Free things to do when you stay in Brighton
Most Brighton hotels have a display of brochures
that advertise places to visit in the area, but you do
not have to go far fom your hotel to find
some excellent attractions that are totally free.
For centuries the shingle shores and rolling waves
of Brighton have pulled in the visitors. These award
winning attractions are unobstructed, well maintained
and totally free. For good fun, you can ‘walk on water’
when you take a stroll along Brighton Pier and look
down at the sea through the gaps in the wooden floorboards.
Once upon a time there were toll booths to collect the
entrance fee to the pier, but they are long gone and now it is free !
Enjoy a pleasant day on the beach without having to move away
from the sea. No need to go in search of catering and amusements,
they are all at hand on the seafront. There is often entertainment
in amongst the waves. Hardy swimmers, jet skiers and wind surfers
like to indulge themselves whatever the sea conditions.
From the west side of the pier follow the pavement down to the beach and you get onto the lower level of The
Promenade. On your right you will see a line of arches that were originally
Artists Quarter
used by the fishermen to keep their tackle and nets.
The area is now occupied by an interesting collection of
artists and artisans. Their merchandise, ranging from
paintings to marine souvenirs and restored household
furniture is displayed on and about their shops as well
as out on the paving. It is a friendly environment and
just the right place to buy a unique present.
The Fishing Quarter and Fishing Museum
Boats on Brighton Beach
The village of Brighthelmstone, later to be named Brighton,
was built up around the local fishing industry.
This lovely museum, in the arches below King’s Road,
commemorates almost three hundred years of fishing off these shores. It is
staffed by volunteers and contains fascinating memorabilia of bygone fishing days. A
traditional Sussex fisherman would use a boat such as the 27 foot ‘clinker built punt’
which takes pride of place in the displays. Fresh local fish is usually available daily and
there are tastey seafood snacks in the shop to help you along the way.
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The Historical Quarter The Lanes
In the eighteenth century the use of seawater as a medicine had grown up around the suggestions of doctors in the
Brighton and Lewes area. At the same time the ‘town’ of
The Lanes
Brighthelmstone was growing and the one square mile
of ‘The Lanes’ was created. This is a myriad of narrow
streets and alleys which now features a most eclectic
collection of traders. The range is just enormous, there
are studios, pubs, snack bars, restaurants and trinket
stalls, plus shops selling designer clothes, shoes, bags,
jewellery, memorabilia from the wars and a traditional
sweet shop called Fizzywigs ! There is even ‘A House of Correction’,
regrettably it now trades as a restaurant. The Lanes with its buskers
is an entertaining area, look and see for yourself, it is just inland and a few minutes walk from Brighton Pier going
towards the town shopping areas.
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The Cultural Quarter
Brighton Museum
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
A few steps away, and sharing the same gardens, Brighton Museum
also houses an Art Gallery. Yet another of the restored attractions
the museum features a changing programme of exhibitions in
addition to the permanent eclectic displays. You can follow the
history of Brighton area as well as the clothing styles of the last
three hundred years. There are several fine art displays from
around the world and a performing art section. On the first floor
light lunches and a traditional afternoon tea are available in
.
It seems hard to imagine that these fine Regency gardens, surrounding
Royal Pavilion Gardens
The Royal Pavilion, were transformed from farming land. They were
created for the exclusive pleasure of their Royal Patrons but today
are freely available for the enjoyment of all visitors. The designer,
John Nash, abandoned the traditional rigidity and formality of
other royal gardens of the time and added twisting paths to large
flowerbeds with mixed plantings of trees, shrubs and flowering
plants. He created a romantic, natural layout that was later to
be copied at Buckingham Palace and St. James Park in London.
The recent restoration of the gardens has copied the original
plantings and landscaping and you witness today how the gardens
were presented almost three hundred years ago. Far enough
from the busy roads the gardens have ample seating and
open space, an ideal place for a peaceful rest.
