Brighton is one of England’s most vibrant seaside resorts, which often was the ‘place of choice’ for Londoners to visit, when they had time off work. Today it’s kind of like ‘England’s San Francisco’ – a melting pot of vegans, environmentalists (Caroline Lucas remains England’s only Green MP and The Big Lemon is the city’s solar-powered bus). It’s also likely the country’s most gay-friendly city. And a haven for artists, writers and musicians galore. And lots of ghosts! Also find ways to help your local wildlife rescue and animal shelter.
Brighton Palace Pier (East Sussex) is one of two piers that sit either side of the coast, and is often called ‘the finest pier ever built (its predecessor was demolished in a storm in 1896). The West Pier became unsafe after the 1987 storm (another storm and two arson attacks means it is now closed to be left to ‘gradually return to the sea’.
Did you know that Royal Pavilion was so popular with Adolf Hitler, that he instructed troops not to bomb it, as he planned to use it as his holiday home? This Indian-style building is reminisent of the Taj Mahal and today is a popular tourist attraction, with the surrounding gardens popular for picnics. Linked to it is Brighton Dome (Henry Miller), now a popular venue for concerts.
The Lanes (Henry Miller) is a well-known shopping centre, full of antique shops and quirky indies. Parts of this area date back to the 16th century, when the city was a small fishing town (Brighthelmstone). One pub was built back in 1545!
Hove – actually!
A few miles up the road is ‘Hove, actually’ (so-called because apparent snobbish residents of the more affluent suburb say this in reply, if asked if they are from Brighton!) Both resorts are home to a popular beach (not the prettiest but with usual amusement parks and people on stilts!) But wherever you live in this area, property prices are huge (Hove almost compares to London, with the average price of a flat being £350,000).
The large veggie population in Brighton gives rise to some good indie shops, namely Infinity Foods, which remains one of England’s most successful health stores, with a wholesale delivery service. Also here is the people-owned supermarket HISBE (‘how it should be’) and Kindly (a retail and online vegan supermarket set up by an entrepreneur).
