As attitudes evolved and changing fashion allowed more freedom in the 1930s, sunbathing became a national pastime and lidos became a chic feature of seaside towns. A recent renaissance has seen many historic lidos re-opening. Here are our favourite local lidos and outdoor pools:

Pells Pool

Just a short stroll from the train station, through the quaint cobbled streets of Lewes, is the oldest freshwater lido in the UK. Originally constructed in 1860, the pool has delighted generations of swimmers for over 150 years. The pool has been splashed in by Victorian bathers, used for sea evacuation practice by WWII soldiers, and rescued from demolition by a huge community campaign in the 90s.
Its original features and status as a community hub have stood the test of time. The large 46×23 metre pool is big enough for serious swimming practice, or a game of beach ball at the shallow end. The striking 1950s art deco architecture of the cafe and ticket kiosk has heaps of kitsch charm, selling tea, ice cream and snacks at very reasonable prices. There’s a large lawn next to the pool and spacious steps with plenty of room to sit out and soak up the sun.
If you ignore the odd iphone, you ‘ll find yourself in a picture postcard scene from the 50s: children playing, sunbathers lounging, the odd beach ball flying overhead. Pack your best swimming attire, and get ready for a day of stylish old-school bathing.

Arundel Lido

Arundel Lido opened in the swinging 60s, with people travelling from the surrounding towns just to lounge by the pool. Reopened in 2002 due to popular demand, it is now the only remaining lido in West Sussex. The 25 metre main pool and children’s pool are both heated – great news for outdoor swimmers who aren’t brave enough to brace the icy Atlantic!
As well as the pools, there is a landscaped garden for sunning yourself in with picnic tables, loungers and parasols. Refuel at the cafe or grab something from the barbeque to eat al fresco. The lido is in the beautiful South Downs National Park, so you could incorporate your swim into a day of walking in the amazing local countryside, or visiting Arundel (if a castle isn’t enough for you, they also have an amazing gothic cathedral and lots of delightfully British tearooms).

Saltdean Lido

Yes, we know it’s not open yet, but that’s not going to stop us getting excited!
Designed by renowned architect Richard Jones and opened to the public in 1938. The innovative art deco building has a pool which can accommodate 500 swimmers and a tea terrace, sun deck and cafe which lie on top of the flat roof. Described as looking like a ‘stately ocean liner’ due to its impressive curved shape, Building magazine called it ‘one of the really first-class designs of its type in the country’. Also, the only lido to ever  feature in the Design Museum. Despite falling into disuse for many years, the glamorous building still stands, earning a Grade II listing in 2011.
So: historic, unique, and within cycling distance of Brighton – ‘why is it not in use?’ I hear you cry! Many fellow Brighton residents feel the same! The Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company was set up in 2013, securing funding to reopen the pool. If everything goes to plan, the lido should be ready for a summer of open air swimming in 2016!

There are plenty of kid-friendly places for any Amphibious bambinos who want to have outdoor fun in the sun, but aren’t yet confident enough to swim in the sea. Here are some of the best paddling spots for kids and families:

Hove Lagoon (Only available through the Summer)

Wander along the seafront on a sunny day up to Hove Lagoon: perfect for soon-to-be strong swimmers. There is a large paddling pool for cooling off, picnic tables, grassy lawn, and a beach side cafe serving snacks. There is also a large water sports centre for bigger kids and adults who can try windsurfing, wakeboarding and sailing.

King’s Road Paddling Pool

This large paddling pool, set back from the main beach, is perfect for families. There’s plenty of room to lounge around the pool. Why not have a picnic or grab an ice cream from the café? There are also large sandpits for those that want to show off their sandcastle building skills. No need to let the pebbles of Brighton beach get in your way!

The Triangle

While The Triangle may not have the historic charm of the local lidos, it’s the perfect pool for kids. In addition to a heated outdoor pool, it has water slides, indoor and outdoor rapids, a waterfall, Jacuzzi and a shallow area for toddlers to splash in. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the café. This is the place to be if you want an action-packed aquatic adventure!

