The sun is out, and the beach is busier than ever. Chilling out on the seafront with a portion of fish and chips and a pint is undoubtedly one of the best and most British ways to spend a sunny Brighton day, but there are some livelier options happening around the city this summer.
Whether you enjoy competing in sports or would rather remain a spectator, we’ve got a selection of sporting events that are super exciting and couldn’t be closer to home.
Brighton Pier Open Water Swim
If you can’t tear yourself away from fish and chips on the beach, why not enjoy some sport there at the same time? Every year the team at Brighton Sports Company hosts a 1200m open water swim around the pier.
In 2023, it takes place on two different dates as the interest has been so high; the first is on 30 July, and the second is from 12 to 13 August. All of the spaces are filled at the moment, and there is already a waiting list for people wanting to participate. However, the beach and pier are open for anyone wishing to spectate.
This event donates its entrance fees to a chosen project, and for 2023, this project is the Seabirds Swimming Group. This project hosts incredible open-water swimming initiatives, with a particular focus on the profound mental health benefits that sea swimming can provide. If you want to help out, you’ll be able to find plenty of Seabirds volunteers on the day who will be happy to take donations, or you can head to their website to buy ethically sourced products, including swimwear and beach towels.
An Evening of Racing at Brighton Racecourse
You’re in for a treat if you can face the hike up the hill to the racecourse. Brighton Racecourse has a whole program of racing events planned for the summer, and though the much anticipated Gentleman’s Day has already passed for the year, there’s plenty left in store.
Summer evening race meetings are the perfect after-work activity, especially when the sun is shining. You can grab tickets for as little as £16 (if you book in advance online), or if you’d like to push the boat out, then for £93.50, you can enjoy a three-course meal in the Silks Restaurant with a private table for the whole meeting.
Whichever package you opt for, there’s no comparison to a day spent at the races. Watching the winners thunder past the post is exhilarating, and the views from Brighton’s grandstand are second to none.
If you want to place a bet on the racing, you needn’t lose your spot in the grandstand. Plenty of companies allow you to place your bets online, and many offer horse racing free bets at this time of year. Snagging one of these deals means you can bet from wherever you are on the course and don’t have to wager your own money.
The London to Brighton Bike Ride
Finally, the London to Brighton Bike Ride is almost upon us, and organisations are well underway to make this year’s event one to remember. It’s just around the corner on 10 September, but there are still spaces left, at £55 each, if you’d like to participate.
Most importantly, this is a fundraising day, so it’s a good idea to be quick if you do want to enter and raise enough money to truly make a difference. The main partner for this year’s 55-mile cycle ride is Great Ormond Street Hospital, but the organisers are very happy for you to support whichever charity has a place in your heart.
