Brighton

Coastal cool

Brighton is one of the most inclusive cities in Europe. Between them, Brightonians embrace just about every alternative lifestyle going. The city is home to Britain’s first Green MP, numerous charities and a thriving community of writers, artists and other creatives. Whoever you are (or would like to be), all you need is a positive attitude and you’ll fit right in.

Something to celebrate?

This city knows how to party. Birthday boys and girls come to Brighton for a wild night out with their mates, anniversary couples check into the city’s chic boutique hotels for indulgent mini-breaks and stag and hen parties descend just about every weekend. It’s always been a romantic place for weddings and honeymoons and, since 2005, it’s been one of the UK’s most popular spots for gay and lesbian couples to tie the knot.

Shopping the way it should be

Shopaholics love Brighton – and even confirmed shopaphobics find themselves pleasantly surprised. Yes, the big names are all here, but they’re comfortably outnumbered by fabulously quirky, one-of-a-kind places selling everything from bonsai trees to vintage wedding rings.

Bliss out on the beach

Some find Brighton’s pebbles a little hard to get used to – but it doesn’t take much to make yourself comfortable. Grab a deckchair or fling down a sturdy camping mat, crack open a cool drink or two and you won’t miss the sand a bit. In some parts of the beach, you’re allowed to get a barbie going, too.

Regency grandeur

From its graceful terraces and garden squares to the hilarious excesses of the Royal Pavilion, Brighton is a beautiful and varied city, packed with architectural interest.

Eat, drink, indulge

Brighton’s restaurant, café, bar and pub scene is as fluid and faddish as you’d expect from such a style-conscious city, but one thing never changes – there’s always plenty of choice. For the best places to find celebrity-friendly sushi, the tastiest mojitos or the perfect flat white, see my Restaurants and Nightlife pages (coming soon).

Just the ticket

This entertainment-mad city hosts masses of concerts, plays and comedy gigs, while opera fans are spoilt rotten by Glyndebourne being just 13 miles away. The Brighton Festival, each May, is the UK’s biggest arts festival after Edinburgh. There’s more under Things to do (coming soon).

As fresh as it gets

To make the most of all that lovely sea air, you can set off along Brighton’s many cycle paths, try your hand at beach volleyball or kitesurfing, or breeze up to the South Downs for a gentle stroll in glorious Sussex scenery.

For more expert advice on Brighton, follow these links: