48 Hours in Brighton

Friday late afternoon

Be smart, arrive early with a few friends before everyone else and decorate the house. Arrange to Waitrose delivery for between 3 and 4pm and get the fridge stocked and everything put away.

Welcome your guests with champagne upon arrival and then have your personal chef prepare a delicious 4 course meal or alternatively try one of Hove’s variety of restaurants, afterwards have a night in, play a few party games and view a film or pictures of great memories of the bride to be on the big screen followed by your favourite film. Or head out and catch a performance at one of the areas independent entertainment venues. The programmes on offer includes live music, great theatre and innovative comedy.

Morning

Don’t want to cook- no problem! Have breakfast delivered from the local baker or enjoy a cooked breakfast in the comforts of your own residence. No fighting over the toaster or struggling with a stag do. Enjoy the privacy and intimacy of time together with your best friends.

Stay in at your private residence and have the entertainment and activities brought to you! After all you have the space and you’ve paid for it! Choose between Spa treatments, Dance Class, Yoga, Life Art Drawing, Butlers in the Buff, Wine and Cheese tasting challenge, cocktail making or even a laughter lab!

If you like to shop then take a taxi to Trafalgar Street, near Brighton Station and stroll through the vibrant North Laine, full of independent shops selling anything & everything. This is a particularly good spot for fans of vintage shopping as well as fantastic street art.

Afternoon Have lunch at Cote Restaurant or a Pizza at Fato Mano Fato Mano either accommodates large groups; then follow the North Laine as it leads into the Cultural Quarter home to the exotic Royal Pavilion, a must-see on any trip to Brighton. The palace looks like a mini Taj Mahal on the outside but once inside you will be transported to The Orient. Across the Regency styled Pavilion Gardens you will find the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, home to a range of fantastic displays including local history; art deco furniture and fashion through the ages. They also host a regular programme of temporary exhibitions so make sure you check the local What’s On listings to see what’s coming up.

After the museum, cross North Street and head into The Lanes. The famous twisting alleyways were once home to the sleepy fishing village of Brighthelmstone. Today you will find jewellers, antiques and designer boutiques plus many great watering holes for a late afternoon tipple! Prebook the Witches Kitchen a private room at the world famous Choccywoccydoodah and indulge in 2 hours for a chocoholic’s dream starting at 10am, 2:45pm and 5:30pm – perfect for a late afternoon sugar rush (champagne optional!) £30 per person.

After returning to your private residence for a delicious dinner and a refresh then why not return to the Cultural Quarter to take in some live comedy at Komedia or a show at the Theatre Royal Brighton or the Brighton Dome Brighton Dome. The Theatre Royal hosts big theatrical productions including pre-West End shows. Brighton Dome has an eclectic programme of classical & contemporary music; comedy and dance. If you really want to party then book a private VIP table and booth in one of Brighton’s Super Clubs!

Morning

Yesterday you explored the city so today has to be about the sea! After a night catching up with friends take the 4-minute walk to the sea front and head east past the cute and colourful beach huts along the wide seafront promenade, its a great vantage point to admire the stunning architecture of Hove including the regency splendour of both Palmeria Square and Brunswick Square. You will know when you have cross the boundary into Brighton as the seafront railings change from dark green to turquoise. Stop off by the modernist Embassy Court at the Meeting place café right on the beach and take in the sea air whilst enjoying a great coffee and a sausage and egg sandwich!

Just a 100m further east you can take flight with the British Airways i360 . The city’s newest attraction takes visitors over 135 metres into the air for spectacular panoramic views of the city, the sea and the countryside. Back on solid ground stop for brunch or a cocktail at the Bell Vue Bar and enjoy the view, then carry on heading east towards the iconic Brighton Pier play arcade games, ride the funfair rides, sing karaoke in Haratios bar and eat some fish ‘n’ chips, although watch out for the seagulls! Top Tip: Be sure to have a go at the Dolphin Derby.

Head back to your private residence in time for late checkout and have a hearty Sunday lunch and one last get together before you all head your separate ways until the big day. Try one of Hove’s great gastro pubs including, The Connaught , The Better Half , Hove Place The Forager or The Urchin – all just a 5 minute walk away.

Some guests at The Lodge enjoy it so much that they decide to make their group get together an annual affair! There’s always more to see and do in Brighton and Hove.