Brighton Attractions and Entertainment

Brighton is crammed full of attractions – something to amuse all ages and from all walks of life – whether you wish to take it easy with a romantic walk along the famous Brighton Pier, take in the culture of the local architecture or perhaps enjoy a night out in one of the local nightclubs – Brighton has it covered..

1. Brighton Museums
2. Brighton Arts and Entertainment
3. Brighton Historic Buildings and Monuments
4. Brighton Outdoor Activities and Activities For The Kids
5. Brighton Shopping

Brighton Museums

Brighton and the local area has a plethora of museums and indeed, the city has much heritage to boast of as the Royal Pavilion was last year voted “Best History and Heritage Attraction in the UK” by Holiday Which magazine. The local museums include:

• Booth Museum of Natural History:
  Illustrating the evolution of animals, this museum was originally set up by Edward Thomas Booth with his magnificent collection of stuffed birds.
• Brighton Toy and Model Museum:
  Located in one of the arches under Brighton Railway Museum, this centre houses collections of planes, dolls, teddy bears and trains.
• Brighton Museum and Art Gallery:
  Housed in what were originally stables for the Prince Regent, this museum displays collections of archaeology, ethnography, watercolour, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, fashion items, pottery and porcelain.
• Hove Museum and Art Gallery:
  This interesting museum has a diverse range of exhibits on display including: paintings from the 17th century to the present day, pottery, silver, miniatures, works from pioneer film-makers, toys and interactive exhibits.
• Towner Art Gallery and Local Museum:
  There are now over 2000 pieces in this impressive collection including paintings, engravings, ceramics and sculpture by the likes of The Bloomsbury Group.
• Brighton Fishing Museum:
  This seafront museum tells the story of Brighton fishing through the ages.
• Foredown Tower Nature and Astronomy Centre:
  A converted Victorian water tower plays home to the south’s only Camera Obscura, giving great views of the surrounding countryside as well as interactive computer and a whole host of other gadgets.
• Volks Railway:
  This train travels every 15 minutes and is Britain’s oldest running electric railway. Built in 1883 this piece of history offers tours alongside some of Brighton’s most well-know sights.
• Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway:
  A fun and relaxing day for all ages, enjoy a near mile-long ride behind a coal-fired steam engine around a five-mile lake.

Brighton Arts and Entertainment

For those of an artistic persuasion, there is plenty to get excited about in Brighton and the surrounding area – boasting galleries, theatres, cinemas, live music venues, and of course, the legendary nightlife. Some of the attractions include:

• Brighton Museum and Art Gallery:
  Housed in what were originally stables for the Prince Regent, this museum displays collections of archaeology, ethnography, watercolour, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, fashion items, pottery and porcelain.
• Hove Museum and Art Gallery:
  This interesting museum has a diverse range of exhibits on display including: paintings from the 17th century to the present day, pottery, silver, miniatures, works from pioneer film-makers, toys and interactive exhibits.
• Rye Art Gallery:
  The gallery displays an impressive collection of contemporary art as well as temporary exhibitions of touring collections.
• Towner Art Gallery and Local Museum:
  There are now over 2000 pieces in this impressive collection including paintings, engravings, ceramics and sculpture by the likes of The Bloomsbury Group.
• Pallant House Gallery:
  a fine collection of 20th century art can be found in this Chichester gallery.

Brighton Historic Buildings and Monuments

Brighton has some great historic building and monuments that are well worth a visit, and a trip to Brighton, of course, would not be complete without visiting the world famous Brighton Castle.

• Brighton Pier:
  Arguably Brighton’s most famous landmark and attraction. Designed by R St Moore in 1889 it took ten years to build as is widely considered the best pier ever built. Here you will find traditional seaside amusements and fairground attractions.
• St Bartholomew’s Church:
  This church located in Brighton is built entirely of brick, it is certainly an unusual piece of architecture – designed in 1872 by Edmund Street, and it well worth a visit to see the large rose window and unusual proportions.
• Pervensey Castle:
  Telling a 2000 year history this castle has played some important parts in history, including World War II, the year 1066, the Dark Ages and Roman times.
• Bodiam Castle:
  Built in 1385, Bodiam Castle is the best example of a moated-castle in the country, well worth a visit.
• Battle Abbey:
  Re-telling the story of a famous day in history in 1066, take in the “Prelude to Battle” Exhibition.
• Royal Pavilion:
  Comfortably the most exotic-looking building in Britain, this John Nash creation is certainly well worth a visit whilst in Brighton, it also houses many interesting artifacts.

Brighton Outdoor Activities and Activities For The Kids

There certainly is plenty to keep kids amused in Brighton and the surrounding area; be sure to take advantage of Brighton’s location so near to the sea and take in a marine park.

• Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway:
  A fun and relaxing day for all ages, enjoy a near mile-long ride behind a coal-fired steam engine around a five-mile lake.
• Brighton Sea Life Centre:
  This centre boasts Britain’s largest underwater walkthrough observational tunnel. This centre depicts life beneath the waves.
• Ashdown Forest Llama Park:
  In the middle of Ashdown Forest is a large herd of breeding llamas. You are invited to come and see them as well as take in the local area for walks and picnics.
• Underwater World Hastings:
  Including tidal rock pools and sandy seabeds, this centre has sharks, crabs, rays and star fish, as well as a 15 meter tunnel beneath a reef.
• Drusillas Park:
  This attraction was names South East England Tourist Board’s Millennium Visitor Attraction of the Year. There really is so much to see here, from meerkats, penguins, bats and bugs to name but a few, and all in a hands-on environment.

Brighton Shopping

If you require some “retail therapy” during your break, Brighton has great shopping facilities available to you, they include:

• Churchill Square Shopping Centre, Russell Place, Brighton
• Regent Arcade, City Centre, Brighton
• Brighton Marina Village, Village Square, Brighton