Brighton & Hove Getaway
Food scene
Brighton is blessed with not only high street favourites, but also an abundance of independent shops. Most of these are clustered in a two areas of central Brighton, The North Laine and The Lanes. Although they sound similar, they both have very distinct personalities. In The Lanes, you will find a huge collection of jewellery shops. Take your time gazing through the windows at the gorgeously shiny objects; there is even a shop full of old military decorations. The North Laine is a series of streets full of cool clothing stores, quirky cafes, vintage everything and other fun niche shops.
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The Lanes
Brighton is blessed with not only high street favourites, but also an abundance of independent shops. Most of these are clustered in a two areas of central Brighton, The North Laine and The Lanes. Although they sound similar, they both have very distinct personalities. In The Lanes, you will find a huge collection of jewellery shops. Take your time gazing through the windows at the gorgeously shiny objects; there is even a shop full of old military decorations. The North Laine is a series of streets full of cool clothing stores, quirky cafes, vintage everything and other fun niche shops.
Court Garden is a family-run, single-estate vineyard and winery in East Sussex, set on a beautiful south-facing slope with the South Downs as a backdrop. They are passionate about the grapes they grow and the wine they make. In recent years, that passion has been rewarded with numerous national and international awards; most notably two prestigious International Wine Challenge trophies, plus gold medals in 50 Great Sparkling Wines of the World, the International Wine Challenge, the International Wine & Spirit Competition, UK Vineyards Association and Sommelier Wine Awards. They also run vineyard tours, where you can learn about vine growing in the UK and the production of sparkling wine, followed by an informative tasting.
Court Garden Vineyard
Orchard LaneCourt Garden is a family-run, single-estate vineyard and winery in East Sussex, set on a beautiful south-facing slope with the South Downs as a backdrop. They are passionate about the grapes they grow and the wine they make. In recent years, that passion has been rewarded with numerous national and international awards; most notably two prestigious International Wine Challenge trophies, plus gold medals in 50 Great Sparkling Wines of the World, the International Wine Challenge, the International Wine & Spirit Competition, UK Vineyards Association and Sommelier Wine Awards. They also run vineyard tours, where you can learn about vine growing in the UK and the production of sparkling wine, followed by an informative tasting.
China Garden
88 Preston StGreat Chinese restaurant
Gars
19 Prince Albert StGreat Chinese restaurant
Good Friends
24-25 Preston StGreat Chinese restaurant
Ole Ole Tapas Bar & Restaurant
141 Church RoadGreat Spanish with flamenco dancing
The Little Fish Market
10 Upper Market StreetNostos Hove
63a Holland RdGreat Greek
Archipelagos
121 Western RdGreat Greek
Cin Cin Hove
60 Western RdGreat Italian
Fatto a Mano Hove
65-67 Church RdGreat Pizzas
Planet India Brighton
4 Richmond ParadeGreat Indian
Planet India Hove
8 Third AvenueMy favourite Indian in Brighton
Curry Leaf Cafe – Brighton Lanes
60 Ship StThe Chilli Pickle
17 Jubilee StHixon Green
124 Church RdGreat for breakfast
Carats Cafe Bar
Basin Road SouthGreat cycle and views when you get there
Bincho Yakitori
63 Preston StBest Sushi
Riddle & Finns
12b Meeting House LnTerre A Terre
71 East StFirm favourite
Food for Friends
17-18 Prince Albert Stetch. by Steven Edwards
216 Church RdIsaac At
2 Gloucester StThe Bee's Mouth
10 Western RoadThe Salt Room
106 Kings Rd64 Degrees
53 Meeting House LnMurmur
Sugardough
5 Victoria TerraceThe Gin Tub
16 Church RdThe Plotting Parlour
6 Steine StPlateau
1 BartholomewsTwisted Lemon Sea House
1 Middle StSightseeing
What would a trip to the British seaside be without a stroll along a pier? Brighton’s Palace Pier is half a kilometre of arcades, sweetie shops and fairground rides. It has been a feature of the seafront here for around 120 years. My favourite thing to do, when the weather is a little cooler, is to buy a bag of the hot, fresh doughnuts, play a few arcade games in the main hall and take a spin on the Waltzer. If it is a lovely warm day, grab an ice cream and a deckchair, it is an old-fashioned way to spend an afternoon, and it is still just lovely.
