The summer holidays are just about to kick off and while you’ve probably sorted out your student accommodation, Brighton comes alive in the summer, so those long sunny days need sorting out too. So, what is there to do in Brighton when the sun comes out?


Somewhere to: relax
Picture the scene: it’s a sweltering day, you want to do something but can’t be bothered to traipse around in the heat, yet still want to leave your boiling student accommodation. Brighton’s open top buses have the answer.
Get to see the city the way the tourists do. It’s just £7 with a student card and you get to sit back with the wind in your hair as you see the city sights. Take a look at their site here or call 01273 886 200 to book.


Somewhere to: put a Lillo on a Lido
Of course the sea is a massive part of summer for Brightonians and tourists alike. But if you’d like something a bit warmer to swim in, then venture out of the city to Saltdean. You’ll find one of the country’s few remaining Lido’s here.
This 40 meter outdoor pool is a gorgeous 1930s construction, has slides and is the perfect place to stretch out in the sun – on one of their sun loungers on the overlooking balconies. Call 01273 888308 to book and for opening times and prices.
Address: BN2 8SP


Somewhere to: get wet
Hove Lagoon Watersports (also at the Marina) has loads to do on a hot sunny day – check out their website to find info on dinghy sailing, yachting, windsurfing, powerboating and zap cats. The only bad part is that it’s a bit of a walk from most student accommodation. Brighton Watersports company however can be found on the beach and offers loads of fun water sports.
Enjoy wakeboarding, waterskiing, kayaking, boat chartering (from about £100/hour), rides on the Luxury Rib and – saving the best till last – Ringo Rides. Prices go from £15 to around £35 for a decent amount of time, but take a look at their site to find out more: thebrightonwatersports.co.uk
Address: BN1 1NB


Somewhere to: see the city from
One of the best ways to see Brighton on a hot day is from the sea itself. At the Marina you can join one of the Ross Boats Trips and head out to sea for a cruise along the front to the West Pier (that’s right, the burnt one – in case you wondered, it burnt down in 2003).
It costs just £7.50 for a 45-minute sightseeing extravaganza on the “Voyager,” the “Thresher” or their brand spanking new vessel, the “Rossann”.
Address: BN2 5UP


Somewhere to: have an adventure
If you’re into your extreme sports, Devil’s Dyke is the place to go. Not only do they have the South’s only Orbing (also commonly know as Zorbing or Sphereing) site, but you can also find the Southern Hang Gliding Club here.
For those of you who want to roll down a big hill in a plastic bubble, visit orb360.co.uk – it costs £25 per roll, with a 10% discount for large groups. But don’t let the price put you off; get a bus from your student accommodation in Brighton and head up to the Dyke – you’ll never experience anything like this, definitely worth a go.
If, on the other hand, you’d like to jump off a cliff whilst attached to a hang glider, then go to shgc.org.uk You need to know what you’re doing to join them, but if you’re qualified, then (apparently) it’s one of the best sites to hang glide. Personally, I’d much rather sit with an ice cream and watch…
Address: BN1 8YJ


Somewhere to: play crazy golf in Brighton
Release your inner golfer on a sunny day. Brighton’s Peter Pan Adventure Golf has 12 holes, is open all year round and costs about £3 for a round. Can’t say no to that.
It’s easy to find, on Madeira Drive between Palace Pier and the Marina. And the little Volks Railway also goes right by it – so you can travel in style to your golfing afternoon. There’s also a nine-hole Pitch and Putt by Hove Lagoon, if you’re a little more into your golfing.
Address: BN2 1PS


Somewhere to: get on yer bike
It’s the perfect day for a bike ride, but there’s one problem – you don’t have a bike. Never fear. Raymant Cycles – just across from Churchill Square – and Sunrise Cycle Hire – by the West Pier – both hire out bikes.
Brighton is a great place for cycling, with so many dedicated cycle paths. Not to mention the route running all the way from Dover to Worthing (via Brighton and Hove of course) right by the sea. Check out rayment-cycles.co.uk for hiring mountain bikes, or call Sunrise on 01273 748881. You can also find great cycle routes for East Sussex right here.
Address: BN1 2FL


Somewhere to: go scuba diving
Okay, so this is mighty expensive – but if you’ve come into a bit of inheritance or you’re working super hard over the holidays, then learning to dive is a great summer activity. Wittering Divers in Hove offer loads of different types of courses, including a super quick PADI Scuba Diving programme and Rescue Diver, Master Scuba Diver and EFR Instructor courses.
Visit witteringdivers.co.uk to find out all the latest info, or give them a call on 01273 737 718. Maybe you could start saving now, and next summer you can have a go?
Address: BN3 5QJ