Brighton Rocks!

Brighton is one my favourite coastal destinations in the UK, but there’s a lot more to this pretty, beach city than just the seaside. 

When most people think of Brighton, the first thing that comes to mind is the pebbly beach, fish & chips and the iconic the pier. Don’t get me wrong, these are all lovely things to do, but there’s so much more to Brighton than just the beach. Being a Londoner, I live only an hour away from Brighton on the train, so I visit as often as I can. Over the years I’ve fallen in love with this vibrant, colourful and diverse city.  

Brighton for me has always been synonymous with being a place of health, healing and partying! Ever since King George IV started patronising the quaint, picturesque, beachside town, in the 18th century, Brighton became a coastal epicentre for fashionable Londoners. They’d visit to take in the fresh, clean air, sea water and do a spot of socialising at the same time.   

George IV loved the town so much, he famously built the magnificent, Royal Pavilion, as his palatial seaside residence. As well as commissioning several elegant, Regency squares and crescent lanes for his society and friends to join him. The architecture of Brighton is regal, majestic, colourful and exotic, all at the same time! Much like its bohemian residents, musicians and artists who today call the inclusive city their home.

Fast forward to the 1960s, Brighton was the home of the cult fashion tribe, The Mods (have you seen the film Quadrophenia?). And in homage to its open-minded, free-spirited attitudes, Brighton hosted the first, Gay Pride Festival in 1972, and is hailed as the Gay capital of the UK. And today famous DJs like Fatboy Slim, (a local resident) host beach parties for hundreds of thousands of happy ravers! I love the city’s bohemian spirit, which is why I spend as much time there as I can.

Here’s my perfect itinerary to 24 hours in Brighton:  

Lunch at Riddle and Finn 

Housed in an art deco glass conservatory, literally on the sea front, lies the beautiful, champagne and oyster bar, Riddle and Finns. It’s the best seafood in town, with the best sea views. I highly recommend the fresh oysters and seafood platter for a special occasion. https://www.riddleandfinns.co.uk

Visit the Royal Pavilion

Take a stroll around the epic, exotic architecture of the incredible Royal Pavilion. Originally built as the summer residences of King George lV, in the style of the grand palaces of India, and The Raj, the entire palace has been lovingly preserved, and you can wander around the decadent interiors, pretending to be 18th century royalty. Ballgown optional! 

Be wowed by Ivy Asia

Ivy Asia has recently opened in the centre of Brighton, right next door to the original Ivy Restaurant. Both the food and the resplendent interiors are mouth-watering and awe inspiring! It’s a must visit if you’re in Brighton! I highly recommend the duck pancakes for dinner, they come displayed on a giant brass duck sculpture, definitely an insta-worthy photo opp! 

Spend the night at The Grand 

Check in to the historic Grand Hotel Brighton. This regency gem overlooking the seafront has played a huge part in Brighton’s royal, political and cultural history. From hosting kings, prime ministers and even being the back drop to cult-classic film, Quadrophenia, it’s a Brighton legend in its own right.  

Get lost in the lanes 

Spend the morning wandering around ‘The Lanes’. Brighton is filled with colourful streets and ‘lanes’ housing, independent, boutiques, jewellery stores, vintage clothing, record shops and quirky cafes. There’s a really bohemian and hippy vibe to the area. Get immersed in a zen, sound healing gong bath, buy some incense sticks and follow up with a vegan, gluten free cake and mushroom latte at a cafe.  

Fish and chips on the pier 

Well, it wouldn’t be right to visit Brighton without a barefoot walk on the beach and a visit to the iconic pier. So, get your feet wet, have a little splash in the water, then head up to the pier and finish off your trip with a classic fish and chips lunch, ideally eaten on an outdoor bench with sea view! I also recommend the freshly cooked donuts from the pier as dessert! Yum!\

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