I Heart Brighton!

Yesterday my little girl and I went on a little spontanious trip to Brighton and stayed over night in the lovely Umi hotel. It really was like a little mini holiday and we really made the most of our time there. I have been going to Brighton alot lately, it a mixture of my love of the British seaside, history and independant shops. Brighton really does have it all. I’m beginning to wonder if I could ever actually move there, or whether it would lose it’s appeal after a while. I am a Londoner at heart but over the last few years I have moved further and further out in order to be able to afford a house. Hmmm lots to think about!

Back to our little trip! We took the train to Brighton which only takes 35 minutes from East Croydon so we got there super quick. We arrived late afternoon with just enough time to have a bite to eat and spend the evening riding the old fashioned rides on the beach and pier. We spent the evning in the hotel watching the Olympics and took a late night stroll on the beach.

Today we were up early and started the day with a trip to the Sealife Centre. I love the Sealife centre in Brighton as it was built in 1887 and features a beautiful Victorian aquarium with so many facinating things to see. We saw the giant turtles being fed which was great fun.

After that we walked round to my very favourite place, the Royal Pavillion where we listened to the excelent childrens audio guide as we walked round. It’s the first time I’ve been here with my daughter and it was so nice to share such a beautiful historic place with her. She loved all the gold details and the dragons that decorate every corner.

After the pavillion we had a little wander and a lunch in Pizza Express. I’m not really sure why I go there, the food may be good but you end up waiting for service for so long that you lose the will to live! Little one didn’t seem to mind though and we were there so long it was nice to have a chat.

After lunch we had another go on some of the rides, which are great fun but very expensive! Be warned a day out in Brighton is not cheap! We had a little run around on the beach and chased the waves which was so much fun.

Then we went on the Brighton sightseeing tour bus, this was a great way to really explore the city and take in lots of things I hadn’t seen before. The trip was 50 minutes long and was full of fascinating facts.

After the tour we had just enough time to go back to the Sealife Centre for a ride on the glass bottomed boat, this was one of the highlights of our trip and we loved seeing the sharks and turtles in so much detail.

It was then time to drag our tired legs to the station and then home.

I feel so refreshed by our little break and can’t wait to go back.