For the adventurous types, outdoor swimming doesn’t have to be confined to a pool. Wild swimming gives you the chance to explore amazing scenery, immerse yourself in nature, and beat the crowds. If you are new to wild swimming, don’t forget to do your research – temperatures will be much lower than a pool, so remember you won’t be able to swim as far as usual. Stay close to shore, start off with a short dip and make sure you bring someone with you. Here are some of the most scenic spots for wild swimming in Sussex:

The River Ouse

The River Ouse flows through the Sussex Downs, surrounded by stunning countryside. Head to Barcombe Mills, where there is a beautiful stretch of river, perfect for a dip. Bring a picnic, relax on the river bank. Explore the local nature reserve, or head to The Anchor Inn, a rural riverside pub which dates back to 1790!

Cuckmere Meanders

Cuckmere Meanders flow through the Seven Sisters Country Park, funnelling into the sea. It runs across from the foot of the chalky Seven Sisters cliffs which you can follow all the way to Eastbourne. The wide, shallow lakes are warm(ish) and cut off from the main Cuckmere stream. Being  non-tidal it’s safe for swimming in certain places. The Seven Sisters are one of the natural wonders of Sussex! Relax on the beach post-swim and enjoy the scenery. Or, clamber upwards and enjoy a awe-inspiring view with a Cliffside picnic. Coastal bus routes from Brighton drop you off right by the Meanders.

The River Rother

The Eastern Bank of the River Rother, 200 yards from Cowdray Castle , is a popular spot for wild swimming. Despite many swimmers in-the-know coming to this spot on sunny days, it is still relatively secluded, making it the perfect alternative to the hustle and bustle of a busy beach on a sunny day. Take a picnic and dry off on the grassy bank, or check out Cowdray Castle and head to a nearby café for coffee and cake.

The Sea

And, last but not least, we couldn’t have a guide to outdoor swimming without mentioning…the sea! Brighton beach is a Mecca for outdoor swimmers come rain or shine. From the fair-weather swimmers paddling in the sun, to the ballsy bathers taking the plunge on Christmas Day. The Brighton Swimming Club, established in 1860, regularly holds sea swimming meets for its members, and there are other experienced groups that hold wild swimming events around Sussex.

Stay central and enjoy the dramatic views of the crumbling West Pier! Swim towards the Marina and let it all hang out at the nudist beach, or head to the quieter beaches of Hove. Nothing beats being wrapped up in a towel with some steaming hot Fish and Chips after an invigorating swim in open sea!

Thinking of going to the beach? Check out our guide to the best things to do on Brighton beach

Or how about trying some alternative Brighton sports? Here’s our guide

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The post The Best Spots for Outdoor Swimming in Brighton & Beyond! appeared first on We Love Brighton.

Best things to do in Brighton in a day

The Beachfront

The beach is obviously a huge draw for tourists, but there’s far more to the beachfront than the stony shore and sea. Firstly, we of course have the pier. 525 meters long, packed with 2 separate arcades, any seaside treat you could want, and an amusement park. There’s something about being suspended, dangling over the sea that makes the rides all the more thrilling. Why stop at just the pier? You could easily spend the majority of your day along the beach, thanks to the various activities available. Adventure golf, a Zipline, and a Beachside railway, are all ways to get a little more out of Brighton beach.

If you can afford it, my top recommendation would be the i360. 162 metres high, the i360 offers an incredible aerial view of Brighton and the vast expanse of Ocean. It’s a magnificent sight. To top it off there’s a bar you can enjoy a drink or two from, whilst you gaze and ponder over the vast expanse of water, suspended over 500 feet above the ground. Are views not enough for you? The i360 even offers the chance to abseil down all 531 feet of it. Also, if you have a chance to take a trip to Brighton for more than a day, then book your i360 flight for the sunset. It’s a breathtaking sundown over the rolling hills of Brighton.

Royal Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion is a historic landmark, built as a seaside retreat for the regent King George IV. The palace is steeped in history and is a sight to behold. You are free to walk around the grounds, and relax on the grassy plain; the Pavilion provides the perfect backdrop for a picnic. This is more than sightseeing, though. Why not take the chance to explore inside? Walk between the same walls as kings and queens gaining a glimpse into the lives of 19th century royalty. The interior has been expertly preserved and faithfully restored by painters and artists, keeping it as close to its original design as possible.

