Newsflash: Brighton is simply breathtaking.
I have to admit, I wasn’t entirely convinced when we first arrived off the 60-minute train from London. We walked down to the ocean for the first time, it was overcast and rainy and our surroundings looked like any other coastal city in England.
But then the sun came out. And I saw Brighton’s unique pebble beach, colourful Regency-era buildings and quaint Palace Pier. And the travel butterflies started.
(You know, the butterflies that kick in when you see a new place for the first time? The ones that fill you with excitement at the prospect of exploring a new area? The butterflies that make you feel alive?)
Then, all of a sudden, I was overcome with love for a place I’d only stepped foot in a couple of hours prior. And I couldn’t wait to get to know it better.
If you’re thinking about heading there soon, here are 5 reasons why you should visit Brighton. Pronto.
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1. The Broad Shingle Beach
Firstly, you should visit Brighton purely to see its distinctive pebbly beach.
Sure, the pebbles are hard to walk on, hurt your feet and give you pebble-shaped imprints at the bottom of your soles – but that’s all part of the fun! (Right?)
However, it’s still super impressive, especially if you see it from the pier. And did I mention that it photographs like a dream?
2. The Shopping
It’s no secret that Brighton has a wide range of shopping opportunities, from high street stores in Churchill Square to vintage boutiques in the Royal Pavilion area.
Therefore, you can quite easily spend a day picking up a cool bargain or two.
Your wardrobe may thank you for it, but your savings certainly will not. (Oops!)
3. The Lanes
Speaking of shopping, The Lanes backstreets remind me so much of The Shambles in York. They have an abundance of little stalls and shops where you can pick up some one-of-a-kind trinkets.
In fact, the boyfriend and I had never seen so many jewellery stores in one place before – there’s literally one on every corner (a bit like Starbucks in the USA!).
In addition to their shops, The Lanes has lots of restaurants, cafes and pubs to check out. And in good weather, it’s just a super nice area to sit outside and people-watch the day away.
Three words: a must see.
4. The Choice of Food and Drink
Another reason why you should visit Brighton? Well, it’s home to every cuisine imaginable!
And I simply have to mention Food For Friends, the vegetarian restaurant in The Lanes.
FYI, I had dinner there and it’s one of the best dinners I’ve ever had in my life. Even if you’re a meat lover, you will enjoy the food. (And it’s very reasonably priced!)
Also, be sure to check out Lucky Beach Cafe on the seafront.
As well as having a seating area at the edge of the pebbles where you can enjoy their tasty brunch while basking in the sunshine, all of their food is locally produced and organic.
(And did I mention unbelievably yummy?)
5. Palace Pier
Lastly, Palace Pier one of my absolute favourite things about Brighton!
Not only does it have two arcades packed with games where you can quite easily spend an afternoon, but it also hosts a variety of rides, free deckchairs to sunbathe on, refreshments, and bars with beer gardens.
There’s plenty to keep you occupied – and the view of the beach from the very end of the pier is just incredible.
I’d say it’s like England’s version of Santa Monica Pier in LA. (And there are hot sugary doughnuts on offer. So, you know. There’s that. Drool.)
Visit Brighton Already!
The bottom line is that you can’t help but fall in love in Brighton, especially in the summer.
The sun is shining, the atmosphere is electric and there’s never a shortage of things to see and do.
That’s why I’ll never forget my first time in Brighton. And I can’t wait to go back!
Have you been to visit Brighton before? If so, what did you make of it? Let me know in the comments below!
Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. In the last four years, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.
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