boutique brighton
things to do - the top ten
attractions

1. The Royal Pavilion – A true Brighton icon, from the moment it first emerged from beneath its scaffolding in 1818, John Nash’s extraordinary oriental fantasy, the Royal Pavilion, has been inextricably linked with the identity of Brighton. It has become one of the most instantly identifiable architectural images in the world. It takes its unique character from the man for whom it was built, George IV, and its magnificent interior is a reflection of his personality and Regency reign. It was conceived as a monument to style, finesse, technological excellence and above all pleasure. It remains unequalled in its colossal ambition and glorious sense of joie de vivre. The Royal Pavilion's lavish interiors combine Chinese-style decorations with magnificent furniture and furnishings. Adorned with gilded dragons, carved palm trees and imitation bamboo staircases, the Palace's unique style mixes Asian exoticism with English eccentricity. Daring and inventive colours feature throughout, and there are many original items on loan from HM The Queen. www.royalpavilion.org.uk


2. The Pier - Brighton Pier was opened in grand ceremony on May 20th 1899. Initially the pier consisted of a building with minaret corner towers housing dining, smoking and reading rooms and its first concert hall. By 1911, the concert hall had become a theatre attraction. 21 years elapsed before the next major phase saw the addition of a big wheel, heralding an extension to the piers' length and a widening of the promenade. In 1984, the pier was destined to be revitalised under new ownership. Today at 1,722 ft long and acknowledged as the finest pier ever built, Brighton Pier (a Grade 2* listed building) is a great attraction for the city of Brighton. New for 2006 are two rides “Booster” and “Super Booster”! Super Booster – the ultimate thrill ride – 0-60mph in less than 3 seconds, stands at over 125 feet tall – four brave passengers will be lifted to 38 metres with only the sea beneath them and dropped - Swinging through the air at 60mph! The only ride of its kind in the UK! Booster – On this ride experience the force of over 3.6G’s in 2.8 seconds! At over 130 feet tall and rotating you 360 degrees through the air. For a range of rides from the traditional to white knuckle experiences, Brighton Pier is a great day out for everyone www.brightonpier.co.uk

3. Shopping in North Lanes – Once the heart of the old fishing town, Brighton's ‘historic’ quarter is a maze of twisting alleyways with an eclectic mix of antiques, jewellery, interior design and famous labels. In the hidden squares, elegant arcades and winding passages, you can find bespoke perfumes and fragrant herbs mixing with freshly roasted coffee and the aroma of Italian cooking. Just a short walk from the sea front and the Royal Pavilion, you can soak up Brighton's history in the graceful Regency architecture, 400 year old fishermen's cottages, quaint old pubs, brick-paved streets and flint stone walls. Coffee (and tea) culture has hit The Lanes in the chic new cafés and there are plenty of eating places from seafood specialities to gourmet vegetarian. Whether it's serious shopping you're after or a relaxed al fresco lunch, The Lanes has a distinct, cosmopolitan appeal. Bordering The Lanes and the North Lanes is North Street, the main 'high street' that runs through the centre of Brighton. Here you can find the usual shops such as Mango, Snappy Snaps, Body Shop, The Pier and Boots alongside a few more unusual stores.

4. Komedia - In the last 12 years Komedia has grown from an 80 seat venue, hosting novice performers such as Graham Norton and the League of Gentlemen, to become a producer of distinctive live and broadcast entertainment and the operator of one of the UK’s leading live entertainment venues. Brighton's premier live entertainment venue presents one of the largest, most diverse arts and entertainment programmes in the UK. Every year putting on around 700 performances of music, comedy, cabaret and theatre and most nights of the week there are at least two shows to choose from. All taking place under one roof, Komedia incorporates a café bar, a foyer bar, two exciting main performance spaces with flexible set-ups, a small-scale occasional performance space, and a kitchen serving freshly prepared food. Its programme features the very best of international and national performers and includes a unique range of Komedia-grown resident shows such as the Krater Comedy Club, Voodoo Vaudeville and the Treason Show. Arrive early and have a pre-show drink in Komedia's Foyer Bar in Regent Street or try its free Saturday jazz afternoons in the bar from November, where you can enjoy a drink and choose from our freshly prepared menu, and look out for other evening events in the future. Komedia is situated in the North Laine, in the heart of Brighton's Cultural Quarter, with the Café Bar on Gardner Street and the main entrance for shows on Regent Street. Just a two minute walk from Brighton's Royal Pavilion and very close to Brighton Station. Car parking in available 24 hours a day at the NCP North Road and Church Street carparks, both within a two minute walk of Komedia. Book online for no booking fee at www.komedia.co.uk.

