A day trip to Brighton, England

Brighton, England is a vibrant seaside city located on the south coast of England, in the county of East Sussex. Known for its bohemian atmosphere, artistic culture, and diverse community, Brighton is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. 

Originally a small fishing village called Brighthelmstone, on the English Channel, it grew into a fashionable health resort in the Georgian era, attracting royal patronage and gaining fame for its sea bathing and lively atmosphere. It merged with nearby Hove in 1997 to form the City of Brighton and Hove which received official city status in 2000. 

Brighton is also home to the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton, giving it a youthful and progressive energy. Just an hour by train from London, it's a favorite escape from the capital, blending coastal charm with a cosmopolitan feel. 

We drove down from Coulsdon for a day trip to Brighton and had a wonderful day. 

The parking area is next to all the iconic sights and places to visit hence very tourist oriented. Park and play! 

Key attractions include the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, 

the Royal Pavilion—an exotic former royal residence with Indian and Chinese influences—and 

the Brighton i360, a tall, observation tower offering panoramic views of the coast. The city also boasts a lively beach, a bustling nightlife, and a strong LGBTQ+ scene. 

We spent some time on the seashore which incidentally is a pebble beach not a sandy beach. 

I thought it was unique. The children and adults enjoyed it immensely. The adults seated on the pebbles while the children enjoyed throwing pebbles into the sea. 

All the action made us hungry hence we trotted to Dishoom Permit Room for an Indian lunch in an Indian restaurant. The food was wholesome and the service excellent. 

Then it was time for the children to spend time at the Brighton pier arcade which had plenty of games to keep the children occupied for a couple of hours. 

There also is a sea aquarium but unfortunately it was shut by the time, 4 pm, that we reached there.  

That led us to the myriad souvenir shops lining the beach front for some retail therapy! 

Overall, a very satisfying day by the sea for the family!