Why You Can’t Fail to Fall in Love With Brighton

Brighton has always been associated with excitement and escape, and today the destination on the Sussex coast offers visitors more things to see and do than ever. Buzzing with street side cafés and independent shops, ‘London by the sea’, as Brighton is known, combines a lively seaside vibe with the culture and cosmopolitan air you’d expect from Britain’s newest city. There are many reasons why you can’t fail to fall in love with Brighton – here are just a few.      

The Royal Pavilion

No trip to Brighton would be complete without a visit to its remarkable pavilion - arguably one of the most stunning buildings in Britain. Alabaster white and adorned with domes and minarets, it’s as if a Mogul emperor has dropped an Indian palace on the Sussex coast. It is, in fact, the work of architect John Nash who was commissioned by King George IV. The Pavilion sums Brighton up: fun, quirky, and guaranteed to leave an impression.

Down on the street

The energy and vibrancy of the street life found in Brighton is something that always strikes first-time visitors to Brighton. This is most apparent in the Lanes quarter – a collection of narrow alleyways that are home to antique shops and eateries. The nearby North Laines is equally as engaging but more bohemian and where clothes shops, second-hand stores and cafés are found. Shoppers in search of retail therapy will be at home here, as will those wanting to simply stroll around and take in the atmosphere.

Life’s a beach

The beach front at Brighton has had a major overhaul in recent times. At one end the Palace Pier offers all the fun of the fair from dodgem cars to arcade machines, while the Sea Life centre is the oldest operating aquarium in the world. A stroll along the front towards neighbouring Hove will present a huge array of bars and cafes, as well as small shops selling art and souvenirs from Brighton’s famous arches. There’s beach volleyball and basketball to enjoy and a vast splash park for the little ones. Hove is more sedate but still abuzz with all sorts: from roller skaters and dog walkers to picnicking families and sun worshippers – just the place for an ice cream and some people-watching.    

Regency splendour

A favourite haunt of King George IV, Brighton became a trendy resort for visiting Londoners in the early nineteenth century. As a result there are some stunning examples of Regency architecture to see. The sweeping crescents of Palmeira Square and the lavish apartments on Brunswick Square, both overlooking the seafront, are equal to anything found in Bath and add a sense of regal elegance to the city. 

People and nightlife

A general air of fun permeates Brighton, attracting people looking for enjoyment and a good night out. Current inhabitants of the city include comedian Steve Coogan and DJ Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim – and visitors will find comedy venues and nightclubs, as well as theatres and cinemas in abundance. Throw in a wide choice of restaurants, pubs and bars and those choosing to visit Brighton as the sunsets are guaranteed a great time.