Summer Lovin?
By Tom Duffin 17th Nov 2008

Brighton residents will maintain that their city is delightful all year round, but there’s no doubt that it’s best seen in the summer. If you’re keen to escape from the Big Smoke when the weather gets steamy, the seaside city is the perfect destination.

If you’re arriving at Brighton Station, head straight down the main road towards the seafront. Here, you’ll find yourself between Brighton’s two piers – the Palace Pier, with its casinos, fairground rides and doughnut stalls; and the West Pier, which was once the pride of the city until a storm and a fire left it as little more than a seaweed-encrusted scaffold.

Wander along the seafront, taking in the beach umbrellas, the souvenir shops and the beach bars, then stop for a coffee and a chat in one of the lounges underneath the arches. Kids will love the Palace Pier rides – like the helter-skelter, the rollercoaster and the ghost train – while the arcades just back from the beach boulevard offer a range of entertainment for the whole family.

If the beach becomes too crowded for you, why not head off to one of Brighton’s beautiful parks? Prestion Park  is ideal for snoozing in a shady spot or taking your dog for a brisk walk, while the racecourse just above the city is a great hike for the more adventurous.

Shopping in Brighton is also a fun experience during the summer months. Stay away from the malls and super stalls, and head to the famous Laines, where a jumble of boutiques, charity shops and produce stalls await you. Here, you’ll find out where Brightonians get their unique style; there are more vintage and classy charity outlets here than in London’s famous Portobello Market.

When night falls, there are plenty of parties going on along Brighton Beach. If this impromptu-style fun doesn’t appeal to you, though, consider booking tickets for the Theatre Royal or the Komedia, where you’ll discover Brighton’s unique brand of comedy. Down a drink at a nearby pub (the city has almost too many to count) before heading to a club like Digital, Honeyclob or the Funky Buddha to party until dawn.

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