How to spend 3 Days in beautiful Brighton

I instantly fell in love with this vibrant and radiant city. The ‘vibe’ is just wonderful. I’m sure there are downsides like every other place but on the whole, my 3 days in beautiful Brighton were full of pure delight and wonder.

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Day 1 in Brighton

The morning –

Where to start!? My plan for this day was basically to just wander about. My only aim was to come across a mural with Freddy Mercury and George Michael in it. A Pinterest discovery – I often scroll Pinterest prior to new travels in hopes of inspiration and ideas.

So, I sorted out my breakfast at the hostel as this is cheaper and it makes being sustainable easier. I then left the building, turned left and headed off towards the centre. Amazingly I had actually gone in the right direction. If you have read my first blog post, then you will know that this is quite an achievement for me. Actually, I should probably have returned to the hostel at this point because the day had already been successful enough. However, it just continued to get better and better!

Brighton Pavilion –

I excitedly but more inwardly than outwardly because I know I look a bit like a kid in a sweet shop while exploring places and instantly stand out as a tourist which is not good. Of I went marvelling at this new exciting city. The Royal Pavilion, also known as the Brighton Pavilion, is a listed former royal residence located opposite my hostel. In 1787, it was built as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales. I decided to first explore this before continuing onwards. I didn’t go inside but enjoyed a leisurely walk around the gardens. They were very serene and peaceful. The building itself was a masterpiece and a marvel to look at from every angle. I definitely recommend at least exploring the gardens. Upon future return to Brighton, I will most likely do a tour of the Pavilion.

Next I continued on my way to the centre. I came across a sign saying ‘The Laines’. I absolutely looking forward to exploring these and I was certainly not disappointed.

So much colour everywhere! Random unique little bars, shops and cafes. I could easily have spent my whole 3 days getting lost in the quaint alleyways. If you have ever been to the Shambles in York, it has this sort of feeling but bigger and brighter. Unsurprisingly, Brighton has a large LGBT community. They hold Brighton pride annually which I imagine to be positively glowing and full of positive energy.

The afternoon

I sat down outside a cafe and switched between people watching and peacefully reading my kindle while sipping at my tea. The Roy Grace book series I was reading was actually by an author from Brighton called Peter James. An astonishingly incredible writer. I had a few ideas on places to visit inspired by his novels and places the writer himself enjoys. I was very excited to come across the Argus Newspaper. It is mentioned in the books and I hadn’t realised it was a real Brighton newspaper!

Exploring the Laines –

Next I headed off in search of some unique shops. And plenty there were. From spectacular shoe shops to exceptional second hand stores.

I love all the shops but my favourite has to be one which has a sort of stone ramp leading down into it. It is as if the ramp takes you back in time because once you enter, you are surrounded by all sorts of wonderful old fashioned items from small trinkets to large signs.

Finding the Mural –

After spending a couple of hours just aimlessly wandering around the lovely quaint streets having the best time, I then headed off in search of the mural. I got a bit confsued trying to find it (no surprise there) so stopped in another unusual shop to ask for directions. The shop was full of different types of cereal!

Eventually found it. I loved it! Just incredible. I am a huge fan of Freddy Mercury in particular so to see him on a mural was the perfect end to my day. Before heading back to the hostel though, I thought it only right that I test out a local drink in the Prince Albert Pub on Trafalgar Street which is home to the mural.

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Day 2 in Brighton

The morning –

Bus to Seven Sisters

Breakfast done. Lunch packed. Ready to spend day 2 in beautiful Brighton! I headed of towards the bus stop that would take me out to the 7 sisters which is situated in South Downs National Park.

Once you arrive I advise asking in the visitor centre which walking route to take. You can walk along the top or go down towards the beach. I walked along to the beach which had lovely views of the chalk cliffs but the view is more astonishing from above.

The 12x bus service runs every 20 minutes from Brighton there and back. On Sundays, the quickest bus service is 13x. The bus provided commentary on various places we passed along the way which was all very interesting and definitely added to the experience.

