Brighton Beach, located on England’s southern coast, is one of the country’s best known seaside destinations. Part of the city of Brighton and Hove, the beach has been attracting visitors for centuries. Around 50 miles due south of London, the beach is very much at the heart of the city with many of its best-known sights within a stone's throw. However Brighton wasn’t always the popular city it is today. It started off as a quiet fishing village. That changed in the 18th century when people started believing that sea air and saltwater had health benefits. This led to an increase in visitors and as travel by train became easier in the 19th century, Brighton quickly grew into a popular holiday spot for people of all backgrounds. Over time, the beach became known not just for the sea and fresh air, but for entertainment, nightlife, and a fun, relaxed environment.
Brighton Beach is a pebble beach, not a sandy one. There are deck chairs to rent, ice cream stalls, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view. The waters can be chilly but are still popular for swimming and watersports such as windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and wakeboarding. One of the biggest beach attractions is the Brighton Palace Pier, one of the last remaining traditional piers in the UK. With fairground rides and arcade games, two mini roller coasters, bumper cars, a helter-skelter and a classic carousel. Next to the pier is the Sea Life Centre which is said to be the oldest aquarium in the world, dating back to 1872. Home to over 5,000 sea creatures its the perfect rainy-day activity. To the east of the Pier there is the historic Volks Railway - Britain's oldest electric railway built in 1883. Continue heading east and you'll find Brighton Marina, which is so much more than simply a place to park your boat!
After dark, Brighton Beach comes alive with Brighton’s seafront clubs, pubs and bars opening their doors for some of the best club nights in the country. Brighton's seafront hosts a busy calendar of events throughout the year and probably the biggest and best known of these is Brighton Pride in August - the UK's biggest LGBTQ festival.
Brighton’s promenades offer a beautiful scenic route along the seafront, perfect for a variety of leisurely activities.
Upper Promenade - has charming cafes, boutique shops, and plenty of seating areas where visitors can relax and take in the scenery. Ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling with its wide paths making it a popular route for exercise and relaxation.
Lower Promenade - offers direct access to Brighton’s beach and home to a variety of beachside shops, selling souvenirs and beach gear. The Lower Promenade also features public art and sculptures, adding a creative touch to the walking experience.
Brighton Beach combines the traditional with the modern. You still get the fish and chips, the deck chairs, and the piers but you also get art galleries, live music, vegetarian cafes, and sustainable shops. Its a vibrant, busy stretch of coastline that epitomises the charm and diversity that Brighton has to offer everyone, all year round.
Details
- Address:
- Brighton Beach
- BN1 1NA