A seafront stroll

A seafront stroll

Our guests are always thrilled to find out that our B&B is only a minute or two’s stroll from the Brighton sea front. It’s a pretty impressive sea front too – over the last ten years it’s been completely revamped. And there’s much more to come over the next ten years too. In this blog I’ll guide you on a seafront stroll pointing out the highlights as I go.
 
A stone’s throw from the seafront
 
Strawberry Fields is located on a Regency seafront garden square called the New Steine. Turn right out of our front door, a few seconds later and you’ll be at Maderia Drive, cross the road, walk down the steps and you’re on the seafront. It’s that easy.
 
Heading east
 
The main stretch of the seafront is west of Strawberry Fields but there’s lots to explore to the east too. You can start walking or pick up the Volk’s railway, the World’s oldest operating electric railway.
 

 
If you’re on foot the first thing you’ll pass is the JAG Gallery owned by local artist and friend of Strawberry Fields, Julie-Anne Gilburt. Unfortunately the gallery isn’t open at the moment, due to the refurbishment of the arches on Madeira Drive. But I guarantee you will get to see Julie-Ann’s work as she painted the strawberries decorating our hallways. She is still available for commissions, particularly for pet portraits, we have a lovely one of our Aussie dog ‘Teddy’ (who also enjoys his seafront strolls).
 
Walk another few hundred metres, noticing legendary Brighton music venue Concorde 2 on the left, and you’ll arrive at Yellowave, a unique beach sports centre where you can play beach volleyball or other beach based sports. There’s also a climbing wall, club house and the barefoot cafe.
 
Just after Yellowave is the halfway stop of the Volk’s railway, you’ll also find here the Peter Pan playground and cafe as well as the new Jungle Rumble adventure golf course.
 
Keep walking and you’ll pass the final stop for Volk’s railway. Beyond that is a tunnel taking you through to Brighton Marina and its variety of entertainments and restaurants. You might be interested to know there is a lot planned for this area, known as Black Rock, over the next few years including a new conference centre and a 50 metre open air swimming pool complex.
 

 
We’ll head back to Brighton now but if you are feeling fit and adventurous you can continue to keep walking (or cycling) east of Brighton Marina on the beautiful undercliff walk to Rottingdean and beyond.
 
Heading west
 
Returning back to our starting point by the JAG gallery, head west and you’ll pass the area which used to house the Brighton Wheel. Hopefully in it’s place you’ll soon find two 300 metre zip wires.
 
Walk another 100 metres and you’re at Brighton Pier. I’m sure you know what to expect here!
 

 
Continue heading west and you’re now on the main strip of Brighton seafront, jam packed full of artists studios, café’s and bars. I would recommend a stop at the Brighton Fishing Museum to explore Brighton’s history as a small fishing village called Brighthelmstone.
 
Keep walking and you can’t fail to notice a massive tower reaching up into the clouds. This is the British Airways i360. It is due to open in July 2016, becoming the second tallest observation tower in the UK.
 

 
Beyond the i360 you’ll find another fantastic children’s play area complete with paddling pool and beyond that some new pétanque pitches.
 
Shortly you’ll arrive at the Peace statue. You are now in Hove. As befits Hove’s reputation you’ll find the atmosphere is more relaxed. You can take it easy on Hove lawns or head straight to the beaches which are a bit less crowded.
 

 
Keep strolling West and things get sporty. You’ll pass the King Alfred leisure centre – there are more developments planned here, then bowling greens, tennis courts, and pitch and putt. Finally you’ll arrive at Hove Lagoon with its children’s playground and skate park, and of course the lagoon itself, where a variety of watersports are possible. There’s also a large cafe and bar here, owned by local celebrity Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim.
 
So there you have it, a stroll along Brighton’s seafront, east to west. I’ve tired myself out simply by talking about the huge range of activities and entertainments available!