A Day in Brighton
This weekend I traveled to the southern coastal town of Brighton, an hour and a half south of London by car. It is so cute and relaxing! Brighton is one of the most popular cities in England; it’s a resort town that attracts over 7 million visitors a year for its beaches, culture, arts, and large LGBT population. It has been called “the happiest place to live in the UK.”
Brighton gained popularity over 200 years ago. It was the vacation spot for King George IV (at the time George, Prince of Wales), who also built an Indo-Gothic palace there as his royal residence. The Royal Pavilion, as it was called, was later purchased by Queen Victoria, and afterward used as a hospital during World War I, and then finally purchased by the city of Brighton to restore into the museum it is today. The arrival of the railway in 1841 caused Brighton to become a major tourist hub during the Victorian era, spurring the construction of the famous Grand Hotel and Brighton Palace Pier. Though Queen Victoria herself wasn’t a major fan of Brighton (the palace was “too small”), the town is best associated with her and the decades in which she ruled.
I made the unfortunate mistake of going to Brighton on the day of its marathon, which meant a hundred thousand extra people were there. Although the positive energy and camaraderie was infectious, the marathon did make things a bit more chaotic. Nonetheless, there are six things I’d recommend to do in Brighton:
1. Eat Fish ’n’ Chips!
A definite must! Evidently, Brighton as some of the best fish ’n’ chips in the UK, caught fresh every day and fried in greasy deliciousness. Eating it right on the beach only adds to the experience.
2. Visit the Royal Pavilion
You can explore the inside of the Royal Pavilion as well as the outside gardens and nearby Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. Transport yourself from cold, rainy England to tropical, colorful India in what is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful buildings in the UK.
3. Walk down the Brighton Palace Pier
Opened in 1899, the Brighton Palace Pier is now home to a mini amusement park not unlike Coney Island in New York. It’s fun to stroll all the way to the end, looking out over the surprisingly clear, blue-green water to the sailboats in the English Channel. Grab some cotton candy on the way back!
4. Browse the Lanes
The Lanes are Brighton’s winding shopping streets, full of sixteenth century buildings that are now cafés, pubs, and chocolatiers. Grab a pint at The Cricketers, a Tudor pub established in 1547.
5. Ride the i360
Though sticking out of the beach like a futuristic-looking Lord of the Rings Isengard, the i360 is a 531-foot-tall observation tower with brilliant views of the city and sea. It’s a bit pricey at 15 pounds per person (and too crowded for me to visit during the marathon), it’s one of Brighton’s main attractions.
6. Relax on the Beach
Brighton’s pebble beach is a fun, relaxing escape from dreary London, even on rainy days. Sit near the pier for good views, annoying seagulls, and most importantly, proximity to ice cream.
I only spent about three hours in Brighton, but I definitely could have spent longer. Next time I’d love to check out the neighborhood of Kemptown, visit the world’s oldest aquarium, and maybe ride a roller coaster or two. Brighton makes an excellent day trip and you should definitely visit if you’re ever in England. Cheers!
