Fancy a bit of opera, but don't fancy all the stuffiness of London? Glyndebourne could be just the answer. Located just outside the city, this beautiful opera house and complex is set on its own grounds and it offers opera lovers the chance to enjoy both indoor and outdoor performances.
Madeira Drive, formerly known as Madeira Terrace, was initially built as a promenade to protect the land of the East Cliff. Overlooking the beach, on the sea-side road of this drive is what can be Britain's first electric railway, Volks Electric Railway. This drive is an important location for many, as this serves as a finish line for a variety of races, including the annual London to Brighton Cycle Ride. Plenty of traditional sea-side entertainments can be found throughout the year, apart from regular races. One can expect to sight cars of veteran era, Lamborghini and motorcycles of all varieties. Operating only from Easter to mid-September, 9:45a to 7:15p daily, a lift connects the Madeira Drive to Madeira Parade. Seafront offers a variety of shops to purchase souvenirs like Brighton Rock
This magnificent castle, built by the Earl of Arundel at the end of the 11th Century, is situated in the lovely town of Arundel. Surrounded by well-kept grounds, it contains a collection of 16th-century furniture and artworks by Gainsborough and Van Dyck, among others. The castle has a fascinating history and has links with Mary, Queen of Scots and Henry VIII. There is also a restaurant and a shop.
Quaint narrow alleys and cobbled streets is this historic part of Brighton. The Lanes is a popular visit for locals and visitors alike. You can wander, window-shop and watch the buskers, enjoy a meal in one of the many bistros, cafes and restaurants, or have a drink in one of the excellent pubs in the area. It is also famous for its antiques and jewelry shops, as well as a number of fashionable clothes shops.
With a history as vibrant as its structure itself, the Royal Pavilion is a breathtaking site exuding opulence, and is one of England's most prized possessions. Having once been a leisure palace which housed George IV, the Pavilion is a magnificent canopy of Regency style fused with marvellous influences of Asian architecture. It boasts a striking facade complete with gleaming domes and minarets which give way to highly-decorated rooms adorned with luminescent chandeliers, plush furnishings, and decorative art. Having undergone a major facelift, the palace and its interiors now shine proudly in all their resplendent glory. Further augmented by a tearoom and a lovely expanse of gardens crafted in Regency style, the Royal Pavilion offers a glimpse of the architectural legacy of Asia, right in the heart of Brighton.
Opened in 1873, the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery houses collections of local and national importance, including Art Nouveau and Art Deco collections of furniture, glass and ceramics, and arts and crafts worldwide. The Willett Collection contains more than 2000 pieces of pottery and porcelain from the 1700s to the 1900s. Other displays include fine art, local history, costumes and toys.
Come here for a taste of modern designer jewelery and ceramic collections by artists like Tony Laverick, Peter Wright, Perry Lancaster and Jennie Hale. This two-floor gallery emphasizes contemporary design with interesting use of materials such as metal and plastic in clocks, ornaments and jewelery. The glass perfume bottles make perfect gifts. You don't have to be an art connoisseur to shop at The Alexander Gallery as the work, displayed in glass cases, is accompanied by a short note detailing the artist's background and training.
Down at the seafront end of Brighton, the Sussex County Arts Club is actually a members' club, a favored haunt of the Illuminati - Julie Burchill among them. However it does open its doors for plays, music and cabaret. The impressive arts space at the rear of the building is a circular room with a huge glass domed atrium. Seating is limited and informal but then you're likely to be foot-tapping anyway to regular rock, folk and world music nights on offer. There's a small bar, the main bar unfortunately for members only.
The Great Hall located in the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, is a breathtaking sight of architecture. Opened in 1875, the Victorian architecture of the hall is among its highlights with not many changes done to date. You can enjoy the English experience of afternoon tea while taking in the grandeur of the Great Hall.
The Heathfield State Hall, located at the Kings Church, is busy with events throughout the year. From concerts, to benefits and even English language lessons, this hall is used for a variety of events that help enrich the local culture. The hall is also available for hire for private events. Contact for more information.
Established in 1837, the Windlesham House School was the first preparatory school for boys in the United Kingdom, and in 1967, it became the first boys' prep-school to turn co-educational.A most sought-after place as an educational institution, the school also plays host to prominent events, like the open-air show called Odyssey and more.Do see the website for more information.
The gorgeous red-bricked St Mary's Church lies in the Kemptown neighborhood of Brighton and Hove. This beautiful shrine dates from the 1870s and is Early English and French Gothic revival in style. The beautiful church has stunning interiors with Bath stonework. The chancel has a pentagonal ambulatory and apse. There is a long nave with aisles on either sides and arches, a semicircular baptistery, an organ chamber and vestries. This church has been assigned Grade II by English Heritage.