Rapid Ride
Companion Programme

Monday

The Companion Programme kicks off at 10am with a walking tour of Brighton, starting from the entrance of the Hilton. The tour, awarded the Trip Advisors Certificate of Excellence, explores our historic host city in a light but informative way. Not only does this serve as a great introduction to the numerous attractions Brighton has to offer, it’s also a great opportunity to get to know your fellow Companions on the tour.

Perhaps grab a traditional lunch of Fish and Chips on Brighton Pier before enjoying a free afternoon to explore some of the sights in more detail. You may wish to visit Brighton Pavilion and marvel at the exotic grandeur of the former seaside palace of King George IV; or explore the quirky shops and cafés in the labyrinth that is ‘The Lanes’; or perhaps visit Brighton’s Sea Life Centre. 

Tuesday

Today we meet in the morning to catch a coach, taking us west along the coastline to Arundel Castle. Here we’ll enjoy an exclusive tour of the beautifully restored and remodelled medieval castle. After the tour, there’ll be time to explore the stately walled gardens; or one of the historic chapels; not to mention the quaint cobbled town of Arundel itself.

We’ll have lunch at the castle before boarding the coach again and heading further west (and further back in time) to the incredible ruins of Fishbourne Roman Palace. This is the largest surviving Roman villa in Briton, where we’ll get a tour of the excavated north wing allowing us to marvel at the outstanding roman mosaics. There’ll be time after to discover the Roman gardens and museum or just kick back and relax in the café.

Our coach will return us back to Brighton in time for dinner and the evening entertainment. We’ll re-join the rest of the conference attendees for a ‘flight’ up Brighton’s BA i360. This slowly ascending glass pod, provides a classy venue to enjoy a drink while regaling the day’s events to your presumably jealous Pulsed Power Scientist. The flight will provide 360 degree views of the spectacular Sussex coastline and will be a highlight of the programme.       

Wednesday

Today will be a completely free day! Perhaps use it to go see that attraction you didn’t have time to before or maybe even for a sneaky day trip into London. Just remember to be back in time for the conference banquet and awards ceremony.    

What’s included?

Walking Tour of Brighton
Tuesday coach travel
Entry and tour of Arundel Castle
Entry and tour of Fishbourne Roman Palace
One Flight on the BA i360

Websites

Fishbourne

Arundel

i360

Brighton Lanes

Brighton Pavillion

Brighton SeaLife

Brighton Pier

Note: The Companion Programme is open to people registered as companions via the conference website: Just show up with your companion badges.