Famous for being a quirky, charming city with a bohemian atmosphere, it’s easy to see why the colourful city of Brighton attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Coined ‘London by the Sea’, this wonderful city has earned a reputation as one of the best beach break destinations in the world – in no small part thanks to its cool seafront packed with hip bars and restaurants.
If you’re considering a trip to Brighton beach, we’ve compiled some must-dos so you can make the most of your trip.
Take a dip in the sea
I know what you’re wondering: is Brighton beach sandy?
Sadly not. Within Brighton, there’s an age-old debate about whether the beach is sandy. Some believe sandbags made during WW2 stole the sand, some say it was erosion. We can’t know for sure, but what we do know is that Brighton’s beach is full of eye-catching pebbles, glistening in the sunlight.
If you’re visiting the shingled Brighton beach, a dip in the channel is a must. If you’re brave enough, get on your swimsuit (or trunks!) and indulge in a refreshing paddle. Whether you simply want to dip your toe in or are daring enough to give paddleboarding or kayaking a go, make sure you go into the water only when safe to do so. Also, it’s really useful to know how to float just in case!
If you prefer to stay on dry land, simply unfold your deckchair and watch the world go by or round up the troops for a competitive game of beach volleyball or frisbee.
Be warned that most Brighton beach locations only allow dogs from October to April, so make sure to leave the pooch at home if you’re visiting in peak season.
Visit Brighton’s beach huts
Taking a stroll along the promenade, you’ll see a swathe of brightly coloured beach huts. Adored by crowds of visitors each year, Brighton’s beach huts are quirky yet original. Uniformly painted in bright pastel colours and stripes, the quintessentially British Brighton beach huts provide a dose of sunshine on even the greyest winter day.
Visit Brighton’s beach restaurants
As a thriving cosmopolitan city, it’s only fitting that Brighton is home to a plethora of exquisite beach restaurants. Offering much more than simply fish and chips on the beach, the chic restaurants lining Brighton’s promenade promise some of the best eateries in the area.
Whether you visit The Salt Room for some of the freshest local seafood or opt to dine at the cosy Tempest Inn, you can guarantee you’ll leave feeling full and content.
Or if you simply can’t decide, take a stroll down to Captain’s Fish and Chips for the beachside classic.
Visit Brighton’s beach bars
Taking an amble down the promenade in the summer months, you’ll be met with a throng of thriving bars, filled to the brim with locals and tourists looking for a good place for a tipple.
On the beachfront itself, you’ll stumble across the Fortune of War. It's the oldest and most authentic pub by the seafront, having first opened its doors in 1882.
For something a little different, why not book one of the cosy heated igloos at Ohso Social? Close to the sea yet protected from the chilly breeze, you can snuggle up under the stars with your friends and family and chat the night away.
On The Beach festival
Over the years, Brighton has established itself as the place to be when it comes to festivals. Most famous for Brighton Pride, in summer months you’ll find frequent festivals celebrating everything including food, music, film, art and comedy.
Part of this is Brighton’s On The Beach festival. A popular event with locals and tourists, On The Beach in Brighton is a weekend summer festival where you can party the time away!
If attending the best festivals in Brighton, why not make life easy and book a train ticket with Southern?