If you haven’t heard of the famous English seaside city of Brighton before, you must be living under a rock. Brighton is one of the most beautiful and serene cities in the world. It also happens to be one of the UK’s top vacation spots. Located on the south coast of England, just 106 km away from London, it is easily accessible by train or car. The city is home to around 200,000 people and has been voted as one of the world’s most idyllic places by National Geographic Traveller readers last year. Read on to learn more about this picturesque city that everyone loves!
Where is Brighton?
As mentioned above, Brighton is in southern England, located just 106 km away from London. It is called the “Gold Coast” of England because of its stunning beaches and oceanfront location. It can be easily reached by train or car from London or other major cities in England. Other than being a city with a stunning coastal setting, Brighton has many more things that make it a great place to visit. Let’s look at these.
History of Brighton
Back in the 13th century, Brighton was a small fishing village. It was called “Brighthelmstone” then, and people often visited it during the summer to enjoy the beautiful seaside breeze and view the sunset. In the 16th century, the town became a fashionable resort, attracting many artists and writers. The town’s nickname was “Brighton toy town” during this period because of its thriving seaside art scene. In 1797, the town was visited by the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who is said to have loved the place so much that he even started referring to the neighbouring town of Portslade as “Brighton”. Brighton’s cultural heritage was further enriched by the presence of many famous writers, painters, and composers who visited the town, including Charles Dickens, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The main attractions in Brighton
There are many attractions in Brighton, but you can easily spend a month or two visiting just a few of them if you are keen enough. The best thing about the city is that it is not only beautiful, but it is also a great place to spend time with your family or friends. Let’s have a quick look at the main attractions. Brighton Pier – The iconic Brighton Pavilion, the pier, and the Brighton skyline are the main attractions at Brighton pier. The pier is another great place to visit in Brighton, with its wide array of restaurants, shops, and rides. St. George’s Church – St. George’s Church is a beautifully designed and restored church in Brighton. Built between 1794 and 1801, it is one of the most loved heritage buildings in the city. Brighton and Hove Museum – The Brighton and Hove Museum is home to many attractive collections of art and history. And if you are a fan of rock and roll, you will love the museum’s collection of vintage musical instruments.
Things to do in Brighton
One of the best things to do in Brighton is to visit the pier and the Brighton Pavilion. The pier is a great place to enjoy a meal or have a cup of coffee while watching the ships come and go. You can also visit the Brighton pavilion, just next to the pier. This is a beautiful building constructed in the style of a Greek temple. It was built in 1826 and has been beautifully restored. Another fun activity in Brighton is to take one of the famous Brighton open-top bus tours. These buses have open tops, so you can enjoy the beautiful seaside setting and the stunning architecture of the town while you are out on a tour. You can also take a boat trip along the coast and visit the offshore islands. You can also enjoy some great amusement parks in Brighton. One of them is the Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which has many rides and is a great place for all ages.
Places to eat and drink in Brighton
When you visit Brighton, you need to make sure that you visit the famous Victoria Market. This is a lively market filled with lots of food stalls selling everything from fresh fish to potted plants and everything in between. Another great place to visit in Brighton is the famous Clifton Hotel. This stunning hotel was once the residence of famous authors and philosophers such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the American philosopher Alan Watts. The hotel is now a restaurant and bar, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy some good food and a cocktail or two. For authentic British food, you can’t go wrong with the Fish & Oyster, a restaurant that is popular with all age groups. For a great ice cream, head to The Custard Factory, which is famous for its scrumptious ice creams and sundaes.
Conclusion
Brighton is a beautiful seaside city in England that is great for visiting with friends and family. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches, architecture, and culture. If you want to stay close to London, you can visit the city in a day, or spend a few nights there enjoying the beaches and culture. Whatever you decide, you will love this great place to visit.
