going to brighton for the first time, but don't want to shop and sunbathe!

MsDee

hi everyone,

going to brighton on sat for the first time. can anyone recommend cultural bits to do or see.

we're not really up for shopping or sunbathing - does anyone live nearby or have visited where they've done something different and found a hidden gem.

thanks

dee

ellay864

The Royal Pavillion is THE must-see in Brighton, it's kind of Brightion's icon, but there are loads of museums and other things to see. Have alook at some of the ideas here
http://www.visitbrighton.com/
Also even though you're not up for sunbathing, it's worth a trip to the beach by the pier as there's the artists quarter there - can be quite fun, epsecially if you find some live music on

paulwf

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is by the Pavillion and is worth a look. If you are traveling by car you could stop off at Preston manor on the way down if it is open that day.

The thing about Brighton though is it is a quirky vibrant city and if you are just there for a day just go with the flow, there are loads of cafes and restaurants where you can have good food, grab a coffee and people watch. The centre of Brighton has loads of independent and very unusual shops so although you say you don't want to go shopping it is totally different to the shopping mall experience. On Saturday they close some of the roads to traffic which makes it even easier to wander around.

MsDee

brilliant, thanks very much.

the pavillion looks like the taj mahal, thank you, will keep you updated.

dee x

Twisted_Animator

If its your thing, the Sea Life Centre isn't too bad if you can use an online discount.

The Komedia club is a nice little place if you want to take in some live jazz, comedy and other entertainment.

Otherwise, a nice stroll along the beach, taking a look at the art along the way and having fish and chips at the pier is very pleasant.

MsDee

That's so freaky, I was just thinking about jazz - thank you.

I think we'll aim to leave London about lunchtime and then go to the Pavillion, have lunch, have a late, romantic afternoon walk on the beach down to Hove and then go to the jazz club and find a lovely cafe outside to have Pimms and people watch.

**Edit - I do want to go to the Lanes though for a very quick shop (boyf will whinge though:D) and buy an antique lamp or trinket, I love home furnishings/interiors, hopefully will be able to pick something original up**

P.S We're going for a fiver return, because of the link Martin posted, here's the link for others - http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/oyster-voucher. I'm planning to go to Chichester next week too. I might start a new thread for people who haven't read this as it runs out at the end of July.

paulwf

MsDee wrote: »

**Edit - I do want to go to the Lanes though for a very quick shop (boyf will whinge though:D) and buy an antique lamp or trinket, I love home furnishings/interiors, hopefully will be able to pick something original up**

Snoopers Paradise in the North Laines is a good fleamarket for finding things like antique lamps http://www.northlaine.co.uk/snoopers-paradise/

Given the good weather the narrow streets will probably be absolutely packed, IMHO it would be worth leaving for Brighton early as you won't be able to get round Brighton in a hurry

MsDee

paulwf wrote: »

Snoopers Paradise in the North Laines is a good fleamarket for finding things like antique lamps http://www.northlaine.co.uk/snoopers-paradise/

Given the good weather the narrow streets will probably be absolutely packed, IMHO it would be worth leaving for Brighton early as you won't be able to get round Brighton in a hurry

Thanks Paul - will check out that.

I known what you mean but with the heat etc we thought it might be better for a late afternoon/cool evening excursion rather than an morning/afternoon venture. I'm looking forward to that breeze in the evening and the twinkling lights on the pier - lovely xx