A weekend in Brighton

[Tinker]

My boyfriend and I would like to visit Brighton for a long weekend in August. I've never been there before, so can anyone recommend fun things to do/see? Also, we're looking for a decent fairly cheap hotel ( I know August will be an expensive time to go!) to stay in. We're both in our early 20's and not really interested in dance clubs and meat markets (y'know what I mean!) Any suggestions........? Thanks! x

[lilyfrog]

Albion hotel is on the sea front and is fairly cheap. They will often do you a deal for the rooms on the top floor that have jacuzzies if you try on the internet http://www.information-britain.co.uk/showPlace.cfm
?Place_ID=3353. Brighton is full of really nice bars that are open fairly late if you just wander through the lanes (also excellent for shopping) Brighton has such a good buzz about it you can wander around without much of a plan and still have an excellent time

[Mortartube]

The Albion Hotel is right by Brighton Pier, there are museums (One in the grounds of the Royal Pavilion - free entry AFAIK), Komedia comedy club, Lots of arty types of exhibitions and plenty of bars and some clubs play alternative music to the usual dance stuff (everything from Jazz and blues to 60's & 70's etc depending on the night in question). You can also browse the Marina Village for a variety of shops as wells the famous lanes for the same reason. BTW Brighton is not very car friendly, particularly parking so be warned.

[maxi29]

Good place for a long weekend, Tinker, but it's my home town so I would say that :-).

I'd advise you to book as early as possible as plenty of people will have the same idea. The Albion and the Ship on the seafront do have special deals, worth checking out. I've used http://www.superbreak.co.uk/ for hotel bookings in the past, they might be able to find you a good deal.

As for shopping, lilyfrog and Mortartube are obviously well-off if they recommend the Lanes for shopping. They're great for wandering around but the shops are very, very expensive. The place for shopping is the North Laine area, just to the east of the station and north of the Pavilion. There are plenty of second-hand and designer shops here, plenty to browse.

As for things to see, the Pavilion itself is fantastically over-the-top and is worth a visit. Go on the Volks railway, the oldest electric railway in Britain, for a ride to the Marina and the nudist beach.

It's worthwhile checking out what's on at the Theatre Royal (it's a wonderful Regency theatre) and the Dome often has good concerts. There's also a good jazz club in Middle Street.

Brighton is a great place for just strolling around. There are plenty of bars and pubs, so you'll be spoiled for choice.

And, of course, in August the mighty Seagulls will be back in Division 1 again (I've only just stopped celebrating) but unfortunately, you'll find it hard to get a ticket for any game.