Brighton Day Out Review

Tonbridge u3A’s First “Trips for All” Day Out

Brighton, Sunshine, and 47 Legends on Wheels!

Well, we did it! The first-ever Trips for All coach trip has officially rolled, rattled, and returned—and we’re delighted to report that it was a roaring success, with not even a single left-behind handbag, hearing aid, or human. We’d be fibbing if we said we weren’t just a teeny bit nervous. (Okay, fine. Mildly panicked.) After all, 47 lively u3A adventurers, one coach and driver, a garden centre with plumbing

issues, and a palace held together with scaffolding—it had all the makings of a sitcom.

First Stop: Dobbies Garden Centre

Ah yes, the glamorous world of travel begins not in Venice or Vienna, but at Dobbies just outside Brighton. Coffee and comfort were promised. Coffee we got—but comfort? Well, with some of the ladies’ loos out of order due to a plumbing hiccup, let’s just say there was a bit of a queue and quite a lot of communal commiseration. Still, spirits were high and the caffeine stronger than the plumbing.

Onwards to Brighton Pavilion

We arrived at the Royal Pavilion to find it doing a rather good impression of a work-in-progress wedding cake—beautiful, intricate, and partially under wraps (scaffolding chic, if you will).

Inside, we were handed futuristic-looking audio guide contraptions that promised an immersive historical experience. Did they work? For some, yes. For others? Let’s just say there was a lot of “Can you hear anything?” and “Mine’s gone silent”, and one optimistic soul wondering aloud whether it should be connecting directly to her hearing aid via Bluetooth. (We admire the faith in 21st-century

tech.)

The Pavilion itself dazzled, even with some slightly suspect fake finishes. We learned that Georgian grandeur involved a lot of clever illusion—think Netflix set designers with extra gold leaf. Who knew history could be so deceptive? Some of us found it enchanting; others suspected we’d accidentally paid to tour a very ornate escape room.

Afternoon of Freedom

After our royal cultural interlude, the group scattered to explore the delights of Brighton at our own pace. Some took to the skies (well, the i360) for views that stretched to the horizon, proving that even at our age, we still like to reach for the sky. Others immersed themselves in the Mods Fashion Exhibition at Brighton Museum, where scooters, style, and suede shoes—with just a dash of corduroy—reignited youthful rebellion and proved we’ve still got flair.

Some dashed to The Lanes for a spot of treasure hunting (or retail therapy), while others simply enjoyed a leisurely wander, fish and chips, and a seaside ice cream. In short, whether sightseeing or shopping—we carried on like champions.

Homeward Bound

At precisely 4:30pm, every single traveler was back on the coach. On time. No wandering off. No wrong buses. No forgotten spouses. A

miracle? No, just u3A efficiency! We did face the dreaded “M25 Delay” sign on the way home and braced ourselves for the inevitable. But lo! The traffic gods smiled upon us, and we cruised back right on schedule.

And yes, those who were picked up first were dropped off first—because miracles do come in twos.

Final Thoughts

We laughed, we learned, we lingered too long in the gift shop. The photos? Plentiful—we’ve never seen so many. We may not have mastered our audio guides, but we mastered group travel with charm and grace.

Brighton may have been our first stop, but the wheels are very much in motion (quite literally). 

Next up: Brooklands Aviation & Motor Museum on 10th September. Engines at the ready—we’re just getting started.

The Trips for All team salutes you, brave Brighton explorers. See you on the next adventure. Mark your calendars. The wheels are in motion!

Penny Davies

Trips for All