From its eclectic lifestyle, to its hedonistic ways and certain London je ne sais quoi, Brighton as a city is booming. It’s a city defined by its landscape, sitting proudly between the South Downs and the sea, and life on the Sussex Riveria is as sweet as its candy floss. Residents are happy here, apparently “very or fairly satisfied” with where they live, 85% higher than the national average, so it’s no wonder the city is beaming. It’s magnetic and addictive charm means you’ll keep coming back for more; or simply never leave (as is the case for many, including myself).
Having taken the crown last November for “the best place to start a small business in the UK” (in a study conducted by Informi), you can build big businesses here; join a thriving creative arts scene; and sink your teeth into a successful digital community. In the study, Brighton had the fourth largest business stock, suggesting businesses have a captive audience with which to grow and thrive.
With over eight million visitors every summer spending over £69 million, Brighton has to be doing something right. Explore its myriad of intertwining lanes - head to the North Laine for vintage markets, high-end boutiques and coffee house heaven, and The Lanes for antiques, jewellery and fine-dining restaurants. Wander through Pavilion Gardens; ride the carousel on The Pier; see a performance at The Dome; catch the rays beachside at Yellow Wave’s Barefoot Cafe (a particular favourite with the kids), swim at Saltdean Lido - the UK’s only Grade II listed Art Deco lido - or head to St George’s Road, Kemptown for a bijou take on village life (pop in to Blanch House for a margarita whilst you’re there).
So go on, lose yourself in its hedonistic lifestyle, escape the humdrum of everyday life, or get down to business in one of the UK’s fastest-growing business destinations.
Top Places to Visit
British Airways i360
Take to the skies on a fully enclosed glass viewing pod and glide up 450ft to admire views across Brighton and the South coast. www.britishairwaysi360.com
Phileas Fogg’s World of Adventures
Brighton’s brand new immersive theatrical experience. This amazing interactive walk through adventure will have you carrying out tasks for Mr Fogg in order to complete his mission and avoid the police. You’ll meet colourful characters, face obstacles along the way, and experience wonders from around the world. www.phileasfoggsworldofadventures.co.uk
Rampion Wind Farm
Go offshore and take a boat ride out to the wind farm. See all 116 turbines in full swing in this 2-3 hour tour whilst taking in panoramic views. www.rampionoffshore.com
Royal Pavilion
It was the glitzy oriental party pad for Prince Regent and forms part of Brighton’s heritage along with a bold nod towards the city's eccentricity, attracting over 1.2 million visitors every year. www.brightonmuseums.org.uk
Sea Life Centre
This is the world’s oldest operating aquarium situated in a stunning Victorian setting. Take your children on a fascinating journey from the coast to the ocean depths, and see over 3500 amazing creatures. www.visitsealife.com
Don’t Miss Out On...
Brighton Marathon - April 14th
The 12th largest European marathon and one of the UK’s favourite 26.2 milers.
Brighton Fringe - May 3rd-June 2nd
A month long extravaganza of weird and wonderful performance, celebrating arts and culture.
Brighton Festival - May 4th-26th
One of the leading arts festivals celebrating music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film and literature.
The Great Escape - May 9th-11th
A three day festival of new music showcasing over 400 up and coming artists across 34 walkable venues.
Pride - August 2nd-4th
A glittering three-day affair, hailed as the UK’s largest Pride event and the biggest event in the city’s calendar.
Platinum’s Top Pastimes
Maarten: A casual lunch at Browns, then onto cocktails at The Grand followed by watching the sun go down on the deck at Mal Maison.
Ian: There is no better place to be than Brighton in May. When the Festival and Fringe are in full flow, the vibe in the city is electric. I’m already looking forward to cabaret at the Spiegeltent and the late outdoor bar at the Warren.
Fiona: A stroll along Hove seafront followed by an ice cream at Marrocco’s always takes me back to my childhood.
Lesley: A morning spent at the Treatment Rooms, a wander around the boutiques, followed by lunch at The Ivy.
Laurence: Kayaking off the beach during the summer… it’s hard work but it’s exhilarating and a lot of fun!
Kate: A wander through the North Laine with a coffee, then onto Bincho for Japanese at the open grill, followed by late-night cocktails and good tunes at Plateau.
Alan: Watching the sun set - Brighton does sunsets like nowhere else in the world.
Best Brighton memory? Fatboy Slim’s first ever Big Beach Boutique in 2001, one of Europe’s biggest ever free-to-attend beach parties on Brighton beach.
