public park in Brighton.   There’s a children’s play area, lots of birds to watch, a sensory garden, a bowling green, and tennis courts.  St. Ann’s, a garden in Hove (Brighton’s neighboring town), is a great spot for tree lovers to visit.  It features a great collection of native and exotic trees and is home to a sensory garden.  It’s most famous for its iron bearing spring.

Volk’s Electric Railway: Brighton is home to the world’s oldest operating electric railway.  It was first opened in 1883 as a temporary summer attraction.  If you enjoy trains and railways, take a short ride - it’s not expensive.