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Brighton Palace Pier
Madeira DriveWhat would a trip to the British seaside be without a stroll along a pier? Brighton’s Palace Pier is half a kilometre of arcades, sweetie shops and fairground rides. It has been a feature of the seafront here for around 120 years. My favourite thing to do, when the weather is a little cooler, is to buy a bag of the hot, fresh doughnuts, play a few arcade games in the main hall and take a spin on the Waltzer. If it is a lovely warm day, grab an ice cream and a deckchair, it is an old-fashioned way to spend an afternoon, and it is still just lovely.
The Royal Pavilion is Brighton’s most recognisable building. It is the symbol of the council and, more than that, it is a symbol for Brighton’s quirky, campy and joyful personality.
Before George IV became king of the UK in the 1800s, he was living the playboy lifestyle for many years down in his favourite seaside spot, Brighton. He had a pleasure palace built which slowly evolved into the palace that you see today. The outside is reminiscent of India, the inside has a distinctly Chinese flavour. You can explore almost the whole place and learn all about his magnificent parties.
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Kongelige Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion is Brighton’s most recognisable building. It is the symbol of the council and, more than that, it is a symbol for Brighton’s quirky, campy and joyful personality.
Before George IV became king of the UK in the 1800s, he was living the playboy lifestyle for many years down in his favourite seaside spot, Brighton. He had a pleasure palace built which slowly evolved into the palace that you see today. The outside is reminiscent of India, the inside has a distinctly Chinese flavour. You can explore almost the whole place and learn all about his magnificent parties.
Well obviously the beach is Brighton’s main draw. There is no sand to speak of, just lots of stones. Some people aren’t a fan but I love being sand-free when I leave the beach. Plus, putting those sun-warmed stones on your back after a dip in the “bracing” sea, is lovely! Beyond lying on the beach to catch a tan, what else is there to do? If you want a sandy beach West Wittering’s (Chichester) is a 50 minute drive. Best to book car parking in advance (http://westwitteringestate.co.uk/).
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West Wittering Strand
Pound RoadWell obviously the beach is Brighton’s main draw. There is no sand to speak of, just lots of stones. Some people aren’t a fan but I love being sand-free when I leave the beach. Plus, putting those sun-warmed stones on your back after a dip in the “bracing” sea, is lovely! Beyond lying on the beach to catch a tan, what else is there to do? If you want a sandy beach West Wittering’s (Chichester) is a 50 minute drive. Best to book car parking in advance (http://westwitteringestate.co.uk/).
If you like cute little museums that are utterly niche, then you will find three wonderful choices in Brighton.
The Booth Museum of Natural History is an incredibly old school museum hidden down Dyke Road, think stuffed animals in the “grand old tradition of taxidermy”. Here you will find over 650 species of butterfly, stuffed birds of all kinds and the bones of many more animals (including those of a dodo). This was Edward Booth’s own personal collection so you really will be treated to his Victorian naturalist research. It is free to visit.
Brighton Toy and Model Museum is hidden underneath Brighton station. That is very apt as it is full of all kinds of model trains, with two huge sets permanently laid out. As well as that you will find a large collection of stuffed toys, die cast Corgi models, puppets, mechanical toys and loads of other gorgeous toys from your childhood and beyond.
Brighton Fishing Museum is right on the seafront. It is only a small museum, and so should just be a part of your visit to the beach rather than your whole reason for visiting the area. There are loads of artefacts about the fishing industry here. However, it is the other things you can scope out in there that round out the collection,. You will learn lots about the beaches role in Brighton’s history from the old fishing villages, through the mods and rockers to the crazy guys that still swim in the sea every winter. It is free to visit.
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Brighton Toy and Model Museum
52-55 Trafalgar StIf you like cute little museums that are utterly niche, then you will find three wonderful choices in Brighton.
