Brighton
Brighton is an invigorating place to be. It’s formula is simple: city and seaside with lashings of unique style. So, where to start?
The winding Lanes perhaps where fishermen’s cottages spill over with local artisan offerings and pavement cafés? George IV’s Royal Pavilion oozing Regency elegance or the slick modernity of the chic Marina complex?
There are ninety-eight gardens, various galleries, more than 400 restaurants and one fantastic beachfront. Having fun here is just a breeze, from the Victorian pier to the stylish bars, surf shops and the hottest clubs to the coolest cafés.
Top Tip
Jazz at the Joogleberry Playhouse, West End shows at the Theatre Royal, the Krater Comedy Club at the Komedia, the Marina’s cinema and Bowlplex, and concerts at the Brighton Dome – best save some energy for the evening!
Shopping time
Seven days a week, Churchill Square tempts its shoppers with top stores all under one roof. Bargain hunters prefer the Marina outlet centre for discounted designer goods, or go foraging for antiques through the ‘twittens’ of old Brighthelmstone.
Head down to The Lanes, to discover hidden squares, elegant arcades, winding passageways and unique little shops - smart, chic, Bohemian and brimful of jewellery, clothes, antiques and designer goodies.
Things to do
You’ll naturally gravitate towards the arresting domes of the exotic Royal Pavilion. It’s a fairytale palace, filled with drapes and glittering with gold. Don’t miss the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery next door, ready to woo with more fine art treasures like Dali’s Mae West’s Lips sofa, or the nearby Fabrica Gallery with its thought-provoking exhibitions.
It pays to pick up an audio walking tour, download a podcast or join a Blue Badge Guide to discover all the city’s gems. The kids will love the ‘wizards attic’ toy gallery in the Hove Museum, Preston Park, and Queens’ Park with its refreshing lake.
The beach though is never more than a pebble’s throw away, but why not hire a bike and cycle the seafront, or try the undercliff walk from Black Rock to Saltdean?
Cycling the South Down’s Way, striding up to Devil’s Dyke or enjoying fantastic woodland walks at Stanmer Park are great green escapes, so too Rottingdean’s delightful Kipling Gardens.