Top places to visit in (or near!) Brighton
Brighton is a vibrant city on the south coast of England, known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and lively arts and music scene. It is a popular destination for students, offering a range of cultural attractions, a buzzing nightlife, and a diverse mix of shops and restaurants.
The city’s inclusive and creative environment makes it a perfect place for students to live and study. Our list of recommendations for Brighton is by University of Brighton student Elaf Shams-Ul-Haq who has experienced the city first-hand and we’ve added some more information to help 🙂
5 places near Brighton for students to visit
Preston Park Rock Garden
The Preston Park Rock Garden is a fantastic place to take pictures especially if it snows and even in the summer! It is also a very peaceful place to be at or walk around.
How to get there:
You can get to Preston Park by Buses 5A or 5B. Or if you live near a train station you could get a train to the Preston Park station.
More Information:
Ideal if you’re after a serene study environment or a picturesque setting for creative projects. Whether you’re brainstorming for your next big project or just need a peaceful spot to hit the books, Preston Park Rock Garden is a top pick for students.
Seven Sisters
This place is known as Seven Sisters due to the seven hilltops that make up the seven silhouettes of the cliffs. It’s a great place for picnics, fishing as well as canoeing and kayaking.
How to get there:
Seven Sisters is located in-between Eastbourne and Seaford. To get there from Brighton you will need to get one of the 13 or 13x Buses.
More Information:
A must-visit it you’re pursuing a sports and exercise degree or just if you’re interested in outdoor activities amidst stunning natural landscapes. Seven Sisters offers an excellent field study location for environmental science students and is a fantastic spot for photography.
Queen’s Park
Queen’s Park was built in the early 19th century and it was inspired by Regent’s Park in London. When going to Queen’s Park you can see the Pepperpot which was built to be a wind-powered water pump. Through the years it has transformed into many things including an artist’s studio and a local newspaper publishing space.
How to get there:
To get to Queen’s Park from Brighton the quickest way is to get bus 18.
More Information:
Queen’s Park provides a tranquil setting for leisurely walks and a dive into Brighton’s historical architecture. It’s an ideal spot for history and architecture students to explore and learn outside the classroom. The park’s rich history and architectural beauty make it a great place for you to engage with Brighton’s past. Great for picnics and hosts some of Brighton’s festivals.
The Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion is one of the main icons of Brighton. It was first built for King George the IV as a palace. During the first world war, it served as a hospital. Inside you will find vintage furniture and portraits. The Royal Pavilion has many rooms including the banquet room, the music hall, and many more.
How to get there:
The pavilion is located in Old Steine where all buses eventually pass by since it’s the town’s centre.
More Information:
An architectural gem if you’re interested in history, culture, and design. The Royal Pavilion offers educational tours that are perfect for art and design students seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of historical aesthetics. It’s a cultural hotspot that shouldn’t be missed if you are looking to immerse yourself in Brighton’s artistic heritage or just want to rest in the gardens.
Town’s Centre
The Town’s Centre is where you will find everything. There is Churchill Square which is the shopping centre. There is the North Laine and South Lanes where you will find different kinds of local shops and local restaurants. And you could easily get to the Brighton pier and the seafront from the centre too.
How to get there:
All buses pass through the town centre.
More Information:
The bustling town’s centre is the ultimate destination to experience urban life in Brighton. From shopping and dining to accessing the Brighton pier and seafront, it’s a vibrant area for socializing and experiencing local culture and cuisine. A great place for you to unwind and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
Transport information for students looking for places near Brighton
For students looking to explore in and around Brighton, there are lots transport options available including buses, trains, bike hire and walking routes. Here’s some useful links to help you find your way around:
Transport links
- Brighton & Hove Buses: buses.co.uk
- The Big Lemon: thebiglemon.com
- Brighton Bike Hire: bikehirebrighton.co.uk
- Southern Railway: southernrailway.com
Word from the uni…
Since Amy wrote about her summer school experience the university has announced some changes for courses based at Eastbourne. From September 2024 all of our sport and health sciences courses will be based in Brighton at our Falmer campus. Find out more about our plans.
Elaf Shams-Ul-Haq • 1st October 2020