Sports & Leisure

If you’re looking for an action-packed visit to Brighton and have lots of energy to burn, then there’s no shortage of sports and physical activities on offer to get your heart beating faster.

Water sports enthusiasts can pick from numerous on-the-water activities, from the calm and gentle such as stand up paddle-boarding, kayaking and fishing, to the more high octane such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and jet-skiing. Newbies to water sports can book lessons and training courses at Hove Lagoon, where you’ll also find a skate park, café and children’s playground.

Of course, you don’t need special kit to enjoy the sea – look out for the red and yellow flag patrolled areas where you can enjoy safe swimming. Or if swimming in the sea doesn’t appeal, you could take a bus to Saltdean Lido or a train to Pells Seasonal Outdoor Pool in nearby Lewes.

If you’re not fussed about getting wet, then there’s plenty of fun to be found as you stroll along the beach. Look out for beach volleyball, crazy golf, zip-wire, trampolining, roller-skating, table tennis and pétanque. You can even find dance events taking place in the Brighton Beach Bandstand. For younger children there’s an excellent playground and paddling pool near the West Pier, while for older kids who love skateboarding, there are skate parks at the Level, Hove Lagoon and Hollingdean – plus an indoor one at Brighton Youth Centre in Kemptown.

Walks & Runs

Joggers and runners with a competitive streak can find Parkruns at Hove Park, Preston Park, Hove Promenade and throughout the city and beyond. Or if you’re looking for something more challenging still, don’t forget the Brighton Marathon (April) and Half Marathon (Feb).

If working up a sweat isn’t your bag, then there are plenty of places to go for a walk – with or without a four-legged companion. Stroll along the promenade, or through the Lanes and North Laine. Or head for some nearby green open spaces such as Devil’s Dyke, Ditchling Beacon or Stanmer Park. Alternatively, venture further into the beautiful Sussex countryside and explore the Cuckmere Valley and Seven Sisters Country Park, Friston Forest or the South Downs National Park.

Of course, all that fresh air and exercise means you’ll have earned yourself some rest and relaxation time. So if you fancy planning in some pampering to your visit, be sure to investigate some of Brighton & Hove’s many spa centres and salons.

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