Brighton - 1 day

The English seaside resort of Brighton has been popular with city folk from London for centuries and on this tour we will see why!!

The historic fishing village of Brighthelmstone was transformed into a resort for the rich and famous in the mid-18th century after Dr Richard Russell published a book promoting the merits of salt water. With this in mind, when we arrive at Brighton, we can explore what remains of the old village by wandering down the narrow passageways of the famous 'Lanes' then come across the handsome Georgian architecture that graced the town as it basked in its new-found popularity. Our tour will take us along the coastal promenade, onto the beach and over to the Palace Pier and Sea Life Centre.

No tour of Brighton would be complete without a visit to The Royal Pavilion, the Prince Regent's essay in opulence that fused Indian and Chinese motifs in a grand palace designed by his favourite architect John Nash. This extremely expensive royal retreat has to be seen to be believed, there is nothing in the whole country like it. Naturally, we take a peek inside (admission included) and tour a home that almost bankrupted a nation. 

After the tour there will be plenty of time to browse around the 'Lanes' with its wonderful jewelry and craft shops, grab some seafood and head out to the beach, visit the bohemian North Laine area or take a ride on the Volk's Electric Railway to the marina to check out the yachts of the rich and famous of today. The tour gives you plenty of free time in Brighton to enjoy this seaside resort, often referred to as 'London by the sea'.

In the afternoon we offer a fantastic free optional tour of the surrounding area before our return to London. Departing at 2pm, we begin by following the high chalk cliffs over to the picturesque village of Rottingdean and learn of smugglers and pirates then travel over to Newhaven and up to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, at up to 162m/530ft, the highest chalk cliffs in the country. We follow this dramatic coastline and give you the chance to wander up to the edge (but not over it!!) to get some amazing photographs of this impressive coastline. We return to Brighton to collect those who choose to spend longer at the resort then return back to London for 6.30/7.00pm.

The typical group size on this particular day trip is 30-40 people. You will travel by 49 seater luxury air-conditioned coach in a shared experience with one of our professional guides. 

Please note that in the event of low numbers, we will not cancel this tour. We will however operate the tour by train from London Victoria, as below:

The meeting place will be next to the branch of Nero Express which is next to an escalator and a branch of WH Smith’s (near the main ticket office).

This is shown as number 42 on this plan of the station:
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/documents/For%20Passengers/Station%20Maps/4510_Victoria%20Station%20Map.pdf

• Services of a Tour Guide throughout
• Luxury coach travel or train from London Victoria the event of low numbers
• Walking tour on arrival with guide
• Admission to the Royal Pavilion at Brighton

Departure Information

• 8.30AM - From International Students House, 229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN
•  OR 8.30AM - Nero Express which is next to an escalator and a branch of WH Smith’s (near the main ticket office).

Pre-tour planning

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