As we wrapped up our time in London, we decided to tackle a few local outings we’d always meant to do but never got around to. Near the top of the list, and only an hour by train from central London, was Brighton — a lively seaside town that somehow felt both familiar and refreshingly different.
We finally made it there last weekend. Three of us went; one stayed with friends in Worcestershire. Everyone was happy. Brighton’s mix of carnival energy, pier rides, and chilly Atlantic water gave us the same beach-town vibe we know from home — though with its own distinct spin. As one of us observed, even the carousel horses seem to go the other way.
Brighton is famous for its raucous hen and stag parties and its lively pier, but it’s also surprisingly elegant in spots, a reminder that the tacky and the historic can sit side by side here. You can stroll the rocky shore and look across the English Channel, perhaps catching a distant hint of France — an experience you won’t get on the Jersey shore.
I asked a local before we went whether the word “honky-tonk” applied to Brighton. After a puzzled pause, the answer was no — a reminder that some American phrases don’t translate. Still, on the beachfront at least, it felt exactly like the honky-tonk scene we picture: bright lights, games, and boardwalk energy. Yet elsewhere the city reveals centuries-old architecture and refined details that keep it endlessly interesting.
Brighton’s thriving vegetarian and vegan food scene
Brighton has a strong vegetarian and vegan reputation, and we saw why. On our walk from the train station to the seafront at lunchtime we ran into the tail end of a street food event overflowing with vegetarian and vegan options. I was too hungry to photograph everything, and a quick search later didn’t turn up obvious details about that market, but the variety we experienced felt emblematic of the city’s inclusive culinary personality.
Brighton’s Food for Friends
For dinner we visited Food for Friends, one of Brighton’s oldest vegetarian restaurants. The menu leans into rich, thoughtfully prepared dishes with generous sauces and a clear love for cheese where applicable. The flavor profiles are interesting and the portions are satisfying — it’s the kind of place where a well-crafted cocktail helps complete the meal.
The restaurant occupies a handsome, narrow building that brings to mind a miniature Flatiron, and the interior combines modern comfort with cozy touches. The staff were welcoming and child-friendly; the kids’ menu was well considered, and I was glad to sneak a few bites of the mac and cheese, which was given the same careful treatment as the rest of the menu.
The Lanes
Food for Friends sits on the edge of The Lanes, a compact historic quarter of narrow, winding streets filled with independent shops, antique stores, jewelers, and boutiques selling homewares and curiosities. We happily spent an hour or two wandering the lanes, popping into quirky shops and soaking up the neighborhood’s unique character.
Shopping in Brighton
If you’re looking to buy something charming, there are standout stores worth a visit. England at Home has two nearby shops full of retro and playful home decor, while Workshop sells simple, well-made home goods that feel both functional and indulgent. Think stoneware and porcelain that make everyday moments feel a bit more special — and that adults will covet while the kids look elsewhere.
Brighton’s Royal Pavilion
For a dose of history and spectacle, the Royal Pavilion is an unexpected highlight. Originally a seaside palace for royalty, it’s an ornate building known for its exotic interiors and extensive chinoiserie collection. It’s a polarizing place — some visitors are enchanted by its flamboyance, others less so — but it’s undeniably a unique part of Brighton’s identity.
Meanwhile, on the beach…
In the end we gravitated toward the beach: classic seaside snacks, brisk sea air, and a long walk along the promenade. Our hot dogs were more “bracing for June” than summery, but they hit the spot. Brighton manages to be both playful and cultured, and that mix is what makes a short trip here so satisfying.
