A Weekend in Cool Brighton
Easily reachable from London, the vibrant streets of Brighton fill up at the weekends with young professionals seeking an escape from London life and locals getting out and making the most of their area. Spend a weekend in Brighton and discover a city that has much to offer, from retro seaside charm to a shopper’s heaven.
Brighton Pier by dawarwickphotography
Where to Visit
For a sightseeing tour with a difference, sign up for a City Walks tour. These walking tours offer more than just a standard history of the city, with themes such as the ‘Brighton Rock Walk’, which takes in locations featured in the 1930s cult classic movie. Tours are led by a knowledgeable local guide and film expert, who offers personal as well as group tours.
Whether you wish to indulge in some retail therapy or just want to explore a cool part of town, head for the bohemian North Laines and Cultural Quarter. This part of the city is filled with independent boutiques and vintage shops so you can wander your way around the twisting alleyways and cobblestones searching for one-off finds and quirky keepsakes. Nestled in amongst the shops there is a wealth of cafes and bars, so take your time and stop off for a refreshing drink.
Brighton North Laine by willemgo
Visit the exotic, oriental style Royal Pavillion building, which looks distinctly out of place in its quaint seaside setting. Take a tour of the magnificent interior, then ponder the collection at the Brighton Museum and Art gallery, which covers everything from 20th century art and design to fashion and style. There are also stunning gardens around the Pavillion and a beautiful tea room where you can stop off for a classic English pudding or a glass of local cider.
Brighton Pavilion by Brighton Guy
If the weather lets you down, don’t worry – it’s the perfect excuse to spend a rainy afternoon sinking into your comfy seat at the Duke of York’s, the UK’s oldest picture house. It’s certainly a cinema experience with a difference as you can relax with a glass of wine and enjoy an indie or arty flick on the big screen.
Brighton has several ‘villages’ surrounding it which are worth venturing slightly off-track for. Kemp Town is a very fashionable part of town, filled with boutiques, antique shops, second-hand book stores and lots of lovely little eateries and places to relax with a coffee. It’s a pleasant spot to have a wander through and is also the location of the funky annual carnival, which celebrates Brighton’s diverse arts and culture scene over a weekend of live performances and installations.
Kemp Town, Brighton by sol revolver
Brighton is often dubbed ‘London by the sea’, and for most the beach and pier are, of course, a key attraction. Embrace the retro seaside vibe by hopping on the vintage carousel or hitting the arcade. On a hot sunny day, people flock towards the sea to enjoy the cooling sea breeze and a happy, summertime vibe takes over. Pull up a deckchair and spend a while soaking up the atmosphere.
Where to Eat
For brunch, head to Sam’s of Brighton in Kemp Town, where your can wash your Eggs Benedict down with a Sam’s Bloody Mary.
If you’re spending Saturday afternoon wandering around in town, sample the best of local produce at the FARM market on the North Road. Follow this up with a sugar fix at Choccywoccydoodah, a local chocolate shop where the window displays are as pleasing as the chocolate they’re made from.
Hog roast, Brighton by Jeremy Keith
For your evening meal, Tookta’s Cafe serve up some of the best Thai food in town or, for a livelier night, Ole Ole tapas bar has live Flamenco music and dancing as well as top tapas – book ahead as it’s a popular spot.
Finally, if it’s cheap and cheerful traditional seaside fare you’re after, opt for fish and chips from Bardsleys of Baker Street, who dish up Brighton’s best. These are best enjoyed during a sunset stroll along the pier.
Where to Drink
A seafront beverage is a must, so enjoy a drink or two in the Fortune of War whilst gazing out over the sea. Something of a Brighton institution, the Fortune has the best beer garden in town – Brighton beach!
The Prince Albert is another cool spot and a great live music bar. It was once known for the Banksy ‘Kissing Coppers’ painting that appeared on the wall outside but has since been removed and sold. Still, if it’s good enough for one of the world’s most elusive artists, it’s definitely worth popping in for a pint.
The Prince Albert, Brighton by Ed Webster
For late drinks, enjoy the jazz at The Verdict café/club in Kemp Town, or head to The Volks club on the seafront if you’re in party mode.
Where to Sleep
Stay near the beach at quirkily cool Brighton guest house, The Oriental. Set in a stunning grade II listed Regency town house near the sea front, a luxurious haven awaits beyond the front door. The beautiful rooms are kitted out with spa baths, and the designer bar is perfect for a drink before you head out to explore the city. Each morning, enjoy the papers as you wait for your delicious breakfast, freshly prepared from organic produce.
If you’d prefer to stay in the Kemp Town area, the boutique Blanch House B&B is ideal. They really go the extra mile to make guests feel special. The themed rooms are stylish, chic and filled with little extras such as luxury toiletries and delicious home-made biscuits. Guests even have access to an exclusive resident’s champagne and cocktail bar!
Originally from Ireland but now living and working in London, Anita Doherty loves to travel. She indulges her passion for travelling and writing as frequently as she can and is part of the team at Enjoybedandbreakfast.com, a travel website for accommodation with personality in the UK. The website offers a growing selection of quaint B&Bs, charming inns, small boutique hotels and guest houses.
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