City in the spotlight: Brighton

Once the sleepy little fishing village known as Brighthelmstone, Brighton emerged as a ‘health resort’ in the 18th century (sea bathing was seen as a purported cure for illness at the time).

It then grew into one of the largest towns in England in the 20th century.

Home to the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, you need never get bored in this lovably eccentric city. You will find an impressive assortment of independent shops, boutiques, and an unwavering bohemian feel available for your discovery. Expect it to be busy, with over 8.5 million visitors every year flocking to this seaside resort on the south coast.

Landmarks

The Royal Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion is a former royal palace built as a home for the Prince Regent during the early 19th century, under the direction of the architect John Nash. It’s notable for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and Oriental interior. Other Indo-Saracenic buildings in Brighton include the Sassoon Mausoleum, now, with the bodies reburied elsewhere, in use as a chic supper club.

Brighton Pier

Yes, the shiny-shiny one. You can easily waste an afternoon playing the slot machines, riding the dodgems and tasting more than your recommended daily allowance of candyfloss. A recent addition is the vertigo-inducing Air Racer, based on an Orlando model, with a softer kids’ version called Leonardo. The pier is also licensed for marriages.

British Airways i360 (photo courtesy sagesolar – Flickr: Creative Commons license)

Float above the city and seafront in Brighton’s futuristic ‘vertical pier’. This is the world’s tallest moving observation tower, featuring a glass doughnut-shaped viewing platform that gently glides 138 metres above the city and Sussex coastline. The ride lasts 20 minutes, and on a clear day you will have views over back gardens, church spires, genteel Regency squares, and out towards the dramatic South Downs and Beachy Head.

Brighton beach

Brighton has a 5.4-mile expanse of shingle beach as part of the unbroken eight-mile section within the city limits. Neighbouring Hove is known for its hundreds of painted timber beach huts, but brick-walled chalets are also available on Brighton seafront.

There are direct transport links from London, and you may find various hotels, Airbnb, and hostels available for review.

For more things to do in Brighton, take a look at the VisitBrighton website.

Summer events in Brighton

Brighton Pride
4 to 6 August
Pride is one of the most colourful and exciting LGBT events in the UK, bringing the whole community out to Brighton’s streets and stopping traffic to view the spectacle in all its glory. Expect unique performances in what is one of the UK’s most diverse cities.

British Science Festival
5 September to 9 September
The British Science Association (BSA) is pleased to announce that the 2017 festival will take place in Brighton. The University of Brighton and the University of Sussex will co-host the Festival.

HOUSE Biennial
30 September to 5 November 2017
HOUSE is a curated contemporary visual arts event.