5. Brighton Museum and Art Gallery - Brighton Museum & Art Gallery has been transformed by a £10 million redevelopment. Dynamic and innovative new galleries provide greatly improved access to the Museum's nationally and locally important collections. Objects are displayed in stimulating contexts with a wide range of interpretative techniques, including the latest interactive information technology. Facilities include: the Museum entrance in the Royal Pavilion gardens with a spacious foyer and shop; improved disabled access; new education facilities with an art room and a dedicated education 'pavilion'. The Museum has worked with community groups to broaden access to its collections and services. A Hindu shrine in the World Art gallery created with the local Gujarati community, and oral histories of local people are examples of these collaborations. www.brighton.virtualmuseum.info

6. Joogleberry Playhouse - Open since 2002, this is brainchild of sister and brother Sue and Geoff who sat up late plotting and planning a way to make music heard. Pooling resources, skills and experience the two along with Perry, partner of Geoff, set off on a mission to find a new music venue for Brighton. Searching high and low for the right place to spread the Joogleberry magic they finally stumbled across a crumbling but beautiful listed building in the heart of Brighton. Defying all odds and with the help of a fantastic bunch of trades people and friends they have rebuilt and renovated 14 - 17 Manchester Street into the fabulous Joogleberry Playhouse. For more details on its programme of events log on to www.joogleberry.com Doors open at 8pm for all events, show at 9pm. Tickets available in advance for some events: call 01273 687171 Advance booking recommended at weekends

7. A day at the beach – Start with The Artist Quarter, an eclectic collection of over 20 artist's workshops who have congregated along the seafront to the west of Brighton Pier. The workshops incorporate a wide range of styles and materials for their work the displays range from stained glass and oil on canvas to batik and wrought iron work .Here is a chance to see the artists, ask questions and purchase original works. Follow this up with a ride on the carousel, a picnic on the beach with a collection of goodies from Kemptown deli’s Bona Foodie or The Cherry Tree. Then finish off the evening in style with a sun downer in Gemini or one of the many beachside bars.



8. A ride on the open top bus to Devils Dyke - Brighton and Hove buses run an open-top vintage bus up to Devil's Dyke as a regular service called ‘Breeze up to the Downs’ it is a network of three bus services linking the city with some of its most popular countryside destinations. Service 77 is an open top bus. Full details are on the bus company website www.buses.co.uk Prices on Service 77 to Devil’s Dyke and Service 79 to Ditchling Beacon are £2.50 single and £4.00 return (or "SuperSaver"). The fare on service 78 is £1.50 single or £3.00 return ("CitySaver") Make sure you take a kite.



9. Watching the starlings swoop around West Pier at dusk – This really is bird watching with a difference, every evening like clockwork, at dusk a black cloud descends over Brighton. The starlings put on an extraordinary aerial ballet as tens of thousands of them come together in wheeling and swooping in unison. Come and marvel at this spectacle in the skies above the beach






10. Sea Life Centre - The Brighton Sea Life Centre offers a fun and educational day out. With over 150 species and 57 displays including giant turtles and sharks glide above you in an underwater tunnel. Admire the shark encircled wreck and tropical coral. New for 2006 is VENOM!! Come face to face with your phobias and stand just inches away from some of the world’s most venomous sea creatures, including Jelly Fish, Poison Arrow Frogs, Lion Fish and Sea Snakes. Daily talks and feeding is available. Open: Daily from 10am. Please telephone centre for last admission times. Open 364 days a year (closed Christmas day). Admission: Adult: £10.95, Child: £7.50 (3-14 yrs), Family: £34.90, Senior Citizen: £8.50, Student with NUS: £8.50 Telephone: 01273 604234 Web: www.sealifeeurope.com

 

 


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