Things to do in Brighton

As one of Englands most important cities, visitors will find plenty of attractions in and around Brighton, including historic displays and exhibitions as well as animals and attractions for the whole family.

Royal Pavilion

Tourist attraction of the year in 1995 and one of the finest royal palaces, this former residence of George IV is one of the most unusual buildings in the UK. Indian architecture clashes with Oriental-inspired interiors and furniture collections, soft furnishings, ornamental art, silver gilt and china, including items on loan from the Queen. Of special interest is the domed Banqueting Room, with a chandelier of bronze dragons supporting lily-like glass globes. The palace has been restored to its full regal glory and is set in restored Regency gardens. Visitors can go on guided tours at 11:30 and 14:30 daily. Phone: +44 1273 290 900; website: www.royalpavilion.org.uk.

Brighton Marina

The stunning Brighton Marina is situated in the Kemp Town area of Brighton and is host to a massive number of amusement and tourist attractions. The marina has cafs, restaurants and bars, most of which offer excellent views of the harbour, as well as shopping facilities, boat trips around the Brighton Marina, a multi-screen cinema complex and a tenpin bowling venue. In fact, Brighton Marina is one of the biggest yachting harbours in the United Kingdom. Phone: +44 1273 693 636.

Artists Quarter

This is a string of small, fascinating studios and shops located under the arches of the esplanade where local painters, sculptors and toy-makers all create and sell their goods. It is a lovely area to wander along and marvel at the talent on show and maybe buy a unique souvenir of Brighton. Local artist Daniel Laurence has a shop selling his fine-looking blue seascapes. There is also a workshop for metalwork where the artist can be observed creating his figurative sculptures. Small gifts and prints are also on sale for those who dont want to take home a full size work of art.

Brighton Clock Tower

Built in 1888 to commemorate Queen Victorias Golden Jubilee, the clock features portraits of the Queen, Prince Albert and their son, the future Edward VII, and his wife. A gilt copper ball is on top of the clock. The time ball used to go up up a mast every hour and fall on the hour. The device is not in use anymore because the council received so many complaints from local residents regarding the noise.

Brighton Pier

The Brighton pier is probably Brightons most widely recognised landmark. Previously known as the Brighton Palace Pier, it is located in the centre of Brightons seafront. It is home to a huge variety of attractions, including arcades with state-of-the-art video games, a funfair with a mini-roller coaster, dodgems and other exciting rides, side stalls, a restaurant with spectacular sea views, fast-food outlets, bars, seasonal firework displays and much more. The pier is open daily from 09:00 to midnight and in winter from 10:00 to midnight.

West Pier

The West Pier is an important part of Brightons heritage, and was once upon a time a beautiful structure bursting with Victorian elegance and grandeur. Dating back to 1866, this historic landmark boasts classical Victorian architecture and was literally built out of the sea on strong iron columns. It now holds on to the somewhat faded splendour of the past. The 130-year-old pier, located near the border between Brighton and Hove, is listed as a Grade 1 structure. Organised tours of the pier can be arranged. Phone: +44 1273 32 1499; website:
www.westpier.co.uk/.

Peace Statue

With a leg on each side of the border between Brighton and Hove on the seafront, this monument has become known as the Peace Statue even though it actually commemorates the reign of King Edward VII. It was erected in 1912 and designed by Newbury Trent. It is in the shape of an angel of peace clutching a sphere and an olive branch. The statue is set along the main seafront road and is impossible to miss because of its size. It is often a gathering place for environmental action groups and a Peace Festival is held on the nearby Hove Lawns every summer.

The Chattri Monument

The Chattri Monument, standing on the north side of Brighton, near to the South Downs area, is an important landmark. It honours the lives of Hindu and Muslim soldiers who took their last breath in Brightons hospital during WWI. It was built in the place where their remains were cremated. Opened in 1921, the Chattri Monument offers impressive views across the surrounding countryside.

Museums

Brighton is home to an excellent collection of museums which are located in and around central Brighton. The many popular museums house some of the citys most extensive and historic collections. The Brighton Museum and Art Gallery houses many significant exhibits of early 20th-century ceramic objects, furniture, period garments, artwork, local craftwork, toys and some historic pieces of stoneware.

The Museum of Penny Slot Machines is home to many functioning, classic, coin-operated machines, some of which are more than a hundred years old. Close to Brighton Pier, the collection features fortune-telling machines, strength machines, fruit machines and lots of other curious coin-operated attractions.

The Brighton Toy and Model Museum contains one of the worlds finest collections of toys and models. Boasting more than 10,000 exhibits, displays include great collections of antique toys, many made by well-known toy makers, and an impressive collection of model trains. The

Fishing Museum commemorates Brightons fishing history, which was instrumental in bringing wealth and affluence to this seaside resort. Among the exhibits is a historic fishing boat of great significance, the Skylark pleasure boat, local history as well as numerous interesting regional artefacts.