What do you think of when you think of Brighton?
- Language schools and teenagers from all over Europe “learning English” (read: partying like there’s no tomorrow…)?
- The spiritual home of anything over-the-top and unapologetically camp or “alternative”? After all, Brighton is the British version of San Francisco, in many ways (minus the Chinatown)…
- The endless supply of organic food markets, vegan restaurants, yoga schools, tarot card readers and Reiki healers?
Yes, Brighton is all of that, and much more. It’s bohemian and a bit crazy, but in a good way. A bit like that eccentric aunt or uncle who makes every boring family gathering just a bit more interesting because you never know what they’re up to…
I mean, in Brighton it’s perfectly normal to see people walking around wearing puffa jackets and flip flops… in January. Or go to your local shop in your pyjamas… Not that I used to do that very often, maybe once or twice…
Yes, Professor M and I used to live in Brighton, on several occasions, on and off, until a year ago. And I admit, there are things I miss about Brighton:
5 THINGS THAT I MISS ABOUT BRIGHTON:
1. BRIGHTON PIER AND THE SEAFRONT
The Brighton Pier rides, the seafront shops and restaurants… I don’t sunbathe, so I don’t care about the beach, really. Just so you know: it’s not sand but pebble. And make sure you choose the beach on the right side of the Pier (the other side is a naturist beach…)
2. NORTH LAINE
The bustling North Laine area is full of quirky shops selling fashion, vintage furniture, jewellery and books. There are also restaurants, pubs, delis, bakeries and food shops. One of my all-time favourite bookshops, PS Brighton (34 Kensington Gardens) is also here. This little shop is a treasure trove of affordable books on illustration, fashion, photography, architecture, cooking…
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| PS Brighton bookshop, North Laine |
3. RESTAURANTS
You could eat in a different restaurant every day of the month and there would still be plenty of places to try… And even though we lived in Brighton for over 15 years, on and off, there are plenty of (very good and highly recommended) restaurants I’ve never tried. But that’s only because I’m very loyal to my old favourites…
Food For Friends: a vegetarian restaurant even meat-eaters will love.
Sabai Thai Gastrobar: the Som Tum (papaya salad) is a must: not too spicy but just perfect. There are also lots of vegetarian and vegan options available (well, that actually goes for most restaurants in Brighton…)
If you are new in town and looking for an area with lots of restaurants, go to Preston Street, it has something for everyone.
4. THE LANES
Brighton Lanes is full of independent little shops, and it is a must-see destination for anyone interested in antique jewellery.
5. THE WEIRD, WACKY AND WONDERFUL
Well, that’s just an average day in Brighton… How about these:
Choccywoccydoodah: Chocolate. The reality TV show. Enough said. Just go see it.
If you cannot see the video, click here
The Zombie Walk:
If you cannot see the video, click here
Yes, I do miss Brighton…
Tiina
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Lovley post, Brighton's a great place though I haven't visited often enough…only 3-4 times. Definitely need to go again soon. #TravelTuesday
Thank you so much. Yes, Brighton is always worth another visit…
That's exactly how I always imagined Brighton to be – totally crazy 😀 but I get that it's beautiful and I would certainly want to visit it one day 🙂
Yes, it IS a bit crazy… in so many ways, most of them good. It's a very relaxed, bohemian place.
Great post, I am ashamed to say I have never been to Brighton. It is a town I have always wanted to visit though!
Well, Brighton has quite a unique atmosphere, so worth visiting, definitely.
Nice! I knew little about this city other than that it was by the sea and it's where one of my favorite bands (Blood Red Shoes) come from…. but it definitely looks like a place I would check out when in England next.
I didn't know about the band (or of the band…), but there are always lots of cultural events of all sorts going on.
This sounds the the perfect quirky town! I love San Francisco so I will have to visit Brighton one day!
Quirky, that's probably the best way to describe Brighton. I love San Francisco, too, it's been almost three years since I was there last… But Brighton is sort like Haight-Ashbury spread out over the entire town…
I've always heard of Brighton but didn't really know anything about it before today! Thanks for sharing your top 5! It looks so fun and weird and that is definitely what I look for in cities! Different restos to try, little shops and boutiques are always more fun to go through and coast looks beautiful 🙂
Well, then Brighton is your kind of place: lots of restaurants, little shops (the antique jewellery shops in the Lanes…) and the beach…
I can't say I've been TOO interested in visiting Brighton but my friend studied there and loved it! Your pictures are certainly pretty 🙂
There are lots of students (two universities, and then all the language schools), and lots of things to do, besides studying. One thing that Brighton is NOT is quiet… plus it's just an hour away from London.
I went to Brighton last year for Pride and it was crazy! Such a great day but I would love to go back on a normal day and just wander around.
Well, Pride would be crazy, and crowded… it's a big thing in Brighton.
I have only one spent one afternoon in Brighton, but I completely enjoyed it! It reminded me of Seattle, both the people and the piers. I would love to go back one day, it was very relaxing and felt like home 🙂
How interesting! I've never been to Seattle, would love to go, though.
Well, another place to visit on my wish list …. it looks like a lovely place!
It is, and well worth a visit.
Brighton has to be the coolest place in England! I don't think there is another place in England that has that vibe; it's young, cool and so carefree. The Lanes definitely has the best shopping – I bought a beautiful ring there a number of years ago and the jewellery shop owner let us play with all this huge diamond rings including a £250,000 diamond engagement ring – only in Brighton! xx
That is so true! And there are all these over-the-top characters everywhere… and the oddest thing is that whatever happens, it always seems perfectly normal there, but would seem completely out of place somewhere else.