The area is extremely peaceful and a welcome break from the bustle of the town centre. You can spend all day walking around if you wish or just briefly visit. I walked about for a while before arriving at the beach. The view and fresh air together provided a very invigorating experience. I definitely recommend it as a day out.

Old Brighton West Pier –

Once back in beautiful Brighton, I strolled along the soft sandy beach exploring further unique little shops. All sorts of brilliant random things can be found here. The perfect place for souvenirs!

I then wandered along the to the old Brighton West pier which is quite a dramatic sight. It closed in 1975 but was in use from 1866! A concert hall was added to it in 1916. This was sadly replaced by a tearoom and funfair after losing popularity following World War 2.

Brighton Palace Pier –

Next it was time wander to along to the new pier which opened in 1989! It was formerly known as Palace Pier before becoming Brighton pier. But due to controversy caused by this name change, Palace was later added back in.

I couldn’t possibly visit Brighton without having a go in the arcade at the end of the pier. I attempted to win my sister a Disney teddy and after several very close catches, I gave up. It may possibly have been rigged but was fun anyway! There are all sorts of arcade games and random things like a Helter Skelter along the pier so definitely check it all out!

There are also restaurants along the pier as well, I didn’t try any but will on my next visit. The whole pier is just incredible. Even if not partaking in anything on it, I still 100% recommend a walk to the end.

At the beginning of the pier there are a few food and drink places to choose from. I absolutely had to get chips while there! With my delicious chips and battered sausages in hand, I then wandered back towards the hostel. On the way back, found the Pavilion lit up. So I stopped for a moment to take in all the colours.

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Day 3 in Brighton

The morning

Volk’s Electric Railway –

I had been having such a great time so was disappointed that this was my last day. I will absolutely return. 3 days in beautiful Brighton is definitely not enough! There are so many lovely areas in it as well as nearby areas such as Hove. A good idea is to rent a bike, the sustainable, super easy and healthy way to check out all these remarkable areas. You definitely don’t need a plan. Just wander aimlessly and you will soon come across something unique and exciting. For more ideas check out this post by Discoveny.

I had heard about a lovely little train that takes you from the beach towards the marina. It’s called the Volk’s Electric Railway and first opened in 1883! It runs from March to October. Did you know that part of the beach is for nudists!? The train goes by this which is separated form the main part by basically a wall of stones.

I was planning to look for the Undercliff walk that is often mentioned in the Roy Grace book series. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it so upon return to beautiful Brighton, I will once again hop aboard the train and hopefully come across this 5km stroll which goes right the way along from the Brighton Marina to the Black Rock area.

Brighton Marina –

The morning was still a success though. I came across the Marina. Lots of lovely boats and a very relaxing atmosphere. I was pleasantly surprised to find lots of shops and restaurants close by. However, it wasn’t the most exciting area. It was enjoyable to explore but it didn’t have a very ‘Brighton’ feel to it.

Back to the Laines –

After hopping back on the train, I headed straight off towards the Laines. I dived deep into the exciting depths of a few of the second hand shops. I was delighted to find a Queen Bohemian Rhapsody vinyl record. My favourite song! You can find all sorts in the Laines. Looking for a 40’s style dress? Then check out To Be Worn Again.

Bohemia Brighton –

I planned to finish my last evening with a glass of wine at Bohemia Brighton. According to Peter James, it is the best bar in Brighton and although I have not been to any Brighton bars, I can certainly see his point. Has many levels as well as a rooftop bar and in true Brighton fashion, is designed in a very unique manner. Not very cheap but 100% worth a visit!

I love Brighton!

You all absolutely have to visit. I honestly could not recommend it more. I loved every minute of my 3 days in beautiful Brighton. The Laines, beach and pier all pulsate with life. Brighton can feel intensely lively but also somehow manages to magically capture a sense of peace at the same time. You feel accepted here. It is almost as if Brighton has the power to make you feel capable of becoming who ever you want to be.

Beautiful Brighton indeed.