A stylish seaside resort with plenty of charm, Brighton has a trendy reputation which it thoroughly embraces.
The closest beach to London, urbanites flock to the pebbled shores to devour fish and chips, paddle in the English Channel and stroll down the famous pier in the summer months.
Lap up the Lanes
Navigate your way through the twists and turns of the famous, historic Lanes area of Brighton. With numerous independent shops, cafés and trendy vintage boutiques to discover, here you’ll find everything from vinyl records to jewellery.
It’s an iconic area of the city, strewn with colourful bunting and bold store fronts. The 18th-century fishermen’s cottages, meanwhile, form one of the most charming places on the English coast.
Take a tour to learn more about the area’s past, or wander the passages at your leisure. Be sure to head down early in the summer months, as the narrow streets can get particularly busy during peak season.
Mod mayhem
Famed for its role in the iconic movie Quadrophenia, Brighton’s affinity with 1960s Mod culture reverberates throughout its streets.
Filtering down to its vintage fashion shops, quirky bars and the locals, Brighton is the spiritual home of the mods and the vibe is electric.
If you’re interested in the history of the subculture and want to visit the scenes of some of the most famous clashes between mods and rockers in the Sixties, be sure to head to Brighton on the annual Mod weekender. Held every August, you’ll see Vespa and Lambretta scooters whizz by, people wearing chic Italian tailored suits, and hear live music in the streets.
Party on the pier
No visit to Brighton is complete without an afternoon on the Brighton Palace Pier.
By far the city’s most iconic attraction, there’s hours of fun to be had on the rides and at the many eateries. Enjoy fairground favourites, fresh doughnuts drizzled in chocolate, and air hockey tournaments – or dance mat battles if you prefer – in the amusement hall.
Head out on to the pier to admire spectacular views of the proud Georgian terraces which line the promenade, ride the waltzers and try to hit the jackpot on the many slot machines.
Seaside spectacle
Arguably the best, and certainly the biggest attraction that Brighton has on offer, is the awesome British Airways i360 observation tower. It stands at an incredible 137 metres tall and visitors can ascend to the top in a huge glass viewing pod, which presents unparalleled views of the city and its surroundings.
A trip lasts around 25 minutes and there’s refreshment facilities available within the pod. You’ll definitely want to have your cameras at the ready.
Whether you choose to relax on the beach, embrace the excitement of the pier, or explore further afield, discover the many sides of this famous resort and beyond with car hire in Brighton.
