People flock here for the pebble beach, the music, and the sights, but one visit reveals layers of history and quirky neighbourhoods around every corner. In this post, you’ll explore what puts Brighton & Hove on the map: famous architecture, cultural roots, the best districts, shopping gems, and food spots that locals love.
Nestled on England’s south coast, Brighton & Hove sparkles with old-world character and a fresh, lively spirit. The city blends Victorian grandeur with a modern pulse, along with a thriving LGBTQ+ community and rainbow of vegan food.
If walking in nature, always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe. For coastal areas, check tide times and warning flags, and read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
History, Architecture, and Culture
Brighton & Hove wears its past proudly, with cobbled lanes, regal buildings, and echoes of centuries gone by. Yet, the city moves forward, shaping a unique identity through its museums and ongoing festivals.
Royal Pavilion and Regency Legacy
The Royal Pavilion stands out as Brighton’s crown jewel. Built for King George IV in the early 1800s, its outer walls look like they belong in India, while the inside bursts with Chinese-style decor. Visitors wander grand rooms with painted dragons and golden domes. You can stroll directly from the Pavilion to the Lanes, a maze of historic alleyways lined with jewellery shops, antique stores, and cosy pubs.
Much of central Brighton carries the Regency look—cream-colored houses with elegant columns, curly ironwork on balconies, and wide promenades perfect for evening walks.
The city is also home to an ionic pier, the only one left out of three, which have both disappeared into the sea.
Art, Music, and Festivals
If you love art and live music, Brighton is hard to beat. Street artists splash colour across buildings, while galleries such as Phoenix Art Space and Brighton Museum showcase everything from modern sculpture to classic paintings.
The city hosts the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe every spring, filling venues with theatre, dance, and epic concerts. From indie club gigs to open-air orchestras, music pulses at venues like Concorde 2 and Brighton Dome.
Neighborhoods and Must‑See Attractions
Every corner of Brighton & Hove tells a different story. Some areas buzz with life, while others invite slow strolls and sea views.
Brighton Marina and West Blatchington
Brighton Marina packs a punch with its mix of shops, and boats for sustainable sailors. Just a short drive away, West Blatchington Nature Reserve offers green space for birdwatching and peaceful walks, far from city sounds.
Saltdean Lido and Shoreham Beach
Saltdean Lido is a fine slice of history—a 1930s art deco swimming spot that has been lovingly restored. Its classic lines and sunny poolside terrace draw swimmers year-round. A little further west, Shoreham Beach offers a peaceful stretch of shingle shore dotted with wildflowers, popular with locals who prefer quiet sunsets and gentle waves.
Patcham, Moulsecoomb, and Roedean
Patcham and Moulsecoomb are suburban areas, green and friendly, with parks and family homes. These districts feel slower, but that’s the charm—spot deer in Wild Park or wander ancient paths near Patcham windmill.
The area sadly has tragic history, with Moulsecoomb woods being the scene of the infamous ‘Babes in the Woods’ murders of two girls in the late 1980s. What compounded everything was the wrongful arrest of one of the girl’s fathers, when he was completely innocent.
The murderer was finally arrested and convicted (after being released once before), when the double jeopardy law was changed by Jack Straw, thanks to non-stop campaigning by the mother of murder victim Julie Hogg (the mother is played by Sheridan Smith in a recent drama ‘I Fought the Law’).
Changing the law not only enabled her own daughter’s killer to be convicted, but also helped other victims (including the families of Stephen Lawrence, who also had his killers convicted, thanks to changing the double jeopardy law, which previously could not bring another trial).
This area is also near the very swanky area of Roedean (above are the original staff when it first opened as Wimbledon House), the chalk cliffs housing Roedean School, known as ‘England’s poshest school for girls’ (a bit like the female version of Eton or Harrow).
Students can not only participate in wild swimming, but many outdoor pursuits like sailing. Past students have included Tessa Dahl (daughter of children’s writer Roald Dahl), and the actresses Sarah Miles and Honeysuckle Weeks (who stars in Foyle’s War).
The school was founded by three sisters in 1885, who believed that girls should have the same education as boys. The sisters had fallen on hard times, while caring for their barrister father (who had been injured in a climbing accident). Even today, a Brighton bus is called ‘the Lawrence sisters’.
Vegan‑Friendly Spots and A Green MP
Brighton is a vegan’s dream. Plant-based cafés fill city streets, offering everything from burgers and pizza to vegan “fish” and chips. Standouts like Purezza (a vegan pizzeria) turn classic comfort food into treats that vegans and meat-eaters enjoy.
Siân Berry (far left) is one of England’s four Green Party MPs, and often leads local eco-initiatives, supporting community growing spaces and events that spotlight green living and inclusivity.
Vegan and Zero Waste Shops
Kindly Supermarket brings low-waste shopping to the High Street, letting customers refill grains, spices, and fresh produce without plastic. Set up by a bored techy entrepreneur to do something good after the pandemic, this store has big ambitions.
Harriet’s of Hove: This refill shop on Blatchington Road helps shoppers cut single-use packaging. You’ll find nuts, grains, baking goods, soaps, and eco-friendly gifts. Co-founded by a local couple, he’s a former dentist, who will give you a refill, instead of a filling!
Infinity Foods: Nestled in North Laine, Infinity Foods has been a local staple for decades. It stocks fresh bread, organic vegetables, vegan cheese, zero-waste items, and herbal remedies.
Conclusion
Brighton & Hove draws crowds not just for its beach but for its blend of history, culture, and modern comforts. Grand Regency squares sit next to street art, and vegan food is as common as fish and chips. LGBTQ+ visitors feel at home, while families, art lovers, and foodies find endless reasons to stay.
Time here means discovering hidden lanes, vibrant bars, green parks, and markets that connect you to the city’s pulse. Plan a trip soon and explore both the iconic favourites and tucked-away local gems—Brighton & Hove rewards every visit with something new.
