Hello Folks!
As you may already know, I'm currently living in England and, as this adventure will last only a few months, I’ve decided to make the most of it. Meaning, that I'm enjoying every single weekend exploring and visiting new British cities!
Brighton is one of those places I've been eager to visit since I arrived in Europe, so finally getting to explore this city was a dream come true. To my surprise, the place exceeded my expectations; from the charming bohemian lanes to the iconic pier, I instantly fell in love with the city. Christian and I decided to hop on the train, and after about 2 and a half hours, we arrived in Brighton from Southampton. Although the journey usually takes only one hour and fifty minutes, there were some rail disruptions that day, but everything was sorted out efficiently, and we made it to Brighton Central Station without much hassle. So, if you encounter any disruptions while travelling in the UK, rest assured that the rail company will find a solution!
We were blessed with glorious autumn weather, allowing us to bask in the sunlight and enjoy the gentle sea breeze as we strolled through the lanes and along the seaside. Our first stop was the North Laine area, known for its bohemian vibe and eclectic shops. We absolutely loved exploring every nook and cranny of this vibrant neighbourhood. A highlight for us was stumbling upon Infinity Foods, a market offering a wide selection of organic and vegetarian products, including food, cosmetics, cleaning products, and even baby items. I couldn't resist indulging in a delicious vegan pizza for just £2.50 – what a steal! Oh, how I wish we had Infinity Foods back in Belgium!
Next, we headed to the BA i360, a futuristic glass viewing pod designed by Marks Barfield Architects, the same minds behind the London Eye. However, due to time constraints, we decided to admire the structure from the ground instead of going up in the elevator. We then leisurely walked along the seaside to the pier, soaking in the sea views and warmth of the sun. We couldn't resist stopping at one of the charming food kiosks along the way to indulge in a fresh seafood salad.
I was completely captivated by the Brighton Palace Pier, especially after seeing it featured in one of my favourite YouTubers' videos (Brighton truly is a popular destination for many YouTubers). Sitting on their iconic striped chairs, feeling the breeze against my skin, was pure bliss. While the pier boasts one of the oldest amusement parks in England, it wasn't the highlight of my day, although I do recommend a visit to the Pier Palace, which still exudes the old-world charm of Brighton's spa resort days.
Our next stop was the Royal Pavilion, originally built as a seaside retreat for King George IV in 1787. This architectural gem showcases a unique blend of British, Indian, and Chinese styles, making it one of the most exotic palaces in the UK. After exploring the Pavilion, we wandered into an area known as The Lanes – a labyrinth of historical alleyways dotted with quaint boutiques. One standout was Choccywoccydoodah, not only because I'm a self-confessed chocoholic, but also because of their incredible and slightly spooky Halloween decorations!
It was a delightful experience exploring Brighton without a set itinerary; we simply wandered around and let the city guide us. I'm amazed at how much we managed to see and do in such a short time. In the past, I used to meticulously plan every trip, researching everything from the city's history to the names of its main streets. However, over the past year, I've embraced spontaneous travel and found it to be incredibly refreshing – sometimes, it's nice to take a break from the routine and just go with the flow!
Extra tips: If you're a free-spirited individual looking for a liberal and vibrant destination in England, I highly recommend Brighton. It's the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals, and if I had to choose, it would definitely be at the top of my list of places to visit in the UK. So far, Brighton has been my favourite city for a weekend getaway!
