Fun and low-cost things to do on a day trip to Brighton

Henry, an undergraduate student in Psychology and a summer intern with Student Knowledge & Information, shares his tips for visiting the city where he grew up. 

Hiya I’m Henry and I grew up in Brighton. I'm loving being back home now that it's so hot in London. So, if you're looking for a cheap and refreshing day trip, Brighton is the place to go! 

Getting there is a breeze. You can get a return ticket from Victoria to Brighton for only £10 with a railcard. And once you're there, there are tons of free and low-cost things to do. Here are a few of my favourites:

Visit the parks. Brighton has some amazing green spaces, from the beautiful beaches to the expansive parks. Some of the best include:

• Preston Park Manor and Walled Garden: This chateau-style house is a real gem. It has a beautiful church and walled garden. If you visit later in the summer, you might be lucky enough to try the mulberries from the tree.
• Preston Park Rock Gardens: Just a short walk away you can also find this beautiful garden with plenty of beautiful flowers, a waterfall and stunning pond.
• Hove Lawns: If you're looking for a place to relax by the sea, Hove Lawns is a great option. There's plenty of space for picnics and games and there are also a bunch of ice cream shops nearby.
• St Annes Wells: This park is a bit wilder than the others, but it's beautiful. There's a lovely café and a flower garden and it's the perfect place to hide away from the crowds.

Explore the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven. If you're looking for something a little further afield, the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven are stunning. You can walk along the magnificent white cliffs or take a stroll down the river Cuckmere to its beautiful beach.

Stroll through the Lanes. The Lanes are a must-visit for any shopper. There are tons of second-hand clothes shops, antique stores and more, which I can assure you are much cheaper than London!

Enjoy some bubble tea. Brighton has an amazing bubble tea scene. There are so many shops to choose from, and they're all really affordable. To my surprise they have a lot more options than most shops in London.

Indulge in some delicious food. Brighton has something for everyone, whether you're looking for vegan fish and chips or an all-raw veggie cafe.

I hope you enjoy your day trip to Brighton!