48 hrs in brighton

how i'd spend a weekend getaway by the sea ⛱️

When everything gets too much for Londoners, there is one place they’ll probably go. South to the sea. It takes just over an hour from Blackfriars to get to the central station, making it the perfect weekend break destination. It’s colourful, queer, and packs buckets of personality.

I’ve always said there are three UK cities I’d consider living in: London, Bristol and Brighton. I’m two-thirds of the way there, but have visited enough times to have a general sense of the place.

Here are the things I’d like to do on my next weekend getaway to the seaside city…

This is a longer one, so if you’d like to read my full guide head over to the substack website or read via the app <3 thanks!

Friday Afternoon ⛱️

I’ve arrived off the train and head straight to the laines. The first port of call will always be an afternoon pick-me-up to refuel before heading to whatever accommodation I’m staying in. Previously I’ve just crashed at friends’ houses, but on my most recent week-long stay, I was petsitting a gorgeous cat in Kemptown which I found via Trusted Housesitters.

I love this app and plan to use it when I have a hybrid job again. It comes with the perks of airbnb (entire properties, feeling like a local) without the price tag. And you get to hang out with a gorgeous furry friend, win win. I also have a discount code BECCAMAE25 which will get you 25% off your membership if you’re also looking to sign up!¹

If you’re looking for a hotel, the Artists Residence is a creative and bohemian hotel with a seaside view. For budget travellers, Selina Brighton offers both private and dorm rooms for a reasonable rate.

Once I’ve dropped off my bags I’ll likely fancy a coffee and a mooch before getting ready for the evening. I like the north laines for people watching, particularly The Roastery by Trading Post which is right in the heart of the bustle. Afterwards, I’d window shop my way around, I’ve collected a fair few silver rings from Brighton and my trusty Ragan jumpsuit from the flagship Lucy & Yak store.

For dinner, I’ve got a few casual dining spots that are on my current want-to-go list, including Yeastie Boys Pizza Club (I’ll never say no to pizza) or a steaming bowl of ramen from Goemon Ramen Bar.

Saturday Morning ⛅

If you’ve read any of my other posts, you might have guessed that I love a lido - Excitingly, last year the city opened the doors to Sea Lanes, The National Open Water Swimming Centre. The swimming pool came alongside the general redevelopment of the seafront, meaning in its immediate vicinity you’ll also find Yellowwave, permanent beach volleyball courts and Beach Box Spa.

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I’d make a morning of it — starting with a bracing alfresco swim in the 50m pool and a warming session in the woodfire horse box sauna. If I’m not careful I’ll be a green juice wellness girlie before I know it.

Immediately after I have to caffeinate myself. FIKA have a cafe next door which I frequented on my April trip to Brighton. Can confirm they do a lovely flat white and breakfast baps.

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Saturday Afternoon 🛍️

Saturday’s are meant for shopping. Something that Brightionians love to do. If you’re a magpie for quirky retro trinkets then you’ll want to step inside the candy pink cavern of Brighton Flea Market in Kemptown which is filled with vintage curisoties. If that doesn’t hit the spot, continue onwards to Snopper’s Paradise in North Laine which spans over 7000 square feet and sells everything from floral dresses to forgotten postcards. While in the laines, I’d check out some of the other shops nearby like Family Store which stock the coolest posters and tees and is where I saw a Midsommar Florence Pugh top (I need it) or browse the vinyl in Resident Music.

After this, naturally, the only thing I’d want is fish and chips. I last grabbed some from the seafront but I’ve since learnt that there’s a fancy fish shop called Rybka and also a vegan (!) chippy called No Catch for all the plant-based people out there.

Saturday Evening 🍝

In the evening I’m going to treat myself to a fancy dinner. I don’t have any friends living in Brighton anymore, so in this imaginary scenario I’ll bring my sister with me and I’m going to Tutto a seasonally-focused Italian restaurant.

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