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BRIGHTON CITY GUIDE

Charmingly eccentric. Funky. Vibrant. While it may be smaller than London, this delightful beachside city is every bit as cosmopolitan. Families and students, hippies and hipsters, drag queens and day-trippers, Brighton offers something for everyone. A mere hour away from the capital by train, the city is easy to access, making it a popular cityscape destination.

Let’s face it — a trip to Brighton is going to centre on the seaside. And there’s more than enough to see and do on the beachfront to keep the day tourist. Stroll down to the Pier for postcard-perfect views, candy floss, amusement arcades, adrenaline fuelled rides and all the whimsical delights you would expect from an English seaside holiday. If you want to give a more horror-movie twist to your city break, keep your eyes peeled for the West Pier, the city’s old pier which burned down years ago leaving behind only twisted metal frames sticking out of the sea.

The nearby British Airways i360 Tower is the world’s tallest moving observation tower, looming large over the Brighton skyline and serving as the city’s very own ‘vertical pier’. On a clear day, you can enjoy unparalleled views over the city, as well the Downs and Beachy Head.

And of course, the buzzing beachfront is one of the city’s best spots to hang out  — soak up the Regency architecture, check out the beachside bars, grab some fish and chips, and settle down for a perfect day at the seaside.

Perhaps Brighton’s most iconic attraction, the Royal Pavilion served as the pleasure dome of George IV, and is one of the most sumptuous and extravagant buildings in the country. Built between 1787–1823 in the fashionable Mughal style, expect a stunning Banqueting Room, oriental paintings and thousands of exotic treasures to keep you occupied.

If you’re looking for one of a kind items or simply want to go window shopping, a stroll through the famous Lanes is a must. This historic, winding maze of streets in the heart of town is home to the nation’s largest concentration of independent boutiques, restaurants and shops (over 300 of them). Nowhere reflects the ethos of Brighton better than The Lanes, whether you’re looking to nab some bargain vintage clothing, browse some antiques or enjoy an atmospheric, al fresco meal on the East Street square.

Want to grab a bite to eat while wandering around the Lanes?  Head to the Gingerbread, arguably the jewel in Brighton’s culinary crown, offering no-frills, flavourful European cuisine using some of the best locally -sourced ingredients in town. Bardsley’s has the best fish and chips in town, while La Choza flies the flag of Mexican cuisine with first-rate burritos and smoked pulled pork. If you’re travelling on a small budget but still want to sit down and eat somewhere relatively grown up, the Coal Shed is the perfect spot for you. Order an onglet steak or a shrimp po’boy, we promise you won’t be disappointed.

The arts are a big thing in Brighton, which regularly hosts nation wide famous events, such as Brighton Festival,  featuring everything from contemporary dance to book readings, The Great Escape, an emerging artist music festival, as well as the Brighton Pride.

Forget about London’s music venues, Brighton has become the new mecca for music lovers. The thriving scene is held high by scores of venues dotted around the city and putting on shows every night of the week. Check out the Brighton Dome and Brighton Centre for big international names, or head to The Prince Albert (keep your eyes peeled for Banksy’s iconic ‘Kissing Policemen’ graffiti), an iconic music venue, the Green Door Store, the Hope & Ruin, as well as The Haunt.

Looking for something a bit more out there? We have the perfect hang out place for you. GloBalls, a glow-in-the-dark dinosaur themed indoor golf, is as unique as kitch. There are also a wealth of clubs and bars to party the night away, such as the Bulldog, the oldest  gay bar in Brighton, The Mesmerist, home of burlesque shows and circus performers, as well as the Casablanca Jazz Club, a basement bar with a cracking atmosphere.