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Suggestions please

(62 Posts)
Parky Mon 10-Jun-24 08:36:57

My sister will be flying from vancouver in September. She will be staying in St Leonard's on Sea with her son. I will fly in to Gatwick to try and have a meet up.

I thought Brighton would be a good place to spend a few days together (I'm 79 she's 81) however she has been told Brighton unsafe so is refusing to go there.

Any suggestions of where is a 1 hour or less train journey from gatwick which would be interesting to stay. I haven't been on a train for 40 years so am a bit concerned about getting about with suitcase on and off trains

NotSpaghetti Wed 12-Jun-24 15:32:17

If she is already spending time ag St Leonards wouldn't it be better to not look for more seaside?

Bluedaisy Wed 12-Jun-24 15:33:05

Church road not Portland 🙄

Parky Wed 12-Jun-24 16:22:02

Thank you for all suggestions. My sister is flying from Vancouver to see her son and grandson. They have only just moved from London where she used to visit. I was going to fly in to see her.

However she has decided not to come as son is splitting from his wife!!

Pinkrinse Wed 12-Jun-24 17:22:31

Brighton is fine. Tunbridge wells say yo get to by train from both Gatwick and st leanards. Hasting. Rye (but no train) Lewes.

silverlining48 Wed 12-Jun-24 17:23:58

😮 oh dear

NotSpaghetti Wed 12-Jun-24 17:36:42

Oh no Parky

So sorry to hear that.

Steelygran Wed 12-Jun-24 17:40:15

If you do decide to go to Brighton, and I wouldn't personally dismiss it as being unsafe, I recommend a walk round Brighton Pavilion and perhaps lunch in one of the seafront hotels. Hove tends to be quieter than Brighton so maybe take a look at that too.
You could also consider Eastbourne, which isn't too far from Brighton and which, from my experience, is a more traditional and quieter resort. The beach and pier are lovely and there are some good gift shops and cafes.

Susieq62 Wed 12-Jun-24 17:40:50

I was born and bred in Brighton but not living there now ! However I did a pilgrimage last year and at 73 really enjoyed my stay! It is busy like any city so avoid if you don’t like crowds! Eastbourne is more gentile as is Bexhill or Worthing ! Chichester is delightful too as is Arundel Enjoy!

Poppyjo Wed 12-Jun-24 19:25:09

How about Eastbourne.

icanhandthemback Wed 12-Jun-24 19:47:22

I am so sorry to hear of your bad news, Parky. At least you know that Brighton is perfectly safe now. 🤣🤣

Sarahr Wed 12-Jun-24 21:42:44

Brighton is a great place to visit for either a day or a holiday. You might consider Rottingdean, just along the road from Brighton, instead as it is away from the hustle and bustle of Brighton itself and has nice cafés and restaurants should you want to chat over a cuppa or a meal.