Brighton in a nutshell

Here's a virtual tour of one of the coolest seaside resorts in England

During the 18th century, Brighton was not only a popular health resort with sea bathing, but was also the Prince Regent's seaside getaway. After the railway was built in 1841 it soon became a favourite destination for day-trippers from London.

Today Brighton is well known as a musical city, influencing bands such as the Who and being the Kooks' hometown. With local resident Fatboy Slim and his summer event "Big Beach Boutique" no wonder Brighton features some of the coolest clubs of the south coast. Brighton, with its laid back, bohemian atmosphere and open-minded people, is also considered the UK's gay capital, holding one of the most famous Pride Festivals in Europe. It also boasts free museums and plenty of cultural and entertainment opportunities.

So, whether you're on a day trip from London, or you want to spend some relaxing days away from the City, there are plenty of reasons why you've got to visit Brighton while in England.

Getting around Brighton is really easy, both on foot and by bus. Are you ready for your tour?

Let's start exploring this city from it's symbol, Brighton Pier:

This Victorian pier has got food and drink outlets, fairground attractions and a games arcade. Grab your fish and chips, watch the hungry seagulls and enjoy the view!

West Pier Arches:

West Pier Arches right along Brighton's seafront are simply the perfect place where to combine sun, sea and shopping. Bring a beach towel with you, relax while watching finshermen with their fishing rods, spend your lunch break sitting on the pebbles like the English do, or buy some souvenirs in one of those unique shops selling designer gifts and homeware, photos, prints, postcards, frames and books.

Brighton's beach huts:

Then stroll down along the esplanade until you find the beach hut of your favourite colour. If you walk a little further and get to Kings Esplanade, in Hove, stop by at the Italian restaurant, they also make delicious ice creams that can be served in chocolate cones and come with tasty syrups and sprinkles.

The Royal Pavilion:

From Brighton Pier head north. On your left you'll soon spot Prince Regent's extraordinary seaside palace from the late 18th century. Later transformed into one of the most dazzling and exotic buildings of the whole UK, the Palace and its gardens are really a must visit. Nearby Brighton Dome, which is now a concert hall, once housed the royal stables. Check what's on and get entertained!

The Lanes:

For creative shopping, some live jazz music, just for a beer or to feel like a Rocker or a Mod, head to Brighton Lanes. This maze of colorful allleys is filled with independent shops and boutiques selling anything, from antiques and jewellery to contemporary and designer boutique fashion. The alley between East Street and Little East Street is particularly famous as the location where a hot scene in Quadrophenia was filmed. Grab a coffee while listening to some bands performing live in the streets, or indulge in one of the many funky pubs any time of day.

If you feel like you need more shopping, go to London Road with its open market, it's not far from the North Laine. And to end up your retail therapy indulge around big-name stores at Churchill Square Shopping Center, right in the hearth of Brighton.

Brighton Marina:

Brighton Marina is a stunning quayside location which offers not only a range of fantastic stores selling fashion, home furnishings, gifts, accessories and books but also an impressive entertainment complex as well as many restaurants with al fresco dining serving food from all over the world. You can easily walk there, heading east from the Pier.

Brighton Walk of Fame:

Who said that you need to go to Hollywood to step on a Walk of Fame? There's one in Brighton too, right at Brighton Marina! 100 plates celebrate the many stars and famous people associated with the city, find out how many celebrities you know!

Rottingdean:

Rottingdean is a picturesque seaside village right on the coast of Brighton, east from Brighton Marina. It's famous as Rudyard Kipling's hometown. Kipling Gardens are an ideal place to relax, after wandering around Rottingdean's narrow streets and unusual shops and boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

Seven Sisters:

A short bus-ride from Brighton are the Seven Sisters. Part of the Seven Sisters Country Park, they are breath-taking white cliffs with amazing surroundings offering opportunities for walking, cycling, bird-watching and canoeing. What is curious about the Seven Sisters is that they feature one of the default landscape wallpapers packaged with Windows 7.

Your virtual Brighton tour is over, now it's time for you to visit the city for real! And since sightseeing can be tough at times, make sure you book a comfy bed in one of Brighton's hostels, B&Bs and cheap hotels! Use the form below, HostelsClub won't disappoint you!