I remember the first time I went to Brighton. I wasn’t young, in fact I was 18 and on a university open day. But from the moment I stepped out the car I knew this was where I wanted to be. This wasn’t your stereotypical British seaside town, this was a city of progressive culture and inclusivity, something you can feel from the moment you arrive.
There are so many reasons to visit, and the city’s unique charm attracts visitors from all over the world. But just in case you’re not aware of the city’s great reputation, here’s just 4 reasons why you need to visit Brighton!
1. Drinking and dining
While no one is certain, it’s rumoured that there’s over 400 places to enjoy a drink in this city. That means that there are enough pubs and bars in Brighton that you could to go to a different one every day, and not visit the same place twice for over a year!
And for the foodies out there, well, there’s something for everyone. Fancy an organic vegan place? Done. Burgers that will blow your mind? No problem! Somewhere you can make your own sushi? Why not. The city has everything you could ever want and more. You can have dinner on the sea front, enjoy the quiet charm of the marina, or find a quirky pub in Brighton’s famous lanes.
In Brighton a pub is not just a pub, and a restaurant is not just a restaurant. Whether it’s the quirky decor or the deceptive size of the building, there’s always more to be discovered. A personal favourite is the Mash Tun on Church Street. By day, the peaceful pub is a great place to enjoy a quiet drink and soak up the city, but by night the small building is packed with party goers, dancing on the table until the early hours.
2. Vintage shopping
If you’ve got an eye for a vintage style, you absolutely must go shopping in Brighton! The city is home to a number of vintage shops: Beyond Retro, Snoopers Paradise and Dirty Harry to name just a few, each with its own unique charm. You can lose hours wandering in and out of these quirky stores and down the Brighton Lanes, in one of the city’s most historic quarters.
The creative re-selling or recycling of old clothes and furniture speaks to the character of this wonderful city. Whether you visit a vintage boutique or a pop up market, you’re guaranteed to find something you love.
3. The city of festivals
Brighton hosts a stream of festivals all year round. From music festivals, to Brighton Pride you’ll find celebrations for every occasion and art form, whether that’s music, gin, film, comedy, fashion or Europe’s biggest free beach festival. The festive fun never ends!
The Brighton festival runs throughout the whole of May and offers an opportunity to celebrate a range of arts and culture. Perhaps most famously, every year the city hosts the UK’s largest LGBT pride festival and there’s nothing in the world quite like it! Come and celebrate inclusivity and love with people from across the nation, all joined in unity for a great time full of dancing, music and glitter as far as the eye can see.
And if it’s something a little tamer that you’re after, you can enjoy a family day out at the Brighton Kite festival or perhaps visit the art fair. These events take place all year round, so there is always something going on no matter when you choose to visit.
4. The iconic sea front
It’s almost impossible to go to Brighton and not end up on the iconic sea front at some point. As well as the beach, you’ve got the pier, bars and shopping along the lower promenade.
By day as you wander under the refurbished Victorian arches, you’ll find a number of unique shops, selling homemade ornaments and accessories. By night, you’ll find a bar or club to suit almost every mood. And if you do fancy a stereotypical day at the British seaside, you can spend hours on the pier enjoying food, fairground rides and the arcade.
Having lived in the city for three years, it’s safe to say that Brighton really is a place like no other. If you’re planning your next trip – why not consider a stay at this beautiful city by the sea!
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