Day Trip from London – Brighton

• Posted by: Editor
• On: 21/11/2008 12:44:09
• In: UK Car Hire

What’s to see in Brighton?

Brighton is a very popular seaside resort for people in London and is sometimes called London-by-the-Sea.

The most significant landmark in the town would be the Royal Pavilion. This pavilion was constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style, similar to the Taj Mahal, which was common in India at the time.

The Pavilion was commissioned by the Prince Regent George Frederick, who later became King George IV. The interior of the building also has a distinctive style that shows elements of Chinese, Indian, Mughal and Islamic inspiration. During WWI it was used as a hospital and there's now a memorial on the site for those who died in service.

As a seaside destination the next most important attraction is Brighton Beach itself. If you're visiting during the summer then this blue-flag beach will be jam packed with tourists and indeed many locals who enjoy soaking up the sun that the south coast enjoys. It's a pebble beach, but if you visit during low tide you can enjoy the sandy seabed that's just a little further out. If you wouldn’t mind going au naturale there is a nudist section to the east of Brighton.

Also located on the beach is Brighton Pier, aka Palace Pier, which has an arcade with the customary attractions such as shops, restaurants and some funfair rides.

Located close to Brighton Pier is the Sea Life Centre which is the world's oldest operating aquarium and is a testament of Victorian grandeur. There's also a walkthrough underwater tunnel which is always popular with visitors.

Another "worlds oldest operating" is the Volks Electric Railway which runs from the Aquarium all the way to Black Rock which is located close to Brighton Marina. It was built in 1883 and operates during the summer months.

Brighton Marina has plenty of pubs and restaurants that provide a nice stopping point along your tour of the town. Enjoy the view of the boats coming and going. More restaurants and cafes can be found in Jubilee Square which is a little more modern and you will also find the Jubilee Library here.

For a taste of culture there are a number of theatres found within close proximity of each other, bound by the New Road, Jubilee Street and parts of North Laine. These theatres include the Theatre Royal, Pavilion Theatre, Corn Exchange Theatre, Dome Concert Hall Theatre and a few others.

For galleries, Brighton is not found wanting. For some modern art you can visit Fabrica. This gallery is housed in a renovated church and shows new works by international artists. Other contemporary art galleries include Ink D, Phoenix and Lighthouse. Another more conventional gallery is the Grand Parade located in Brighton’s central university campus and consists of the works of the students and some international artists.

For museums there's the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, which covers the culture and art of Brighton itself. There's also a Toy and Model Museum in the town that's a real hidden gem if you have the time.

Located adjacent to Brighton is the village of Kempton, which is often referred to as the Gay Capital of Britain.

How to get to Brighton?

Brighton is located directly south of London, in Sussex, about 90 kilometres away by road.

If you are landing in Heathrow Airport and you want to drive out to Brighton, then you will want to get onto the M25 and head in an anti-clockwise direction south. At junction 7, take the M23 southern exit towards Brighton. Stay on the M23 as it becomes the A23 and this should take you right into the heart of Brighton.

If you are driving out from London city centre, then you will need to get south of the Thames and onto the A23 which can take you all the way to your destination.

Seaside towns tend to be a summer time extravagance but Brighton has something for everyone all year round. So if you do decide that this is somewhere you would like to explore out of London or the airport then check out our Car Hire Heathrow Airport page and have a look at our excellent prices. For other excusion ideas for the UK why not have a look through our UK Car Hire Blog page.

If you have any tips about driving in and around London or Brighton feel free to let us know. Just leave your message in the comment box below.