Embedded Files
Before the trip
Before the trip
Ensure you have the group register and emergency contact numbers for all leaders and students
Make sure you have the tickets you need to enter with your group
Wear the official group T-shirt or hoodie for easy identification
Charge your phone fully and bring a power bank
Review the risk assessment for the day’s route and activities
Remind students to bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of light rain
Take group photos at key locations and share them with the programme WhatsApp group
The Vibrant Seaside Gem of England
The Vibrant Seaside Gem of England
Brighton is a famous seaside city on the south coast of England. It is known for its lively atmosphere, artistic style, and beautiful coastline. Brighton mixes traditional British charm with a modern, international feeling. It takes only about one hour by train from London, making it a great place for a short trip to enjoy the sea, culture, and fun activities.
One of the city’s most famous places is the Brighton Palace Pier, a Victorian pier with funfair rides, arcade games, and food stalls. Walking along the pier, hearing the waves, and smelling fresh doughnuts is a true British seaside experience. Next to the pier is Brighton Beach, known for its smooth pebbles and amazing sunsets. In summer, the beach is full of people relaxing on deckchairs, swimming, or listening to live music from nearby bars.
For shopping and exploring, The Lanes are a maze of small streets with independent shops, antique stores, and cafés. You can find everything from vintage clothes to handmade jewellery. Close by, the North Laine area shows Brighton’s creative side with colourful street art, local markets, and unique shops.
Brighton is also famous for its nightlife and festivals. The city becomes very lively at night, with pubs, bars, and clubs for everyone. Each year, Brighton holds the Brighton Festival and Fringe Festival, two of the biggest art events in England, with music, theatre, dance, and comedy. The Brighton Pride Parade is another big event, celebrating love, diversity, and the city’s welcoming spirit.
Day Itinerary
Day Itinerary
9:00 am – Coach from London to Brighton.
10:30 am – Walk to Brighton Pier and enjoy seaside views.
11:15 am – Explore The Lanes and North Laine shops.
12:30 pm – Free time to explore the city and have lunch
14:30 pm – Visit the Royal Pavilion and gardens.
15:30 pm – Free time
4:30 pm – Head back to London by coach.
6:00 pm – Arrive back in London.
Brighton Map
Brighton Map
Speaking Notes for Activity Leaders
Speaking Notes for Activity Leaders
1. Arrival
1. Arrival
Hello everyone, and welcome to Brighton.
Brighton is a lively seaside city on England’s south coast, about an hour by train from London. It’s part of East Sussex and, together with Hove, officially became the city of Brighton & Hove in the year 2000. The city is famous for its creative energy, open-minded community, and strong sense of individuality. Brighton’s population is around 290,000, and it attracts millions of visitors each year. It has long been known as “London-by-the-Sea,” offering a mix of seaside charm, culture, and nightlife.
2. Brighton Palace Pier
2. Brighton Palace Pier
*Script:*
The Brighton Palace Pier is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Opened in 1899, it replaced an older structure called the Chain Pier, which was destroyed in a storm. Stretching more than 500 metres into the sea, it’s packed with fairground rides, amusement arcades, and food stalls selling classic British treats like fish and chips, candyfloss, and doughnuts. At night, the pier glows with thousands of lights, creating a magical view from the beach. The pier has also appeared in several films, including Quadrophenia (1979), which celebrates Brighton’s youth culture.
3. The Royal Pavilion
3. The Royal Pavilion
*Script:*
The Royal Pavilion is Brighton’s most distinctive landmark, created as a lavish seaside retreat for King George IV in the early 19th century. Its exterior, inspired by Indian Mughal architecture, features domes and minarets that look almost dreamlike in the English landscape. Inside, the décor follows Chinese influences, showcasing colourful, extravagant designs. The Pavilion speaks to George IV’s love of luxury and theatrical style. Over the years, it has served many purposes, including a wartime hospital for soldiers. Today, it stands as a vivid reminder of Brighton’s royal and cultural heritage.
4. The Lanes
4. The Lanes
*Script:*
The Lanes form one of the oldest parts of Brighton, known for their maze-like narrow alleys and charming historic atmosphere. As you wander through, you’ll find independent boutiques, artisan jewellers, and delightful cafés tucked into every corner. The tightly packed streets reflect the town’s 18th-century origins before it expanded into a bustling resort. Visitors often describe The Lanes as a place where you can happily get lost and discover something new at each turn. It’s a perfect area for exploring leisurely and enjoying Brighton’s artistic identity. The blend of old charm and modern creativity makes it uniquely memorable.
5. Brighton Beach & Seafront
5. Brighton Beach & Seafront
Addison's Walk is a circular footpath within the grounds of Magdalen College, Oxford, that winds around a small island in the River Cherwell. It's a picturesque and tranquil walk, with views of Magdalen Tower and Magdalen Bridge. The walk is named after Joseph Addison, a former Fellow of Magdalen College, who enjoyed walking there and wrote about landscape gardening in his newspaper, The Spectator. The complete walk is 1.5km BUT you can show students where it is on the way to the deer park
Script:
Let’s take a walk along Addison’s Walk, a beautiful path by the river. It’s named after Joseph Addison, a writer who studied here in the 1600s.
This walk was also a favourite of C.S. Lewis, the author of "The Chronicles of Narnia."
Fun fact: Lewis said he got the idea for the magical lamppost in Narnia while walking here in the fog!
6. Brighton i360
6. Brighton i360
The Brighton i360 is a futuristic 162-metre observation tower designed by the creators of the London Eye. Visitors step into a large glass viewing pod that gently rises to provide breathtaking views over the city, the South Downs, and the coastline. On particularly clear days, you may even see the Isle of Wight in the distance. The i360 has become a modern symbol of Brighton’s ambition and innovation. It offers a calm, smooth ascent that feels almost like floating. It’s one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty and layout of the whole region.
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