Hello Folks, working on ideas for several days in London as part of a combined London/Ireland trip. (We have been to London twice before so are not completely unfamiliar.) As far as day trips from Central London, is taking the train to Brighton a reasonable idea? I'm thinking for lunch, stroll around, look at the ocean, some wine or beer somewhere - that sort of thing. No big event needed or desired. Is it a pleasant area, or just all cheesy and touristy? Back to London in time for a late dinner somewhere probably. Thanks for any comments.
Posted by
California (Central Coast)
52 posts
We did that during our winter trip and it was a very pleasant day.
It's slightly downhill from the station to the pier, and there are several paths you can take. Our path went past the Royal Pavillion which is a spectacular sight, inside and out. (We got sidetracked inside for more than an hour.) https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/ The pier is large and there seemed to be a lot there (but mostly closed in winter). Brighton is a nice day trip and change of scene from London.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
Another coastal day trip from London….
Whitsable is an hour and a half from Victoria Station.
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2693 posts
I did this trip on a Sunday and it was a wonderful outing--spent about 6 hours, explored the Lanes, walked the beach and pier, saw a thrilling Labor party parade, it became quite windy and rainy so I ended up seeing the first Downton Abbey movie while there, then the rest of the afternoon was pleasant and I resumed exploring, ending with a Sunday roast dinner at a restaurant near the Lanes. I did not find it cheesy or touristy at all, very interesting old seaside town.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Brighton is a great day out - the Pavilion, of course, plenty of independent shops around The Lanes, take a walk on the pier and have lunch in the Kemp Town area. It’s more hip than cheesy - more micro brewery than cheap lager from a supermarket. Take a ride on the heritage Vauxhall Railway along the front.
I was in Whitstable a few weeks back and it’s not fared as well post-Covid as Brighton has - fewer galleries and more vacant shops than my last trip there.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
Brighton is a very easy train trip from London Victoria, about 55 minutes on most trips.
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia suburbs
59 posts
Thank you all for these great responses. Sounds like a day trip to Brighton via train from London could be a fun idea. Much appreciated!
Posted by
northern CA
2819 posts
I think Nigel could advise us on the right kind of ticket to get if you wanted to make a short stop in Wimbledon on the way back to have a quick look 'round. I was surprised by the greenery, relatively lush for such an industrial or post-industrial transit corridor. Keep in mind also that Brighton has pebbles, not sand, and dining prices go down noticeably if you get a block away from the shoreline.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
not particularly straightforward or easy to add Wimbledon into the Brighton trip.
Possibly more straightforward to travel out to SW19 as a separate jaunt.
Choices are to leave the return train at East Croydon and take the tram over, then return to London wherever you want by the District Line tube or various train combinations depending on where....
Or change from the train from Brighton somewhere north of Three Bridges to a train which will stop at Clapham Junction and change there for a train which stop at Wimbledon.
I'm not being specific because there are so many similar choices and variables.
I return to my previous suggestion of a jaunt on its own, or in combination with somewhere like Kew Gardens or other west of London attraction.