The lanes

So you’ve had the morning at the beachfront. You’ve strolled up to the Pavilion for a picnic lunch and had a gander at the dwellings of royalty. So how about some shopping? Perhaps not an enthralling choice for some, but no matter your feelings, a day trip to Brighton isn’t complete without visiting the legendary ‘Lanes’. There is always something unique to pique your interest. With multiple lanes, spanning hundreds of shops, and 90% of them being independent businesses you won’t find anywhere else, it’s a haven for browsers and a hole in the pocket for the impulsive. Sprawling mazy charity shops like Snoopers Paradise and alternative clothes shops, with designs sporting dark humour, political statements, and ironic jabs. It embodies the spirit of Brighton better than anything else.

Whether you have money to spend or not, just browsing is interesting enough. There will be shops to cater for anyone no matter your interest. My personal browsing pleasures are the resident vinyl and CD shop, GAK and the well-curated guitar shop, Mudpie Music. The latter provides a frequently changing selection of vintage guitars. It’s always a joy walking past the window every time I find myself near the lanes, as I never know which piece of guitar history will be displayed in the window. The lanes always have something to tickle your fancy, no matter how much you may dislike shopping.  

For those unimpressed by my earlier idea of a picnic, the lanes provide a sumptuous selection of food places. Have a Taiwanese Bubble Tea and follow it up with a pastry from the Flour Pot Bakery. For your main, I’d recommend Fatto A Mano, situated in the North Laine. It’s a fantastic Pizza place, with a lovely Neapolitan aura. If Pizza isn’t quite complex enough for your palette, then the Curry Leaf café is great for lovers of Indian food. Alternatively, Pompoko is a cosy authentic Japanese restaurant. Its size and stature make for a personal, unique dining experience, feeling just like a family-run restaurant you’d find in Japan.

Graffiti

Brighton and art go hand in hand. As a bastion of creativity, it’s no surprise musicians and artists are drawn to this city. You needn’t look far to find some quality examples of artistic expression and ability. No matter the street you find yourself on, you are never far away from a mural or political statement. With such a degree of quality and quantity. It’s always entertaining to wander and see which mind-bending landscapes, warped figures and humorous parodies you come across.

You can book a graffiti tour, and avoid missing out on any of the famous pieces across the city. If you are more adventurous like myself, however, I’d recommend just exploring. There is plenty to see and no tour in the world could show you everything without taking a whole day. You may come across art otherwise unappreciated that resonates with you. And turning a seemingly random corner to see a huge David Bowie mural makes for a far more enthralling experience, than seeing it as a tour stop.

Fish and Chips

Finally, no trip to any seaside is complete without something battered and deep-fried. As this trip down to Brighton comes to an end, the last thing to do is sample one of the many fish and chip PLAICES(I’m sorry). A British seaside day could never be complete without a warming high-carb meal, consumed with wooden cutlery. With the cold creeping in and your mind becoming ever more mindful of that seagull giving your haddock the eye. What better way to end your day out, and prepare yourself for the trip home.

The post Day Trip to Brighton: A guide appeared first on We Love Brighton.

Club Nights & Live Music

Green Door Store:

The Green Door Store is a late night bar, live music venue and nightclub located directly underneath Brighton Railway Station. It is on of  Brighton’s beloved live music hubs. The bar is always free entry and the whole venue becomes free entry after 11pm daily. It hosts up to 14 events per week, and is one of the best venues for alternative and heavier music. It’s impressive variety means the Green Door Store can guarantee even that friend with niche music taste will be enticed.

The Bee’s Mouth:

Small but packing a punch with specialty beers from Belgium and around the world, this pokey bar has the appeal of an Amsterdam coffee shop. Dark. Mysterious. Yet buzzing with activity. The Bees Mouth is by no means your average bar. Hosting  a wide range of special interest events held every week, from life drawing to open mic nights, jazz forums, cinema and DJs . With most events held here being free entry.

