Brighton

Brighton is among the most flamboyant cities in the United Kingdom. Once a fishing village, its popularity grew when royals came in search of medicinal seawater. Today Brighton blends the charm of a traditional Victorian-era seaside resort with the creativeness of its alternative, hipster population. Bachelor and bachelorette parties flock to Brighton for its nightlife while mods cruise the coastline on scooters and day trippers explore a labyrinth of shopping streets.

Brighton Beach is the quintessential city image, where fish and chip shops, ice cream parlors and fading Victorian-era hotels line a promenade that runs parallel to a long shingle coastline. Thousands descend upon the beach on sunny days to dabble in watersports, play Frisbee and relax on deckchairs.

The amusement rides at Brighton Pier, Brighton Sea Life Centre and Brighton Centre concert venue provide non-stop entertainment for all the family. Snap a photo of the multicolored beach huts that front Hove Lawns.

Wander through The Lanes, an area of zigzagging alleys home to boutiques, chocolatiers, jewelers and milliners. Varied restaurants, comedy clubs, pubs and jazz cafés offer food and nightlife options for all tastes. Hear gruesome crime stories at the Old Police Cells Museum.

Experience the life of British monarchs at the opulent Royal Pavilion. The adjoining Royal Pavilion Gardens is a green oasis in the heart of the city that attracts birds and butterflies. See Egyptian artifacts, exhibits about city history and 20th-century art at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. Brighton Dome and the Theatre Royal Brighton put on year-round schedules of performing arts.

Spot examples of Regency and Victorian architecture in the affluent districts of Clifton Hill and Montpelier. Soccer fans can attend a match of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club at the American Express Community Stadium. View the city from a different perspective on a cruise from Brighton Marina.

Located on England’s southeast coast, Brighton is just a 1-hour train ride from London. Summer is the busiest period and the time for festivals such as Brighton Fringe, Brighton Pride and Brighton Mod Weekender.