Brighton is a busy city, so sometimes escaping for a relaxing day trip is a treat! Brighton sits in the area of , with lots of gorgeous towns and historic landmarks close by. Read on to learn about the best day trips from Brighton.

From the natural beauties such as Seven Sisters cliffs to history-soaked Hastings, we’ve collected our favourite places close to Brighton that are perfect for a day trip, especially in the summer months! All of these are easy to get to via bus or train and showcase the very best attractions in Sussex. Discovering the local area is a great way to learn more about British culture, and even gives you the opportunity to practice your English in new surroundings.

What are the Best Day Trips from Brighton?

Lewes

Lewes is a short 30-minute train ride from Brighton Station, but once you step off the train, you’ll feel absorbed in the medieval streets and be transported to a time gone by. Lovers of heritage and culture can absorb some of Sussex past at Lewes Castle and Museum and Anne of Cleeves House, while literary fans might want to browse the shelves of the Fifteenth Century Bookshop or visit nearby Charleston House, the one-time home of the Bloomsbury group of writers and artists or Virginia Woolf’s former home, Monk’s House.

Arundel Castle

Another spot for history lovers, Arundel Castle is a medieval castle and stately home, with beautiful gardens. Open from April until September, Arundel Castle is perfect for a summer day trip. Enjoy coffee in the picturesque gardens, visit in April and see the famous Tulip Festival, take a guided tour of the estate or join in on one of the interactive theme days on throughout the season.

Seven Sisters and South Downs

Nature lovers, be sure to take a trip to Seven Sisters! This collection of seven white chalk cliffs, that are part of the South Downs, make a great place for a summers walk. Stop off for a picnic halfway and admire the views, or take the beach route and walk or cycle along the Sussex coast.

Hastings

Further along the coast finds Hastings. Home of the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Hastings Old Town is rich with history, from Norman conquering to smuggling pirates, while the new town is host to popular cafes and bars. Top attractions include Hastings Castle, St Clements Caves and the Cliffs Railway.

Devil’s Dyke

Another one for the outdoors type, Devil’s Dyke is a deep valley that also makes up part of the South Downs. Regular buses run between Brighton and Devil’s Dyke throughout summer, so you can explore this natural beauty. Don’t forget to stop off a The Devil’s Dyke pub for a well-deserved post-hike pint before heading back to Brighton!

The post 5 of the Best Day Trips from Brighton appeared first on BSC Education.

Guy Fawkes Night (also known as Bonfire Night or sometimes Fireworks Night), is a celebration that’s held on the 5th November every year in the United Kingdom. Depending on where you are, you can expect to see any combination of huge bonfires, dramatic parades, dazzling fireworks displays and even fairgrounds and street food.

So, what exactly is Guy Fawkes Night all about – and where can you see the best firework displays?

Remember, remember, the fifth of November…

Guy Fawkes Night is a British tradition that goes back to 1605, when a group of people planned to use gunpowder to blow up the Houses of Parliament and King James I. This was because King James I was a Protestant king, and the plotters hoped to make England Catholic again.

The plot was unsuccessful; a man called Guy Fawkes was caught guarding the piles of gunpowder and was arrested before any damage could be done. In celebration of this failure, people lit bonfires all over London.

This tradition continues on the anniversary of the event, usually with impressive fireworks displays that represent what could have happened if the plot had been successful!

You might have heard the rhyme:

“Remember, remember, the fifth of November, the Gunpowder Treason and Plot;
I know of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason, should ever be forgot.”

What happens on Guy Fawkes Night?

On the evening of November 5th, people in the UK celebrate with fireworks and bonfires. Some people hold parties in their gardens, and most villages and towns will have an organised display in a public space.

At big events, you might even find fairground games and food stalls. Look for seasonal snacks like toffee apples and roasted chestnuts, as well as hot food and sweets.

If it’s safe to have a bonfire, you might even see an effigy (a kind of straw puppet) on the top. Traditionally, the effigy is made to represent an unpopular political figure – often Guy Fawkes – but this is becoming less common.

Where to see the best fireworks displays in the UK

The weather in November can be unpredictable, so please check local listings before travelling.

Near Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Brighton

The celebrations are legendary. Known for being chaotic and politically-charged, people in historic costumes parade through the streets with flaming torches, burning barrels, firecrackers and huge effigies of current cultural figures.

The celebrations also honour Lewes residents that were burned for being Protestant in the 1500s. The parade often includes burning Catholic crosses and figures that represent the pope – definitely not for the timid!

Students at Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Brighton can take a bus or coach to the Lewes Bonfire event.

Near Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Edinburgh

The people of Edinburgh like any excuse for fireworks, from to the . Guy Fawkes Night is no different, so if you’re studying at Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Edinburgh or visiting the city, make sure you don’t miss out.

The Dobbies garden centre display is always popular, and Hopetoun fireworks and bonfire are particularly spectacular.

Don’t worry if you can’t choose one display – walk up Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat for an amazing view of fireworks happening all over the city.

Near Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø London

London takes Guy Fawkes Night very seriously, and there are unbelievable fireworks displays all over the city.

However, the best show has to be at Alexandra Palace. The event usually lasts two days and has all kinds of entertainment. Cinema screenings, delicious street food, German bier tents – plus a breathtaking fireworks display.

If you’re studying at Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø London in November, you can’t miss it.

Near Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Manchester

If you like thrills, Blackpool Pleasure Beach stays open later around Bonfire Night, so you can watch a dramatic fireworks display from the top of an intense rollercoaster. There is a charge for entry but you can ride all evening until 10pm.

Ideal for students at Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Manchester, the train from Manchester to Blackpool takes just over an hour.

Near Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø York

The Skinningrove Bonfire is famous for having a huge wooden centrepiece, which gets burned in the fire. The impressive sculptures have included castles, dragons, giant birds, and ships – every year has a different theme. Once the bonfire has started, a stunning fireworks display begins.

Driving to Skinningrove from Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø York will take about an hour and a half. It’s a long way, but the trip is worth it for this unique spectacle.

If you’re interested in learning English, why not find out more about British culture at the same time? Our English Courses for adults and fun summer camps for Young Learners are a great way to practise your language skills and discover the history of an amazing city in the UK or Ireland. Contact us for more information about courses and locations.

The post Why do the UK celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? appeared first on BSC Education.