Brighton holidays: top 10 things to do in Brighton

This week we welcome a new guest blogger to the Pitchup.com blog - read top tips from our friends at VisitBrighton on how to make the most of your trip to one of the UK's top 10 beach destinations... 

We know you all love big open spaces at Pitchup, so this week we thought we’d let you in on a little secret. Did you know there are 98 parks and gardens around Brighton & Hove, 14,000 acres of countryside as well as the natural beauty of the South Downs, recently awarded National Park status?

And for those moments when you’re not all snuggled up in your tent, we thought we’d save you time and offer our Top 10 suggestions for things to do in and around Brighton and Hove.

1. Visit the Royal Pavilion

The incredible seaside palace of the Prince Regent (George IV), transformed by John Nash into one of the most dazzling and exotic buildings in the British Isles, is a must see.

2. Go to the beach

Featured in enjoyEngland’s Top 10 beach destinations, Brighton is one of the nation's favourite seaside cities. Fashionable, fun and funky, Brighton beachfront is loaded with cafes, water and beach sports, plus the Artists’ Quarter, museum and of course sun seekers!

3. Experience Amazonia at the Sea Life Centre

With 150 species and 57 displays, submarine adventures, giant turtles and Amazonian adventures, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable day out for the family than the Sea Life Centre.

4. Go orbing or mountain boarding

If you love the great outdoors, why not jump into a 12ft PVC orb and hurtle down a hill on the beautiful South Downs at speeds of up to 30mph? Or for sun, surf and dirt, try extreme mountain boarding. 

5. Check out an exhibition at Brighton Museum

For some arts and culture, try Brighton Museum and Art Gallery for a range of dynamic and innovative galleries, including 20th century art and design, as well as changing exhibitions.

6. Rocket from 0-60mph in under three seconds on Brighton Pier

If you want an instant thrill check out the Super Booster on Brighton Pier, which rockets from 0-60mph in under 3 seconds, taking you 38 metres up, before hurtling you back down again!

7. Explore Brighton with a VisitBrighton podcast

Get out and about with one of VisitBrighton’s free podcast trails. Each podcast has a different theme - from famous people and film history to arts and sculpture.

8. Go shopping in the Lanes and North Laine

Funky fashions, chic boutiques, exclusive antiques, inspirational art...from the lifestyle shops of The Lanes to the retro chic of the North Laine, shopping in Brighton really is unique.

9. Hire a bike and cycle across the Downs

What better way to experience the sensation of fresh air and open spaces on the Downs, whilst getting enjoying stunning views across Sussex and the sea?

10. See a show at the Theatre Royal Brighton

From Marlene Dietrich to Laurence Olivier, a host of thespians have trodden the boards at the Theatre Royal. Offering top West End plays, hysterical comedies and fabulous musicals, the Theatre Royal provide the best theatrical programme on the South Coast.

Enjoy!

For more on all things Brighton, please visit VisitBrighton. Find campsites and holiday parks within 30 miles of Brighton.