Brighton is a city with many wonders to explore; from the ruined West Pier to the grand Pavilion, the thrill of the racecourse to the peaceful bliss of the Marina. So a quintessentially British open-top bus ride is undeniably a great way to experience the wonderful seaside city, as either an expert local or a first time tourist. So when the opportunity to get a fresh perspective on my home city and become a visitor for the day all over again, I simply couldn’t resist! Join me as I venture aboard City Sightseeing’s relaxing and insightful hop-on hop-off journey into the spectacle that is Brighton and Hove!
The check on process was seamless and set a pleasant precedent for the experience ahead. Despite booking my tickets through a third party, admission onto the bus itself was more than straightforward with the staff making us feel very welcome in the process. As a local I already have an appreciation for the personable values of the Brighton community, but as the driver would’ve mistaken me for a tourist, it was warming to think about that introduction being a visitor’s first experience of the city. We were given complementary headphones which we could use to enjoy the enlightening commentary that accompanied the tours many landmark visits. From the story of the demolished pier, to the first telephone mast installed in Hove, the guided tour certainly never felt stale!
The frequency of the buses really helped make the day feel less stressful. When stopping at the marina, I fancied an impromptu trip to go and take a look at the boats. It was totally hassle free to jump off, have a quick walk, and get back on the next bus 30 minutes later using the same ticket. I was also pleased to experience that the second bus driver was just as friendly as the first, proving that the first man wasn’t an exception, but one of a whole crew of accommodating, helpful staff.
Overall, I was thrilled to have my excitement for my home city renewed by seeing it in this brand new way. The route was expertly designed to ensure photo opportunities for all of the landmarks Brighton has to offer - and also the chance to learn some new fascinating facts about them. And given the more than reasonable price, there’s no reason I wouldn’t opt to return in the future, even if just as a means of transport!
