Introduction:

Most visitors consider that Brighton is ideally located, sitting between the South Downs and the England's south coast, Brighton simply attracts the sun. Added to this, whether it's the sheer sophistication of a Regency city you're after, a lively beach front, great shopping, the arts or just good-old English seaside, Brighton has it! With its eclectic mix of attractions, There's always Brighton things to do at any time of the year.

What to Do in Brighton?

It's a seaside town so its beach front has to be one Brighton's major attractions and it has every manner of activity going on at the sea's side, there's surfing and sailing on the sea and the land lubbers, volleyball, basketball and skateboarding. If it's shopping you're after, The Lanes offers a mix of unique shops in a setting with a timeless feel.

Many different events are hosted in Brighton throughout the year, including the kite festival and powerboat racing along with the annual London to Brighton Vintage Car Rally. Being located where it is, the city offers the visitor a great opportunity to visit its beautiful hinterland with Arundel, Hever and Leeds Castles all within easy travelling distance.

If you're one of the more energetic visitors who wishes to stretch their legs, the South Downs will prove an irresistible attraction with their walks for every type of visitor and a plentiful supply of watering holes along the way! You don't have to take to the hills, however, when you wish to stretch your legs as there are numerous walking tours around both Brighton and its sister town Hove. These offer an excellent way to explore the towns' fascinating histories and the area around them. These tours are accompanied by a guide who will point out the history, the landmarks providing you with lots of ideas for other places to visit during your stay. If you're one of the more-ghoulish of visitors and are looking for the spooky side of town, there's an organized ghost trip to give you your scare.

If its a more leisurely trip around the town you seek, bus tours which run throughout the day. These not only get you from A to B but they operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis so a daily ticket will provide you with the opportunity to explore the town's every nook and cranny. These services visit all the major tourist attractions and monuments on their way, as well as the interesting landmarks, thus providing a great way to get your bearings at the start of your Brighton visit.

The Devil's Dyke is one of the most-spectacular features at the north end of the coast, this being a deep gorge cut into the cliff face. The National Trust own and operate this attractive area which opens out into a pleasant grassed area, ideal for all kinds of sports, kite flying or even just sunbathing. On many days during the summer, the pleasant sounds of a local brass band can be heard drifting through the gorge making a great accompaniment to a cup of tea and a cake!

The Bluebell Steam Railway chugs its way around the outskirts of town, traveling between the three stations on the line. These stations, along with the trains and their carriages are all lovingly restored by the group of enthusiasts which has re-created this picturesque piece of Victorian England. This magic formula transports you back to the England of long ago when you add to the experience the breathtaking views of the local countryside and the refreshment breaks along the way at the delightful country pubs.

The art of catering for everyone is something which Brighton has learned well and the lover of the sport of kings is not left out as nearby Brighton Racecourse provides the punter with racing throughout the summer months.

Places of Interest in Brighton

Brighton has offered its eccentric mix of the sophisticated demure and refined to the blatant banal ever since it was first visited by the Prince Regent. And it still does this! From the highbrow to good old-fashioned seaside fun, it's all here!

The Royal Pavilion is, undoubtedly, one of the jewels in Brighton's crown. It has royal connections which date back to the time when it was first designed and built for the Prince Regent, the future King George IV. It was then used by him and later the Royal Families right up to Victorian times. During its design and creation, no expense was spared on the exotic architecture in an Indian-style with influences from other parts of Asia, principally China and the sheer extravagance of its creators and their patrons can only be appreciated when wandering through its many rooms.

As every English seaside town should, Brighton has its pier. Actually it boasts two piers but one has, unfortunately, been ravaged by storms over the centuries and is now awaiting redevelopment and a proposed exciting new look as a major tourist attraction. The pier which survives intact is now known simply as Brighton Pier and with the dodgems, roller-coaster and arcades, its cafes and restaurants which you would expect to find on a pier is a typically-English affair. If the razzmatazz of the funfair is not to your liking, a trip to the sea end of the pier will provide you with spectacular views of the Brighton coast, as well as a goodly-few lung fulls of bracing sea air. 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.

I'm sure that you'll guess that I've covered only a fraction of what there is to do in Brighton. so, if your interest has been raised, please take a look at some of my other articles or visit my web site at www.yourbrightonvisit.com for more Brighton things to do