Top Rated Attractions in Brighton

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.