What's on in Brighton

Brighton Beachfront

Daily

Cost: Free

Brighton beachfront is the heart of this buzzing seaside city. It stretches from Brighton Pier, with its bumper cars and Victorian games arcade, to the ghostly West Pier, now partially subsided into the waters after a huge fire.

Between the two piers are the restored Victorian arches, harbouring bars, cafés, restaurants and clubs and artists' studios. Traditional timber boardwalks lead out over the shingle to the sea and lighting makes the area safe after dark. Artists have designed some bold wall murals and various forms of seating - optimum spots to see the starling roost - when 50,000 of the little birds wheel through the sky in the hour before sunset before bedding down in what's left of the abandoned West Pier.

Look out for The Ellipse, an area for outdoor performances which comes alive in summer with free music events, beach volleyball courts and a fantastic children's play area with paddling pool, climbing frames and fountains.

Drop in to the Fishing Museum (free to visit) and pay your respects to the fishermen who still mend their nets here and sell the catch of the day alongside cockles and jellied eels.

Brighton Beachfront