Brighton light, England, UK by Simon

1. Ice Skating at the Royal Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion is a stunning 200-year-old palace built for King George IV as a holiday home by the sea. It has survived a lot and the interiors in particular have undergone extensive renovation, however in the winter a new rather less typical addition is placed in the gardens of the palace; an 800 square metre ice rink, complete with a smaller section for kids improving their skating skills. Another great thing about this ice rink is the attached Jamie’s Feasts restaurant which is a Jamie Oliver-birthed eatery, serving deliciously tasty meals, perfect after working up an appetite on the rink. Royal Pavilion Ice Rink tickets cost from £10 for adults and £7 for children under 12 and the one-hour skate times run from 10am to 10.15pm daily.

Royal Pavilion in Winter, Brighton, England, UK by PeppermintEvents

2. See Moscow City Ballet’s, The Nutcracker

With Christmas just around the corner one of the most perfect wintry things to do is see the ballet, and be encased in the opulent and antique surroundings of the Theatre Royal Brighton. The classic ballet The Nutcracker is on from the 29th of November until Saturday the 1st of December so there is only a short amount of time to snap up tickets to this fantastic experience.

3. Drink Mulled Cider in the Lanes

Brighton Lanes is full of quaint little pubs and bars that serve traditional mulled wine and now cider as a Christmas treat. They are all warm and cosy and in the evenings are lit by candles to create a cosy atmosphere, a perfect antidote to the cold wintery day.

Photo of Mulled Cider by billycoxon

4. French Toast at Bills

Bills is famous in Brighton as the best place for breakfast (they do serve lunches too), my recommendation is for a huge stack of French toast with bananas, strawberries, toasted walnut yoghurt and maple syrup, delicious! The lovely atmosphere and friendly staff will have you returning again before you know it.

5. Promenade

Promenading was a favourite past time of the Victorians who believed that the bracing winds were good for their health and I think they were definitely onto something! So make sure you wrap up warm and put on plenty of layers and get out onto the promenade. You can walk from the Palace pier further down towards Hove, where there are small cafes and plenty of people out walking their dogs. Run down to the sea and throw stones into the icy waves like you did when you were a kid.

Promenade in Brighton, England, UK by Chris Wright

When you know the best things to do winter can be just as fun as summer! Make sure on your next train to Brighton you wrap up and don’t hibernate through the winter months.

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Palace Pier

Built in its original form in 1823, the Palace Pier has had a stormy past, having been knocked down or had major destruction affecting the structure of the pier around 10 different times! It has therefore been re-built on a number of occasions, most notably in 1899 when it re-opened at a grand cost at the time of £27,000. It has since been re-branded as a fairground-type attraction with a number of rides at the end of the pier, arcade games and traditional fairground games like tin can alley and hook a duck. There are also lots of amazingly traditional British delicacies to try like fish and chps, candy rock, cockles and Mr whippy Ice Cream, not to mention candy floss, doughnuts and crepes! Click here for opening times and more information on the Palace Pier.

Brighton Pier, England, UK by Paul

Brighton Wheel

This relatively new Brighton attraction was opened in October 2011 and was previously built as an attraction on the site of the 2012 World Cup in South Africa, it was then shipped over to the UK. Once inside one of the 36 pods you can see a number of Brightonian landmarks such as the Brighton Pavilion and on a clear day even the Isle of Wight. It actually moves at a relatively faster pace than the London eye, although it does offer you at least three wheel rotations per ride. Tickets are not too expensive either starting at £8 for an adult there, but you can find a 10% discount online.

Brighton Wheel, England, UK by Jim Linwood

Royal Pavilion

This fantastic attraction completely unique to Brighton was the ‘holiday home’ of George IV, also known as the Prince Regent and he started building it in 1786. It is now a great place for people of all ages to discover some royal treasures and beautiful paintings and interior designs of the grand rooms. A special mention must go to the music room, which has stunningly exquisite chandeliers and wall paper patterns and designs, certainly not to be missed!

Royal Pavilion, Brighton, England, UK by Stuart Boreham

Meeting Place Café

As a Brightonian myself, one of the best things to do on a lazy weekend is to stroll along the beach and work up an appetite so you can treat yourself to a delicious spread at this particular favourite café of mine. They have a selection of enticing homemade cakes and they even do a traditional cream tea. A tradition of mine is to have a plate of cheesy chips and sit on the quaint plastic chairs tucked behind the bright yellow windbreaker and people watch as the sun beats down. But make sure you don’t let the seagulls and pigeons snatch your treats! It’s all part of the fun at this great British institution.

