Brighton City Guide
Brighton is famous for the Royal Pavilion & Regency Architecture but there is so much more to discover in this lovely seaside town. Located on the south coast of England, Brighton came into its own when the flamboyant Prince Regent (later King George IV) started visiting at the end of the 18th century. His famous seaside palace, the Royal Pavilion, was then transformed by John Nash, between 1815 and 1822, into one of the most dazzling and exotic buildings in the British Isles. The mix of seaside and Regency elegance, combined with the stunning architecture that came with it, lie at the foundation of Brighton's worldwide reputation for elegance and fun.
Brighton has a reputation for being funky and chic and to really get a flavor of this visit 'The Lanes' characterised by narrow alleyways following the street pattern of the original fishing village and filled with their lifestyle shops. For retro chic visit North Laine just to the North of The Lanes. If you're after big name stores then the Churchill Square shopping centre in the heart of Brighton has over 90 stores on offer. Stay at the Princes Square serviced apartments in Brighton's North Street which is right in the middle of all these shopping destinations.
Brighton's famous Beachfront boasts a Blue Flag pebble beach has been a favourite summer destination for Londoners for many years who are drawn by the lovely promenade, Brighton Pier, and wide selection of funky cafes and bars, cool restaurants and vibrant night life. It even has a nudist area! Voted one of the Top 10 city beach break destinations in the world, Brighton & its beachfront cool are legendary. Stay at the one or two bedroom serviced Loft Apartments overlooking Brighton's Old Stein and you could be enjoying an ice cream in your own deckchair within minutes of your arrival!
The nightlife in Brighton is one of the many draws of this town and it's known for having some of the coolest clubs on the south coast and with Fatboy Slim as a resident, it's not surprising. There is also a thriving live music scene with some of the best up and coming acts found in Brighton's many bars. With its laid back, bohemian atmosphere Brighton has long been considered the UK's gay capital and plays host to the UK's Gay Pride festival every year.
What to do in Brighton
Listed below are some of the great places to visit in Brighton. Click one to find out more.
-
The Lanes in Brighton
If you're looking to put a creative edge into your shopping, Brighton Lanes offer a shopper's paradise of independent shops and boutiques.
Once the heart of the fishing town of Brighthelmstone, Brighton Lanes' historic quarter is a fabulous maze of twisting alleyways, twittens and catcreeps offering an extraordinary mix of antiques and jewellery shops nestling alongside specialist contemporary and designer boutique fashion. Crammed with quaint and wondrous shops and funky restaurants and cafes, the Brighton Lanes are best wandered lazily and explored as you find them.
For more information visit: http://bit.ly/mKYT9A
-
Royal Pavillion Brighton
One of Brighton's most famous landmarks the Royal Pavilion was built for the Prince Regent, later King George IV, in stages between 1787 and 1823. The Royal Pavilion is remarkable for its exotic oriental appearance both inside and out. This magnificent royal pleasure palace was revered by fashionable Regency society and is still a distinctive landmark for vibrant Brighton & Hove today. The Royal Pavilion is home to some of the finest collections and examples of the chinoiserie style in Britain.
For more information visit: http://bit.ly/myiCr2
-
Battle Abbey near Brighton
For a memorable family day out in the lovely Sussex countryside around Brighton a visit to Battle Abbey isn't to be missed. Set on the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, it's an exciting way to discover more about the most famous date in English history. On 14 October 1066, Duke William of Normandy, later William the Conqueror, defeated King Harold of England at the battle of Hastings in what was the last successful invasion of England.
A fascinating exhibition featuring CGI film and interactive displays tells the story of the great battle and paints a picture of England at the time of the conquest. The audio tour of the battlefield itself brings the momentous day to life. Explore the atmospheric abbey ruins and stand on the very spot where King Harold is said to have died.
For more information visit: http://bit.ly/mxN41S
