Brighton Microadventures

I popped into a Finisterre store back in 2018 to have a look at a jacket and I was hooked! I ended up asking if they were hiring, and the rest is history. I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and always believed that the ocean is a force of nature to be respected and protected, so I love that Finisterre shares these values. I mostly enjoy walking along coastal paths and hunting out great landscapes due to my love of photography, but living in Brighton has really opened up the possibilities of being near the sea - whether it’s going for a swim before work, a paddle board in the evening or just a quick beach clean with the team.

Below are a few ideas to get you out there and discover your own Microadventures around Brighton…

Get yourself down to the sea front and hire paddleboards or kayaks from Brighton Watersports. They’re great for beginners as you can stay near the shore between Palace Pier and the striking image of West Pier and still have plenty of room to get paddling. If you’re a seasoned paddle boarder and want a bit more of a challenge, sign yourself up for Paddle Round the Pier. Every summer this event brings Brighton water lovers together; SUP races, swims, local merchandise and food vendors, and (the main event) paddling round West Pier. Certainly an event not to be missed if you are a SUP lover!

For a day outside of Brighton, you can walk the beautiful 21.9km from Seaford to Eastbourne along the Seven Sisters. Iconic white cliffs and glorious sea views as far as the eye can see. The walk is within the South Downs National Park and forms part of two larger trails; The England Coast Path and The South Downs Way. Although quite a hill heavy walk it is relatively easy, and impossible to get lost! The cliff top paths do all the work at guiding the way. There are plenty opportunities for a dip and a beach picnic along the way, with beaches at Seaford, Cuckmere Haven, Birling Gap and Eastbourne.

Hire a bike from Brighton Beach Bikes and let the world be your oyster, set off on one of their recommended routes for beautiful scenery and local points of interest. Head east past Brighton Marina the Undercliff Walk for a traffic free cycle along the seafront, and follow it all the way to Ovingdean for tea and cake at Jane’s Café. If you’re looking to go a little further, you can continue on to Rottingdean for sea views and a visit to Kipling’s Gardens.

Alternatively, you can head West to the coloured beach huts and grand lawns of Hove Seafront, past the iconic burnt out shape of West Pier. If you’re in need of a water sports fix you can cycle all the way to Hove Lagoon, where you can paddle board, windsurf and wakeboard on the man-made lake.