Meeting Place Cafe, Brighton, England, UK by Jeremy Tarling

The Lanes

A mecca for vintage clothes shoppers, the North and South Lanes offer a multitude of choice and variety at a whole range of different prices. From well-known vintage stores like Beyond Retro to little thrift stores that sell anything from binoculars to melamine home ware, at all manner of prices. I love going to these unique stores to get pieces that nobody else has and to truly be an individual, Brighton is certainly full of them!

Big Yellow Shop – The Drum Cavern in the North Laines, Brighton, UK by Dominic’s pics

If you want to get to Brighton from London it is best to catch the fast train from Victoria station which only takes about an hour and you can always get the Gatwick Express to London Victoria if you’re coming from the airport itself. Brighton Station is not far away from the seafront and main city centre and most places are within walking distance once you get there. The main motorway leading into Brighton is the A27 then A23, all making this city an easily accessible destination.

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His lavish spending was legendary – both before and after he succeeded to the Crown – and turned a small, innocuous village called Brighthelmstone into what today is one of the south coast’s most famous resorts.

Brighton Royal Pavilion, UK by Dominic Alves

Brighton, previously a sleepy backwater in Sussex, caught the Prince’s eye in 1783 when he paid a visit to his uncle, the Duke of Cumberland. A year later he returned and rented a farmhouse on the nearby Steine, and before long had started work on what was to become the crème de la crème of Georgian opulence.

No Expense Spared

Brighton Pavilion was a no-expense-spared, oriental masterpiece, a medley of Chinese, Indian and Turkish-inspired architecture with domes, minarets and cupolas more reminiscent of a religious temple than a British palace.

Designed by Henry Holland and later the renowned architect John Nash – with a banqueting room that alone cost more than £1/2 a million – it didn’t take long for the flighty Hanoverian to become bored with the whole scenario.

Three years before his death he abandoned Brighton, preferring to spend what was left of his short reign at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.

His brother William IV, and later his successor Queen Victoria also had little affinity with the great Georgian edifice, and so Brighton Pavilion remained a very expensive and unloved monument to royal extravagance.

What Else to See

The South Downs are a walkers’ paradise…and historians too will thrill to places like Bignor Roman Villa with its unique mosaics a reminder of Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.

This is one of the largest villas ever discovered, after lying buried until being unearthed by a farmer’s plough 200 years ago.

At Brightling, an eccentric squire called John Fuller was responsible for six genuine follies that still survive today.

Prince Regent Royal Pavilion, Brighton, UK by Dominic Alves

There’s an obelisk, an observatory, a cone, a temple, round tower and pyramid…all paying homage to not only their creator’s eccentric streak, but his philanthropy as well.

‘Mad Jack’ as he was known, had a passionate interest in astronomy, but equally wanted to keep the native population in employment as the local iron industry waned.

His mausoleum is the 26-foot high pyramid in Brightling Churchyard.

More recently, the famous Bloomsbury Group of artists made Charleston Farmhouse their headquarters…and in the early years of the 1900s they descended en masse to cover every door, fireplace, bedstead and bookcase with their artwork.

This frozen-in-time country home has been preserved for modern-day visitors to enjoy, partly re-created to portray life there in the 1950s.

Nicki Williams is a copy writer for Gear-Zone, where you’ll find everything you need to explore Britain, from essential waterproof clothing to hiking boots, camping gear and travel accessories.

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Windsor castle, England, UK by gailf548

The Tower of London

Just half an hour from Gatwick airport, the Tower of London is one of the oldest historical monuments in London. Dating back to the Roman empire, this fortress has been the home of royalty, a stronghold against invasion and a prison. It’s open year round, but the crowds are thinnest in the late spring and early summer.

Windsor castle

This is the oldest inhabited castle in the world, and is currently the weekend home of the Queen. Located in Berkshire, the castle is just a 30 minute drive from Gatwick airport, and it’s also near historic Stonehenge for an easy day trip. Because the castle is occupied during the summer, it’s best to avoid the area from June through August, but it’s open to visitors throughout the rest of the year.

Lewes castle

Located in Sussex, Lewes castle is one of the closest monuments to the airport. It’s next to the Babican House Museum, which provides a comprehensive view of Sussex history, and the castle walls provide the best views of the surrounding countryside. Both the castle and museum are open year round, but it may be best to avoid hotter months due to walking and climbing needed to explore the castle keep.

