Considering a summer staycation this year? Then there’s no better place in the UK to escape to for a few days than Brighton. With its iconic pebbled beach and historic pier, excellent food and drink scene and plenty to offer history and culture fans, this vibrant city ticks all the right boxes for a memorable weekend break – whether your goal is to relax in the sunshine with family, immerse yourself in its urban allure and enjoy an action-packed few days with friends, or enjoy a romantic couples’ getaway.
To get there, you can book trains from London to Brighton with Rail Online and be there in just one hour. Here, we take a look at four reasons Brighton should be your number one staycation destination this summer.
Seaside charm
If you’re craving some fresh sea air, then escaping the Big Smoke for Brighton couldn’t be easier. Not only is it located just a stone’s throw from the capital, but its charming pebbled beach is the perfect place to enjoy sunny summer days – whether that’s by kicking back and soaking up some rays, taking a dip in the ocean or enjoying a laid-back picnic.
Brighton’s iconic and historic pier is a must visit, and although some may find it a little tacky, if you’re looking for a nostalgic glimpse into the past then you’ll find it here. Packed with arcade games and fairground rides, it’s a great place to take the children or to head for a little bit of excitement and an adrenaline rush yourself. At night, the sight of the pier lit up against the dark sky is an enchanting sight you won’t want to miss.
A culinary delight
Brighton is a veritable foodie’s paradise, and luxury lovers will find themselves in their element with a vast number of gourmet restaurants, stylish cocktail bars and fine dining eateries to choose from. While currently, no restaurants in Brighton and Hove hold a prestigious Michelin star, there are plenty of strong contenders who could well go on to receive the accolade before long.
Dilsk Brighton is a must visit, serving up an elegant tasting menu in a stylish and contemporary setting inside the Drakes Hotel. The Coal Shed, meanwhile, offers up a different take on fine dining, with high-quality steak and fish cooked up in a specially imported charcoal oven to give it truly mouth-watering flavour. Etch by Steven Edwards, though, is perhaps the most impressive dining spot in the city; Steven was the 2013 winner of Masterchef: The Professionals, and his unique tasting menu features only two main ingredients per dish, with flavours intensified through concentration and extraction techniques, without the need for any kind of spices to enhance taste.
A cultural hub
Brighton is known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse cultural offerings, which is one of the many reasons creatives love it. Each year, the city hosts a string of amazing arts and music festivals, with the iconic Brighton Festival taking place in May and featuring a diverse line-up of international and local artists spanning music, theatre, dance and visual arts. But if you’re too late for it this year, then don’t worry because there are plenty more unmissable events still to come over the summer – including Brighton Pride, in August.
Whilst you’re in the city, be sure to visit the renowned Brighton Dome for a packed calendar of captivating performances, or take a stroll around the centre to spot some of its unique street art. The opulent Royal Pavilion, too, is a must-visit, and exemplifies stunning architecture and interiors – and there are plenty more museums and art galleries to keep you entertained if after all that, you’re still hungry for more.
A luxury shopper’s paradise
If you’re partial to the odd designer shopping spree, then Brighton is awash with upscale luxury boutiques, independent shops and vintage stores where you can find unique garments, accessories and antiques. It’s a veritable treasure trove, and shopping here offers up a vast range of options yet at a much more relaxed and enjoyable pace than London, so you could quite easily while away a few hours (and spend a few thousand pounds) restocking your wardrobe or seeking out beautiful new additions for your home.
For some of the best shopping in the city, head to the North Laine area, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops selling anything and everything you could possibly dream of.
