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attractions
There's plenty to see and do in Brighton and the surrounding area - here's our top suggestions for getting out there and experiencing something new. From fascinating museums, fabulous buildings, to more traditional family days out...discover Brighton & Sussex.
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West Pier & i360
Literally on its last legs, the West Pier strikes a dramatic pose on Brighton's seafront. Plans are afoot to redevelop the pier, alongside a state of the art viewing pod.
Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FL
01273 321499
click for details
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Brighton Racecourse
One of the country's few racecourses by the sea, Brighton Racecourse has some breathtaking views down the hill towards Brighton's coastline.
Freshfield Road, Brighton, BN2 9XZ
01273 603580
click for details
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Royal Pavilion
Known affectionately as the 'farmhouse in drag', don't mistake this for a big curry house. An absolute must if you've never been!
Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1EE
click for details
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Brighton Marina
Waterfront bars, restaurants, casino, hotel, designer shopping, bowling and cinema complexes, health club and Walk of Fame - this is our answer to the South of France...weather permitting
1, The Octogan Offices, Waterfront, Brighton Marina, Brighton, BN2 5WB
01273 818504
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West Blatchington Windmill |
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A Grade II listed restored mill with exhibitions and articles of interest.
Holmes Avenue, Hove, BN3 7LE
01273 710608
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Herstmonceux Castle
A true fairytale castle, Herstmonceux is a magnificent moated castle dating from the 15th century and set in breathtaking parkland and Elizabethan gardens. The castle grounds are open to visitors and limited guided tours of the castle itself are available from April through to November at a small charge.
Herstmonceux, Hailsham, BN27 1RN
01323 834444
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The Bluebell Railway
The UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railways, The Bluebell Railways 30 odd steam locomotives offer a charming trip in the Sussex countryside between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes stations on most days during the summer and at weekends in the winter.
Sheffield Park Station, , TN22 3QL
01825 720801
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Nivea Sun Yellowave Beach Sports Venue
The first permanent beach sports venue in the country, Nivea Sun Yellowave offers beach sports activity for all ages and abiliies. It's also the only patch of sandy beach in the city too!
299 Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1PS
01273 672222
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Brighton Pier
For a bit of traditional seaside fun, head to the Brighton Pier. Free to stroll along, you'll nevertheless be tempted at every step of the way to part with your money. From amusements of the coin-slot variety, to fairground rides and fast food outlets and kiss-me-kwik hats - there's fun for everyone.
Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1TW
01273 609361
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Lewes
The nearby historical town of Lewes is well worth a visit. There are antique shops to browse, a unique castle and lots of cafes, pubs and restaurants. Lewes is also famous for the spectacular Bonfire Night celebrations, where local residents process through the streets to burn effigies along with burning crosses.
, Lewes
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Sea Life Centre
Another classic seaside pleasure building is the SeaLife Centre, once The Brighton Aquar-ium. Believed to be one of the oldest aquariums in the world still in operation, the history of this classic victorian building is somewhat controversial with exhibits that would once in-clude Dophin shows and Chimpanzee tea parties. Now, conservation rather than mere public entertainment is high on the agenda, and the collection is an important resource for research into protecting the inhabitants of the deep.
Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TB
01273 604234
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The Chattri |
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Set on the South Downs, The Chattri is a monument dedicated to the Indian soldiers who fought in the First World War and is a poignant place of peace and contemplation.
South Downs, Nr Patcham, BN1
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Arundel Castle
Dating back almost 1,000 years, this imposing historical castle set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens is open to the public from Easter weekend to the end of October.
, Arundel, BN18 9AB
01903 882173
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Foredown Tower Countryside Centre |
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A converted water tower with the only operational camera obscura in the South East. There's also a weather station, astronomy events and interesting info too. Open from February to October.
Foredown Road, Portslade, BN41 2EW
01273 292093
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Preston Manor |
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Explore Edwardian England at this wonderfully preserved manor house. Open to visitors from April through to September, you get a true feel for the 'upstairs, downstairs' life of yesteryear.
Preston Drove, Brighton, BN1 6SD
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Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
A great museum and free to get in! Some fantastic exhibitions. Lots of information and exhibitions on local community, history and culture.
Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, BN1 1UE
01273 292797
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Devil's Dyke |
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Despite the name, Devil's Dyke is not a satanic lady in very comfy shoes, although you might wish you were if you're traipsing across it in the mud. A V-shaped valley carved into the South Downs by the last Ice Age and offers stunning views of the Downs and The Weald and even The Isle of Wight on a clear day. Great walking to be had, along with a pub and restaurant with bus services to and from Brighton city centre.
Devil's Dyke Road, Poynings, Brighton, BN1 8YJ
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Jack & Jill Windmills |
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The Clayton Village windmills, affectionately known as Jack & Jill are over a century and a half old and have been carefully maintained. Stars of the film, The Black Windmill, Jill is open for visitors on most Sunday afternoons between May and September.
Clayton, Nr Brighton
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Alfriston Village
The chocolate box charm of this gorgeous Sussex village is quintessentially English and attracts tourists all year round. There are shops and tea rooms to explore, alongside the church, known as the 'Cathedral of the South Downs, and the historic Clergy House.
, Nr Polegate, BN26
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Brighton Nudist Beach
In 1979, Brighton became the first resort in Britain to designate a beach spot for nudists. The beach is popular in the good weather for those who enjoy a little wind in the willows and no tan-line and in the winter for the odd lonely soul sporting nothing but a cagoule and a brave disposition.
Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1FG
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Volks Railway |
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The first public electric railway in the world, Volks first opened in 1883. The line runs from The Aquarium Station near Brighton Pier and SeaLife Centre to Black Rock, down towards the Marina with a stop enroute. The railway is open to the public from Easter through to mid-September.
285 Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1EN
01273 292718
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Drusillas Zoo Park
A small zoo and pleasure park mainly aimed at smaller children, there's a collection of exotic birds, insects, reptiles and small animals, alongside kiddie amusements.
, Alfriston, BN26 5QS
01323 874100
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mostly straight |
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mixed |
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mostly gay |
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