We went to Brighton for a day a few weeks ago while my mother-in-law was visiting us from Greece. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision and knowing how Greeks take their time to get ready, we left our house at around 2:30pm which means we had less time to explore Brighton by the time we arrived an hour and a half later. Thankfully though, we arrived just before sunset so I was able to take quite a few photos which shows what Brighton is most famous for – sun and sea.
Don’t be fooled by the sunshine-y photos as it was still so very cold that day. The cold didn’t bother the visitors though who were mostly families with young children, most possibly enjoying a day out for the half term holiday. As soon as we found a parking area, we immediately went to the Brighton Palace Pier which reminded me so much of California (a much colder California).
Our Big Sur drive in California came to my mind immediately for reasons I can’t really explain. My mind works in mysterious ways so I’m guessing that I was reminded of California just because Brighton is also a seaside town just like the golden state of the US.
The 5.4 mile long shingle beach was empty when we were there but I saw some photos of the same beach during summer and it looks like you won’t be able to walk through it with the amount of people on the beach. I’m not very sure if I’d be keen to visit Brighton during the summer as it’s probably the most popular seaside town to visit for tourists and locals alike due to its location.
The Brighton Palace Pier features restaurants, arcades and a fair with rides which everyone can enjoy. It was too windy and too cold to enjoy a ride so I wonder how all the children in it were enjoying it. I guess they’re too happy about the half term holiday to let the cold weather stop them from doing anything.
We then had a walk around the area of the Royal Pavilion which used to be a residence of King George IV. The architecture was a bit odd for me as it looked more like a mosque than a palace if you ask me (maybe I lived in the Middle East for too long). I’m quite curious to know more about this palace unfortunately, it was already closed by the time we went there so I couldn’t go inside.
Afterwards, we walked around the Lanes which is a collection of narrow alleyways around Brighton lined with antique shops, art galleries, jewelry store and some pubs. We found a small Japanese restaurant where we had our dinner before heading back to London.
It was a very short visit and I feel like I desperately need to go back to Brighton to explore it more in depth as it has a lot more to offer that what little I’ve seen. Maybe spending a weekend there would be more ideal. Next time. 🙂
How to go to Brighton from London:
The easiest way to go to Brighton from London is by train. There are direct links London Victoria (52 minutes); London Bridge (58 minutes) and St Pancras (1hr and 16 mins). Trains to Brighton from London Gatwick Airport also operates regularly and will take approximately 30 minutes. There are also bus services which you can take, check out this website for more information.
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I’m hoping to visit Brighton before I leave the UK! Some friends claim they have a nice night scene there 😀
Wonderful picture! Thank you for your sharing!
Hahaha. The beach reminded me of Santa Monica Pier. I think summer is the best time to visit Brighton. 🙂
Yes! Santa Monica pier is actually what I was thinking of too when I saw it. 🙂
it looks nice but I guess the beach is crowded in the summer
That’s for sure Tanja. 🙂
I have heard a lot about Brighton! I hope you went to the colourful beach houses, I always see them online and find them so sweet. The coastal villages in the UK look very different to our coastal towns here. So interesting!
I was looking for the colourful beach houses but I think it’s quite a walk from where we were. My husband and mother in law wasn’t up for the walk as it was too cold when we were there. Lol
We live 20 minutes from Brighton and love it! I am such a big kid strolling down the Pier and eating the Doughnuts! (best doughnuts ever!!!)
I love heading down the lanes and exploring the vintage shops. Plus, nothing beats ChoccieWokkieDoDah!
Oh wow Katie! That is so awesome that you live so close to Brighton. If I do live that close to it, I’d probably be there every weekend. :p
Somehow I didn’t go to Brighton when I was in London, though my friends did! Esp they were so excited about those fun rides!! The Royal Pavilion looks too gorgeous. I should have ventured to the place. Too bad I didn’t!!! 🙁
The rides for sure were fun but I’m not really into rides. I do like watching people in it though. Lol.
Cold but sunny, what a lovely day for the beach. Brighton looks like a lovely town to walk around and visit some pubs, a nice ‘escape’ from London. Very useful you point out the directions as well, I would love to take that train next time I’m in London.
Yeah it was a good escape from London, I’m still contemplating if I will go there during the summer. :p
I saw an episode of Kitchen Nightmares in Brighton and I’m sure it was very close to where you took the last photograph on your post. I can imagine the beach is super full during the high season, I’d much prefer to walk on the beach in the cold sunny weather when it’s quiet. I didn’t realize how close Brighton was to Gatwick airport.
Yeah me too, I’m not sure if I’d be keen to visit it during summer. I saw some photos and the whole beach was packed!
I always see such cute photos of Brighton but never really knew anything about it. It looks like a perfect day trip and an adorable town. You’re right though–the Royal Pavilion definitely looks a little out of place lol.
Lol. I thought I was back in Dubai for a bit there when I saw the Royal Pavilion. :p
Brighton is a stunning little town (or city… I’m not sure which), and those photos truly do it justice.
You’re right, it’s heaving in the summer, but it’s understandable considering how picturesque it is. I’m not sure if they still do it, but the ghost tour in the Old Police Museum used to be pretty cool.
From your photos, I can see where the Cali comment comes from, but having been there in the winter I can definitely vouch for the bone chilling cold 🙂
Again, stunning photos
Ohhhh ghost tour! That sounds interesting!