Brighton, the home of colour, quirky shops and happy people. We're sure you won't be stuck for something to do whilst you're here, but just incase it's your first time, we thought we'd supply a round-up of our favourite things to get up to in this wonderful city.
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1.) The Pavilion
If you take a wander through the beautiful pavilion gardens don't be surprised to stumble across the epic Indian palace residing in the center of Brighton. No, you're not hallucinating from the summer heat, this incredible building really is real. The Royal Pavilion was built as a seaside palace for King George IV and is now a true icon of Brighton.
2.) The pier
Take a walk down to the sea front and meander along Brighton's iconic pier. take a step back in time with some of it's arcade games and candy floss vendors, or be more daring and have a go on some it's fairground rides. We like to simply take a look out to the gorgeous sea view at the end of the pier with some chips or an ice cream on a sunny day.
3.) The North Laine
Photos just can't capture the vibrant essence of Brighton's North Laines. With over 400 independent shops, cafés and entertainment venues it truly is a place to remember. Full of gorgeous treasures you're only likely to find if you've travelled the globe ten times over, with jewels, antiques, clothing and other wares spilling out on to the streets and bursting tantalisingly through shop windows and doors. In the summer a real festival atmosphere provides sights such as street entertainment, music and dancing as bars and eateries spill out onto the streets for people to gather and enjoy the evening sunshine.
4.) Brighton museum and art gallery
Situated in the garden of the royal pavilion, Brighton museum and gallery always has an enticing exhibition on. With a discount offered to residents of Brighton and Hove, why not check out some of the diverse collections on show.
5.) Kemptown
To the east of Brighton, a short walk from the Royal Pavilion, lies Kemptown. The slightly more residential area boasts yet more wonderful shops, cafes and bars with some hidden gems such as the Brighton flea market and the (not so hidden) ferris wheel.
6.) Artists quarter
Down on Brighton's seafront lies the colourful arches housing paintings and other artworks from local businesses. Have a browse through the copious Aladdin's dens of crafts and stop off for a drink in one of the beautiful seafront pubs.
7.) Coffee and cake
One thing Brighton definitely is not short of is cafes (or cake). With it's abundance of cafe culture brimming from every street, there's no end of places to stop for a delicious coffee and slice of homemade cake. Some of our favourites include Choccywoccydoodah (the infamous must-see Brighton experience), Iydea, The Flour pot Bakery and Bond Street Coffee.
8.) The open market
Located on London Road, another vibrant and eclectic part of the city, is Brighton's open markets. With a strong focus on fresh nutritious foods and ethical products, the market has all the local produce you could possibly need- a butcher, fishmonger, eggs, fruit and veg—as well as cafes, art, crafts, fashions, antiques, a haberdashery, tools, garden goods and more.
9.) Go see a show
Whether you go to one of Komedia's comedy performances, evening events or film viewings, go to see a show at the theatre or opt for one of Brighton's many cabaret or drag performances, go for a night out on the town and experience the much loved theatrical side to Brighton's persona.
10.) Brighton's not just for summer!
With annual events such as Brighton Pride, The Fringe, The Great Escape music festival, the classic car run, the capital to coast bike ride, the big dog festival, the burning of the clocks and the half marathon to name but a few, there's no shortage of reasons not to visit all year round.
Now you can see why we love Brighton so much, why not take a break this summer and enjoy what this city has to offer!