Brighton
On pebbly Brighton Beach where fishermen use to haul in their catch, pale Brits now skinny-dip. Tawdry and a bit risque, it is hard to believe that the seaside metropolis of Brighton was once just a small fishing village. The narrow 17th century streets and posh Georgian homes host bed and breakfast guests, and The Lanes, where fishermen used to live, are now is transformed into a tightly clustered network of alleys, posh antiques shops, and cafes. Both modern and quaint, Brighton is the typical English seaside resort, the kind you see in old movies – complete with a pier and souvenir shops.
Palace Pier is on par with Coney Island and the Atlantic City Boardwalk when it comes to gaudy, silly fun. There are rides, fun houses, shows, shops, bars, and plenty of bad-for-you amusement park food. The onion-domed Royal Pavilion, a wild British pastiche of an Indian palace, is at the center of it all. What makes Brighton such a fun place to visit is this mix of mannered English-ness, cotton-candy fluff, and seedy seaside nightlife. The perfect day or weekend trip from London, Brighton is worth checking out and hoping on a train or plane for.
The shoulder months of April-May and September-October are perhaps the best months to visit. Off season (November-March) is preferable if you are more an indoor traveler. Summer is the most pleasant time, but also the most crowded.
- Pictures |
- Things to do |
- Nightlife |
- Dining |
- Shopping
Brighton Pictures
Things to do in Brighton
The Volk’s Railway, Brighton Marina, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, the Royal Pavilion and the Brighton Pier are Brighton’s main attractions. It may have only one beach, but this one beach in Brighton is the perfect sandy, clean, and sunny beach to relax on. Into Golf? Head on over to the Dyke’s gold course to hit a few balls.
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, the Artist’s Quarter, the Dolls House, the Fishing Museum and the British Engineerium keep museum-goers busy. If you are interested in a nontraditional museum, check out the National Museum of Penny Slot Machines which houses antique slot machines and gaming lore.
High-culture is not exactly Brighton’s forte, but the city does have some lovely theatres, and plenty of quality productions. Brighton Centre and the Dome host many jazz and rock concerts. Also, the Victorian Theatre Royal and Komedia have theatre and cabaret acts. Brighton holds an international festival of theater and shows every May. It is also the destination of the London-Brighton Vintage Car Rally, held every December.
Nightlife in Brighton
Brighton is Fatboy Slim’s hometown, and he still occasionally plays at The Boutique. Dance or house music plays at the clubs, and along the pier, people drink pints at the pubs. Known for being called “London-by-the-Sea” Brighton certainly compares club-wise to the capital.
Dining in Brighton
Brighton Rock, a type of candy made famous by the Graham Greene novel of the same name, is a must try while in Brighton. Fishy Fishy Seafood Brasserie is a relax restaurant with delicious fresh fish. L’eglise is a traditional French Restaurant located on Church Road also offering an extensive selection of cheese. The great thing about being in England is that you can find an type of food your heart desires. So, you will have no problem finding the food you are craving in Brighton.
Shopping in Brighton
Churchill Square, an indoor shopping center, has every designer shop you could imagine. Antiques shops, designer boutiques and bars, pubs and restaurants can be found at the Lanes. If you are looking for something a little funky, check out the Upper Gardner Street Junk Market, where you can find all kinds of odds-and-ends and antiques on the weekend.
Brighton Travel Tips
- Gatwick Airport is conveniently located about 28 miles from Brighton. /li>
- You can easily rent bikes in Brighton which is fun and might save you some money!
- Summer in Brighton doesn’t get too hot, with temperatures around 66 degrees in July.
Leave your response!