Brighton Travel Guide

If the sun shines anywhere in the , it will shine on the coast. So whilst finding sun in Britain can seem like winning the National Lottery, you will most likely find the sun shining in Brighton. However, the fantastic thing is that Brighton is a city, not just a seaside resort so the enjoyability of your holiday does not depend on Mother Nature’s whims. If the sun plays games with you, you can always head over to the North Laines to do a spot of shopping. Brighton has more of an upper-end vibe than most seaside resorts in the UK.

Central Brighton, The North Laines and The Lanes
Brighton is a cheerful place, where basically anything goes. Movements would that would be marginalised elsewhere in the country, like the punk, goth or gay scenes co-exist alongside day trippers and yummy mummies. No head-butting with mohawk spikes, this is a peaceful place. Brighton is 1 hour by train from London, so it is a popular weekend destination or holiday extension.

Most visitors check out the Pavillion, which might be the most striking building you have ever seen and is even better inside. The rooms are furnished in historical decadence with Oriental touches. Upstairs you can also order a proper English cream tea and sit on the balcony overlooking the Pavilion gardens.

The North Laines and The Lanes give Brighton its village-y feel. You can literally spend hours weaving in and out of the small streets shopping in the boutiques or having an inexpensive bite at eat mouth-watering but not pocket breaking Piccolo.

There are a lot of restaurants near The North Laines and The Lanes and they are often good value for money and are not at all touristy. If you are wondering the difference between the North Laines and The Lanes, it involves the North Laines being shop-lined and funky and The Lanes (also called The South Lanes) looking more like the old fishing village streets that they are.

The Lanes are more up-market and have stores like MAC cosmetics, the classy England at Home furnishings and house the jewelery district. One of the best things about Brighton is that the whole city hasn't gone corporate like many other places and the landscape is still dominated by individually owned businesses. If you are particularly into vintage clothing, try Snoopers Paradise. If you go insane for fudge, try Roly's. If you fancy corporate high street fashion, go to American Apparel near Churchill Square, between Brunswick and Churchill Square. If you like to accumulate material possessions or want to pick up some punk fashions, you'll find something suitable in Brighton.
 
Kemptown And Preston Park
There is  lot to do in Central Brighton and the many smaller areas part of the city, like Kemptown, which is the gay district. Kemptown has the best gay bars and clubs like the Amsterdam, the Queen's Arms and Club Revenge. Pick up a copy of Gscene magazine, which is the gay magazine for Brighton and Hove at Prowler Shop on St. James Street. If you happen to be the UK during the first week of August, look at for Brighton Pride at Preston Park, which is a massive park with a Japanese rock garden across the street. The park also borders Preston Manor.

Brunswick And Hove
Brunswick and Hove are two areas that are quieter than Central Brighton but still have a lot going on. Check out St Ann’s Wells Park in Hove with its lovely flower garden and have a picnic. This park has a playground and tennis courts as well.

Hove is a good place to stop for several reasons. The relative quietness can be a breath of fresh, salty air. This rings particularly true if you are trying to sunbathe on the beach or clear your mind. Central Brighton's buzz in the summer months is obviously infectious but if you require something more subtle, you'll find respite in Hove.

Brighton Seafront And Marina
Saving the best for last, the seafront is really the biggest and best attraction. The seafront stretches for miles and miles and houses the World Famous Brighton Pier, which is a pier filled to the brim with rides and junk food. Further from the seafront is Brighton Marina, the largest marina in the UK where you will find many restaurants and the occasional farmers market. The scenic Mermaid Walk in the marina is a great place to stop and have a bite to eat and overlook the boats.              

Where to Go in Brighton