Hey guys!
Welcome back! This week I decided to do something a different from my last two entries. I decided that in order to understand why Brighton is such a great place to be located during this program, I would format this entry like a travel site that names all the best things to do and places to see.
So here is my top 6 things to do in the wonderful city of Brighton-
Welcome back! This week I decided to do something a different from my last two entries. I decided that in order to understand why Brighton is such a great place to be located during this program, I would format this entry like a travel site that names all the best things to do and places to see.
So here is my top 6 things to do in the wonderful city of Brighton-
1. Get Outside
In my first post, I talked about the 11 mile hike I accidentally went on my first day in Brighton and that is what inspired me to put outdoor activities at the number 1 spot on my list. The scenery surrounding not only the University, but also Brighton is beautiful--rolling green hills everywhere you look. There are hiking trails everywhere and nothing is so strenuous that people wouldn't be able to participate. These hikes can just be around the Brighton area or if you're feeling a bit more adventurous they can take you to all of the surrounding towns (Lewes, Moulsecoomb, etc). But if hiking really is not your thing there are also biking trails and plenty of places to have picnics. The Stamner House is just a five minute walk from campus and it is a great place to go on a nice Sunday for an afternoon picnic. The important part is to get outside and take in the natural beauty of Brighton.
2. Watch Futbol
Alright so I will admit this is a bit of a personal preference. I played soccer when I was younger so I really enjoy watching some European ball. However, it is a such a huge part of the culture over here. People get into the games, even if it isn't their team that is playing and that is why it is included on this list. Even if you do not like the sport or really understand it, the environment that surrounds the game makes it fun and enjoyable no matter what. There are two ways to watch soccer while you're here:
You can either go to a restaurant (which I promise will have some game playing) and really get to experience the fan culture. This is what I did for the EuroCup final game of France v. Portugal, and it was a blast. The place was packed with fans from both sides, which made watching the game more fun. When Portugal finally scored all their fans ran around cheering and giving out high fives all the other fans.
Or if you are more of a committed fan there is the American Express Community Stadium, or Falmer Stadium, right across from campus. This is the home of the Brighton and Hove Albion Futbol Club who are, according to my dad, a very good team and pretty highly ranked. This will give you a whole other sort of experience. You can expect face paint, flags, the whole scha-bang.
You can either go to a restaurant (which I promise will have some game playing) and really get to experience the fan culture. This is what I did for the EuroCup final game of France v. Portugal, and it was a blast. The place was packed with fans from both sides, which made watching the game more fun. When Portugal finally scored all their fans ran around cheering and giving out high fives all the other fans.
Or if you are more of a committed fan there is the American Express Community Stadium, or Falmer Stadium, right across from campus. This is the home of the Brighton and Hove Albion Futbol Club who are, according to my dad, a very good team and pretty highly ranked. This will give you a whole other sort of experience. You can expect face paint, flags, the whole scha-bang.
3. Shop in The Lanes
I know I have mentioned this before, but this really is the go to place in Brighton. The Lanes are lanes (obviously) lined with different boutiques, cafes, and markets. Just taking a stroll down The Lanes you can basically find anything you are looking for (a prime stop for all of your souvenir needs). My favorite part is the antique stores. Walking inside you could find anything and everything. For some reason they all have really old, kind of creepy baby dolls which is always a little scary, but they also have tea pots, old postcards, vintage sunglasses, leather bound journals (I picked up one to document my travels after my program) and some really cool vintage clothing. A must see stop for all those into thrift shopping for sure!
But its not just stores, they also have lots of cafes. While exploring I came across a really cool small cafe called Thewitchez. It is England's very first photo design cafe which basically means that they combined coffee and photography, a great combination if you ask me. I stopped inside for a little afternoon pick-me-up and the whole cafe was covered in photos which gave the place a home-y feel. And the great thing is, is that there are places like these small cafes everywhere in The Lanes, so if you like exploring this is the place for you!
But its not just stores, they also have lots of cafes. While exploring I came across a really cool small cafe called Thewitchez. It is England's very first photo design cafe which basically means that they combined coffee and photography, a great combination if you ask me. I stopped inside for a little afternoon pick-me-up and the whole cafe was covered in photos which gave the place a home-y feel. And the great thing is, is that there are places like these small cafes everywhere in The Lanes, so if you like exploring this is the place for you!
4. Have Afternoon Tea
This another local activity that is a must do while you're in England and it just so happens that Brighton has some of the best tea rooms. This has been on my bucket list since I found out that I would be studying at Sussex and this past weekend I finally went and had tea and crumpets! Okay so they weren't crumpets, they were scones, but you get the idea. We went to a small tea room called Blackbird. It was designed to look as if you had stepped back in time. Everything was antique and dainty and if I'm being honest I felt like I was in a movie sitting there by the window sipping my tea and eating my scones. There are two types of popular tea: clotted cream tea and afternoon tea. I got the clotted cream which came with tea and scones, but if you're more hungry the afternoon tea usually comes with a variety of sandwiches and cakes and makes you feel very posh.
Reminder: Keep your pinkies up!
Reminder: Keep your pinkies up!
5. Check out the Brighton Pier
The Pier was one of the first places I went in Brighton and it is right by where the buses drop you off. My first night we walked down the Pier and even though it was close to 8 o'clock it was still packed with people. The Pier itself is like a small fair with rides and carnival games all along it. There are two huge arcades filled with games to play and also a few restaurants where you can grab food if you aren't in the mood for some fish n' chips, although I do highly recommend them because it doesn't get more fresh than right next to the ocean. The Brighton Pier reminds me a lot of the Santa Monica boardwalk so if you want a little taste of California while you're abroad make sure to check it out. But beware of the seagulls, they are vicious and they will attack. Just ask my friend Marissa who had her sandwich literally clawed from her hands by a flock of hungry seagulls.
6. Get Cultured at the Brighton Dome
And finally, my last must see in Brighton is the Brighton Dome. Now I have not been there yet, but it is on my bucket list of things to do and so that is why it is included on this list. The Dome is located right in the center of the city and it kind of looks like a miniature Taj Mahal (see picture below). According to what I have read in passing the Brighton Dome is an arts venue where many concerts and performances are hosted. It is surrounded by the Royal Pavilion and the Brighton Museum, so if you really like culture or the arts you could spend a full day just checking out these different public attractions. The Dome is surrounded by a park where many times you can find live musicians playing. This is the place I talked about in my last blog post that had the live band playing. Because I have not been there I cannot offer too much information, but I will be sure to keep you updated when I find out more!
And that is my list! I hope this gives you a better idea of what Brighton is like and how much there is to do here. And the best part is I am always finding new places. I never go into town and see the same thing I did before. It is such a great town to explore, you never get tired of it!
Enjoy the rest of your week and see you next time!
Veronica
Enjoy the rest of your week and see you next time!
Veronica