Brighton - where to eat and what to do!

Frith

Looking forward to a short break in Brighton during the Easter holidays. Haven't been for about 20 years so I wondered if anyone could recommend cheap things to do and places to eat?

There are 3 of us (me plus sons of 12 and 15). We quite like outdoorsy things plus museums, trains, climbing and swimming.

We eat just about anything! We'll be going by train and will be staying in the youth hostel (Old Steine).

Also, train travel seems slow from our neck of the woods (I don't remember it being so complicated last time I went!) I am happy to drive for an hour or so if it makes the journey easier to get on the train at that point. Don't quite see why we have to go into London and back out again (as the websites suggest) as it's hardly on the way! I had thought about driving to Birm International as it takes an hour or so from here and is then fast into London. But perhaps there is somewhere else I can drive to that will chop London out altogether?

Thanks, all.

Kynthia

Make sure you take a good wander around the North Laines streets, different from the famous Lanes, as there are lots of bohemian and handmade type shops and independent traders. It makes it interesting and different from generic high streets full of all the same brands.

A local could probably tell you lots of interesting and inexpensive things to do but unfortunately I'm not one. However o think Groupon often does deals for things on the area which might be worth keeping and eye out for in advance. Brighton Dome is interesting and I'm sure you'd like to stop by Choccywoccydoodah.

The visit Brighton website is quite good.

wealdroam

Frith wrote: »

Also, train travel seems slow from our neck of the woods (I don't remember it being so complicated last time I went!) I am happy to drive for an hour or so if it makes the journey easier to get on the train at that point. Don't quite see why we have to go into London and back out again (as the websites suggest) as it's hardly on the way! I had thought about driving to Birm International as it takes an hour or so from here and is then fast into London. But perhaps there is somewhere else I can drive to that will chop London out altogether?

Is driving to Newport or Bristol a possibility?
There are hourly trains from there (they start from Cardiff Central) to Portsmouth Harbour via Salisbury and Southampton and avoiding London. One same platform change at Fareham or Cosham for a train to Brighton.

duchy

For something museum orientated the Royal Pavillion is unique

Go-karting
Boat trips
Bowling


Brighton tends to have a lot of special events at weekends so worth checking to see what's on

The Brighton Centre also often has top artists appearing

anne15

hi,

when i stayed there the room window was opposite a VERY noisy nightclub - noisy til 3am most nights even through the week so maybe ask to have a quiet room ?

the room was nice otherwise and the staff friendly and helpful


have a nice time

Dragonjnr

I was at the hostel this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it, although I agree it can be a little noisy.

I downloaded the Visit Brighton app and used that to help me decide where I was going, what I was seeing etc etc. Walking for ages along the promenade was glorious, even in the cold and wet!

NotRichAtAll

A really good value for money pub is "the brunswick" just along holland road, the food is good nicely cooked and lots of it the pub is not a rowdy type of place and the prices are very good, this was one of the places we ate in when we worked at shoreham
also along church road we used was the blind busker, china hins, and ashoka tandori. You also must go onto the pier its really good fun for all and the night life along the sea front is pretty relaxed and there are table tennis tables basketball areas music seating and drinks.

have a good time am sure you will enjoy it

vikingaero

Lewes is a nice town to visit and bumble around. There's an informative (and free) cartoony map of the town which unfortunately I cannot find at present.

You can get a bus to Seaford/Exceat and walk out to the Seven Sisters:

http://www.sevensisters.org.uk/
http://www.sevensisters.org.uk/content/page/779/SSCP_leaflet.pdf

Further on the bus will take you to Beachy Head: http://beachyhead.org.uk/

GFN123

I'm on my phone so can't do links, but a Google should bring up the relevant sites!

There are loads of nice eateries around the North Laine if you are just wandering about but my top cheap picks:

Foodillic on North street - all you can eat for £7 but not dodgy, lovely fresh salads etc and lots of choice

Pompoko- little Japanese near the Pavilion really superb!

Bath Arms - great pub in the heart of the South lanes with really nice food

Casa don Carlos - exceptional tapas in South lanes.

Lion and lobster pub - quirky but friendly, great food

Giggling Squid - Thai street food, inexpensive but delish! Couple of branches

Carlito Burrito - near London road best Mexican outside of Mexico!

Burger Brothers - tiny hole in the wall take away but famous and wonderful burgers

Earth and Stars - organic pub great food

The yeoman pub just up from the station does amazing food

If you like walks you can get a bus to Devils Dyke for a lovely stroll on the Downs. The museum (by Pavilion) is free.

Happy to answer any specific questions