An inimitable mix of cool and kitsch, Brighton is one of the UK’s most quirky, vibrant and welcoming cities.

The proper mixture of full of life city life and laid-back seashore vibes, Brighton has a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene, scores of impartial shops and occasional retailers, and a beloved seafront that pulls beachgoers from throughout the southeast of England and past. 

Listed here are just a few of the high things to do in this hedonistic seaside metropolis.

1. Hit the seashore

No journey to Brighton can 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 in the sunshine. On heat weekends and holidays, Brighton seashore attracts sizable crowds from London and different inland places, so if you happen to’d moderately keep away from the lots, go to on a weekday or head additional alongside the coast to discover a quieter spot. Winter is a beautiful time to stroll alongside the seafront – the seashore is just about empty, and the sundown colours add lots of ambiance.

Learn extra: The highest 10 seashores in England

2. Marvel at 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 combine 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 type, with resplendent bedrooms, gilded banquet halls and a dragon-adorned music room. The pavilion is nicely price a go to for a peek into Brighton’s decadent previous – if you’d like to discover out extra about 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 the larger sights 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 traditional fairground rides, together with a gaudy carousel, spooky haunted home, dodgems and a helter-skelter. Inside, you’ll be able to immerse your self in the continuous noise and flashing lights of the video games arcade, with every part from old-school 2p pusher machines to trendy 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 conventional sugary deal with.

4. Begin your day with domestically roasted espresso

Brighton is one of the UK’s most coffee-obsessed cities, and there’s a wealth of impartial espresso retailers the place you will get your caffeine repair crafted from domestically roasted beans. Stoney Level has lengthy been a favourite with locals, and Wolfox now has a number of fashionable but homely branches in the metropolis – do not miss the deliciously fluffy “Mr Fox” pancakes. Alternatively, you’ll be able to people-watch at Pelicano or escape the vacationer crowds at Tilt in the north of the metropolis.

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 slim streets. You will discover all kinds of creative impartial retailers, galleries and cafes in the historic buildings right here. From antiques and jewellery to books and vinyl data, these colourful shops have one thing for everybody. The world will get busy, so keep away from visiting on the weekend if you’d like some respiratory 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 measurement, it is house to the largest assortment of impartial retailers on the UK’s south coast. You will discover an eclectic combine of classic trend boutiques, bakeries, jewellery shops and present retailers to discover. Cease by Dave’s Comics to browse graphic novels and video games, or the famend Snoopers Paradise flea market to rummage by way of 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 probably hope to go to in one journey. From the rooftop backyard of The Mesmerist to the cave-like inside of the beachside Tempest Inn, there is a distinctive ingesting institution to go well with everybody. The town additionally boasts some of the best LGBTQIA+ bars in the nation, principally positioned round St James’ St in the Kemptown space – do not miss the “Piers & Queers” strolling tour if you’d like to discover out extra about Brighton’s historical past from an LGBTQIA+ perspective. Whichever pubs you select to frequent, make certain to pattern some domestically brewed craft beer from breweries akin 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 half of the British seaside expertise, and there isn’t any scarcity of eating places and chippies in Brighton the place you will get your fill. Award-winning Bardsley’s is one of the best, whereas The Regency has beautiful sea views as you eat. If the climate’s good, get yours to take away and revel in consuming on the seashore the conventional approach – however be careful for hungry seagulls! Do not eat fish? All-vegan No Catch has received you coated. Strive their signature “tofish” and tempura “prawns.” 

9. Change your notion of vegan meals

Vegan fish and chips is much from the solely possibility on the menu for plant-based guests to Brighton. In truth, the metropolis is one of the most veggie-friendly in the nation, so you will be spoiled for alternative. Head to Meals for Associates for an modern seasonal menu, Terre à Terre to indulge in a vegan model of a conventional English afternoon tea, or The Roundhill for an epic plant-based Sunday roast that was voted the best 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 stay present

Brighton is filled with venues for stay music, comedy and theater. The Brighton Centre hosts some of the greatest names, however numerous pubs – together with the Hope & Destroy and The Brunswick – placed on stay reveals a number of nights per week. If classical music is extra your scene, try 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 won’t be the most visually interesting attraction in Brighton, however the British Airways i360 tower does supply gorgeous views of the metropolis and surrounding countryside. The glass-walled pod rises 137m (450ft) into the air, from the place you’ll be able to gaze out over the South Downs and, on clear days, even see all the approach throughout the sea 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 Prime Climb.

12. Spend a day at Brighton Marina

To the east of the metropolis lies the quayside Brighton Marina, a hub of retailers and leisure. If you happen to do not fancy the stroll, you’ll be able to attain it in the summer time through the historic Volks Electrical Railway, which dates again to 1883 and is the oldest electrical railway in Britain. As well as to brand-name retailers, 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 middle, with round 80 excessive avenue shops.

13. Problem your self at an escape room

Brighton is a metropolis that does not take itself too significantly, so it is an incredible place to indulge your playful aspect. Pier Strain has a sequence of fun-filled escape rooms with storylines primarily based round native landmarks 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 in the cult UK TV present Purple Dwarf. For a extra conventional gaming expertise, try beachside video and board sport bar Loading or arcade pub The World’s Finish.

14. Gaze out at West Pier

When wandering alongside the seafront, you’ll be able to’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 the years. It won’t sound like a lot of an attraction, but it is a hauntingly lovely sight and makes for an incredible atmospheric {photograph} – particularly throughout the winter months, when hundreds of starlings swirl and dance in the skies above it.

Learn extra: Seaside snaps: how to take good seashore images

15. Go for a hike

Thanks to its location subsequent to the South Downs Nationwide Park, Brighton has lots of epic mountain climbing routes inside simple 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 recent air and picturesque views of the English countryside only a brief hop from the metropolis.

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