The Booth Museum of Natural History is an incredibly old school museum hidden down Dyke Road, think stuffed animals in the “grand old tradition of taxidermy”. Here you will find over 650 species of butterfly, stuffed birds of all kinds and the bones of many more animals (including those of a dodo). This was Edward Booth’s own personal collection so you really will be treated to his Victorian naturalist research. It is free to visit.
Brighton Toy and Model Museum is hidden underneath Brighton station. That is very apt as it is full of all kinds of model trains, with two huge sets permanently laid out. As well as that you will find a large collection of stuffed toys, die cast Corgi models, puppets, mechanical toys and loads of other gorgeous toys from your childhood and beyond.
Brighton Fishing Museum is right on the seafront. It is only a small museum, and so should just be a part of your visit to the beach rather than your whole reason for visiting the area. There are loads of artefacts about the fishing industry here. However, it is the other things you can scope out in there that round out the collection,. You will learn lots about the beaches role in Brighton’s history from the old fishing villages, through the mods and rockers to the crazy guys that still swim in the sea every winter. It is free to visit.
Brighton’s newest, and most controversial tourist attraction is unmissable! A giant pole extends 162 metres above the seafront and its single pod takes a half hour journey up to the top and back down again. You will get fantastic views of the ocean, Brighton and the South Downs national park. On a clear day, you will see all the way to France, mais oui! I have also taken a flight at sunset which is beautiful, very romantic!
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British Airways i360
Brighton’s newest, and most controversial tourist attraction is unmissable! A giant pole extends 162 metres above the seafront and its single pod takes a half hour journey up to the top and back down again. You will get fantastic views of the ocean, Brighton and the South Downs national park. On a clear day, you will see all the way to France, mais oui! I have also taken a flight at sunset which is beautiful, very romantic!
Directly in front of the i360 is the remnants of Brighton’s West Pier. This decrepit shell is all that remains of this once popular other pier. After years of neglect and two horrendous fires, it is now just a collection of cast iron that is home to hundreds of starlings. You can hire kayaks from http://thebrightonwatersports.co.uk/kayak-hire.html and see Brighton beach from a different perspective whilst you paddle your kayak or simply rest and catch some rays on our colourful single and double kayaks. Their fully qualified staff will give instruction on how to use equipment prior to your launch into the sea, kit you up and supervise you at all times as you master the waves. If you would like to venture a little further along the coast their guided tours are great for groups and allow you to take in more on the Sussex coastline.
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Brighton West Pier
Kings RoadDirectly in front of the i360 is the remnants of Brighton’s West Pier. This decrepit shell is all that remains of this once popular other pier. After years of neglect and two horrendous fires, it is now just a collection of cast iron that is home to hundreds of starlings. You can hire kayaks from http://thebrightonwatersports.co.uk/kayak-hire.html and see Brighton beach from a different perspective whilst you paddle your kayak or simply rest and catch some rays on our colourful single and double kayaks. Their fully qualified staff will give instruction on how to use equipment prior to your launch into the sea, kit you up and supervise you at all times as you master the waves. If you would like to venture a little further along the coast their guided tours are great for groups and allow you to take in more on the Sussex coastline.
At Brighton Marina, fishing boats still bring in their daily catch here. If you like to get involved in the fishing yourself, you can join a fishing trip from here. If you like dry land, the long marina walls are a hugely popular spot to cast a line.
From the marina, there is a lovely 5 kilometre (3 mile) walk that runs at just above sea level, backed by the white cliffs. This will take you along to the Brighton city limits at Saltdean. There is one cafe along the route, but as it is such a sun trap, I would grab a cold drink from ASDA at the marina before you leave.
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Brighton Marina
At Brighton Marina, fishing boats still bring in their daily catch here. If you like to get involved in the fishing yourself, you can join a fishing trip from here. If you like dry land, the long marina walls are a hugely popular spot to cast a line.
