Brighton Rocks

With hundreds of bars and pubs to choose from, Brighton is the perfect boozy getaway. 

Brighton residents are party people with a more laid-back attitude than their London counterparts. Here, you get to be beside the seaside while still enjoying the culture and excitement of the Big Smoke. 

Any trip has to start with a walk down The Lanes. Packed with curiosity shops, music stores, vintage treasure troves and sellers of weird and wonderful trinkets, they are perfect for wiling away an afternoon. 

The city is easy to navigate – pretty much all roads lead down to the beach. Brighton Pier offers candyfloss, fish and chips, and hours of entertainment in the penny slot machines. In the summer, the beach is packed with deckchairs, and in winter it make a bracing walk. 

Another famous sight, The Royal Pavilion, feels like another world. Built between 1787 and 1823, it’s really exotic-looking and reflects a time when royals and the well-to-do escaped to Brighton for it’s food, theatre, and debauchery. 

After all these years, Brighton’s still an excellent night out and whether there’s a great comedy act on , an amazing DJ has come to town or you just fancy a huge pub crawl, this place will deliver. There’s a really eclectic music scene, from drum ‘n’ bass, to burlesque, to cheesy pop. And many of the best clubs have been going strong for years. I’ve been to some great gigs at Concorde 2, and had many a good night at the Honey Club. 

Now summer has passed it’s a good time to visit – the tourists have gone home and the students are out to play. Brighton’s legendary gay scene attracts thousands of revellers all year-round. 

The clubs spill out onto the beach, and many continue the party there until the wee hours. 

Just over one hour by train from London, the city that gave us Fat Boy Slim, Jo Whiley and Rachel Whiteread makes the perfect lost weekend. 

Stay at the Hotel Du Vin. A pretty little boutique hotel in a great location.

Eat at Buddies, Brighton’s only 24-hour restaurant. This no frills grill will sort you out. 

Image courtesy of Artee Mamawag

Next time: A Romantic Getaway in Edinburgh…