Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

Our favorite places in Brighton, England

Jodie Kharas
By

Brighton, England
A far cry from any exotic beach paradise, the British seaside is all about other joys. Perhaps the most famous and culturally emerging coastal destination in the UK, Brighton, England possesses a pulsating art scene, a throbbing independent retail culture, and the best fish and chips you’ll ever eat. And they’ve got a Pavilion that rivals the Taj Mahal. Honestly.

PLAY

Who doesn’t like seeing a city from the sky. Step into the new (and terribly phallic) British Airways i360 and glide up 450 feet into the air and gaze upon 26 miles of England in the world’s first vertical cable car.

No trip to Brighton is complete without a whirl around the iconic and eccentric Brighton Pavilion. Built in 1815 as a complete Orientalist folly for the Prince of Whales, this isn’t your average house tour. Be sure to look up in the banqueting room to check out the massive dragon clutching onto the chandelier.

i360-vertical-cable-car-940x600
Inside the i360

If you want to explore the land you peeped from the i360, head over to the South Downs National Park for miles of hiking trails through the hills and valleys.

SHOP

Brighton days are best spent scouring the Lanes for antique treasure, frequenting ancient pubs, and sampling fresh organic fare in the many neo-bohemian cafes. Don’t miss the cavernous Snooper’s Paradise on the North Lane for mid nineteenth-century interiors where you can pick up Victorian fire stokers and genuine military wear.

Snoopers-Paradise-940x600
Treasure hunting at Snoopers Paradise

For the best in British menswear, stop by the Badger Clothing Company Ltd on Bond Street for casual clothing from Barbour, Fred Perry and Penguin.

Of a similar sartorial ilk, Peggs and Son’s selection of brands are a little more far-reaching. Think fine Japanese denim and slick Scandinavian shirting.

EAT & DRINK

As the evening approaches, take a stroll along the seafront and head to Riddle and Fins for an authentic Brit seafood experience recommended by Gordon Ramsay. The catch of the day is always subject to an inventive interpretation and the champagne and oysters are seriously slurp worthy. In the summer time, perch along the front bar and witness the chef in action.

Riddle-and-Fins-940x600
Seafood is the way to go at Riddle and Fins

If you fancy something a little more exotic, Casa Don Carlos is a hugely popular Spanish Tapas restaurant that is eternally full to the rafters. The menu is extensive and the staff are  seriously helpful with making selections; book early to avoid disappointment.

Brighton comes alive at night and the nightlife options are endless. A whisky drinker’s paradise, The Great Eastern boasts a whopping sixty varieties; We recommend the Elmer T variety for a super smooth ending to your day.

SLEEP

Hotel-du-Vin-Brighton-940x600
Hotel du Vin – a happy place to pass out after too much whiskey

For an opulent stay, we recommend the Hotel du Vin. Steeped in quintessentially British style, this stylish yet unpretentious guesthouse is located within the heart of the Lanes, Brighton’s most revered streets for bona fide Brit boozers and awesome eateries. For the ultimate splurge, The Manual suggests the Louis Roederer suite which features twin sea-facing bathtubs and a strategically placed telescope for checking out the stunning marine vista. What’s more, each room is sponsored by a different wine company…

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Cabo: Baja’s popular beachfront destination isn’t exactly what you think it is
Get under the radar with the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
things to do in cabo san lucas, Mexico Resorts and Condos

We’re hesitant to describe any destination in terms of “tourist versus non-tourist” because it's a silly distinction. But Cabo San Lucas has always been an unabashed tourist-centric town full of all-inclusive, budget beach resorts, never-ending 3-for-1 happy hours at bars (and gas stations and a surprising number of other places), and garish dive bars like Cabo Wabo where tequila is (almost) cheaper than water and the neon daiquiris flow every day from 8 a.m.

However, the city boasts a strange charm that most hardcore Mexican tourist centers lack. So, if none of this is your cup of horchata — if you’re looking to dig a little deeper — here are a few of our favorite places to play, eat, and stay in Baja California’s most well-known waterfront playground.
Know your geography

Read more
Here’s what to do in Bangkok if you’ve only got 48 hours
Make the most of your short visit to Bangkok
A bunch of Buddhas.

Clocking in at 10.7 million residents, Bangkok, Thailand, is an incredible, massive undertaking of a city. A seemingly endless sprawl of low-rise buildings punctuated by massive skyscrapers and tranquil temples, delicious food and bustling bars everywhere, there is an endless range of ways one could spend their days exploring what BKK has to offer. Sadly, most Thailand tourism consists of travelers who are only stopping by Bangkok for a couple of days on their way into or out of the country. So what is one to do when they only have 48 hours in Bangkok?

I’ve spent a lot of time in Bangkok, so I know its ins-and-outs well. One of the main challenges to experiencing the city in a short burst involves the sheer size of the place and the traffic that tends to inundate it, which makes it difficult to get anywhere fast unless it happens to be along a Sky Train route (more on that below). Thailand travel has decreased substantially since the pandemic, though, and this has noticeably diminished the traffic and crowds. In any case, it’s important to factor getting around into your plans. To that end, here’s a solid two-day itinerary.

Read more
These are the very best ski towns for foodies in America
Chasing fresh powder and a good meal? Here are the best ski towns for foodies in the US.
Matsuhisa Aspen restaurant.

As one year turns into the next, the snow tends to pile up in the higher elevations. Yes, we've entered peak ski season, which means it's time to dust off goggles, ready snowsuits, and hit the slopes. Chances are good that you'll work up quite the appetite while playing around in the powder, so you might as well eat well.

This ski season, do it right. Embrace apres ski culture, try out some new resorts and ski towns, and treat yourself to some of the amazing restaurants and eateries along the way. You'll refuel with the best dishes available, whether it's a seasonal cocktail, hearty dish, or some combination thereof.

Read more