From the marina, there is a lovely 5 kilometre (3 mile) walk that runs at just above sea level, backed by the white cliffs. This will take you along to the Brighton city limits at Saltdean. There is one cafe along the route, but as it is such a sun trap, I would grab a cold drink from ASDA at the marina before you leave.
Volk’s Electric Railway is the world’s oldest operating electric railway and you can still jump aboard. They have recently extended the line so you can now travel all the way from the Aquarium Station, by the Sea Life Centre to Black Rock Station by the marina.
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Volk’s Electric Railway
285 Madeira DrVolk’s Electric Railway is the world’s oldest operating electric railway and you can still jump aboard. They have recently extended the line so you can now travel all the way from the Aquarium Station, by the Sea Life Centre to Black Rock Station by the marina.
Phone : 07901 822 375
Email : paul@brightondiver.com
Located between 13 and 25 kilometres (8 and 16 mi) from the shore, the wind farm is situated off the coast of the towns of Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea to the west, the city of Brighton and Hove in the centre and the towns of Newhaven and Seaford in the east. There are 116 wind turbines each 140 metres (459.3 ft) high to the tip of the blade, blade length is 55m, and radius is 12m. It is definitely worth venturing out to take a look.
Rampion Wind Farm
Phone : 07901 822 375
Email : paul@brightondiver.com
Located between 13 and 25 kilometres (8 and 16 mi) from the shore, the wind farm is situated off the coast of the towns of Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea to the west, the city of Brighton and Hove in the centre and the towns of Newhaven and Seaford in the east. There are 116 wind turbines each 140 metres (459.3 ft) high to the tip of the blade, blade length is 55m, and radius is 12m. It is definitely worth venturing out to take a look.
If pebble beaches aren’t your cup of tea then head to the UK’s only permanent beach sports centre. In the run up to the London 2012 Olympics, Brighton wanted to host the volleyball. They built a fantastic open air centre, but sadly lost to a temporary set up on Horse Guards Parade. The Olympics loss was our gain, and now we have a top class facility with 6 sand-covered courts, sand pits for the kids and a nice sun-drenched cafe. You can hire a court, attend a beach volleyball class or pop along for a drink whilst watching a league match.
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Yellowave Beach Sports Venue & Beach Cafe
299 Madeira DrIf pebble beaches aren’t your cup of tea then head to the UK’s only permanent beach sports centre. In the run up to the London 2012 Olympics, Brighton wanted to host the volleyball. They built a fantastic open air centre, but sadly lost to a temporary set up on Horse Guards Parade. The Olympics loss was our gain, and now we have a top class facility with 6 sand-covered courts, sand pits for the kids and a nice sun-drenched cafe. You can hire a court, attend a beach volleyball class or pop along for a drink whilst watching a league match.
BTN BikeShare is the best way to see Brighton & Hove. To help you find your way around, a new online cycle map has been created by the city council to help cyclists in Brighton & Hove choose routes which suit how they like to ride. It shows features like cycle lanes and cycle contraflows as well as handy spots like cycle shops and parking (http://www.brightonandhovecyclemap.co.uk/). Just register online and you are then free to pick up a bike from any location in the City. It is super cheap, approx. 3p per minute. Cycle up to Carats café in Shoreham or up to Rottingdean and beyond. The world is your oyster.
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BTN BikeShare
124A Kings RdBTN BikeShare is the best way to see Brighton & Hove. To help you find your way around, a new online cycle map has been created by the city council to help cyclists in Brighton & Hove choose routes which suit how they like to ride. It shows features like cycle lanes and cycle contraflows as well as handy spots like cycle shops and parking (http://www.brightonandhovecyclemap.co.uk/). Just register online and you are then free to pick up a bike from any location in the City. It is super cheap, approx. 3p per minute. Cycle up to Carats café in Shoreham or up to Rottingdean and beyond. The world is your oyster.