Lewes castle, Sussex, UK by Charlesdrakew

The Royal Pavilion

A palace, not a castle, the Royal Pavilion is home to a museum and beautifully-cultivated garden. The palace sits on a pier filled with carnival-like festivities year round. The best views of the garden are during the spring and summer months when everything is in bloom, but the palace and grounds are open throughout the year.

Arundel castle

Built in the 11th Century, this castle is located an hour away from Brighton in the quaint town of Arundel. The castle towers over the city and provides a stunning view of Arundel and nearby Sussex. Arundel castle is open to visitors only from March through October.

There’s so much to see and do near Gatwick airport that you’re sure to find something to appeal to your tastes. If you’re looking to tour castles, it might be best to book a trip in the spring as there are fewer crowds and most attractions are open at this time. If you can’t make it out during the spring months, however, you can still see many of the year-round attractions that the countryside has to offer. While you explore, be sure to choose a centrally-located hotel that will give you access to all of the attractions near Gatwick airport.

Georgie Little is a guest writer for www.gatwickairporthotels.com where you can find out more about Gatwick hotels.

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Royal Pavilion, Brighton, UK by Xgkkp

The Royal Pavilion is not like Taj Mahal inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Heritage Sites but it is still very interesting and magnificent attraction in the southern England, which you should not miss once you are around London. It is very nice especially in the evenings when it is richly illuminated.

The Royal Pavilion is open daily except for few national holidays or regular annual maintenance. If you would like to organize some group trip here, it is recommended to book in advance during the summer, as the Royal Pavilion used to be quite busy.

Basic admission is £10 for adults and £5,70 for kids, but there are a number of special offers for families, students, or seniors… The best way how you can get there is by train, Pavilion is located just 15 minutes walking from Brighton Rail Station.

During your tour around the Royal Pavilion you will visit such great places as The Music Room, The Banqueting Room, Royal bedrooms, The Great Kitchen, Royal reception rooms and Indian Military Hospital gallery. You can also take Audio Guides which are already included in the price. And if you prefer being in the nature rather than moving from one room to another one, Royal Pavilion is still good option for you. There are gardens where you can expect different species of plants in the different season.

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The Royal Pavilion may sound like a typical tourist trap but Brighton doesn’t do anything the normal way and this royal palace isn’t any different. From the outside you wouldn’t think this was once a royal residence commissioned by King George IV when he was still Price Regent. The first thing you’ll notice is it doesn’t tower above you; there are no intimidating walls, motes or turrets as seen in traditional castles. In fact it looks more like something out of a movie set trying (and not quite succeeding) to look like a palace from the far east. This is because it was built just over 200 years ago by a young man who was fascinated with China and India despite never actually visiting these countries. One of the first large rooms you reach when walking round is the grand banquet room with the most imposing and mesmerising chandeliers you’re ever likely to see. The lavish décor is very eastern and the extravagant décor is too grandiose to be overwhelming but as you walk round the other side of the first floor you come into the library and drawing rooms that suddenly offer a more sombre décor. These rooms were completed after the Prince Regent became king and suddenly had to grow up.

Royal Pavilion, Brighton, UK by Richard Randall

Shopping

Once you’ve had enough history grab a map (or an app) and head into The Lanes and North Laine to check out some incredibly eclectic shops. The Lanes are famous for their jewellery and antique shops, no matter what you find in them, you can be sure there aren’t many other people out there with the same item. The reason this shopping destination is so iconic is because of their narrow walkways, in some place there isn’t enough room for two people to pass head on. Although natives can navigate their way round these lanes with ease, first timers can find themselves getting turned around, but don’t worry, this isn’t London, if you get lost find a local and ask for help, most Brightoneons will be happy to help. Once you’re don’t with The Lanes, head over to North Laine, Gardner Street, Kensington Gardens and the surrounding streets for a range of eclectic shops sure to cater to everyone from music lovers, shoe hoarders, clothes addicts and everything in between. If you love junk shops, anything retro or just something a little bit different have a walk round Snoopers Paradise on Kensington Gardens – you’re going to need that sense of direction again though.

