Brighton is one of the most popular seaside resorts in England - and it gets very busy when the mercury soars, as people flock here to have beer and ice cream on the promenade, sun themselves on the beach, and eat fish and chips on the pier. People have been coming to Brighton to do these things since the middle of the 18th century.
Whether you just want a seaside break, or you're an off-beat soul looking for kindred spirits, you'll love Brighton.
Brighton is on the South Coast of the United Kingdom, about 50 minutes by train from London. Brighton has always been a place of fun and nowadays offers an "in scene", beachfront, history and excellent restaurants. Brighton is particularly popular among the artistic crowd, and several theatrical events and festivals are held there throughout the year.
Brighton has all of the characteristics of a classic English seaside town but has a more sophisticated reputation than some of its boisterous neighbours. Its proximity to London makes it a popular destination for day-trippers looking for a relaxing escape from the capital.
Along the seafront, there are several traditional fish and chip shops and souvenir stands. The Victorian-style Brighton Pier juts out into the English Channel and is full of restaurants and amusement arcades that cater mostly to children and families. And forget sandy beaches. Brighton's beach consists of pebbles. Although it may not be the most comfortable place for sunbathing, it is the perfect place for taking an afternoon stroll.
For a look at what lives under the sea, Brighton's Sea Life Centre is the place to go. The Sea Life Centre has been around in some form since 1872 and now houses 150 species of sea creatures native to British waters, including sea turtles, sharks, and sea horses. The Sea Life Centre is especially popular with children and is a perfect way to spend a rainy day and one of the many Brighton attractions and things to do.
Aside from its many seaside delights, Brighton is also home to some historic treasures. The Royal Pavilion brings a touch of royalty to the seaside.. Once the seaside retreat of the Prince Regent (who later became King George IV), the exterior of this 19 th century pleasure palace bears a striking resemblance to some of India's most magnificent palaces. Inside, the Royal Pavilion is decorated with ostentatious displays of Oriental design.
Brighton's St. Nicholas Church is the city's oldest building. The present church has been around since the mid-14th century, but records show that an earlier church was built on that site during the Norman period.
Brighton is a veritable shopper's paradise with its indoor shopping mall, pedestrians areas, North Laine (home to over 300 unusual and original little shops) and the Lanes area, with its trendy bars, bistros, and small shops situated in narrow alleyways.
Brighton is a city of white Regency style houses, including the Regency Townhouse, a listed building from the 1820s, which paints a picture of life in Regency Brighton. A must see is the Royal Pavilion, the summer house of George IV and reminiscent of the Taj Mahal.
Brighton, like its neighbor London, has a trendy fashion district with several high-end shops – as well as many well-known retail chains – to choose from. The Lanes is Brighton's historic center and features a maze of narrow alleyways lined with shops selling antiques, jewellery, perfume, and designer clothing. The Lanes also has a variety of cafés and coffee shops.
Brighton is known for its lively arts scene and Gay scene. Visit the Kemptown area for the very best world famous Gay bars and clubs. Enjoy theatre and opera in the city, and live music at the Brighton Centre and Brighton Dome.
Small bars and clubs offer diverse live music from local bands and the city has many nightclubs. It even has its own festival, The Brighton Festival, and fringe festival.
Brighton has 100's of hotels to choose from and offers a diverse selection of accommodation from bed and breakfasts to boutique hotels. Before you book your trip, have a good look around at the many Brighton hotels that are available, which start from less than £30 per night.
Brighton has an active nightlife that rivals that of London. There are several pubs, bars, and nightclubs to choose from, and visitors can almost always be guaranteed to find live music somewhere in town.
Brighton is a pleasant town to explore on foot, but for those rainy English days, the city also has a good bus system. Buses and trains also link Brighton to London and other neighbouring towns and cities.
Travel in style from the Pier to Brighton Marina on Volk's Electric Railway, past the beautiful white regency townhouses on Brighton's seafront to see more Brighton attractions.
Enjoy water sports at the largest marina in the UK or take a tour around the harbour.
If you prefer history there are many stately homes and castles to visit including Hever Castle, Arundel Castle, Great Dixter, Parham and Standen.
Brighton is the principal portion of the city of Brighton and Hove (formed from the previous towns of Brighton, Hove, Portslade and several other villages) in East Sussex.
Eight million tourists contribute a fair sum of money to its economy every year supplemented by income from its cognizable biz-conference industry. Brighton has quite a few businesses involved in media, particularly digital or "new media", and for the past two decades, has been referred to as "Silicon Beach". American Express has plans to build big in the city.
Located on England's southeast coast, less than 60 miles from the bustling city of London, Brighton is a chic seaside town with a distinctly bohemian atmosphere. You can find great holiday deals with these Brighton breaks.
Due to the great facilities in Brighton it is becoming know as a viable destination for medical tourism. Are you after 20/20 vision? The Brighton Ultralase Laser Eye Treatment Clinic will tell you if you are suitable candidate for an eye surgery procedure.
