An inimitable mix of cool and kitsch, Brighton is likely one of the UK’s most quirky, vibrant and welcoming cities.
The right mixture of vigorous city life and laid-back seashore vibes, Brighton has a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene, scores of unbiased shops and occasional outlets, and a beloved seafront that attracts beachgoers from throughout the southeast of England and past.
Commercial
Listed below are simply a number of the prime issues to do on this hedonistic seaside metropolis.
1. Hit the seashore
No journey to Brighton could be full with out spending a while on its well-known pebbly seashore. Have a go at water sports activities together with stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing, or just loosen up within the sunshine. On heat weekends and holidays, Brighton seashore attracts sizable crowds from London and different inland areas, so for those who’d reasonably keep away from the lots, go to on a weekday or head additional alongside the coast to discover a quieter spot. Winter is a stunning time to walk alongside the seafront – the seashore is just about empty, and the sundown colours add loads of environment.
Learn extra: The highest 10 seashores in England
2. Marvel on the splendor of the Royal Pavilion
Brighton’s most iconic landmark is the extravagant Royal Pavilion, which was as soon as the seaside palace of King George IV. It is an opulent mixture of Indian structure and Regency grandeur, with ornate roof domes and towering spires that dominate the panorama. In the meantime, the inside is a jaw-dropping show of chinoiserie fashion, with resplendent bedrooms, gilded banquet halls and a dragon-adorned music room. The pavilion is effectively price a go to for a peek into Brighton’s decadent previous – if you wish to discover out extra in regards to the metropolis’s historical past and tradition, mix it with a visit to the adjoining Brighton Museum & Artwork Gallery.
3. Really feel the nostalgia at Brighton Pier
One of many greater points of interest on the seafront is Brighton Palace Pier, generally generally known as Brighton Pier, a metropolis landmark that dates again to the Victorian period. The 525m-long (1722ft) construction is filled with basic fairground rides, together with a gaudy carousel, spooky haunted home, dodgems and a helter-skelter. Inside, you may immerse your self within the continuous noise and flashing lights of the video games arcade, with every part from old-school 2p pusher machines to fashionable VR simulators. In case your abdomen can take it after a experience on a rollercoaster, nibble on a crunchy stick of Brighton Rock for a standard sugary deal with.
4. Begin your day with regionally roasted espresso
Brighton is likely one of the UK’s most coffee-obsessed cities, and there’s a wealth of unbiased espresso outlets the place you may get your caffeine repair crafted from regionally roasted beans. Stoney Level has lengthy been a favourite with locals, and Wolfox now has a number of trendy but homely branches within the metropolis – do not miss the deliciously fluffy “Mr Fox” pancakes. Alternatively, you may people-watch at Pelicano or escape the vacationer crowds at Tilt within the north of the town.
Commercial
5. Get misplaced in The Lanes
Brighton’s legendary Lanes are laden with character, and you’ll simply whereas away a day exploring these twisting alleyways and slender streets. You will discover all kinds of creative unbiased outlets, galleries and cafes within the historic buildings right here. From antiques and jewellery to books and vinyl information, these colourful shops have one thing for everybody. The realm will get busy, so keep away from visiting on the weekend in order for you some respiration room.
6. Store at boutique shops in North Laine
A brief stroll north from The Lanes lies, predictably, North Laine. Lower than half a sq. mile in dimension, it is dwelling to the biggest assortment of unbiased retailers on the UK’s south coast. You will discover an eclectic mixture of classic vogue boutiques, bakeries, jewellery shops and present outlets to discover. Cease by Dave’s Comics to browse graphic novels and video games, or the famend Snoopers Paradise flea market to rummage via every part from homeware to books and antiques.
7. Strive native craft beer
Brighton’s bar scene is second to none, with extra pubs than you can presumably hope to go to in a single journey. From the rooftop backyard of The Mesmerist to the cave-like inside of the beachside Tempest Inn, there is a distinctive consuming institution to go well with everybody. Town additionally boasts a number of the finest LGBTQIA+ bars within the nation, largely situated round St James’ St within the Kemptown space – do not miss the “Piers & Queers” strolling tour if you wish to discover out extra about Brighton’s historical past from an LGBTQIA+ perspective. Whichever pubs you select to frequent, you should definitely pattern some regionally brewed craft beer from breweries similar to Brighton Bier whilst you’re right here.
