Brighton: United Kingdom’s cosmopolitan seaside resort
Here, on the East Sussex coast, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion is a masterpiece of flamboyant Georgian architecture. Somehow, it blends in perfectly with a number of modern acquisitions, including the imposing British Airways i360 tower. These features reflect the city’s role as a vibrant, fun-loving seaside resort. The fact that the city of Brighton and Hove is only an hour away from London and half that time from the international airport at Gatwick, ensures a steady stream of year-round visitors. Attractions here are as varied as the visitors themselves. The resort also enjoys more than its fair share of Sussex sunshine.
Brighton rocks
The nightlife is extremely varied, colourful and in some instances, totally outrageous. It’s good fun though! Culture vultures and fans of live entertainment head for the major concert presentations at The Dome. The Theatre Royal is a prime platform for shows before they hit London’s West End. It is only approximately eight miles to Glyndebourne and the acclaimed Opera house set in the lush, Sussex countryside. Brighton is all about extremes though, so book early for one of just 60 seats at the local Marlborough public house. Discos and bars to suit a multitude of preferences are within easy reach of the many city centre hotels. Brighton Pride takes place during August and is a major event for all those with an open mind. Just follow the seafront in a westerly direction to visit Brighton’s other - quieter - half, Hove. If you hanker for a seafront and sea-view hotel room, there’s no shortage of four and five-star options on Brighton’s wide and extensive promenade. Just off the seafront, some of the lower priced B&Bs also have similar outlooks and ratings.
Getting there
Known as London by the Sea; The city of Brighton and Hove is near Brighton City Airport, although the neighbouring towns of Lancing and Shoreham are a bit closer. This airport usefully takes flights to and from Southend, London and other points of the United Kingdom. Air travel is an attractive way of avoiding the traffic congestion on the M3 and M23 motorways! Many Brighton residents use the railway system and commute to London which is a journey of about an hour away. Reversely, London residents use the same method to visit Brighton in order to enjoy a breath of sea air and take a break from life in the capital. Traffic congestion means that the road journey can take a good deal longer, so let the train take the strain? There are almost 250 scheduled railway journeys every day between the two cities. Crucially, Gatwick Airport is only approximately 30 miles from Brighton and there are approximately 170 scheduled and swift railway journeys between the two locations. Brighton’s nightlife is legendary; Gatwick’s isn’t. Many world-weary travellers see accommodation in Brighton as being an attractive alternative to twiddling thumbs in a Gatwick hotel room.
Guaranteed no traffic in these Lanes
The city of Brighton and Hove has features that give new meanings to the words, trendy and cosmopolitan. Life doesn’t get any trendier, or more cosmopolitan, than in the shops, cafes and restaurants that are to be found in The Lanes district. The area was, 400 years ago, a community of fishermen’s cottages and pubs. It now houses numerous quirky and fashionable shops, cafes and eateries. From antique furniture to top notch dining, The Lanes is Brighton’s honey pot trading area and the city’s pride and joy. It’s relaxing too. Visitors can wander up and down these narrow streets, across tiny squares and through the smallest of alleyways, with no fear of road traffic. The Lanes are pedestrionised. The only thing that needs to concern you is your bank balance. It’s not cheap here! Bordering The Lanes is Brighton’s busy North Street and even more shops, restaurants and a number of hotels. Brighton is, after all, a hugely popular, year-round seaside resort.
Neighbourhood watch
Brighton’s Royal Pavilion was built for King George IV and its opulence continues to attract visitors from around the world. It’s said that Hitler forbade it’s bombing because it was ultimately destined to be his holiday home by the sea. Had that happened, house prices in the neighbourhood would have plummeted terribly. Out of town and life decelerates by quite a few gears. Sussex Wildlife Trust operates in the glorious countryside areas around Brighton, providing all age-groups with opportunities to learn about the region’s wildlife. The famous White Cliffs of Dover are small when compared with the vast Seven Sisters Cliffs. These are to be found along the coast, between the resorts of Eastbourne and Brighton. Eastbourne has a charm that’s all its own and is well worth a visit. South Downs National Park offers numerous walking and cycling opportunities. As part of the South Downs area and five miles from Brighton, Devil’s Dyke is the largest dry valley in the United Kingdom. In addition to attractions for walkers and hikers, there are also a public house and café. The less energetic will be attracted to the regular bus service and the short trip back to Brighton’s bright lights.