It happens every year, but I’m still none the wiser as to why. During the summer months, when we’re finally rewarded with warmer temperatures and a bit of sun, countless droves of us Brits pack our bags and abandon the glorious British Isles for foreign holidays.
Confusing when you consider the diversity, beauty and rich culture which our very own, dear Britain has to offer as a holiday destination. And where better to enjoy the precious (and rare) warm weather we’re blessed with, than the seaside town of Brighton on the Sussex coast?
Cosmopolitan, bohemian, fashionable, colourful, outrageous even… any of which can be used to describe this Victorian bathing town, which now occupies a top spot as one of the UK’s best party destinations.
But there’s definitely more to Brighton than partying. It’s also an epicentre for the arts, music and cinema, with the town’s numerous museums, galleries and theatres acting as a huge pull factor for visitors and travellers.
The next time you’re packing your bags and heading off to explore a new destination, keep it ‘in-house’ by spending your next holiday in Brighton and experiencing the best of a British summer!
When to Go
Brighton’s a fantastic destination year-round, although there’s no denying that the place comes alive during the summer months.
When you’re planning your trip to Brighton, it’s best to arrange your stay around the numerous events and festivals.
An event that’s definitely not to be missed is the Brighton MOD Weekender, which will be running from Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th of August. This is a celebration of all things MOD and is sure to be unlike any other summer event in the country.
2013 is the 40th anniversary of The Who’s ‘Quadrophenia’ album, so this year will be something of a special celebration for the UK’s MOD population. Though the characteristic fur-collared anorak won’t be entirely suitable during August, you can inaugurate yourself into the MOD crowd by wearing the iconic Ray Ban Wayfarer – available to buy online from Red Hot Sunglasses.
If you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, then the Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival is the one for you. This showcase of local produce, retailers and restaurants is running from Saturday 7th to Sunday 8th of September.
For more information on Brighton’s summer events, check out this guide from visitbrighton.com.
Where to Stay
Brighton’s a big town, with its fair share of chain hotels. If all you’re after is somewhere to lay your head, you’ll have your pick of accommodation – minus the character and the personality!
In a destination that’s as unique as Brighton, it would be a shame to choose a hotel you could find anywhere else in the country. Check out Snooze in the Kemptown District for a B&B that combines a vintage and contemporary design, with a little bit of luxury. It’s so good that it’s been shortlisted for the 2013 Best UK B&B Award by Food and Travel Magazine.
What to Do
When it comes to things to see and do in Brighton, travellers are spoilt for choice.
Popular sites like the Royal Pavilion and the Brighton Pier are so iconic that you couldn’t not be taken aback when you come to face to face with them. But if you’re fancying something a little more unusual, Brighton won’t fail to disappoint.
If ‘unusual’ is your buzzword, then look no further than the Brighton Murder and Mayhem Tour. This eerie, yet fascinating, walk through Brighton’s streets and cobbled lane focuses on the town’s history of grisly murders and ghostly tales. This one’s not for the fainthearted or the squeamish mind but is sure to get pulses racing for you thrill seekers.
You may not have thought of it, but Brighton’s surrounding countryside is perfect for walking and cycling. A popular choice with walkers is the ‘Chattri and Windmills’ route, through the breathtaking beauty of the South Downs. Chattri, meaning umbrella in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu, refers to the stone monument which can be found along the route. Revealed in 1921, this monument is dedicated to the Indian Soldiers who lost their lost lives in the First World War and is as beautiful as it is moving and thought-provoking.
The next time you’re planning a holiday, avoid the stresses of the departure lounge and ditch the jet lag: sample the best of what British summer has to offer with a trip to the unique and diverse seaside town of Brighton. Enjoy!
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