Located on England’s South Coast, Brighton is one of the liveliest cities in the UK, known for its carefree vibe and stunning diversity, which makes it a highly appealing travel destination for UK residents and international tourists alike. So, if you’re looking to explore Brighton anytime soon, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
But what if you’re only visiting for one day and don’t have the time to meander through every street and alley at ease and discover what this charming city has to offer? When time is limited, you have to deal with this nagging feeling that you might miss out on some important spots and attractions and won’t be able to fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere or do all the things you want to do.
But worry not, because even if you’re in town for a hot minute, you can still get a true taste of Brighton’s charm and lifestyle if you plan your trip right, and we’re going to help you out by listing some must-see landmarks and share some useful tips that will help you enjoy your short getaway to the fullest.
Head straight to the beach
Since Brighton is among the most popular seaside resorts in the country, it makes perfect sense to make your first stop at the beach. You’ll be met by a long stretch of coastline, which extends from the Brighton Marina in the east to Hove Lagoon in the west, offering beautiful views and plenty of space to sunbathe or even go for a swim if you’re visiting in the summer and are lucky enough to have good weather on your trip.
What’s interesting about this beach is that it’s not made of sand but pebbles. This has turned into a matter of debate among locals who can’t seem to agree if this iconic feature should be kept as it is or should be covered in golden sand. But since you’re not a local, we suggest you stay out of it and simply enjoy the four-mile-long beachfront promenade, taking in the wonderful views along the way. Bonus tip – make sure not to miss the colourful beach huts in Hove.
Visit the Brighton Palace Pier
You can’t leave the beachfront without walking across the Brighton Palace Pier. You won’t be able to miss it anyway since it’s quite an imposing structure, stretching 0.52km out into the sea from the beach. The 1,722-foot-long Victorian Pier was built in 1899 and has witnessed many events during its existence, being the only pier out of the three original Brighton Piers to still stand today.
It currently hosts numerous shops, restaurants and arcades, and still preserves a distinct old-world charm. The historic landmark is also praised as one of the most beautiful pleasure piers in the world, so it’s definitely worth a quick visit. Entry is free and you can visit it from 10 AM to 8 PM, Monday to Saturday, and until 8.30 PM on Sundays.
Check out the Royal Pavilion and Garden
The Royal Pavilion and Garden are Brighton’s pride and glory and you’ll understand why the moment you’ll lay eyes on this architectural masterpiece. The last thing you expect to see in the UK is an oriental palace, but that’s exactly what you’re going to find in the very heart of the city. The magnificent palace was built as the summer residence of King George IV and underwent several transformations until reaching its final form.
The building’s extravagant architecture boasts Indian-style elements such as domes and minarets, which have earned it the moniker of England’s Taj Mahal, adding a touch of mystery and exotism to an otherwise quintessentially British city. The interiors are even more lavish, featuring Chinese influences, while the lush Royal Gardens are equally remarkable, completing this eclectic fantasy-like scenery.
Don’t skip the pubs
As a seaside destination where people go to have fun and relax, Brighton boasts a diverse pub offering, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy a great pint and experience the local culture and lifestyle in the most authentic way possible. Whether you prefer larger establishments or quaint, back-street pubs with a more laid-back vibe, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you’re looking for popular spots, The Basket Makers Arms, The Black Lion, White Rabbit or The Cricketers are some of the pubs you might want to check out.
However, try not to turn your whole trip into a pub exploration since you only have one day at your disposal, especially if you’re travelling by car and can’t consume alcohol. People tend to be more reckless when they’re on holiday, and that’s when car accidents are more likely to happen. As experts at Public Interest Lawyers explain, getting into a road traffic accident can be a life-altering event, so make sure you act responsibly and stay safe during your trip.
Go for a quick shopping spree
If you don’t want to return home empty-handed, go to Brighton’s famous Lanes, a historical part of the city known for its narrow streets lined up with a captivating assortment of unique shops, vintage boutiques, galleries and restaurants. You won’t regret it if you get lost for a short while inside this maze-like shopping district as you’ll definitely find some one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs to take with you.
Also, don’t forget to take a break from your explorations to eat some traditional fish and chips, Brighton’s staple dish. There’s also a decent number of restaurants where you can enjoy dishes from international cuisine.
A day trip to Brighton is sure to make you fall in love with this lovely city and maybe convince you to come back on a future occasion when you have more time on your hands to plan a longer trip and discover all the attractions that you didn’t have the chance to visit the first time.
