An important year for Brighton and Hove's tourist attractions

Slowly but surely work on the Madeira Terraces continues. As the world’s longest ironwork structure – and grade II* listed – its proved to be a very costly exercise in restoration after years of neglect and pass-the-buck by literally every council administration in memory, no matter what the political colour. Community engagement has brought the issue to the fore, but with costings in the region of £30 million how this much-loved seafront space will be reinvented, restored and reimagined for the 21st century remains to be seen.

In the meantime, Hove seafront and city centre Valley Gardens have both seen significant investment, and for the better. What is now termed as Hove Beach Park running from Portslade to the King Alfred’s is also a stunning example of redevelopment creating multiple spaces that are engaging and relevant for all ages.

I’m often astounded that so many locals haven’t been to Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. As the largest museum on the south coast, with an incredible and eclectic collection of art, ethnology and the local history of our city and wider county, it really is a wonderful way to while away an hour or two. Following a huge investment this year in restoring the roof of the main gallery – alongside refreshing the interpretation of Brighton and Hove’s collection of art, heritage and social history – the museum isn’t just a go-to; it’s a must do.

Alongside continued investment at the Royal Pavilion – our very own regal palace that in the early 1800s was very much at the centre of British power, culture and global influence – the Royal Pavilion and Museum Trust is also investing in what I think is the oft overlooked Booth Museum of Natural History on Dyke Road. I can’t wait for the reopening of the Booth Museum as it really is a fantastic space and collection.

Undoubtedly, times are very challenging for high footfall attractions. Brighton Palace Pier – possibly the most iconic symbol of Brighton and one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions – is on the market yet the current owners have committed to continue their operations and maintenance of this heritage structure until the right buyer is found.

Merlin Entertainments looked to spin off their global network of Sea Life aquariums but withdrew the sale from the market. In my mind, their Brighton aquarium is architecturally astounding; it’s literally my favourite space in Brighton. Above and beyond the fish and wider animals that the team care for – and the passion for ecological and climate education – it’s a jaw-dropping example of late Victorian beautiful and practical structural panache.

Heading over to Brighton station, the wonderful Brighton Toy and Model Museum team have been working their little cotton socks off for the past few years to fund the regeneration of not only the museum but also the underpass below the station. This world-class, globally-renowned collection of vintage toys, trains and models is genuinely one of the city’s hidden gems and I whole-heartedly recommend both locals and visitors to drop by and experience the magic of childhood. Thanks to the support of generous sponsors – and the never-failing hard work of the dedicated museum team – the museum has not only a new glazed entry but has also created a welcoming gateway to the North Laine for the benefit of visitors, locals and businesses alike.

It would be remiss to not mention the Brighton i360 that busted earlier this year. I think its safe to say – despite, perhaps, best intentions in terms of seafront regeneration by a former administration and the previous operator –  that the ‘vertical cablecar’ observation tower hasn’t exactly been popular with local taxpayers with a current debt of £50 million pounds. That’s approximately £180 per city resident. Thankfully now in the experienced hands of hospitality operator Nightcap, 2025 saw the refresh of the hospitality areas alongside a new-found emphasis on creative events and partnerships. Keep an eye out for a new high end dining experience coming soon.

My final thought is the renewal of the Brighton and Hove business improvement district (BID) that – thankfully – was renewed for another five years in December. Whilst the local council is responsible for street cleaning and the likes in the city centre, I think we all take for granted things like hanging baskets, summer bunting, city centre ambassadors and festive Christmas lights which are paid for by local businesses in certain geographical areas through a levy based on their rateable value. I don’t think many residents – never mind small business owners – really quite grasp the benefits that the Brilliant Brighton BID has brought to the city centre since its first iteration in 2006 but we’d be a lot poorer without it.