Travel Tips - Family-fun

Located a short drive or bus ride east from the city centre, Brighton’s Marina is a superb haven away from the crowds, perfect for a short day trip.

You can enjoy people watching at one of the many waterside cafes and restaurants - which include a number of chains including Strada, Café Rouge and Pizza Express - , shopping at the city’s outlet shopping centre or perhaps go bowling at the large Bowlplex centre.

One of my personal highlights however is walking through the quayside and admiring the huge range of yachts and powerboats. There is nothing quite like seeing how the other half live. Water tours and deep sea fishing trips are also available from the marina. You can even walk up each ‘arm’ of the Marina, which offers wonderful views back to the Marina village, or, if you’re feeling energetic, following the undercliff walk all the way to Saltdean, a distance of 4.5km.

A trip to the seaside would not be completed without paying a visit to the Volk’s Electric railway, which is the world oldest operating electric railroad. For an adult return fare of £2.70 (with concessions for children), this quaint little beachside railway will take you along the length of Brighton’s Madeira drive (near the Palace pier) along to Black Rock (near the Marina).

Fun for all the family and an ideal change from catching a bus or taxi to Brighton Marina.

The Eiffel tower is another essential sight when visiting Paris, and despite the queues at the foot of the tower and the subsequent queues to get on and off the lifts at each level, the 360 degree views alone at well worth if.

By far the best time to visit is last afternoon or in the evening as the crowds are much shorter. If you opt for the evening you can enjoy a different perspective on the city by seeing the city lights as well as enjoying two admissions for the price of one. Sunset is beautiful, but expect to queue.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit the top of the tower around three times now, on various trips to Paris, and on the first occasion I opted to descend the middle floor via the stairs rather than taking the lift, which, although tiring, was quite rewarding. I’d also recommend everyone visits the very top of the tower, if only for the slightly nervous feeling you get when ascending in the last lift!

If you want some stunning scenery then why not do the walk from Pont Du Loup to Gourdon. It is a clearly marked walk and should take an hour and a half.

The village is perched on top of this mountain which is a relatively easy walk. There are wonderful views of the Cote D'Azur and lots of cafes and restaurants to chose once there. Walking shoes are advisable.

Most of the local paragliders start on the hills behind Gourdon and fly around the village of Gourdon. Its a spectacular sight and well worth the walk up.