Brighton

Found in the South East of England, this pebble beach location is really quite a happenin’ city! Located on the English Channel it had humble beginnings as a small fishing community and is vibrantly Victorian in style. As we mentioned in the post about Weymouth, bathing in seawater really took off when medical science deemed it good for our health; thereby drawing more people to it, including royalty (King George IV being one of those people who frequented).

I’ve visited this city of creatives a few times in the past, either staying over with a friend or visiting family with my partner. Brighton has a station that is about a 20 min walk to the beach, or when I’ve driven, I’ve found parking Regency Secure Parking which is much cheaper and underground. Especially good if you’re staying over; a short walk to the promenade is not a chore when the view is so lovely! If you drive in past the promenade there’s that instant “I’m at the beach” feeling that hits. It oozes cool and artsy vibes.

As you’d expect from a city, there is just SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO. With Winston Churchill going to school here and millions of visitors popping by every year, it’s certainly a popular destination, even if the beach is pebbly and not sandy (I have personally napped on this beach and it’s not as uncomfortable as you may think!). Here are my highlights and recommendations and I will be sure to add more after my next return.

Walkers

Even just walking around will help you discover the city and the beach, but for dedicated walking you’ll be looking at going about 6-7 miles out. Getting out into the nearby South Downs has to be good for the soul though and Devils Dyke being a highlight. There’s also quite a few parks in Brighton if some relaxing green space, away from the city, is what you are seeking. Stanmer Park looked lovely as we drove around (it’s about 1hr 20 walk from the beachfront) and the list of parks there can be found on this helpful site. We wandered through the beautiful Regency Gardens of the Royal Pavillion, which is only about 7 mins walk from Brighton Pier. It would be the perfect place to hire a bike and cycle out to some of these lovely places, especially as the South Downs Way trail is completely accessible by bike.

Places I’d like to visit:
The Jack and Jill Windmills
The 5 mile Brighton Coastal Path

Shoppers

You really only need to look at a detailed map of Brighton to know that the shopping here is vast! It’s got several sections and be prepared for vibrancy, as it is in abundance here, with brightly coloured murals adorning many buildings. The North Laine has plenty of boutiques and independents as well as some really great vintage shops. My personal favourites forever changing- there’s so many, that you’ll just be drawn into various ones. Great to explore! You’ve also got the Lanes, which are alleyways of independent shops and eateries; I read them described as higgledy-piggledy and that is so accurate. They do get extremely busy though! There are of course plenty of well-known brands in the Churchill Shopping Centre but I think focus your efforts on these great areas as it is pretty fun to be in the thick of it. (Ps quick note, for record lovers, Rarekind is your place!)

Drinkers

I’ve not spent too much time in the pubs and bars in Brighton, so I am looking out for recommendations myself. I did drink in the old Liquid nightclub but I don’t think I’m in a position to recommend nightclubs these days…

However, I do have it on good authority from a trusted friend, who visited just last weekend that The Charles Tap is worth a visit.
I would like to try these pubs below, as they look intriguing and their history sounds interesting too.

Cafes

It’s a pretty tiring day walking around a city and so a pit-stop is inevitable! We grabbed on the go most times, but I loved Marmalade’s and Cafe Coho for coffee and light bites. And don’t forget the amazing choice found in the Lanes and the Open Market, which has so much choice.

Restaurants

When by the sea, again I encourage you to get fish and chips! We did some research and opted for Captains and ate it on the beach- watch out for those annoying seagulls, as they are so quick- but we protected our food well and it was amazing! We also ate at the amazing restaurant within the the Grand, Cyan. Similar to the hotel, the interiors are incredible and the food was just up there. Of course, heading to the seafront will also provide you with plenty of options.

