Brighton - 2 day trip

2 days in Brighton

My name is Jessica and I am an intern at VisitBrighton (www.visitbrighton.com). I have only lived in Brighton a year myself, and I still consider myself a tourist, as I haven't yet eaten at all the yummy restaurants and visited all the attractions here in Brighton. VisitBrighton and I have decided to plan this trip for you to give you at least a basic plan , as there is simply so much to do and so much fun to be had in this creative city with a blend of modern culture and exotic architecture, sea and countryside, and a distinctive free-spirited atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

At less than an hour to Brighton from London Victoria station and 20 minutes from Gatwick, you can be in Brighton as early as breakfast time, and trains at least every half hour to Victoria, making your trip back the next day flexible and convenient.  I have listed below an example of (what I consider to be) a a great option for spending two days in Brighton.

Day 1

Upon arrival in Brighton, a trip to your hotel to free you up of your luggage is your best bet. While check-in times are normally in the afternoon, the B&B Amherst  Brighton is totally customer oriented and will hold ontoyour things for you until you are ready.  Upon leaving your things the Amherst,  stroll through Kemp town Villiage  on your way down to Brighton's centre.  Kemptown has elegant eateries and cosy pubs which sit alongside delicious delis and lifestyle shops.  Take your time down St. James' Street and head to the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery  in the Royal Pavilion Gardens.  Entrance is free to this museum which features an extensive collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco furniture, glass and ceramics, fashion and style and 20th century art from Asia, Africa and the Americas and loads of exhibitions that attract people of all different interests. Then arrive at the  The Royal Pavilion , the exotic royal palace of George IV. You pay £6.70 for a group. The thing that amazed me the most was the luxurious dining room and the kitchen where his 36-course meals were prepared.  I suggest not missing the Pavilion, no matter what else you do in Brighton!

After the hour long tour in the Pavilion, take some time to pop into the various shops and pubs in The Lanes  and the North Laine . The Lanes offer more boutique shops and art galleries, and the North Laine being the more "bohemian" area of Brighton, with alternative shops and vegetarian cafes.  No matter your style, you'll find some of the most unique buys in all of the UK in Brighton, so be prepared for the shopping bonanza that may ensue. 

After working up an appetite, head over to Food for Friends  in the Lanes. This is one of Brighton's most established restaurants right in the heart of the Lanes and the food is absolutely exquisite. Food for Friends incorporates fresh ingredients to make innovative vegetarian foods and you should either rinse it down with their lovely organic wines or yummy fresh fruit drinks. Definitely one of my favorite restuarants that I have discovered so far in Brighton.  

After dinner, I have suggested three different possibilities for your evening. For a night of jazz, cabaret or flamenco, check out  The Joogleberry. If you are more of a pub-goer, why not enjoy the beach at night and head to OhSo or the Fortune of War right on the front, with outdoor seating.  If you're looking for a break from the norm, catch a comedy act at Komedia  in The Lanes. Komedia hosts some of the most brilliant local, national and international talent. You are guaranteed quite a laugh and, if you make the 8pm show, you can still head to any of Brighton's pubs in The Lanes area, and head back to the Amherst through Kemp Town  at night, perhaps popping in to one of Kemp Town's lively and unique clubs on your way home.  For more information on Nightlife activities in Brighton, click here.

Day 2 

Your breakfast will be waiting for you outisde your room at the time you specify at the Amherst, and after enjoying your breakfast in your room with sea views, I would suggest a slower pace for your second day in Brighton.  Depending on how late you stay out the night before, you may prefer to take a leisurely walk along the promenade from your hotel in Kemp town down past Yellowwave , Britain's first beach sports centre to the Artists' Quarter  and Brighton Pier , past the loads of little cafes and restuarants along the boardwalk and down to West Pier.  Time permitting, a quick stop off back in the Lanes from the Brighton Pier would allow you to visit Choccywoccydoodah  for some hand-made chocolates almost too artistic to eat (I do say almost, because the chocolate is so tasty you can't resist) or even, if your appetite's like mine, to Donatellos , an authentic pizzeria offering quality pizza, pasta, meat, fish and vegetarian dishes at very reasonable prices. Donatellos is one of the most popular restaurants in Brighton among the locals, and with good reason.  

If the sun is shining (as it often does in Brighton more than anywhere else in the UK), continue down the beach throughout Brunswick  to Hove  and wander through Hove's restaurants and shops, heading back along the seafront in time for dinner at the Regency Restaurant , where you'll get delicious locally caught fresh fish and seafood at one of Brighton's most popular seafood restaurants with superb views of the sea and the West Pier.

These were just a few suggestions of how to plan a 2 day 1 night stay in Brighton, but of course there is much more information at www.visitbrighton.com, including contact details if you would like to call and enquire about more possibilities, restaurants, hotels, and current events in Brighton.