Anyone from Brighton? Help me plan rare few days away.

[Backtothenineties]

I'm in Brighton next week for some very rare time to myself and want to make the most of it
Can anyone please give some ideas of places to go , things to see thanks

I'm not from Brighton, but am planning a short trip there in a month or so.
I'm looking forward to The Pavillion, the i360 tower, strolling round The Lanes and dinner at The Ivy.
If I was driving and it wasn't too far out of my way, I'd visit Arundel too - it looks like a lovely town. (Another time!)

Thanks for your reply I've not heard about the ivy or the town Arundel so will check them out

I360 is only worth it on a clear day. Preston Manor is open, nice park and house. Rottingdean is quaint with posh houses and quiet beach. There is a restored Regency house which has events. www.rth.org.uk Theatre Royal does tours occasionally. Take Volks Railway and admire posh boats at the Marina. Walk along the promenade towards Hove Lagoon and continue beyond to see posh Art Deco houses owned by likes of Fatboy Slim who also owns a cafe on the way and get an ice cream from Marroccos just past Hove Lawns,

Arundel is nice but a long drive from Brighton along the very busy A27. Lewes is much closer, can be reached easily by train and has a castle, good museum, and independent shops and cafes worth a mooch around.

I don’t now, but I used to. Will you have a car? Devil’s Dyke, just North of Brighton is well worth the short drive. Fantastic views and walks (the pub/restaurant is the only building for miles). Go on a clear day!

I would agree with all the places pp have mentioned. Brighton is great just to have a wander round, but also lots of nice towns within driving distance - e.g Petworth, Lewes.

Can I piggyback and ask for specific recommendations for teens on a short break, please?

Also where in the city centre would be best for viewing sunsets, just the main beach/pier?

Thank you.

Last year there was a zip wire to the east of the pier.

I wouldn’t necessarily go to The Ivy in Brighton - I’m sure it’s nice, but there are so many great independent restaurants there that it would seem a shame to go to a national chain if you’re only there for a few days.

In terms of places to eat, I like The Chilli Pickle, Riddle and Finns, Shelter Hall, Milk No Sugar (though haven’t been there for a while), Fatto a Mano if you like pizza, Terre a Terre if you like vegetarian food.

Lots of interesting shops, cafes etc in the North Laine but they seem to change relatively frequently. Kensington Gardens in the North Laine is probably my favourite street in Brighton!

Saltdean Lido is nice if you want an outdoor swim. Lots of my friends also rave about One Garden Brighton if you want something outside the city bustle but I haven’t personally been there.

The Pavilion is definitely worth seeing, and although it’s tacky as anything, I quite enjoy walking to the end of the pier.

Are you going during the week or weekend?
Just because it's pride in Brighton next weekend and it will be really busy! It will fab atmosphere and event, I'm sure! But if you wanted a slow paced chilled weekend, it may not be the one!

Royal Pavilion.
Seafront stroll from Palace Pier to Hove lagoon and back.
The Lanes and North Laines.
Devils Dyke is awesome.
If you have a car or don’t mind the bus, Beachy Head is worth the trip and amazing walking.
Arundel is really lovely but a trek from Brighton and traffic isn’t great right now.

The optical illusions place in Brighton (sorry can’t recall name) is really fun and I think teens would love it.

Wouldn't go to the Ivy. It's ok, but there are much better restaurants in Brighton, depending on your taste eg if you like seafood - Riddle & Finns and others.

Paradox Place? The team behind that also do really good escape rooms.

Wander round the lanes, north and south, and mooch around all the independent shops. If you like the idea of getting lost inside a huge antique/flea market type place then pay a visit to Snoopers Paradise- it's amazing. Riddle and Finns is great for food- the one on the seafront is new with amazing views. Shelter Hall is fab for a cocktail- grab yourself a balcony seat and watch all the beach goings on from there. If you like massages etc then the Treatment Rooms on New Rd is v nice.

If you walk down seafront towards Hove too you will pass loads of lively outdoor bars/basketball courts/general fun and it's great for soaking up the Brighton atmosphere as you walk. Then around the i360 are some more lovely independent shops. If you fancy (another) drink with a view then I enjoy the terrace at the Metropole hotel. It's often overlooked as a place to go but usually has tables and you can sit & enjoy a glass of something while facing out to sea and watching the world go by.
Another thing to do is hire one of the Brighton blue bikes (very easy) from the pier area and take the (nice and flat) cycle lane to Hove Lawns. Grab an ice cream from Moroccos as a PP suggested, sit and eat it on Hove Lawns or on the promenade and then take a leisurely cycle ride back.

Thank you everyone some fantastic ideas

Are the cycle lanes on the main road or on a prom with pedestrians? I'm not that confident riding in traffic

On the seafront itself cyclists have their own lane area so separate from both cars and pedestrians. For a lot of it (I think) there are barriers of sorts to make the separation between the road and the cyclists clear. I am not a confident cyclist at all and it's super tame. The bikes have little baskets and you can just pootle along quite leisurely!

There are chunks along the seafront where it's a cycle lane on the promenade actually. But between the pier and Hove Lawns there is no going on the main road I don't think!!!

As above, but I'd suggest a trip out to devils Dyke for sunset & a meal at the Devils Dyke pub. There's a regular bus runs up there in the summer. The Marina can be a pleasant few hours too

I wouldn't bother with The Ivy either when we have far better independent restaurants. I'd recommend Petit Pois, Witchez, La Capanina for authentic Italian or Pinochios for cheap & cheerful Italian. The Eastern Eye for Indian, Salt Rooms for fish & seafood, Happy Maki is popular for sushi etc. Lots of great pub food around too.

just so you know it’s Brighton pride next weekend.
jb diners on the front is pretty good if you like diners.
there’s loads of independent restaurants.
the walk from the marina to the pier is quite a nice walk.

I live in Brighton. That sounds about right. Lewes is nearer than Arundel & is lovely.

Indian Summer is great as is The Giggling Squid & Manjos.

I spend regular weekends in Brighton. You honestly don't have to plan much, mooching and walking through the lanes is great. Some lovely restaurants (agree, the ivy isn't the place to go - but there is a great breakfast place opposite it!) and summer vibes.

I really appreciate everyone's help and ideas but just wondering if I wanted to get to beachy head by bus/train what is the easiest way from Brighton?
Bus from Brighton to Eastbourne then bus x13 from Eastbourne to Beachy head I think it says stops at Beachy head pub

Or bus 12 from Brighton to Seven Sisters car park. Is this miles away from Beachy head cliffs? This would save me going into Eastbourne but not sure if best drop off point.
Thank you