Visiting Brighton
Brighton is a city in southeast England within the United Kingdom, sitting in the East Sussex region right on the English Channel. It grew rapidly starting in the 18th century as a seaside resort and spa destination. With its high-energy, eclectic personality, locals often call it "London on Sea." By 1841, the railway line connected Brighton to London, fueling a massive tourism boom. The Victorian era left behind iconic landmarks like the Grand Hotel, which still faces the sea today.
An icon of English leisure culture
Two piers were constructed in Brighton by the end of the 19th century. The East Pier (Palace Pier) is packed with arcades and restaurants and remains standing today. The West Pier had a rougher run. Originally home to a concert hall and theater, it was closed to the public in 1975 due to decay. After suffering through fires, only the skeletal ruins remain, visible from the shore.
Another signature monument is the Royal Pavilion. Built by the Prince Regent, the future King George IV, it draws on Anglo-Indian architecture defined by its domes and minarets. It currently functions as an art museum housing a significant collection focused on design, fashion, and fine arts.
A charming seaside town
The city center, known as The Lanes, is a maze of narrow alleys filled with small houses, shops, pubs, and restaurants. Take time to wander through them, making sure to hit Blaker Street to see the colorful row houses. Push on to North Laine, a neighborhood packed with street art and vintage shops. This area was the cradle of the mods culture, the British movement defined by modern jazz, tailored suits, and a love for Vespa and Lambretta scooters.
The Brighton waterfront, famously captured by landscape painter John Constable, is well-developed. Near Hove, you can stroll past traditional wooden bathing huts, the Hove Beach Huts, and take a ride on the British Airways i360 tower. Standing 162 meters (531 feet) tall, it offers panoramic views of the coast and the city below. On the east side, take the Undercliff Walk, an impressive 5-kilometer (3-mile) coastal path that runs directly along the chalk cliffs.
When to go
The best time to visit is during spring or summer to soak up the good weather. If you can, visit during Gay Pride, one of the largest events of its kind in the United Kingdom, as Brighton is widely considered the country's LGBT capital.
Getting there
The closest international airport is London Gatwick, where you can easily hop on a train to Brighton. If you arrive via Eurostar in London, you will find direct train connections to Brighton from St. Pancras or Victoria stations. Brighton is also well-connected by road via the A23, the coastal A259, or the A27.
The English Santa Monica! I really loved the walk along the seaside. With the famous Pier, which is always so lively, its restaurants, and its Ferris wheel, Brighton makes for a lovely, authentic setting to stroll around and hang out on the beach. In the city center, I spent a long time wandering through The Lanes, beautiful little alleys packed with tea rooms, shops with colorful storefronts, and art galleries. As for sightseeing, I recommend checking out the Royal Pavilion, an impressive museum dedicated to fashion, and the British Airways i360 tower, which gives a splendid view of the Pier and the coast.