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.
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.
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
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.
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.
The UK's biggest marina incorporates harborside bars, cafes and restaurants including the Brighton Pagoda, Bowlplex, a 26-lane bowling alley, UGC Cinema with eight screens, an Asda hypermarket, factory outlet shopping and boat trips. There are regular weekend events here throughout the summer, including French markets, craft fairs and street theater. The Brighton Marina is home to many impressive and expensive yachts. The Undercliff Path begins here, which takes you along the bottom of the chalk cliffs to Saltdean.
More than 40 fascinating displays, from shrimp to sharks and octopus to eels, are housed in a magnificent Victorian aquarium. Sea Life Brighton also boasts England's longest walk-through underwater observation tunnel. Youngsters can enjoy close encounters with various species in the touch pools, while all the family can sit at the edge of a diving hatch to hear the story of Captain Nemo and the Nautilus. Full program of feeding demonstrations and a captivating collection of seahorses, one of the ocean's most fragile and endangered species.
Featuring an interesting line-up of artists from all over the world, The Haunt is a buzzing part of the city's lively music scene. Located right in the center of the city, a few meters from the Brighton Pier, The Haunt is equipped with a stellar sound system to ensure that when artists like 2manydjs, Austra, or CocknBullKid play, it will be a memorable performance. Besides the entertaining live performances, The Haunt also strives to bring back Brighton's famous club nights like 'Thursday Night Fish Fry', and, 'It Is Still 1985'.
Find nature, history and heritage, all stacked together at the Old Steine Gardens. Located in the Brighton region of Brighton and Hove, this East Sussex garden is of prime importance. Housing many monuments of historical value, the garden can be dated back to the 18th Century when it opened as a vast green space. Apart from providing beautiful walkways, the garden also is home to the monuments of Victoria Fountain, Statue of Sir John Cordy Burrows, Brighton War Memorial and Egyptian Campaign Memorial. All the monuments are of high heritage value and have been recipient of immense tourist attention.
With a cabaret bar downstairs and a restaurant bar above, the Latest Music Bar makes for a great night out. This unique and wonderful entertainment venue has seen the likes of Amy Winehouse, Herbie Flowers and Newton Faulkner perform. The area downstairs has a bohemian ambiance and the restaurant serves delicious food. Free wi-fi is available and the venue can be rented for private parties for up to 200 people. Various seasonal events and parties keep taking place. Check the website for details.