Today’s post is a “break” from the previous food related ones! It’s also a break from featuring places and cities in North America (can’t help it since I’m stationed in Boston). It is about a city that although I’ve visited only once, is a favorite of mine! Read on to see my favorite spots and must-dos in Brighton!
Visiting Brighton was on my list for a long time! Every time I visited my friends in London and proposed a trip to Brighton they said that they’ve been there and weren’t impressed! I mean how that was even possible?!? Why so much fuss about Brighton you might ask. Well if you are a Jane Austen fan like myself and more specifically a Pride and Prejudice one, you’ve probably read about Brighton being a popular resort at the time. That’s why I had to visit! And about 5 years ago that dream of mine came true; I went to Brighton!
Needless to say that I fell in love with Brighton, especially as I was lucky and the day was sunny (a big plus for any UK city/village/field etc). My first stop was the Pavilion which I knew about from an old wall calendar that my dad had brought home many years ago. Its architecture is peculiar and unique for a royal building and the inside didn’t disappoint at all. The pavilion was built for the Prince Regent, later King George IV, in stages between the years 1787 and 1823. Unfortunately, photos were not allowed inside (at least when I visited) so you’ll have to refer to this link for some photos. I admit that the Banqueting and the Music Room where my favorite ones. The Music Room has a roof (inside) made of gold parts. During a storm (if I remember well) the roof collapsed and it had to be restored. I can only guess how difficult that was to restore it.
After the Pavilion I hit the promenade by the sea. What a lovely place to walk! The Pier is a must visit as well. It’s full of games and it gives off a vintage feeling! When I had enough of the not so gentle sea breeze I ventured in the cobblestone streets of Brighton and there I made my biggest “discovery” to date: Choccywoccydoodah! It’s an amazing place full of chocolate creations. After ogling at those chocolate cakes/pieces of art I settled for a Chocolate popcorn lolly (yum)! I’m a fan of them since then and was so happy that they now have also a store in London, where I popped in for a bit last year!
I'm Anna and this is my lifestyle and travel blog! 
Anna that chocolate haunt would be first on my list. I love the pictures, the beach and the overall vibe but can’t go without stuff like chocolate popcorn. Chocolate popcorn? Brilliant. Brilliant! I think the Cracker Jack look is OK but all is better when dipped in chocolate. Thinking of a creative dessert experiment tonight. Well done Anna, thanks so much for sharing and keep on inspiring!
Ryan
well to be honest I haven’t researched a chocolate popcorn recipe! I can assure you it was delicious (although a bit difficult to eat)!
Do you watch Downton Abbey? They featured Brighton in the season finale last year. I’m sure it’s not the same as it was, but it sounds like it’s still a pretty charming spot to visit!
Ah no I don’t! Well I don’t think it changed much!! surely there are some modern buildings especially in the shopping area, but I think most of the “vibe” is still the same!
The Pier looks soooo enticing! Great guide that I will definitely be bookmarking 😀
it has a lot of fun activities. More like a luna park! The hit is the chocolate store though!
I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Brighton on various trips to the UK over the years and it’s one of my favourite places. The Royal Pavilion is such a unique piece of architecture! A wander through The Lanes is great…and the pier is fun.
I didn’t know what to expect of the Pavillion, but I was amazed! I liked that it was so much different than other royal residencies that I’ve visited in the UK and elsewhere in Europe!
I’ve been to Brighton before for short visits and I always loved the atmosphere and the city. Now that I’m in the UK again for a short time I must go back there and try to spend few days to explore more its hidden corners 🙂
Definitely do! It’s such a nice city!
What a lovely place! I would really like to visit Brighton for when I head to the UK someday 🙂 Thanks for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust!
What a super cute beach town! We have family that live in London… this would be a perfect weekend trip the next time we go visit them!