Places I want to visit still:
Shelter Hall
Thewitchez
Bom-Bane’s
Food for Friends
Lucky Beach

Hotels

The first time I ever stayed in Brighton, was at The Harbour Hotel – which was from memory, really lovely with contemporary bright rooms. However be warned it is close to a nightclub and in certain rooms you can hear the base of the music in the distance so do make sure you ask for an appropriate room or if you’re wanting to go to the nightclub, it’s a winner! I’ve also stayed at the Grand Hotel; if there’s a way to work this into your budget, I hope you can as it’s just lovely! There’s something about it’s busyness that takes you back in time and we had a gorgeous room overlooking the sea; it happened to be a blustery night but it really didn’t matter, it felt so nice to watch the waves from our room. The staff run the hotel like absolute clockwork and the interiors are just stunning. It’s worth sharing some history on the hotel as it was built for the upper classes (hence why it can be pricey but there are deals to be had, so do look out for them) on their seaside holidays and it’s Victorian architecture has a definite Italian influence. In 1984, The IRA attempted to carry out an assassination on Margaret Thatcher, who was leading the Conservative Government and staying there ahead of a Conservative Party Conference. The bomb had been hidden behind a panel in the bath of bedroom 629 weeks prior and although Margaret Thatcher was not harmed, it did kill 5 others. The pictures of the aftermath are quite shocking.

Hotels I’d like to stay in another time:
Drakes Hotel (supposedly a bit of a celebrity hot spot)
Hotel Du Vin
The Queen’s Hotel
There are so many Georgian houses that have been converted to hotels, that you are pretty spoilt for choice!

Sightseeing

This is where the city comes into full force. I have a lot to suggest!

Lets start with the Brighton Palace Pier-whether a simple wander up and down or getting more into it, with a go on the helter skelter and some time spent in the arcades, it’ll be sure to bring back childhood memories. It’s Grade II listed and has seen a lot, two world wars, a bombing and stands the test of time despite numerous fierce storms. And it really does look amazing when night falls and it lights up. I’ve also added a photo of the rather forlorn West Pier; this is Grade I listed has fallen into disrepair, with decline in popularity, increasing financial maintenance costs and storms causing it to be in it’s current state. Despite plans being submitted for it’s revival, it has received some opposition, so it remains to see what becomes of it.
The Royal Pavillion is an absolute must; this Grade I listed palace, formerly a royal residence built in 1787 and sold in 1850 by Queen Victoria who chose Osborne House in Isle of Wight as the official royal seaside resort over this beautiful palace (each to their own hey) and sold it to the council. Like I said further up, if you don’t make it in, definitely take a walk in the pretty gardens. Interesting fact I read was that Hitler had his eye on this palace as his seaside residence, post his planned take-over of Great Britain and so he requested that his bombers avoid this…!
I was disappointed to find that ChoccyWoccyDooDah had ceased trading when I came to Brighton; having seen it on TV, have a google of some of the incredible creations they used to make. I found the shop front in 2020 but alas, a year too late!
With Brighton’s live music scene well established, if you’re there for the weekend, check out The Hope & Ruin. For larger events, try Brighton Centre for comedy, music and theatre!
Don’t forget to look up and around you when you’re mooching about, for the bright and bold art on the walls. Some truly talented people out there.
Sea Life Centre in Brighton is just lovely, I feel like I have been here as a child but as and adult I am sure I would love it all over again. It is the oldest aquarium in Britain too.
If you fancy squeezing down the tiniest alley, go in search of Quadrophenia Alley; one of the most well-known scenes in the cult film Quadrophenia, in this exact alley. Unfortunately it’s all a bit underwhelming in terms of looks, but the doorway is still there!
The Bandstand on the seafront is one you can’t miss. This Victorian beauty was opened in 1885 and is a music and wedding venue and it also has a lovely looking cafe below it too.
The Brighton Fishing Museum has to be worth popping in to, given Brighton’s origins. It’s found in a couple of arches on the seafront and has some great memorabilia.

Things I would like to do:
Although I don’t have the stomach for heights, I’d love to one time try out the i360 glass viewing pod
Snoopers Paradise – highly recommended by family, this independent vintage emporium has two floors of gems and knick knacks
Volks Electric Railway – opened in 1883, take a small carriage train along the coast and soak in those sea views- yes to that!
Catch a show at Brighton Dome
Brighton History & Art Gallery
There’s a Picture House in Brighton, the Duke of York, which is supposed to be the oldest running cinema in Britain
A ghost tour of the lanes (supposedly a lot of ghosts in this city)
A boat trip of any kind just to go out and look back at the promenade

Would I go back?

I’ve easily got a long weekend that I could tick some of these things off of my list, so it’s a yes from me. In fact I think easily a few weekends here! I do think after a city break you always need a chilled day though, so plan accordingly is my friendly advice.