8. Tuck into fish and chips
Indulging in a field of fish and chips is a quintessential a part of the British seaside expertise, and there is not any scarcity of eating places and chippies in Brighton the place you may get your fill. Award-winning Bardsley’s is likely one of the finest, whereas The Regency has beautiful sea views as you eat. If the climate’s good, get yours to remove and revel in consuming on the seashore the normal manner – however be careful for hungry seagulls! Do not eat fish? All-vegan No Catch has bought you coated. Strive their signature “tofish” and tempura “prawns.”
9. Change your notion of vegan meals
Vegan fish and chips is much from the one possibility on the menu for plant-based guests to Brighton. The truth is, the town is likely one of the most veggie-friendly within the nation, so you will be spoiled for selection. Head to Meals for Buddies for an revolutionary seasonal menu, Terre à Terre to bask in a vegan model of a standard English afternoon tea, or The Roundhill for an epic plant-based Sunday roast that was voted the most effective in Brighton – beating its many meaty rivals. For dessert, drop by Boho Gelato for creamy vegan ice cream to take pleasure in on the seafront.
10. Catch a reside present
Brighton is filled with venues for reside music, comedy and theater. The Brighton Centre hosts a number of the greatest names, however numerous pubs – together with the Hope & Smash and The Brunswick – placed on reside exhibits a number of nights per week. If classical music is extra your scene, take a look at the listings for the Brighton Dome, which sees the likes of the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra grace the stage.
11. Admire the view from the i360
It may not be essentially the most visually interesting attraction in Brighton, however the British Airways i360 tower does provide gorgeous views of the town and surrounding countryside. The glass-walled pod rises 137m (450ft) into the air, from the place you may gaze out over the South Downs and, on clear days, even see all the best way throughout the ocean to the Isle of Wight. Admire the sights with a glass in hand from the Sky Bar, or get your adrenaline pumping by signing up for the Tower High Climb.
12. Spend a day at Brighton Marina
To the east of the town lies the quayside Brighton Marina, a hub of retailers and leisure. If you happen to do not fancy the stroll, you may attain it in the summertime by way of the historic Volks Electrical Railway, which dates again to 1883 and is the oldest electrical railway in Britain. Along with brand-name outlets, a cinema and a bowling alley, it homes the trippy UV-crazy golf facility Globalls, which is ideal for a wet day. One other scorching spot for procuring in Brighton is the Churchill Sq. procuring heart, with round 80 excessive avenue shops.
13. Problem your self at an escape room
Brighton is a metropolis that does not take itself too critically, so it is a terrific place to indulge your playful aspect. Pier Stress has a sequence of fun-filled escape rooms with storylines primarily based round native landmarks just like the Royal Pavilion and The Lanes, whereas Bewilderbox’s two sci-fi-esque rooms have visitor voice appearances, together with Norman Lovett, who performed Holly within the cult UK TV present Pink Dwarf. For a extra conventional gaming expertise, take a look at beachside video and board recreation bar Loading or arcade pub The World’s Finish.
14. Gaze out at West Pier
When wandering alongside the seafront, you may’t assist however discover Brighton’s different pier stranded out at sea. West Pier is now only a shadowy skeleton of its former self, having been ravaged by each storms and fires over time. It may not sound like a lot of an attraction, but it is a hauntingly stunning sight and makes for a terrific atmospheric {photograph} – particularly throughout the winter months, when 1000’s of starlings swirl and dance within the skies above it.
Learn extra: Seaside snaps: the way to take good seashore pictures
15. Go for a hike
Due to its location subsequent to the South Downs Nationwide Park, Brighton has loads of epic climbing routes inside straightforward attain. So pack a picnic and head out to the dry valley of Satan’s Dyke, grassy slopes of Ditchling Beacon, or fairly woodland of Stanmer Park. There are paths appropriate for all health ranges, with contemporary air and picturesque views of the English countryside only a quick hop from the town.
Preserve planning your journey:
Heading to England in 2024? Contemplate these 16 prime locations to go to
Navigate like an area with the following tips for getting round England
Uncover the most effective time to go to England
