There’s no shortage of iconic landmarks in Brighton. The Royal Pavilion is a palace like no other, brimming with decadence and Eastern inspiration, and rich with stories of its former occupant, the party-loving Prince Regent. Right next door is Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, and between the two are the Pavilion Gardens, a perfect place to picnic in the summer or go ice skating in the winter.

Along the seafront you can find Volk’s Electric Railway (the oldest continuously running electric railway in the world), Sea Life Brighton (where you can view sharks and turtles from an underwater tunnel), Brighton Palace Pier and the haunting skeleton of the West Pier.

Adventures and experiences for all

There are theatres big and small throughout Brighton & Hove, as well as live music venues, cinemas (check out one of Britain’s oldest, the Duke of York’s Picturehouse) and nightclubs galore. From West End productions to local bands, to comedy, cabaret, drag shows and open-mic nights, no matter what day of the week it is, you’ll find something fun to do. Whether you’re visiting as a couple or as a family, with a group of friends or colleagues, or simply travelling solo, there’s an abundance of exciting and relaxing things to do, including: hiring bicycles, beach volleyball, rock-climbing, zip-wire, trampolining, stand up paddle boarding, wakeboarding, canoeing, skateboarding, themed walking tours (such as ghosts, foodie, street art), pottery-painting, sea swimming, sauna on the beach, yoga classes, meditation classes, escape rooms or going to see premier league Brighton & Hove Albion play at the American Express Community Stadium – to name just a few!

Relaxation and tranquillity

With eight miles of beach stretching from Shoreham to the picturesque village of Rottingdean, you can always find a quiet spot to sit and read or go for a swim. You’re also never far from a green space in Brighton – the city has seven Green Flag parks to choose from. But if you really need to get out into some wide open space, the South Downs National Park is a 30 minute bus journey from the centre of town, and with its International Dark Sky Reserve status, it’s also a great place to go star-gazing at night. With Stanmer Park in one direction and the dramatic landscape of Devil’s Dyke in the other, you’re just a short bus or cycle ride away from some quality green-bathing.

Brighton is also a great base from which to explore the historic towns of Lewes and Arundel with their medieval castles, stunningly beautiful Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters Country Park, the Bluebell Railway and numerous Sussex vineyards, that are now rivalling the Champagne region in France for their award-winning sparkling wines.

Put simply, Brighton & Hove is a shopping and foodie paradise. A day trip will offer you a mere taster of the gazillion retail and dining delights on offer, but if you treat yourself to a longer visit, then you can explore, sample and digest so much more of what Brighton and Hove has for you to discover!

The North Laine

Brighton and Hove has lots of different shopping hubs to choose from. Within a five minute stroll of Brighton Station, you’ll come across the vibrant North Laine with its community of stylish boutiques, alluring gift shops, vintage stores, antique shops and independent restaurants – and on Saturdays there’s an outdoor market on Upper Gardner Street.

The Lanes

From the North Laine, keep walking in the direction of the seafront and, when you reach North Street, look out for signs pointing to the alleyways of the Lanes. Here, in the higgledy-piggledy labyrinth of the Lanes, you’ll find loads more fantastic independent shops – including lots of bedazzling jewellers – plus plenty of lively places to eat and drink, inside or alfresco. The Lanes and North Laine are such an integral part of Brighton’s personality, you simply can’t experience Brighton without seeing them!

Beyond the centre

Just a stone’s throw from the Lanes is the Churchill Square shopping centre, where you’ll find plenty of familiar high street brands, cafés and restaurants. From here you can grab a bus in pretty much any direction and take yourself off to explore alternative shopping hubs with lots of unique and artisan stores. These areas include the far end of Western Road and into Church Road, George Street, Blatchington Road and Portland Road in Hove; London Road between the Level and Preston Park; and Kemptown, the eastern part of Brighton near the seafront, with its villagey vibe.

The independent foodie and shopping scene extends throughout Sussex. Whichever direction you head in, you’ll find everything from wine, beer, cheese and honey to art, jewellery, ceramics and textiles, all produced locally. Be sure to treat yourself to some desirable Sussex goodies while you’re here, or better still, stock up on unique gifts for friends and family.

No matter which area you explore, you’ll always find there’s no shortage of outstanding quality restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs nearby. In fact, across the city you can pretty much find food from every corner of the world, from Greece to Gujurat, the Middle East to Mexico. If you’re looking for somewhere different and unforgettable, where the food will wow your tastebuds and you’ll want to keep the menu as a keepsake, then there are plenty of much-raved about foodie experiences to choose from. From taster plates to sharing platters, from backstreet gems to family-run pizzerias, from brunch to lunch to coffee and cake, your only problem will be choosing from so many options! And if you’re veggie, vegan or gluten-free, no problem – there’s still no shortage of choice.

Of course, the beauty of Brighton is that you don’t even have to go to a restaurant at all. You can enjoy takeaway on the beach or choose a restaurant online and have dinner delivered to your door.

One thing you’ve got to do before you leave, though, is to enjoy a relaxing drink – be it coffee or cocktails – on the seafront. No visit to Brighton is complete without a chilled out moment drinking in the sea views. It’s one of the things that makes our city so special!

• 07:00 Bicester, Pioneer Square Stand 7.
• 07:05 Bicester P&R.
• 07:20 Kidlington, The Moors, Glebe House.
• 07:22 Kidlington, High Street opp Tesco.
• 07:25 Kidlington, Garden City, Oxford Road by Sainsbury’s.
• 07:40 Oxford City Beaumont Street, O/S Playhouse Theatre.
• 08:00 Abingdon, Stratton Way A4.
• 08:15 Didcot, Broadway Stop B1.

 

Departing Brighton at 17:00

 

Adults £24.00
Concessions £18.00
Children (0-15) £12.00

 

The price is for a return journey by coach. Spaces are limited. Book early to avoid disappointment. Under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

A minimum passenger number of 30 passengers is required for this trip to go ahead.