Markets & Craft Fairs

Brighton Craft Alliance:

The Brighton Craft Alliance hold curated art, craft and vintage fairs showcasing the brightest local talents in contemporary art, craft, design and vintage purveyors. Events are held monthly in and around Brighton, with stalls offering a wide range of goods including jewellery, fashion, ceramics, home accessories, furniture, bath and beauty products, screen printed art and paper goods to name a few.

The Fairy Tale Fair:

The Fairy Tale Fair is a well-established and well-loved craft fair in Brighton with a loyal following of stall holders and customers at up to three venues. The fairs are a perfect opportunity to peruse a multitude of unique hand made crafts. Whether you’re there to buy or not, just walking around is a sight to behold and reason enough to check it out. Should you be convinced into a purchase you’ll also be supporting talented designers and makers, many of whom are local. Please note however, not all the fairs have free entry, check the website for details. 

https://www.thefairytalefair.co.uk/

The Open Market:

The historic Open Market underwent a major redevelopment in 2014 and is now home to over 50 of Brighton’s most talented and knowledgeable local producers and creators. With a strong focus on fresh nutritious foods and ethical products, the market has a range of traditional market stalls. You can find : butchers, fishmongers, eggs, Greengrocers. But also offers plenty beyond food, such as:  art, crafts, fashions, antiques, haberdashery, tools, garden goods and more.

Theatre & Comedy

Brighton Fringe Festival:

Brighton Fringe is the largest arts festival in England and one of the largest fringe festivals in the world. It takes place for four weeks every May, with over 700 individual events, almost a quarter of which are free. It is a completely open-access festival which means anyone can put on an event. Expect the unexpected! featuring everything from music to dance to theatre and comedy.

I once saw a Dutch man tell the story of Franz Reichelt, a man who died jumping off of the Eiffel Tower testing his parachute.It was strangely enthralling helped by the intimacy of the performance, with it taking place in what was essentially a shipping container. As a free show it was certainly worth it, I watched this performance as a teenager almost ten years ago, and even now it firmly sticks in my mind. That’s the great thing about the Brighton Fringe,  you can soak up the atmosphere of the festival and enjoy some of the unique inventive shows without spending a penny!

Free Comedy:

Brighton is full of fantastic comedy gigs year round but sometimes seeing so many shows can get expensive! Thankfully, there are a few venues around the city that put on free comedy evenings on a regular basis with everything from panel shows to stand-up. A couple of these venues are The Victory Inn and The Quadrant, see their individual websites for details.

Museums & Exhibitions

Royal Pavilion:

Have a wander around this extraordinary and extravagant pleasure palace which was built for the Prince Regent and later King George IV, between 1787 and 1823. The beautiful palace inspired by the Taj Mahal is packed with stunning art and décor, inspired by Chinese myth and legend.

It costs money to explore the inside, but the grounds are free to peruse, and makes the perfect spot for a picnic. The Pavilion gardens are beautiful all the way round, with wonderfully well-kept flower beds and shady trees. The gardens provide a great vantage point for taking in the Pavilion in all its’ glory. The Brighton Museum is also situated in these grounds and has a small entrance fee.

Hove Museum & Art Gallery:

Step into a world of toys, cinema, local history, and fine art. Hove Museum & Art Gallery also boasts one of the finest craft collections in the country, and is an oasis of learning and enjoyment for everyone. Entrance is free.

Booth Museum of Natural History:

Founded by Edward Booth in 1874 the Booth Museum is all about birds, butterflies, fossils, bones and skeletons. A particular highlight is the fossil and bone collections which date back to when dinosaurs and woolly rhinos roamed Sussex. Entrance is free.

Galleries:

There’s a huge range of art galleries across the City who regularly put on free shows throughout the year displaying work from local and national artists. Some of our favourites include Ink-d, Fabrica and ONCA.

Sightseeing

Devils Dyke:

The legendary Devils Dyke is a beauty spot and National Trust site on the South Downs. At nearly a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK. It provides a spectacular view across Sussex. Find the Iron Age hill fort and the curious Victorian funfair or take a walk into the valley to discover the many wild flowers and insects. It’s easy to get to by car, footpath or public transport so it is a perfect country getaway from the centre.