Yes it is another entry in the “oldest things” cataloguer, Brighton is full of them. This is the UK’s oldest cinema that is still in use, being a cinema since 1910. The cinema still has its balcony level and a little stage in front of the screen. The Duke of York’s is a little outside the centre of town so you need to make a small trip to get there, but trust me, it is worth it. You’ll know that you are there when you see the sexy legs. The Duke of York’s is now part of the Picturehouse group which means that it doesn’t only show the latest hits, but loads of art films and special screenings. The jewel in the Duke of York’s crown (in my humble opinion) is the Eurovision Party. They screen the films and the evening is hosted by local drag queens who throw in lots of fun and silly games.
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Duke of York's Picture House, Brighton
Preston RoadYes it is another entry in the “oldest things” cataloguer, Brighton is full of them. This is the UK’s oldest cinema that is still in use, being a cinema since 1910. The cinema still has its balcony level and a little stage in front of the screen. The Duke of York’s is a little outside the centre of town so you need to make a small trip to get there, but trust me, it is worth it. You’ll know that you are there when you see the sexy legs. The Duke of York’s is now part of the Picturehouse group which means that it doesn’t only show the latest hits, but loads of art films and special screenings. The jewel in the Duke of York’s crown (in my humble opinion) is the Eurovision Party. They screen the films and the evening is hosted by local drag queens who throw in lots of fun and silly games.
If you are walking through the North Lanes, you will probably stumble across the Komedia. It has won “Best Venue in the South” ever since it opened in its current location, so isn’t really a secret BUT our little secret and something you won’t find in other guides to Brighton is the Krater Comedy Club. This runs on Fridays and Saturdays but those in the know come on Sunday evening. The screaming hen dos and heckling stag dos have left, the atmosphere is relaxed and jovial. Krater hosts some of the finest stand-up comics in the country and on more than occasion we have seen a comedian a few weeks before they burst all over the TV panel show scene. Arrive early and order your food and drink early for a lovely dinner and show combo (the nachos are stellar).
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Komedia Brighton
44-47 Gardner StIf you are walking through the North Lanes, you will probably stumble across the Komedia. It has won “Best Venue in the South” ever since it opened in its current location, so isn’t really a secret BUT our little secret and something you won’t find in other guides to Brighton is the Krater Comedy Club. This runs on Fridays and Saturdays but those in the know come on Sunday evening. The screaming hen dos and heckling stag dos have left, the atmosphere is relaxed and jovial. Krater hosts some of the finest stand-up comics in the country and on more than occasion we have seen a comedian a few weeks before they burst all over the TV panel show scene. Arrive early and order your food and drink early for a lovely dinner and show combo (the nachos are stellar).
Neighbourhoods
Alfriston is a firm favourite of mine. Alfriston is a historic village surrounded by the Wealden South Downs. Around the village, visitors can enjoy our famous church St Andrew's church (the "Cathedral of the South Downs"), the clergy house (the National Trust's first property) and a wide range of galleries, cafés, pubs and shops. Take a trip to Alfriston for a relaxing break exploring the historic heritage of the village and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. Stroll north or south along the Cuckmere River or hike east or west up onto the Downs to soak up the natural peace and tranquillity of the area. It is definitely worth stopping at Badgers @ The Old Village Bakery for tea and cake.
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Alfriston
Alfriston is a firm favourite of mine. Alfriston is a historic village surrounded by the Wealden South Downs. Around the village, visitors can enjoy our famous church St Andrew's church (the "Cathedral of the South Downs"), the clergy house (the National Trust's first property) and a wide range of galleries, cafés, pubs and shops. Take a trip to Alfriston for a relaxing break exploring the historic heritage of the village and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. Stroll north or south along the Cuckmere River or hike east or west up onto the Downs to soak up the natural peace and tranquillity of the area. It is definitely worth stopping at Badgers @ The Old Village Bakery for tea and cake.
Before you hit the South Downs is Stanmer Park. It has fun wooded walks and huge open spaces so you can picnic and hike. There is a gorgeous village and it has a cute little tea room.
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Stanmer House
Stanmer Park RoadBefore you hit the South Downs is Stanmer Park. It has fun wooded walks and huge open spaces so you can picnic and hike. There is a gorgeous village and it has a cute little tea room.
