Brighton is among the country’s most popular destinations for tourists. Most of that popularity, it’s fair to say, are thanks to the beach. But this seaside town has a great deal to offer besides surf and sand, and day-trippers don’t always get to see it. Brighton is easily reachable; you can catch a train from Hayward’s Heath to Brighton and arrive within twenty minutes – leaving plenty of time to see everything on offer in the City.
Let’s examine some of the more out-of-the-way attractions in Brighton.
The Lanes
The lanes are the hub for all the quirky little businesses that make shopping in the city unique. It is, quite simply, a snarl of narrow lanes packed with independent retailers, cafes and restaurants. It’s within a short walk of the seafront, and you’ll be able to walk to the more recognisable high street stores on the other side of Queen’s Road in just a few minutes.
Royal Pavilion
You could be forgiven for thinking that the Royal Pavilion looks like something taken directly from South Asia, and you’d be partly correct. Constructed as a holiday home for the then-king George IV, this building was heavily influenced by the onion domes and towers of Russian orthodox churches and the Taj Mahal. George’s successor, Victoria, didn’t enjoy her time in Brighton quite as much thanks to the lack of privacy, and the home passed into the hands of Brighton and Hove City Council, where it remains.
Sea Life Centre
Another thing that distinguishes Brighton is the local Sea Life Centre, which happens to be the oldest aquarium anywhere in the world. It’s thus an architectural curiosity as well as a draw for everyone fascinated by marine life. The building first came to be in 1872, and it’s full of the sort of swirling gothic arches you’d expect of the period. Visitors will get a chance to see various marine animals and poke at starfish and sea anemones in the giant rock pool.
Preston Manor
To the north of central Brighton, you’ll find Preston Park, and there you’ll find Preston Manor, an 18th-century mansion complete with a walled garden and pet cemetery. There have been buildings on this site for almost a thousand years, with the current building being bequeathed to the Brighton Corporation in the ‘30s. Inside, you’ll get an interesting glimpse of the ‘upstairs-downstairs life back in the day.
I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go to Brighton. I’ve got friends who have been and my Sister as well and they all rave about the place!
Start planning your trip there and make it a reality 🙂
I’ve always wanted to go to Brighton but it’s so far away. I’d definitely take Erin to the Sea Life centre!
The distance can be such a struggle, I am trying to visit a new area each time we go away on holiday, there is so much of the UK to explore.
I’m not sure we’ve actually ever been to Brighton. Must make it there one day! How interesting about the aquarium though.
My Husband’s family are from in and around Brighton so we have visited a few times and love the area.
Somehow, despite having to been to Brighton a bunch of times, I have missed that there is a Sea Life Centre, and my boys (and me) love aquariums (aquaria?!). Thank you for the top tip!
It’s definitely one to add to your list for your next visit then 😉
Brighton is such a lovely place to spend the day. I love there is so much there to do. We went to the Sea Life there too although it was a while back now.
Sea Life centres always make for a great day out don’t they 🙂
I need to visit Brighton properly! We’re about 2 hours from here but only visited for a concert, I need to visit the town and explore.
I haven’t been for a while but I definitely want to go back and see what has changed, if anything.
We have been to Brighton and have visited these places too, we absolutely love the pier.
It’s a few years since I last visited but I would love to go back soon.
looks like a great adventure you had, it looks really enjoyable, we would definitely visit it
It was a brilliant adventure with the best base to return to each day.