The Piers

Brighton Pier:

Of course, no trip to Brighton would be complete without a stroll along Brighton pier! Perfect for getting great views or photos of the whole Brighton and Hove seafront. Stare out at the inescapable horizon and take in that fresh yet salty seaside air.  Should you have money to spend there are food kiosks, an arcade, a Restaurant and even a large selection of rides and parlour games. It is arguably one of Brighton’s biggest attractions and can be enjoyed without spending a penny!

West Pier:

Although there may not actually be a pier there anymore, the West Pier still remains a huge attraction, and is among the most photographed sights in Brighton. The Pier is best enjoyed at sunset, Starlings often flock  to settle atop the piers eerie remains as the night draws in. Sadly, these birds are in decline as a species, but thousands still flock to Brighton’s seafront. Making for an unforgettable sight .

Brighton Beach:

Perhaps an obvious one, but  access to the whole of Brighton and Hove beach is totally free! Take a picnic, your swimming costume, or a book and relax to the sounds of the ocean. The promenade benches are ideal for people watching, and there is always something happening. Be it a dance class on the bandstand, a basketball match, or the locals walking their dogs. Plus if you do want to spend some money, there is quite the choice of wonderful bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from.

Parks

Kings Road Playground:

Situated right next to the beach on the west side of the West Pier. It is fully enclosed, with a paddling pool and lots of great playground equipment. Cafe’s and toilets are nearby. Naturally, it’s a firm favourite with Brighton locals and is always busy during the summer.

The Level:

Re-opened in summer 2013 with fantastic new facilities a lovely playground. It also boasts one of the best Skate parks in the South of England. It’s busy no matter what time of day filled with  skaters, bikers and everything in between. The playground is fenced has a drinking fountain, bins and picnic benches. Perfect for an after-school visit or a weekend day out!

St Ann’s Wells:

A short walk from Hove seafront. It is a treat for tree-lovers and will appeal to young and old alike. Nature conservation is particularly important to the park. The park contains a scented garden that will take you on a sensory journey and a bustling pond complete with a biological filter system.

Queens Park:

Occupies a beautiful green valley facing south east towards the Channel. It has a large pond, a café, a well equipped playground and 22 acres of rolling lawns. It sits on a steep slope, in walking distance of the sea and has one and a half miles of footpaths that meander around and through the grounds.

Hove Park:

Lastly, Hove Park is an enormous 40 acres. Featuring a mix of large areas of open grass, tree clusters, flower beds and recreational facilities. The ‘Fingermaze’ sits at the eastern edge of the Park. Its a public sculpture carved into the park, lined with stone and lime mortar. Hove Park’s great claim to fame, the Goldstone, weighing about 20 tons, is commonly believed to have been used by the Druids for worship. The shape of a human face is clearly visible in the stone. Gaze upon the face and unlock the secrets of Druidism, should you be worthy.

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The King’s Arms Hostel

The newly reopened King’s Arms is the newest kid on Brighton’s hostels block, and it has been making a very good first impression, inspiring nothing but glowing reviews.
Located near the Old Steine on the edge of Kemp Town, the King’s Arms is walking distance to all the shopping areas, seafront, and tons of bars and restaurants. Their approach is personable and laidback, with the aim of making your stay in Brighton as fun and comfortable as possible. They have a 24-hour reception desk, to help you or just to entertain you at any hour of day or night!
The King’s Arms have a fully stocked bar as well as regular events including weekly poker evenings and quiz nights. They offer ‘all you can eat’ continental breakfast in the mornings for only £1.50 which is unbelievably good value for Brighton.
The decor is bright and fresh, with unique beach hut-themed showers which look amazing, and security lockers inside each room. There are dormitory style rooms as well as comfy private rooms if you would like more privacy.
With prices starting from £8 per person, and with a range of dorms and private rooms, you can’t get better value for money in Brighton.
Booking is only available through booking sites.

