Big city culture meets bohemian beach town at this South Coast resort.
Known for its lavish Royal Pavilion, thriving LGBTQ community, and pioneering art scene—Brighton is a beach town like no other. Lounging on the pebble beach and strolls along the historic pier are must-dos for summer vacationers, but there’s plenty to tempt you away from the beach. Browse artisan boutiques in The Lanes, admire bold street art, and dive into Brighton’s café culture, then stick around after sundown for the legendary nightlife. Campers can escape the crowds at country camping grounds or cosy up in a glamping pod, while outdoors enthusiasts have hikes, bike rides, and water sports at their fingertips.
East of Brighton, the coastal cities of Hastings and Eastbourne both boast sandy beaches, mediaeval castles, and seafood restaurants looking out over the Channel. Stop by Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, where the towering white chalk cliffs rival those of nearby Dover. Inland, the High Weald AONB has about 1,500 miles of trails for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
To the west, the seaside resort of Worthing lets you escape the crowds of Brighton, while Shoreham is a bird-watching hotspot set on the River Adur estuary. More coastal wonders await at the Chichester Harbour AONB—set sail on a cruise around the harbour or spot seabirds on a walk around the salt marshes.
The chalk hills of the South Downs rise on the horizon north of Brighton. Explore the national park trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback, then adjourn to a peaceful campsite in the valleys. Highlights include the ancient yew forest at Kingley Vale, the viewpoint at Blackdown Hill, and the mediaeval Arundel Castle.
Summer is peak season, when Brighton fills up with holidaymakers and day-trippers, but this ‘City of Festivals’ never sleeps. Time your visit for one of the many annual festivals, or escape the crowds on a winter getaway—many caravan parks stay open year-round. While summer is undoubtedly the best time to swim and sunbathe, water sports still take place year-round along Brighton beach.