With its rich, established culture and nooks and crannies filled with shops, eateries, and bars everywhere you look, there is no doubt that you need to visit beautiful Brighton. Home to the world’s oldest aquarium and Britain’s only Grade I listed pier, Brighton has plenty of bragging rights. You may be asking yourself why you should visit Brighton and when is the best time to do so.
Why visit Brighton?
Its nickname, ‘London by the Sea’ dates back to the Georgian era, when its trendiness for day trips truly came about. It seems to be a trend that’s never gone out of style. However, it can be difficult to decide what time of year to take a trip, so we are about to answer the long-standing question. When is the best time to visit Brighton?
Brighton through the seasons – When Is The Best Time to visit?
Brighton has so much to offer all year round. In the winter, you can enjoy festive walks filled with glittering lights at Stanmer Park, Pavilion ice skating, and Christmas shopping from quirky stores in the North Laines.
In the spring, bluebells bloom in the South Downs woodlands, and exploring the city’s club scene isn’t so cold anymore! The Marina hosts glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Globalls for the rainy days, and the city is dotted with book and record stores to get lost and take shelter in.
The city is so diverse and welcomes individuality with open arms. It is huge for independent artists and creative events such as The Great Escape, Brighton Festival / Fringe and so many more.
Brighton is not only a cultural hub but one of the top LGBTQ+ cities in the UK, meaning Pride celebrations colourfully grace the streets each year.
Spectacular Summer in Brighton
As much as we love Brighton every season (no pun intended!), summer here is unrivalled. With a seafront that runs for miles, lined with cafes, souvenir stores, and beach bars, you can enjoy a spot of sunbathing whilst remaining close to some great amenities.
No matter your age or interests, there’s likely to be something for you. We’ve compiled a few things you can do to make the most of Brighton in the Sun.
Grab a drink on the beach
If you’re a music lover, then Brighton Music Hall is the perfect place for you to grab a refreshment such as a cocktail or craft cider. The venue has a range of indoor and outdoor seating over 2 levels, and the courtyard area is home to a stage that welcomes live music acts daily. They offer private beach huts, holding 6–12 people, which even host karaoke parties for special occasions!
If you’re searching for a spot right on the stones with a vast selection of drinks, La Plage is a perfect choice. With its deck-style set-up and an array of cocktails, soft drinks, beers, and wines, you can enjoy some boozy drinks in the sun with friends or take your kids for a quick pit stop between splashing about in the sea.
cool off with an ice cream
What better way to beat the summer heat than with a delicious ice cream? Brighton has plenty of places to choose from, and we want to give you a rundown of some of them.
For some Italian-style ice cream that is 100% vegetarian, take a trip to one of the Boho Gelato stores. They offer a whole host of flavours using local milk and cream, with some seasonal and special occasion options on offer during events like Pride.
Check out one of their 2 stores in town if you want a classic ice cream like Mint Choc Chip or something a little different, such as Black Sesame.
For some award-winning ice cream in the North Laines, be sure to check out Gelato Gusto and its daily hand-churned delights. They also offer a variety of gelato sandwiches and waffles served with a scoop of their gelato.
Their flavours range from a tangy Lemon Meringue to a sweet and savoury Salted Caramel, and with their 22 Great Taste Awards, they’re guaranteed to wow you.
Go to a day festival
Brighton has a whole host of music events throughout the Summer months and provides the perfect setting for a day of partying.
If you want to experience a gig or rave directly on the seafront, On the Beach offers a great series of Summer shows across multiple genres. This year is set to be a big one, with Carl Cox, The Kooks, and Bicep announced as 2024 headliners so far, with more still to come. Enjoy a show with gorgeous sea views, a variety of food vendors, and a bar that stretches across the arena.
For an epic Pride celebration, head to Preston Park in August for the 2-day festival, Fabuloso. They host an incredible lineup of huge names in music, with the addition of Cabaret tents and a whole variety of entrancing activities. Previous acts have included Britney Spears, Sister Sledge, Balck Eyed Peas, and Boy George, just to name a handful.
Explore the Brighton Palace pier
With a whole selection of attractions and stalls, Brighton Palace Pier is a must-visit during the summer. Everything is open from the front to back when the weather is sunny, making it the best time to visit.
As you approach the entrance, the delicious aroma of crepes, churros, and British seaside classics, fish and chips, fills your nose. Stroll a bit further and you will find yourself at the giant arcade, which is kitted out with a plethora of claw machines, coin dozers, and, of course, a good old-fashioned dance machine.
You will be engrossed in the addictive games for hours when you get your eyes on the prize booth. Collect strings of tickets to claim items such as Brighton memorabilia, plushies, and many more.
The pier is perfect for young visitors as it even has an indoor soft play to climb about on and a whole host of attractions, including a ghost train, trampolines, and a helter-skelter. There’s also a selection of rides for older kids and adults alike, such as ‘Twister’, The Waltzer, and ‘Wild River’ log flume. It gets better because there’s also a load of carnival games with the likes of Hook a Duck and the ‘Dolphin Derby’ racing game to challenge your friends or family at.
See you in Brighton This summer!
We hope that our guide has inspired your travel plans and that you see why Brighton in the summer reigns supreme. With its many independent cafes, venues, and events, you will get to experience the character of the city in full force and make the best memories all at once. We can’t wait for you to explore for yourself this summer.
