As one of the closest beach resorts to London and with so much to see and do in Brighton, it is no surprise that it is such a popular hot spot for visitors, particularly on a nice summers day!
After my recent visit to attend a family wedding I thought I would put together a list of things to do should you be planning a visit in the future.
Relax and take in the views
I love a bit of people watching or just the serenity of watching the sea gently rumbling to the shore so it is perfect to just pull up a deckchair and enjoy the surroundings. Deckchairs are available for a rental charge on the beach but are free to sit on halfway down the pier. You can also enjoy the view in close up by using one of the telescopes on the pier.
Visit the attractions
The Sealife centre is right opposite the pier and the newer British airways i360 is a replacement to the wheel that used to be pride and place on the beach. The i360 is further down the beach towards Hove and is the worlds tallest moving observation tower at 450ft high. There are also many museums dotted around with the Fishing museum actually along the seafront.
Sunbathe on the beach
Brighton is not really known for it’s sandy beach as it is actually a very stony beach but this doesn’t stop people laying out their towels and having a sunbathe. if you are brave enough you can even take your shoes off and walk down to have a paddle and if you are lucky you will find some sand. Although I did find sand on the first day I visited, it seemed to have disappeared when I returned to dip my toes in!
Take a selfie
Do you need an excuse to take a selfie? I personally don’t take many selfies but I certainly caught lots of others doing it and who can blame them with such a lovely backdrop. There are also lots of comical seaside face cut out boards that you can use as a prop for your holiday pics as well.
Eat
There are plenty of places to eat but fish and chips seem to be a firm favourite and there are no shortage of shops to pick up this seaside must have. There are also lots of hot dog, donuts and crepe pop ups and we personally like the Chinese hut at the end of the pier to get noodles and fried rice followed by an ice cream on the beach.
Fairground rides
The fair is situated right at the end of the pier and you purchase a wrist band in order to go on all the rides, there is a nice selection for all ages and it is a great way to keep youngsters entertained.
Soft play
You may not want to spend a day trip having to watch your kids in soft play but it is an alternative to the fairground, probably easier if you have little ones. It is also at the end of the pier but is inside the arcade and surrounds the restaurant seating area so you could give yourself a well earned rest while the kids wear themselves out.
Arcades
You cannot visit a seaside resort without a little trip to the arcades! My personal favourites are the 2p machines (one day I’ll be rich enough to move to the 10p machines) and I have amassed quite a collection of tat that I have won on them. I like to put them on my book shelf as they are all quite cute and remind me of family day trips whenever I see them on there.
Get sporty
Whether you are a keen kayaker or prefer to just watch sport on the TV you can do either in Brighton. The water had a few surfers and jet skiers and there were some fisherman down by the water but on the pier one of the bars have set up a large screen to watch the tennis which is slightly less strenuous and you can enjoy a drink or two while there.
Get married
Brighton may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a beach side wedding but the bandstand is the perfect intimate setting to get hitched and that is exactly what my aunt chose to do. I thought it would be far from private as it is out in the open and there are people walking past but actually as it is further down the seafront towards Hove it is less busy and passers by didn’t seem to bat an eyelid.
Cool the kids off
If you are reluctant to let the kids get in the sea in Brighton they can still cool off in the outdoor pool a short walk from the bandstand. There is also a playground next to it so plenty to keep them entertained.
Instagram the huts
I have been to Brighton on many occasions and had never seen the beach huts before but on this visit our hotel was further down the beach at Hove and the huts were right opposite. From the back they are all one colour but the owners are allowed to paint the doors any colour they like and they look really pretty so I couldn’t resist an Instagram pic. They are also available to rent if you want to use one on your visit.
Pick up some souvenirs
Have you even been to the seaside if you haven’t come home with a bag full of magnets, keyrings or sweet treats? We personally love a selection of sticks of rock so I always bring them back for the kids.
I definitely made the most of my trip to Brighton, have you ever visited? What would you add to the list?
i really want to visit Brighton 🙂 thanks for sharing such amazing photos!! PedroL
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What a great trip! You have me all excited for the beach we are headed to next week! Enjoy the summer! #kcacols xoxox
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Hope you are going somewhere a bit more sandy! 🙂
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I think people forget how much there is to do at the seaside. I am lucky enough to live near Bournemouth and Sandbanks beaches, we love to spend time there.
#KCACOLS
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There is so much to do, I could’ve done with a few more days! 😁
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Love this, such a fun and very typical British way to spend at the seaside 🙂 X #pointshoot
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Oh Gosh! This looks amazing! And your photo’s are still as gorgeous as ever!! #KCACOLS
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Thank you Jacqui 😘
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WOW! The Bandstand is amazing! What a stunning spot to say I do! #pointshoot
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Isn’t it? I had never been that far down the seafront before so it was the first time I visited.
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I love the seaside! I’ve never made it down to the Sound Coast though. Brighton looks amazing but I’d definitely miss the sand! Love the Beach Huts 🙂 #pointshoot
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I did find a bit of sand on the first day but I think maybe the tide was out, unfortunately it disappeared when I went back for a paddle
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Oh I am pleased that you added Instagram the huts. I love the beach huts too. We always visit the arcades at the British seaside as the boys love the 2p machines. A gorgeous series of shots as always. Thank you for linking up to #PointShoot 📸
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Thanks Catie 🙂 I think beach huts were made for Instagram!
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I can’t wait to take my son to Brighton. I haven’t been since I was a teenager. #kcacols
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I mainly visit Brighton as I have family there but I would love to see a bit more of the south coast.
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I haven’t been to Brighton in years but would love to go back. Your photos are fab! #KCACOLS
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Thanks Sarah 🙂
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That looks lovely. I went there a few times in my early twenties, but it mostly just pub hopping.
The weather looked awesome too.
#kcacols
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Last time I went it was pouring with rain so we may have seeked refuge in a few pubs 😜
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I had no idea there was quite so much to do in Brighton! No wonder it’s such a popular place for people to visit, and I really love the idea of getting married there, what a gorgeous location! x #KCACOLS
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There is so much to do, definitely need more than one day if you want to fit it all in! 😁
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I haven’t been for a while but it holds great memories that I still carry with me.
Mainy
#KCACOLS
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We live in Hove so do all of these on a regular basis! Looks like you had fun! #KCACOLS
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I only ever spent one day in Brighton, many many years ago, on a day trip from London, but I really really liked it. Beautiful pictures, especially the wedding at the bandstand.
#PointShoot
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Can’t beat an icecream in this weather #PointShoot
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