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Boutique hotels in Brighton

Holidays in Brighton, United Kingdom

Brighton Overview

United Kingdom

Coastline
Regency splendour
Coast life
London-on-sea

Forget kiss-me-quick hats and candyfloss on Palace Pier – with its pretty, terraced squares, Brighton gives Bath a run for its Regency money.

The Queen gave Brighton a royal seal of approval when she promoted the seaside resort to city status a few years ago. With so much restoration work reaching fruition, it’s time to celebrate Brighton’s architectural heritage. As well as a wealth of restaurants, bars and cute boutiques, this patch of the country has an action-packed cultural programme.

Beautifully Brighton

If you suspect Brighton has lost too much of its gently debauched character, if it's sunny, and if you're feeling brave, head east along the pebbles towards the marina until you find the nudist section of the beach.

Local knowledge

Taxis
The city is compact, with most of what you'll want to do and see within walking distance. If you do fancy a cab, there are plenty to hail, as well as taxi ranks in the city centre, the main ones being in East Street, Queen's Square and at Hove Town Hall.

Tipping culture
Ten per cent is standard, but many restaurants now add a discretionary 12.5 per cent, so be careful not to tip twice.

Packing tips
If you plan to take a splash in the sea, pack your jelly shoes – the beaches are pebbled.

Recommended reads
Brighton Rock and The End of the Affair by Graham Greene.

Cuisine
This is a great city for vegetarians; we recommend Food for Friends in the Lanes. Or do trad fish 'n' chips from English's or Banker's.

Currency
Pound sterling.

Dialling codes
Country code for the UK: +44. Brighton: (0)1273.

Do go/don't go
Britain is an unpredictable blighter for weather, so don’t let that dictate when you go. Weekends can be a lot busier, especially during holidays; so, for an uncrowded romantic escape, you may prefer to go midweek.

Don't go home without

… strolling along Kings Road Arches, alternating a browse in the occasional shop with a pint, coffee or seafood snack at one of the little cafés, bars and outlets along the shore.