Dinner

You can’t throw a pebble from the beach in Brighton without hitting a dozen restaurants, cafes and bars but the trick with finding somewhere amazing to eat in Brighton is not to judge a book by its cover. You can head over to one of the expensive hotels but the best restaurants are hidden in plain sight, usually on the sea front and have been battered by the assault of the salty weather over the years. If you’re in Brighton it really needs to be a sea food dinner and the best sea food restaurant in Brighton has to be The Melrose just opposite from the old West Pier, it might look like a throw back from the nineties from the outside and the inside décor doesn’t fare much better but the menu is a fish lover’s dream with everything from oysters to lobster with the usual code and plaice thrown in too. The food is always cooked perfectly, the service is second to none and the prices are incredibly reasonable. If sea food isn’t for you then try Stekis still on the sea front but closer to the main pier for mouth-watering traditional Greek food. You have no reason to even look at the non-descript restaurant chains when in Brighton.

Brighton Pier, UK by stephen jones

The Pier

You’ve had a great day, you’ve seen some landmarks, done some shopping and you’re well fed. No trip to the sea side would be complete without actually visiting the sea side. All along the water’s edge there are plenty of bars and when the weather is nice there’s nothing like a drink out on the beach. If you’ve gone for dinner at one of the places mentioned above, walk down to the promenade by the West Pier, find an inviting looking bar and head in for a drink. Once you’re done carry on towards the Pier, stopping to look at the artists galleries peppered along your left hand side. Once you reach the pier stroll along it, play the slots in the amusements, have your caricature drawn or tarot read and once you reach the end go on a few of the rides. The Booster should only be attempted if your dinner has well and truly gone down and you’re not faint hearted. As you head back down the pier stop for some good old fashion candy floss or doughnuts and munch them as you head over to the Brighton Wheel, for less than a tenner you can spend 15 mins and see the whole city from a height and take in just how awesome it is.

And there you have it, the perfect day out in Brighton.

Jessica spent several happy years living in Brighton and now works for Travelworldrv.co.uk where you can find the perfect vehicle for exploring the amazing cities and country side the UK has to offer.

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Seven Sisters, UK by mari

Stunning Scenery

The Seven Sisters and Beachy Head are one of the most iconic views in the country. These stunning cliffs are whiter and longer than the White Cliffs of Dover and offer miles of uninterrupted walks. Standing at Beachy Head you can look to your left to see the quaint essential sea side town of Eastbourne where you can make out their award winning carpet gardens along the sea front and the pier jetting out into the water.  Directly in front of you is the lighthouse and without getting too close to the edge, directly underneath you’ll see what’s left of part of the cliff that collapsed into the sea just over ten years ago. On a clear day you’ll see Brighton to the right and if it’s clear enough you’ll see all the way over to Selsey in the edge of West Sussex. You’ll find plenty of spots along this costal route to pull up your camper van or motorhomes for a quick overnight stop or if you prefer a few more immunities there are dozens of campsites dotted along the south east coast.

Quirky City

If miles and miles of rolling hills and stunning views don’t quite do it for you and you want something a little more happening then Brighton has to be your ultimate destination. All the cheese of a British sea side town with just enough quirkiness to make it cool, culture to make it cultural and eccentricity  to make it unique. There aren’t many sea side cities with a palace parked right in the centre, The Royal Pavilion was commissioned by the Prince Regent who would go on to become King George IV. Walking round you’ll notice the first half is decorated so decadently it’s almost too grandiose then suddenly the latter half resembles the more traditional sombre décor you’d expect from a royal palace. It’s almost like you can spot the very room he was decorating when he unexpectedly became king. If history doesn’t appeal to you the shops in Brighton are second to none. There are plenty of typical high street names but The Lanes and North Laine offer truly one off shops from jewellery to bohemian chic and everything you could possibly imagine in between. Oh and there’s always the obligatory sea side attractions and pier.

Royal Pavilion, Brighton, UK by Richard Randall

Quaint Essential Sea Side Town

Hastings is the best stop along the south east coast if you’ve got young children to keep entertained. It offers all the innocence of a British sea side holiday without the hidden innuendo of Brighton and it’s generally a little cheaper too.  Driving through Hastings you can’t fail to spot too perfect attractions for the little ones. The first is the sea side attractions; although the pier is off limits after a devastating fire a few years ago there is still plenty down the sea front to keep children of all ages entertained, from Underwater World to the Stade Amusement Park and Clambers. The second obvious attraction is the Hastings Funicular Cliff Railway taking visitors up the steep cliff to the national park at the top (for more of Sussex’s stunning views). For slightly older kids a trip to Battle just outside of Hastings is the perfect way to make their history lessons come to life (the infamous Battle of Hastings never actually took place inside Hastings, but just outside in a place that would later become known as Battle). Set a little further inland this beautiful little town offers plenty to see and do for any history buffs – or even someone who just appreciates what the perfect British holiday entails.