Baggies Backpackers

If you’re coming to Brighton to relax on the beach, take in the sights, do a bit of shopping and indulge in the nightlife,  stay in a place which is perfectly located, whilst having all the comforts of home. Baggies hostel is like a home away from home to its guests, who love the family atmosphere and the sense of everyone mucking in. Not to mention it won a Trip Advisor Award of Excellence for 2014!
It’s fully self-catered, with a well-equipped kitchen and dining room. There is a chill-out lounge with a collection of classic movies and digital freeview, plus a projector and big screen. Other facilities include WiFi throughout, computer free of charge, on-site launderette and bike shed. For a £10 deposit you can have your own key, which means you have total freedom. Baggies offer a special rate if you stay longer than 7 days, making it ideal to stay in if you are having an extended stay in Brighton, or while you are looking for somewhere more permanent.
Check out the hostel’s website for regular updates and photos of what is going on at the hostel. Prices start at £14 per night for a dorm, private double room £40.
baggiesbackpackers.com
www.facebook.com/baggiesbackpackers

Grapevine North Laine

If you are looking to stay in a buzzing central Brighton location, the Grapevine can’t be beaten. It is situated amongst the eclectic mix of independent restaurants, pubs, and thriving arts scene that is Brighton’s North Laine.
The North Laine is one of the city’s coolest and most vibrant areas, offering a wide variety of cosmopolitan cafés, bars, arts, vintage shops & comedy clubs including the iconic Komedia and Duke’s cinema. A weekend market is located just around the corner – no need for taxis as all the city’s amenities are within easy walking distance!
Rooms at The Grapevine are ideal for students, group bookings, backpackers and discerning independent travellers and there is a lovely homely feel should you wish to extend your stay. There is a lively atmosphere so it is best suited to those who want to make the most of Brighton’s nightlife or are visiting for a party weekend.
The staff are well known for being friendly, helpful and well informed so they are always happy to recommend a good places to go so you can get the best out of Brighton during your stay.
Prices start from £15 in summer and £10 in winter.
www.grapevinewebsite.co.uk
www.facebook.com/grapevinenorthlaines

Kipps Hostel

Winner of a Trip Advisor Award for Excellence 2014, Kipps Brighton is a small friendly backpacker’s hostel situated in the heart of the city; the only hotel or hostel in Brighton with views of the Royal Pavilion.
The hostel has a licensed bar, a gorgeous outside terrace, lounge area plus free Wi-Fi throughout. Nightly events organised by the staff include Wii/Xbox nights, pizza Nights and cocktail nights. We love the fact that photos are posted every week on the Kipps facebook page showing what has been happening in the hostel, along with a thank-you message to all the guests. If you’re in a group or staying on your own you will not be short of things to do and people to hang out with.
The hostel is within walking distance of Brighton’s main attractions including the Pier and beach, the Lanes and shopping areas. The Theatres and Brighton Centre are also close. The gay village is just round the corner, which offers some of the finest gay and lesbian bars in the South of England.
Prices start from £19.50 in May/June and £15 in the winter making it fantastic value considering all the added extras. Private rooms are available.
www.kipps-brighton.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Kipps-Backpackers-Hostel-Brighton
twitter.com/kippscb

Gulliver’s Hotel

Gulliver’s Hotel and B&B is a charming, elegant and tranquil Georgian Townhouse in central Brighton. If you prefer the privacy of a guesthouse to the bustle of a hostel, this is one of the most reasonable budget hotels Brighton has to offer.
Winner of a Trip Advisor Award of Excellence for 2013, at Gulliver’s you will be truly looked after. Although it is a budget hotel, a personalised concierge service is at the guests’ disposal 24 hours a day and each of the bedrooms has been designed to incorporate comfort and style with modern facilities, suiting both leisure and corporate clients alike.
The New Steine Bistro, located at the sister hotel two doors down, acts as the hotel restaurant, which caters for snacks throughout the day and evening 7 days a week. Offering Brighton’s best homemade French cuisine along with British fare, with either a full a la carte menu or daily 3 course special menu, it is the perfect place to enjoy exquisite food in a welcoming environment.
The cosy bedrooms provided are well equipped to give a feeling of relaxed luxury whilst offering cheap and competitive prices without compromising on quality. A peaceful stay and good night’s sleep is guaranteed.
Prices start at £39.99 with a choice of B&B or room only.
www.gullivershotel.com
twitter.com/GulliversHotel

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