20 ways to beat January blues
Above: Brighton Royal Pavillion
Above: Horsham Museum
Above: Devil's Dyke
1. Indulge yourself in Regency splendour
Brighton Royal Pavillion
The quite jaw-dropping audacity of Brighton’s centrepiece is well worth a visit at any time of the year. During January there’s the chance to see stage costumes from 2007’s Glyndebourne production of Rossini’s La Cenerentola on display in the magnificent music room (until January 7).
And from January 12 to 20 there is a series of lectures and tours exploring the ongoing restoration of the palace. Best of all, if you’re a Brighton resident, until February 29 you can get in for just £3.70 with two accompanying children getting in for free (see www.royalpavilion.org.uk for full details).
The Royal Pavilion, Brighton, East Sussex. Call 01273 292820 or see www.royalpavilion.org.uk for more information.
2. Step back in time
Fishbourne Roman Palace
Having unveiled a £3.5 million redevelopment in June last year, Fishbourne has never been more impressive. It was a military base at the time of the Roman invasion and by the end of the first century it had become a glorious palace.
The building was rediscovered in 1960 during the digging of a water main trench. Now, with audio-visual displays, exhibitions and tours to illuminate the past and of course the beautiful in-situ mosaics and recreated gardens, it’s a hugely significant glimpse into Sussex’s past and a brilliant day out, whatever the weather.
Fishbourne Roman Palace, Salthill Road, Fishbourne, Chichester, West Sussex. Call 01243 785859 or see www.sussexpast.co.uk for more information.
3. Amuse your little monkeys with some more little monkeys
Drusillas Park
All kids – and let’s face it, adults too – love the cute and not-so-cute beasties that inhabit Drusillas. Meerkats, penguins, monkeys, lemurs, they’re all guaranteed to get you cooing – and for those who like their animals a little more intimidating, there are snakes, crocodiles and more besides.
Kicking off 2008, there’s a special opportunity to find out what Santa does once he’s finished with the festivities for another year ... he’ll be putting his feet up in his cottage at the park until January 6. Surely this means kids will berate him for the bits of their Christmas lists they didn’t receive?
Drusillas Park, Alfriston, East Sussex. Call 01323 874100 or see www.drusillas.co.uk for more information.
Read the whole article in the online January issue of Sussex Life
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