Travel to Brighton

Travel to Brighton

Brighton, on England's south coast, is one of the country's premier seaside resorts and has recently featured in the top ten UK cities. It attracts more than eight million tourists every year, many of whom come from overseas. Forming a single region, Brighton has a dynamic atmosphere, while nearby Hove tends to be calmer and more relaxed.

Transportation to Brighton

London Gatwick Airport is the most popular means of arrival for those coming from abroad, with daily connections to a large number of UK and international destinations. It is located only 28 miles north of Brighton and a train service stopping at the airport connects it to the seaside resort. There are also regular coach services from the airport directly to Brighton. The small Shoreham Airport is 20 minutes to the west of Brighton and has good connections to many UK and French destinations. Transportation options to Brighton include train, bus and taxi services. Brighton itself has an extensive bus network, providing good connections within the city and its suburbs.

What to see

The Royal Pavilion, with its Indian Mogul exterior, served as the seaside palace of George IV. It is one of Brightons most prominent landmarks. The famous Brighton Pier, built in the 1890s, represents traditional English popular seaside culture. It offers fun for the whole family in the form of roller-coasters, childrens rides, bars and restaurants. The Lanes, the historical heart of Brighton, are an intricate maze of narrow, twisting alleyways and this used to be the centre of the old fishing village, Brighthelmstone. Today this area is home to an extraordinary mix of shops, pubs and restaurants.

Daytrips

Rottingdean is a lovely bus ride away, and this is where Rudyard Kipling lived and wrote the Just So Stories. Wander through the Kipling Gardens and admire a mock-up of Kiplings study at the Grange Museum. The Bluebell Railway is the only all-steam standard gauge railway in the UK, extremely popular with kids and adults alike. It is run by volunteers, too. Bring out the knight in you at the magnificent Bodiam Castle in Robertsbridge, with spiral staircases, medieval battlements, ramparts and a drawbridge.

Activities and leisure

There is plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts, with a number of golf courses and plenty of facilities for water sports. Hove Lagoon is home to sailing and windsurfing, and powerboats and banana boat rides are also available. The Brighton and Hove Albion football club play regular matches at the Withdean Sports Complex.

Safety issues

Brighton is generally a safe place for visitors, but you are advised to keep an eye on your valuables in areas frequented by tourists. The recent terror attacks in London also call for higher vigilance when out and about in high profile locations.