The beach is not the only place to lounge in Brighton. You will find fantastic parks throughout the city, as well as the South Downs National Park that backs it. The South Downs Way skirts the city in its first (or final) stretch, follow it and you can walk 100 miles across the most gorgeous rolling hills and English countryside from Winchester to Eastbourne.
South Downs Way
South Downs WayThe beach is not the only place to lounge in Brighton. You will find fantastic parks throughout the city, as well as the South Downs National Park that backs it. The South Downs Way skirts the city in its first (or final) stretch, follow it and you can walk 100 miles across the most gorgeous rolling hills and English countryside from Winchester to Eastbourne.
For a quick day trip, head up to the Devil’s Dyke. Just catch the open air bus (no27) up there in summer and have a walk along one of the many trails in this old river valley. There are a few pubs along several routes; The Royal Oak, The Shepherd & Dog and The Devils Dyke Pub & Restaurant.
Devil's Dyke Road
Devil's Dyke RoadFor a quick day trip, head up to the Devil’s Dyke. Just catch the open air bus (no27) up there in summer and have a walk along one of the many trails in this old river valley. There are a few pubs along several routes; The Royal Oak, The Shepherd & Dog and The Devils Dyke Pub & Restaurant.
Just East of Brighton is the Seven Sisters Country Park. This consists of seven peaked cliffs that you can struggle up and over. It is hard work in the heat but the views over the ocean are spectacular.
Seven Sisters Road
Seven Sisters RoadJust East of Brighton is the Seven Sisters Country Park. This consists of seven peaked cliffs that you can struggle up and over. It is hard work in the heat but the views over the ocean are spectacular.
At the heart of rural Sussex lies the beautiful county town of Lewes - a mixture of the unusual and intriguing and so typically Sussex.
Its medieval streets, old English churches and tiny twittens (a Sussex word for alleyway) allow visitors a glimpse into the true essence of bygone Lewes. Although surrounded by chalk cliffs, the townscape is dominated by the remains of a Norman castle and is also home to the handsome townhouse of Anne of Cleves (fourth wife of King Henry Vlll). Lewes also claims host to numerous contemporary art galleries and historic & special interest sites including the once mighty Priory of St. Pancras - a casualty of the dissolution of the monasteries.
Lewes is a market town of small, specialist, independent retailers and on certain days, the subtle aromas wafting from Harvey’s Brewery will attract any visitor to Cliffe High Street. Bookshops, boutiques and antique centres sit alongside individual craft workshops, and the restaurants, cafes, and pubs offer delicious choices all year round with real emphasis on local produce.
Lewes District
At the heart of rural Sussex lies the beautiful county town of Lewes - a mixture of the unusual and intriguing and so typically Sussex.
Its medieval streets, old English churches and tiny twittens (a Sussex word for alleyway) allow visitors a glimpse into the true essence of bygone Lewes. Although surrounded by chalk cliffs, the townscape is dominated by the remains of a Norman castle and is also home to the handsome townhouse of Anne of Cleves (fourth wife of King Henry Vlll). Lewes also claims host to numerous contemporary art galleries and historic & special interest sites including the once mighty Priory of St. Pancras - a casualty of the dissolution of the monasteries.
Lewes is a market town of small, specialist, independent retailers and on certain days, the subtle aromas wafting from Harvey’s Brewery will attract any visitor to Cliffe High Street. Bookshops, boutiques and antique centres sit alongside individual craft workshops, and the restaurants, cafes, and pubs offer delicious choices all year round with real emphasis on local produce.
Shoreham-by-Sea, is a historic town with a centre which reflects the architecture of its fishing history.
There are old cottages, houses and some beautiful churches. Yet the town is vibrant and there are some stunning new developments along its riverside and harbour front. It is a unique area with the natural features of its tidal river, an active harbour and commercial port.
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Shoreham-by-Sea
Shoreham-by-Sea, is a historic town with a centre which reflects the architecture of its fishing history.
There are old cottages, houses and some beautiful churches. Yet the town is vibrant and there are some stunning new developments along its riverside and harbour front. It is a unique area with the natural features of its tidal river, an active harbour and commercial port.