Brighton, city (built-up area as of 2011), unitary authority of Brighton and Hove, historic county of Sussex, southeastern England. It is a coastal resort on the English Channel, 51 miles (82 kilometers) south of London. Brighton and Hove’s unitary government was given city status in 2000. To the north, Brighton sprawls over the sheer chalk hills of the South Downs. It is bounded to the east by chalk cliffs, and to the west by the residential borough of Hove. Between Black Rock and Saltdean, major sea defenses were built beginning in 1930. At Black Rock, a boating marina has been built.
5 Reasons to Visit it
Seaside elegance and glorious history
Brighton is nothing without the sea. In fact, the city really became popular in the 18th century when an enterprising local doctor convinced Londoners of the city’s seawater for its medicinal properties. Over the next 200 years, Brighton prospered, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Best nightlife on the south coast
Modern Brighton is famous for its nightlife. Meet up-and-coming artists at the aptly named modern music bar and have a drink at author Graham Greene’s favorite hangout, The Cricketers, before plunging into lively clubs like Fun Fair and Coalition Brighton.
A creative atmosphere and many cultural attractions
Brighton has always attracted artists and architects such as John Nash. Today, there are more galleries than ever before. Smaller spaces like the iO Gallery are crammed with larger institutions like the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. The Theater Royal regularly hosts major London plays and musicals.
Beautiful national parks are just a short bike ride or drive away
Brighton is also on the doorstep of the South Downs, some of England’s most breathtaking countryside. A rental car makes it easy to reach Chatri, a unique memorial to the Indian victims of World War II. You can also see beautiful gardens such as Wakehurst and stroll the sidewalks in a quintessentially English setting.
Great foods from all over the world
Today, Brighton is one of the foodie capitals of southern England. Highlights are all over town, with something for everyone, from great vegetarian spots like Lydea to great seafood at Riddle and Finns.
Things to do
Royal Pavilion: Exotic England
Once the opulent royal residence of British monarchs, this magnificent building has undergone many changes in its recent history. First a palace, then a hospital, and now a popular tourist attraction The Indo-Islamic design is stunningly beautiful and architecturally different from the Western style one would expect from Brighton. The minaret and dome draw visitors closer, while the rich decoration continues inside. The Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is also not far away.
Brighton Palace Pier: Iconic coast
This popular entertainment pier opened at the turn of the 20th century and is still a major draw for locals and tourists alike. Stretching from the sands of Brighton Beach to the waters of the English Channel, this sturdy extension offers plenty of entertainment. Bars, restaurants, fairgrounds, and more await visitors of all ages. From traditional carousels to brand-new roller coasters, there’s never a dull day at the pier.
British Airways i360: It’s a bird; it’s an airplane
The ultimate observation tower Shaped like a UFO, this incredible waterfront wonder takes tourists to new heights above the city. After soaring over 400 feet in the air, panoramic views await at the summit. It captures the stretch of the coast and the British Isles in front of you. The Nyetimber Sky Bar serves drinks and champagne during his cruise in the evenings, while the base Belle Vue restaurant offers top-quality dining.
Toy and Model Museum: Awaken the imagination
Brighton railway station houses this gem of a museum under its four arches in Victorian style, which is as quaint as it is historic. Toys of all shapes and sizes are celebrated in these halls, bringing children’s imaginations to life for fans of all ages. Here you’ll also find an incredible network of model train sets representing collectibles of all trends and eras for railway enthusiasts. This niche yet intriguing museum is not to be missed.
Kemptown: A trendy place
This area behind Brighton Beach has been central to the city’s shopping scene since the 18th century. Today, the street is full of trendy cafes, bars, boutiques, etc., as well as shops. Like a happy village, this vibrant neighborhood is full of contrasts and offers a charming atmosphere that brings together locals and tourists all year-boutiques, etc., as well as shops. Like a happy village, this vibrant neighborhood is full of contrasts and offers a charming atmosphere that brings together locals and tourists all year. Take a stroll and find the local bargain that’s right for you.
Why do we love Brighton?
