Brighton’s charisma, charm and contradictions attract millions of visitors every year. It’s a glamorous, vibrant place replete with galleries, museums, cultural performances and parks as well as festivals, nightclubs, casinos and arcades. Brighton is also a historic seaside resort with a famous beach, popular sea swimming, historic pier and a stunning regency promenade. You can choose to be in the peaceful, magical South Downs or a Sussex vineyard in a matter of minutes if you need a break from the action. And to top it all off, the city has a thriving food and drink scene.
A City Break
Brighton has been named the most hipster city in the world as it has the most vegan eateries, coffee shops, tattoo studios, vintage boutiques, and record stores per 100,000 city residents. What’s not to love! The city centre, The Lanes and North Laine boast tiny cobbled alleys, ancient, listed buildings and historic monuments. There are wonderful independent boutiques and designer stores alongside jewellers, bookshops and more. Take a walking tour of the city or Visit Brighton for ideas and itineraries.
There is no question that the city is worth visiting for the food and drink alone with a wealth of elegant, unmissable, fine dining restaurants which showcase the innovation and extraordinary quality of modern British cuisine. Try Duncan Ray’s Little Fish Market, Steven Edwards at etch., Dave Mothersil’s Furna and newcomer Dilsk from Tom Stephens.
For the finest plant-based and vegetarian restaurants try Terre a Terre, Bonsai Plant Kitchen or, if the timing is right, the monthly supper club at Starfish and Coffee. Burnt Orange, with its unique woodfired Mediterranean menu, winner of the BRAVO for Best Restaurant, is the city’s favourite for good reason.
In general, the food and drink scene tends towards, friendly, casual, produce-led and, increasingly, sustainable; the spirit of the city captured in its hospitality. There are wonderful Brighton cafes, brunch spots and coffee shops; the possibilities for marvellous eating are endless. The whole city is dotted with great pubs, many serving wonderful food and craft beer. Cocktail aficionados are sure to be delighted with the city’s bars.
A Seaside Resort
Before becoming today’s magnetic metropolis, Brighton morphed from a fishing village to a fashionable seaside spa town, known as much for the health-giving properties of the water as for its ultra-accessible worldly pleasures. Sea swimming here is as popular as it has ever been. There are lifeguarded beaches for a safer swim.
The pebble beach, with its beautiful regency promenade and famous pier are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The entire length has attractions and entertainment from the historic Volks Railway to the Beach Box Saunas, a zip wire to crazy golf, paddling pools, skate parks and street performers. It is a riot of activity.
Right on the beach, you can eat wonderful food at Ohso Social or Shelter Hall. Take a few steps back and The New Club or The Salt Rooms are brilliant options. But honestly, nothing in Brighton is that far from the beach. Don’t miss a memorable afternoon tea at seafront hotels The Grand and The Metropole Bar or take a unique tea tour on Brighton Regency Routemaster.
Oh…then there’s fish and chips!
A Country Escape
The stunning Sussex Countryside has inspired writers and artists for centuries. Hire a bike, hop in a bus or drive to Devils Dyke, Cissbury Ring, Wilmington’s Long Man or Cuckmere Haven for breathtaking scenery, peace and fresh air. Visit the enchanting homes of the Bloomsbury Group at Charleston and Rodmell.
Wine tourism is all the rage, and some of England’s best vineyards are to be found in the countryside around Brighton. Many of them offer tours, tastings and gastronomic experiences. Just 8 miles from Brighton, the stunning Albourne Estate is a bucolic marvel. Book a vineyard picnic or visit for one of their Friday Night Supper Clubs. Mannings Heath Estate offers wine tasting with food pairing in its luxury Wine Lounge. Rathfinny Estate, sitting high above the breathtaking Cuckmere Valley, offers fine dining at The Tasting Room, more casual fare at The Flint Barns and gorgeous accommodations plus Dine In The Vines. Why not organise a tour of them all? Take in The Cider Tap too for vintage cider and gourmet street food or a very special Sunday Lunch.
A Place To Stay
Brighton and the countryside around offer many gorgeous stay-and-dine options. Try Air Host or Crown Gardens for elegant, city-centre holiday rentals.
Come and Visit Brighton, our glorious city-on-sea, we reckon you’ll love it so much you may never leave.
