Thoughts on Brighton with 2 teenagers.......
 

We are in England for about 10 days during the first week in April. We pretty much know where we want to go but we were wondering about Brighton for a day trip from London. My family has never been and I was noticing that there looks like there is a lot to see as well as some shopping, (which the teenage boys like to do, surprisingly!). What are some thoughts on this place??

Excellent idea for a day trip!

There are streets and streets of small and interesting independent shops and lots of places to eat/drink. Do visit The Royal Pavilion, even your boys will be amazed by George IV's over the top decor.

Yes, don't miss the Royal Pavilion, I was lucky to have a private tour a few years ago and was very impressed, can't believe some nutter tried to burn it down in the 70's though.

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Yes - Brighton would be a wonderful day trip. Easy to get to by train, lots of shopping and the Pavilion should not be missed. There are some pretty grotty, but easily avoided, bits.

Go the the Palace Pier as well. There is (was last time I was there) a section of old (1890-1920) carnival games where you have to use old pennies to operate them. There are not many places where they will see these any more.

There two shopping areas worth visiting: the Lanes, down nearer the water, with antiquess, boutiques and some of the trendier High Street shops. Then there are the North Lanes (Laines) down the steep hill to the left of the railroad station as you come out of it. These have LOTS of stuff for young people -- used and specialist record and CD shops with the latest alternative music, clothing, 70's-80's-90's retro shops, etc. Brighton has big art and music scenes which you may not be able to access on a day trip, but you can enjoy the stuff that it generates.

Any seaside resort has plenty of ways to part teenagers on a spree from their money. Brighton nowadays doesn't depend on the holiday trade alone, and has plenty of resident university and college students to appeal to as well.

IIRC, the machines on the pier are now set up for modern 10p pieces, and probably more, and heaven knows what you have to spend on the various fairground attractions it has. For the authentically cheesy seaside experience, let them loose in the novelty rock emporium on the pier.