Louise writes for TraveWorldRV who offer the largest range of RV’s and Motorhomes in the UK – whether you’re looking to buy or rent, they can make sure you see the country in style.

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Prince Regent Royal Pavilion, Brighton, UK by Dominic Alves

It’s only around 50 miles from the centre of the capital, and is an hour’s train ride from London Bridge and Victoria stations. There are times when even the most iconic cities in the world become a little too fast-paced, congested and hectic, so if you’re in the mood to seek out some fresh sea air and a little more space in which to breathe, Brighton should be a must on your vacation itinerary.

Brighton is home to a significant number of top class restaurants that offer the finest cuisine options for any visitors who are seeking out the best in dining, but sometimes it might be better to choose a true classic. Fish and chips is synonymous with all things British, of course, but it’s perhaps best enjoyed when close to the sea. Freshly-caught cod in crispy batter is simply delicious, especially when accompanied by a generous serving of the finest quality chips.

The city of Brighton, officially known as Brighton & Hove, has a rich heritage and is home to a number of historic buildings. Perhaps chief among them is the Royal Pavilion, once the home of the future King George IV. More than 400,000 tourists visit the location every year, and a guided tour of the landmark is a must. The distinctive design is reminiscent of Indian architecture, reflecting a popular fashion from the time when it was constructed.

Palace Pier, Brighton, UK by Garry Knight

Equally famous, although perhaps not as noble, is the spectacular Palace Pier. Located in the heart of the city, it’s a hugely popular attraction that plays hosts to tourists from all over the world every week. It’s home to several amusement park rides, bars, restaurants, and other attractions.

For those who enjoy live music, an overnight stay in Brighton is highly recommended, because the city has plenty of venues that remain open into the wee small hours. The local nightlife has a distinctive buzz about it, and this intriguing Sussex location enjoys a reputation for its artistic innovation and its musical diversity.

David Showell has visited Brighton on several occasions. When he’s not travelling, he’s working for http://www.carrentals.co.uk/.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Tomas Maltby

Originally there was a town called Bristelmestune situated on the territory of today’s Brighton, but was completely burned down in 1514 by French pirates. The first known finding of the new city of Brighton comes from 1545. In the years 1740 – 1750 there was a local doctor who started to prescribe local sea water as a medicine to their patients, which initiated the future of Brighton as a treatment center. In 1780 began the construction of Regency terraces and originally insignificant fishing village soon became a popular seaside resort. In 1841 the town was made accessible by rail, which brought the first tourists to Brighton from London. During the Victorian era was managed the construction of many important buildings, which raised population and area of ​​the city began to expand rapidly. Brighton has currently about 250 thousand inhabitants.

Now, it is young and dynamic city offering all the benefits of modern life. Brighton is a major educational center with two universities and many schools. From time immemorial it attracted actors, artists and lords, who fled here from the hustle and bustle of the capital city of London. Good location of Brighton was appreciated also by an English Queen Victoria, who built a summer residence here in 1850. For some period of time it was also a home to Sir Laurence Olivier.

Walking through the city is ideal mainly for romantic souls who will be enchanted by the picturesque nooks and winding streets. The most important and most visited monument in Brighton is undoubtedly the majestic Royal Pavilion, with its extravagance which ranked among the most beautiful buildings, not only in England but also throughout Europe. The palace is notable especially for its architecture inspired by India and interior design in the oriental style. History of the Royal Pavilion dates back to 1785. It was a time when the Prince of Wales rented a fort in Brighton. It was a place where he used to meet with his mistress, later wife Maria Fitzherbert. In 1785, they got married secretly, but the Anglican Church never officially recognized and accepted it.

In addition to the Royal Pavilion, there is another very popular attraction in Brighton – Palace Pier. It is a late Victorian pier from 1899, where you can find funny attractions, classic fairground attraction, as well as cafes and boutiques. You can also visit the aquarium Sea Life Centre, the largest in southern England, where you can walk along the seabed. There are sharks and various sea animals that live in local waters. It is worth to visit also a former fishing district Lanes or lookout point The Cliff Walk situated high on the cliffs above the sea.

In Brighton, you can also find the oldest operating electric railway in the world – Volk’s Electric Railways, which was built in 1883. Runs along the inner edge of the beach from Brighton Pier to Black Rock. One of the oldest buildings in the city is the Old Ship Hotel from 1559, but also the Church of St. Nicholas from the 11th century and church of St. Bartholomew.

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