Your guide to living in Brighton
With its pebbled beach, vibrant arcade and quirky vibe, Brighton and Hove is the quintessential British seaside resort. It was actually in the early nineteenth century, when hotels started popping up along the stunning seafront to accommodate the visiting rich and famous, that Brighton became a tourist attraction. Today, this creative city continues to attract high volumes of visitors, and is a fantastic place to live, drawing all types of people including students, commuters and families.
Where is it?
Brighton sits on the south coast of England in East Sussex, sandwiched between fellow seaside towns Portsmouth and Eastbourne. The city has two main areas - Brighton itself and Hove.
What’s the transport like?
Brighton is fairly compact, making it easy to explore on foot. There are actually 6 train stations around the city, the most popular being Brighton Station which has links to Cardiff, Bristol and can even get you to London Victoria in just an hour! This quick commute is why so many young professionals now choose Brighton as their new home away from the city. It’s hard to miss Brighton BikeShare’s bicycles dotted around the city, available to rent for ridiculously cheap prices any time and use for as long as you’d like.
Where do the locals go?
Parks: With 8.7 miles of seafront right on your doorstep, living in Brighton means you’ve got vast amounts of nature to enjoy. The largest urban park in the city is Preston Park, and is one of the most popular with tourists and locals alike. For something a little more hidden away, head to The Rockery. This tiny garden has a magical feel to it - with bridges, stepping stones, a small waterfall trickling in a corner, and lilypads covering the lake. Dreamy!
Events & Activities: Undoubtedly the Brighton Palace Pier is the face of the city, home to an amusement park and arcade (think helter skelters, candy floss and coin machines!) Other great things on offer include the South Downs for breathtaking walks, or the Amex Stadium for Premiership football. Brighton Pride, the biggest Pride festival in the UK, is always a highlight of the year. It takes place on the first weekend of August, and welcomes around half a million visitors to celebrate!
The best restaurants: Can you really visit the British seaside without fish and chips?! Obviously a true Brighton resident knows to steer clear of the touristy chippies on the beach, so instead head to Bankers Fish & Chips; an award-winning, family run chippy that’s a mere 5 minute walk from the seafront. Fatto a Mano is a neighbourhood pizzeria with three locations in Brighton and Hove, it’s a favourite among locals and tourists. For some low key tapas with a load of your mates, head to Market in Hove, you won’t regret it!
The best pubs: The Cricketers, The Black Lion and The Walrus are all traditional and cosy pubs located in The Lanes, perfect for a pint after a long day pottering around. If cocktails are more your thing, The Plotting Parlour will be right up your street. They serve up the original cocktails we all know and love, but with an original twist including ‘Sage Against The Machine’ is a spin on the classic Mojito (no guesses for what replaces the mint leaves.) The Tempest Inn, located along the seafront, is a cool spot with live music, sick food and plenty of drinks flowing!
The best coffee shops: Wandering The Lanes, although fun, can be tiring…which gives you a decent excuse to stop for tea and cake at That Little Teashop in The Lanes, or Leman Tea Room. Draped in lace and florals, both are as vintage and English as tea rooms get. However, if you fancy your cuppa with a bit of edge, Metrodeco’s crushed velvet and animal print decor will spice up your life and satisfy your sweet cravings. Want a cosy laid-back coffee shop away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre? Stoney Point is the place to go for tasty coffee and delish snacks.
The best shops: The town is also known for its great shopping experience – especially ‘The Lanes’; a collection of winding alleyways filled with independent shops and boutiques. There’s also North Laine; a bustling road with more shopping and markets, but also internationally-renowned street art, most famously Banky’s ‘Kissing Coppers’, which stands proudly on a wall of the Prince Albert pub. Admittedly, it’s not actually the original (that was sold to an anonymous buyer in 2014), but you’d never be able to tell.
What’s it famous for?
We’ve already mentioned Brighton Pier and the seaside, but what else is Brighton known for? The city is classed as the unofficial LGBTQ Capital of the UK, with the area of Kemptown labeled as ‘Brighton’s Gay Village’ due to the gay bars, clubs and shops that line the streets. It’s particularly buzzing and colourful during Brighton Pride. You’ll also find The Royal Pavilion - the Royal Family’s former palace - located right in the centre of the city. Once loved by George IV and Queen Victoria, it’s now a public building with stunning gardens and Indian inspired architecture.
Want to know the average room rent for Brighton, and other UK towns and cities? Check out our latest guide here!
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