I know this might not be news to a lot of people but Brighton is fun.
For some reason the famous seaside city was not on my radar. I imagined a gloomy stony beached British seaside resort.
What a mistake. As soon as we arrived I felt an easy and friendly vibe.
Then I started noticing all the cafes, laneways and street art and many fun things to do in Brighton.
Yes, I thought, this is my kind of place. So I grabbed myself a cappuccino and adjusted my attitude and we went off to explore this cool town of Britannia.
23 brilliant things to do in Brighton England
1 | Crunch your way over stony Brighton beach
2 | Promenade the seafront – keep your eye out for some nautical themed art
3 | Hire or borrow a deck chair and relax – love this English seaside tradition. So civilised.
Tip – iconic stripey deckchairs are free on a first come first serve basis on the pier
4 | Get your caffeine fix – great espresso (and pastry) at The Lanes Coffee House on Ship Street
5 | Spot a giant prawn! Or is it a shrimp? I can never tell the difference in the UK
6 | Try some artisan gelato – this place had a queue around the corner – Gelato Gusto
7 | Discover the fabulous and completely over the top 19th century Regency palace – Brighton’s Royal Pavilion
8 | Stretch out on the lawn in front of the Royal Pavilion and listen to cool buskers mixing Indian and reggae beats
9 | Stroll along the famous pier and take in the fresh sea air rolling off the English Channel
10 | Get rid of your coins, at the same time placating your kids on the rides. There are fun rides for all ages – from the retro carousel to more modern/scary rides
11 | Sample British seafood – rollmops.. no! oysters.. yes! Munch fish and chips on the beach – they always taste so much better by the seaside
12 | Paddle in the English Channel
13 | Browse the shopping mecca that is the Lanes – especially good for jewellery it seems
14 | Ride the carousel on the shorefront
15 | People watch alfresco from the cafes and restaurants of The Lanes
16 | Admire the colourful beach boxes at Hove
17 | Check out the Brighton Museum and its 20th century design and fashion collection
18 | Do a leisurely bike tour of all the major Brighton sights with a local guide
19 | Hang out in funky North Laine and browse the specialist and independent stores
20 | Browse antiques and curiosities at the Brighton flea market – open 7 days
21 | Treat yourself to a pedicure – this spa looked relaxing
22 | Spot street art and murals, many with a maritime theme
I was more than pleasantly surprised on our recent visit to Brighton. Visitors of all types will find something fun and interesting to do.
Whether you are a history and culture buff or simply love the atmosphere of the English seaside you will enjoy your visit to Brighton.
A note on coffee in Brighton
On our days out I usually forgo my daily coffee fix as the options in the UK are not great. Not so Brighton. I spotted many great looking cafes with barista coffee on almost every corner. After a bit of googling I discovered Brighton has a coffee fixation much like my hometown Melbourne. Good to know! I’ll do more research for the next time we go as there will definitely be a next time.
More day trip ideas from London
A day out on the trail of Jane Austen | Whitstable day trip | Hampton Court Palace |
Steam training in Hampshire | Exploring Sutton Hoo
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The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels, Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.
Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy