In Pride and Prejudice, Lydia Bennet runs off to Brighton—chasing romance and rebellion. That seaside town has always sounded so lively and full of stories. And now, after hearing about it so many times, we finally spent a weekend there ourselves.

Let’s just say: I get the hype.

Right opposite Brighton Station, you already catch a glimpse of the sea. There’s a cute seagull mural and the Jubilee Clock Tower (built in 1888!) greets you as you step into town. And from there? Only a 15-minute walk to the ocean. The vibe? Immaculate.

We stayed in a cozy little Airbnb in Hove—just far enough from the party zones of central Brighton, but still walkable to everything. Our hosts left us a free bottle of bubbly, and the place had such a calm, lived-in charm.

Wandering Brighton

The joy of Brighton isn’t just in the beach (although that’s a huge part of it)—it’s in the wandering. We strolled around the neighborhood, grabbed a little energy boost (read: coffee), and explored the many charming restaurants and cafés nearby.

We made our way to the Lanes, but a tip: many of the shops close by 5 or 6 PM, so plan accordingly. Still, the streets had so much character, and I loved how Brighton felt like a real city—not just a tourist stop. There’s something for everyone here.

We also got to see the haunting remains of Brighton’s West Pier, destroyed by fire in 2003. That view, framed by the ocean and the horizon, left quite an impression.

Sunshine, Seaside, and a Palace

We were blessed with sunshine the next day, and the walk into central Brighton was beautiful. I especially loved a little viewpoint near the Mercure Hotel—calming, scenic, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Next up: the Royal Pavilion. A seaside retreat built for King George IV, this place is wild. The outside looks like something from an Indian palace, while the interior is full-on Chinese-style fantasy. Think “Chinoiserie” turned up to eleven. Every room is themed, colorful, and dramatic. I had a blast walking through it.

Bonus fact? It was used as a hospital during World War I. I love when places surprise you with their history.

Brighton’s “World’s Oldests”

Fun fact: Brighton is home to the world’s oldest operating aquarium and the world’s oldest electric railway. We skipped the aquarium this time, but hopped on the tiny electric train for a scenic 10-minute ride along the beach. It brought us to a quieter, more peaceful stretch of coast—and honestly, I preferred it to the buzzier Palace Pier.

We sat by a seaside café opposite the station, enjoyed the view, and didn’t want to leave.

Wrapping Up

Even as the rain rolled in the next morning, Brighton didn’t slow down. Dog walkers, runners, and moody skies gave the town a whole new vibe. I went out for one last stroll and felt the kind of calm I didn’t expect from a place often associated with stag dos and fish & chips.

I’m so glad we stayed two nights. Brighton is way more than just a day trip from London—it’s a place to slow down, wander, and let the city surprise you.

🎥 Want to come along for the full weekend adventure?
Watch the vlog here: https://youtu.be/P0-JEe1pulM
You’ll meet seagulls, hidden cafes, a curious toddler, and a very cool 200-year-old palace.

Bye Brighton — you were amazing.
See you again soon 💙