Quirky and cute, Brighton may look like the quintessential British seaside resort, but when you dig below the surface, vintage shopping, diverse cuisine, health, sustainability, and sass are at the forefront. Explore the Victorian history and modern charm of Brighton Palace Pier, browse the bohemian boutiques of the pretty shopping street The Lanes, or head to the shore from 450 feet above the ground on the Brighton i360. You can overlook the sample fresh fish and chips and get back to nature among the white cliffs and ancient forests of the South Downs National Park. From wildlife to seaside charm, Brighton really has it all!
Brighton Places to Stay
- Kemptown
This area to the east of the city is known for the artist, who is now one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ communities. Here you’ll find great bistros, wine bars, and anything organic and chic.
- Hanover
Hip and hip, Hannover is home to many Breitners. It is recognizable by its brightly painted houses and buildings, and it is chock-full of restaurants, cafes, and bars. These are all rewards after climbing a very steep hill that must be climbed first.
- Hove
Once a separate part of Brighton, they are now happily married. It has beautiful royal houses, squares, and accommodations. Quieter, more elegant, and more relaxed than Brighton itself.
Brighton Restaurants
Few cities in southern England can compete with Brighton’s gastronomic offerings. The European-style brasserie Gingerman, the refined No 32, and vegetarian places like Lydea are among the highlights. Make time for a cup of tea and a cake at the Mock Turtle, a quintessentially English tea establishment, and don’t miss the fish and chips at Bardsley’s. The cost of dining out varies. Fish and chips won’t set you back more than £6, but lunches at high-end brasseries can cost up to £40 per person.
When is the best time to visit Brighton?
Most people believe that Brighton is at its best during the English summer, which lasts from late June until late August. That is partially correct, yet the throng can be overwhelming. Try April or May, when the weather warms and the countryside around Brighton are at its most picturesque. There will be fewer people, just as much nightlife, and possibly lower accommodation costs.
How to get to Brighton
- Plane
North American travelers are best served by London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW), which serves many transatlantic flights to Brighton. A direct train from there takes 30 minutes and costs £6.40. Alternatively, you can find car rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, and Europcar at the airport, about 40 minutes drive from the city.
- Train
Many trains run daily from Victoria and St. Pancras in London to Brighton. Most services only take about an hour to reach Brighton, and express trains are much shorter than that, making it a good transfer from Eurostar trains and flights from London Heathrow.
- Car
Coming from London, the M23 is the best way to get there. M23 becomes A23 after Crawley. From Heathrow, take the M25 southbound and exit at junction 7. From Gatwick, take the M23.
- Bus
Brighton is served by Megabus and the National Express, which run every hour from London’s Victoria Bus Station. Traveling by bus takes about two hours but is much cheaper than traveling by train. If you’re arriving in the UK by ferry, Stagecoach offers a convenient local bus service to Portsmouth.
The Best Neighborhoods in Brighton
A stroll through Brighton City Center (Old Stein) will reveal the extraordinary pavilions, the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, and most of the city’s bars and clubs. Also, don’t miss North Lane, one of the city’s most interesting shopping streets.
Further, Hove: Technically a town in its own right, Hove is just a few miles up the coast from Brighton, making it a great base for exploring the region. Moreover, Hove is quieter than its bustling neighbors and has attractions of its own, including the restaurants on Church Street and the Sussex County Cricket Ground.
Brighton’s Living Expenses
- Shopping Boulevards
Brighton is a fantastic destination to shop for handcrafted items, notably jewelry, and clothing. The Lanes are the place to go if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind, locally crafted jewelry. The region, which is a maze of alleyways and narrow streets, is home to baby boutiques such as Loula and Deer, specialist jewelers such as House of Hoye, and independent footwear stores such as Mo Brog. Kensington Gardens is home to an unusual flea market and a slew of record shops where you can find rare records.
- Food and other items
Brighton has a plethora of supermarkets to pick from, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, and Waitrose, all of which provide extensive grocery selections. It is also a reasonably priced city. A gallon of milk will cost around £3 and a pound of apples will cost around £0.80.