Brighton & Hove is one of those charming places on the south coast of England that was on our bucket list for a long time. A world away from the hustle and bustle of London’s streets, this little hippy hideout is the perfect destination for a quick weekend escape. It is so close (you can get from London to Brighton by train in just over an hour) yet completely different from the hectic atmosphere of the British capital.
It is the wonderful sense of seaside calm, the smell of delicious fish and chips and the free spirit vibe surrounding Brighton that makes it so unique. We have put together a list of tips of what to see and do in “The Queen of Watering Places“. Enjoy!
1. Must see and do in Brighton
Wander around Brighton’s quiet streets and discover its charming colourful houses
Rows of white, pastel and vibrant colours greet you from every corner – an enchanting beauty like no other.
Enjoy a nice walk along Brighton’s Beach and Seafront
There is no rush or stress, just fresh air and a spectacular view of the pebbled seashore. Intimate bandstands are ideal for those looking for seaside serenity and beautiful camera shots. Either to clear your mind or just admire the sunset, Brighton’s seafront is definitely one of the best spots in the city.
Get the most of Victorian seaside amusement at Brighton Palace Pier
Probably the most iconic building in Brighton, the Brighton Pier stretches 1,722ft (525m) along the southern coastline into the English Channel. This quintessential English funfair is filled with rides and attractions, endless arcades including classic 2p machines and sweets treats such as sticks of rock, candy floss or nougat!
Explore the labyrinth of old-fashioned North Lanes
What was once the centre of the fishing village of Brighthelmstone now hides vibrant coffee places, vintage shops and independent boutiques. Get lost in the narrow twisting alleyways and experience the bohemian creative scene of Brighton’s historic quarter.
Get immersed in Brighton’s exotic history through the iconic Brighton Royal Pavilion
This 19th century Indian inspired building has served a variety of purposes over its 200 years of history. Once a seaside palace for King George IV, it was also a hospital during the First World War. It now offers guided tours and visits. You can even book the Pavilion for weddings, private events and entertaining.
- Absorb the artistic side of the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Just around the corner from the Royal Pavilion and surrounded by its beautiful gardens, the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery hosts fine art and painting displays in temporary and permanent galleries. When we visited, we enjoyed a John Constable exhibition featuring his work while living in Brighton between 1824 and 1828.
2. Food & Drink in Brighton
Eat your body weight in hash browns in Billie’s Café
If you are up for a “Man vs Food” Challenge for breakfast, look no further than this family run café near Brighton’s main shopping district.
Billie’s Café | 34 Hampton Place, Brighton BN1 3DD
Have brunch by the sea at The New Club
This highly acclaimed American inspired restaurant is considered among the best places for brunch, burgers and coffee in the UK. Choose from organic season dishes to a long list of cocktails and be treated to the best views of Brighton’s Pier and the seaside.
The New Club | 133-134 Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2HH
Enjoy delicious artisan baked doughnuts at Dum Dum Donutterie
You’ll have a hard time trying to choosing a doughnut between the famous Boston Creme, Crême Brûlée, Dum Dum Dubai and “Zebra”!
Dum Dum Donutterie | 10 Brighton Square, Brighton BN1 1HD
Have the best Traditional English Fish and Chips at internationally awarded Bankers
Priding itself on cooking only sustainable fish, this is the only company in the UK to receive the Icelandic Responsible Fisheries Management Award. Great food quality, fresh seafood and chips fried to perfection – absolutely recommended.
Bankers | 116 a Western Road, Brighton BN1 2AB
Go on a foodie adventure at the twice annual Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival
Over a hundred food stalls fill Hove Lawns to celebrate local and international produce and hospitality every May and August. Mouth-watering bread, cheese and wines mix with cocktail master-classes, live food shows and a Big Food Pub Quiz. If you are a foodie, make make sure you put this culinary gem on top of your Brighton to-do list!
Have you been to Brighton before? Is there anything on our Brighton travel guide that we’ve missed off? Let me know in the comments below!
G.x
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I haven’t visited Brighton since I was little. It’s always been somewhere me and my partner would like to visit but it’s a 4-5 hour drive from ours. One day we will get down there for a weekend though and this post has given us plenty of ideas of where to visit 🙂 Rio – http://www.OppositeTourists.com
Awe I’m glad our post could help 🙂 x