Brighton youth guide
About Brighton
A little bit naughty and a little bit nice, Brighton rocks. The destination of choice for weekending Londoners for centuries, it’s a pulsating, jumping city disguised as a seaside resort. First a famed playground for royalty, Brighton has always had a wild streak. Explore beyond the amusement arcades and pebble beach (though we like that too) and you’ll come away raving about the city.
Today, Brighton is a creative, exciting, colourful place to visit. Beside the Royal Pavilion, a showpiece museum that ranks among the best in the country, you will find terrific restaurants and cafes, wonderful pubs and bars, and a nightlife that is a match for anywhere in the country. Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, is a local resident and DJs here regularly. Close by, the South Downs are stunningly green rolling hills, so save some time to get out of town!
The Tourist Information Centre (www.visitbrighton.co.uk) is at 10 Bartholomew Square.
For more information, visit our Brighton city guide.
Seeing
Must Do
The Royal Pavilion (www.royalpavilion.org.uk/) is an absolute must and a highlight of any trip to southern England. This extraordinarily lavish fantasy is one of the most sumptuously hedonistic buildings you’ll see anywhere in England and is a fitting symbol of Brighton’s ‘un-English’ decadence.
Along with the Royal Pavilion, Palace Pier is Brighton’s most distinctive landmark and the epitome of seaside tackiness. It’s got the usual selection of fairground rides, amusement arcades and food stalls, where you can buy a stick of the famous Brighton Rock. Cheesy but terrific fun.
The Brighton Museum & Art Gallery (www.brighton.virtualmuseum.info/) has a good collection of 20th century art and design (including a Salvador Dali sofa in the shape of Mae West’s lips) and there’s a fascinating exhibit on world art.
Insider Info
Some of England’s loveliest countryside is easily accessible from Brighton. The South Downs are perfect for walking, cycling, horse-riding and even paragliding. A great excursion from Brighton is to Ditchling Beacon from where the views on a sunny day are utterly breathtaking.
Shopping
The Lanes is Brighton’s most popular shopping district, a confusing maze of small streets and tiny alleyways that are choc-a-bloc with shops and boutiques selling everything from 17th century rifles, to the latest foot fashions.
There’s less of a touristy, upmarket feel in North Laine – a series of streets northwest of The Lanes – which abound with second-hand clothes shops, record and CD stalls, and local craft outlets. Check out the flea market at Upper Gardner Street on Saturday mornings.
Eating
Wander around The Lanes and North Laine or walk along Preston Street, which runs back from the seafront near West Pier, and you'll uncover a wide selection of cafés, diners and restaurants of every hue and taste.
The Hop Poles
The place to go for weekend brunch, although you'll probably have to wait for a table. Tel: +44 1273 710444; 13 Middle Street.
Terre a Terre
Voted the best vegetarian restaurant in Britain by the Vegetarian Society, and we can’t disagree. Even die-hard meat fiends will find the imaginative and delicious cuisine hard to resist here. Tel: +44 1273 729051; 71 East Street.
The Black Chapati
Wonderful mix of traditional Indian and Asian fusion dishes. Tel: +44 1273 699011; 12 Circus Parade, New England Road.
The De Vere Grand
If you haven’t experienced afternoon tea yet, then treat yourself to this most English of activities…now! Tel: +44 1273 224300; King's Road.
Nightlife
If Britain’s top DJs aren’t spending their summers playing to the crowds in Ibiza or Aya Napia you’ll most likely find them in Brighton. Keep an eye out for The Brighton Latest, The List or The Source for what’s hot and what’s not.
The Bar With No Name
Traditional pub popular with local artists, clubbers and those simply looking for a good pint. Tel: +44 1273 601419; 58 Southover Street.
Riki Tik
Almost painfully cool, favourite pre-club spot for young clubbers who kick off their night with cocktails. Tel: +44 1273 683844; 18a Bond Street.
Concorde 2
Jam-packed every second Friday from June to September for Fatboy Slim's Big Beat Boutique. Other nights are just as popular, with a choice of club sounds. Tel: +44 1273 207241; Marine Parade, Kemptown).
The Joint
With something for everyone, this is one of the coolest dives in town. Tel: +44 1273 321692; 37 East Street.
Baggies Backpackers
Best hostel in town. Close to the seafront, with good facilities and an easygoing atmosphere. Tel: +44 1273 733740; 33 Oriental Place.
University of Brighton
You can rent flats for two to eight people from the university, available in various locations. Tel: +44 1273 643167; Grand Parade.
Funchal Guesthouse
The cosy, clean rooms here are serviced daily. In the summer months, the rates go up to £30 per night. Tel: +44 1273 603975; 17 Madeira Place.
Oriental Hotel
Decorated with bright colours, home-made furniture and cool decor; very funky. Tel: +44 1273 2050509; Oriental Place.
St Christopher's Inn
Located right on the sea front in Brighton, opposite Palace pier, so close you can smell the candy floss. Very popular and fun. Tel: +44 20 7407 1856.