It takes no more than an hour to get from Brighton to London, which means that the moment the warm temperature together with sun start dominating over the spring chill, comes the seasonal Londoners migration to the beach.

British seaside resorts have a set of their very own characteristics – and we know it first-hand after almost two years spent on the coast: a pier, fish’n’chips stands, colourful beach huts and ice cream shops (and a full thermos of tea for some of them) – these are what gets integrated into the British kid’s genetic memory. Brighton, however, is much more than that. Not surprising, though, considering that it is the Number One UK resort.

Check out: One Day in Blackpool: the Most Famous Resort in the UK

We have been to Brighton almost ten times across the year, and we didn’t notice how initially short “Brighton to-do list” was gradually gaining new items and slowly turned into a traditional routine we meticulously follow during each visit. So, if ever you happen to search for some ideas, have a look!

Mornings in Brighton even in summer can be quite chilly, that is why we start the day with a warm-up, that is with the walk on the Brighton & Hove promenade. Later in the day, it will get much more crowded, but in the morning it is peaceful and calm – just occasional joggers or people exercising yoga with a view. This walk usually ends at the Hove Beach Huts.

The Beach Huts are an absolute must of every British sea resort. Thus, if Brighton is the only seaside town on your UK trip, than you have to pay the visit to get that symbolic picture. Even though technically, these beach huts belong to Hove – a neighboring town, which was united with Brighton in 2001.

One of the things we love about Brighton is its gorgeous architecture that Wikipedia suggests calling Regency architecture. Beautiful high buildings with aristocratic, but reserved ornaments. No need to go far to see those – just have a closer look to the buildings facing the sea.

Did you know that in 2018 Brighton got the highest score in the Hipster rating? It means that Brighton is literally the most hipster place in the world. Even if hipster is often portrayed as someone bearded and tattooed, it basically means being non-conformist. All that hipster thing is directly associated with good coffee, vegan restaurants and vintage boutiques, and there is plenty of them in Brighton for sure. Apart from this, Brighton has a huge number of beautiful street art including a Banksy piece! You will see yourself.

Open street flea markets is another thing to love about Brighton. We particularly enjoy that feeling when you realize you need none of this stuff. It’s always fun to look at though! Check their opening time, as many of them work only on weekends.

When we tell someone we actually swim in the English Channel, people look at us with their mouth opened. Remember, not all those stories about horrible British weather are true. Summers in England can be actually quite unbearable. Of course, the sea will never get as warm as in Costa Brava, but still it’s absolutely swimmable. Anyway, even if your swim limit is 22°C, chilling on the beach is ALWAYS a perfect idea.

Just to tease your appetite. We got addicted to these seafood pots in Whitby and were so happy to find the stands with them on the beach of Brighton.

The former royal residence in Brighton with Indian motives now is a local must-see attraction, which also appears on the logo of the city. Not a single trip to Brighton can do without another picture of this beauty both during the day and in the evening.

This photo never fail to make us smile. Not sure, what was funnier though – the actual ride or how serious Xavier was while trying to take THE perfect shot.

There is some more serious fun further on the pier :)

The Fish & Chips is an obligatory thing to do when in England, but I would like to specify that its magic works only in the sea resorts. Otherwise all you get is just a caloric bomb that will make you thirsty until the end of your life (which can be speeded up if you are over enthusiastic about this national specialty). We always take one portion for two and it is more than enough for two normal-sized stomachs. You wouldn’t like waste food, right? Beware of those seagulls though!

Available only in summer, the Luna Cinema offers a beautiful experience of the open-air cinema. We LOVED it. Five pounds each, and you have a perfect evening. Sadly, the photos as well as your own drinks are forbidden, but you can always get a cider once you are there.

We keep the best for the end. Brighton Palace Pier is the quintessence of childhood, seaside resorts (just like in movies!) and romantic fun. Here we have our traditional game of air-hockey and then we spend some time just staring at the sea from above.

The evening edition of the promenade is also awesome by the way. Especially in terms of people-watching.

The salted caramel and toffee from the Marshfield Farm Ice Cream are the best. Alternative opinions are not welcome, but this Callestick Farm van looks cute. ;)

Brighton’s sunsets are a special kind of magic. Always intensely pink with a cloud of birds moving in circles – a vision that stays in your heart forever. It’s the only moment of the day when the West Pier doesn’t look creepy. The only thing that remains of the West Pier is its structure, and it’s difficult to believe that only one hundred years ago it was as popular and animated as the Palace Pier. Time was cruel to the West Pier – first it was shut down, then it suffered fires and storms, and then declared being beyond any restoration.

Following our Hipster talk, Brighton has a particularly active LGBT community. LGBT Pride in Brighton is famous all over the world – definitely put it on the list if you are around in June. Be ready that the morning after (as well as after any big festival) will be somewhat a shock with the beach literally covered with plastic glasses and bottles.

P.S. On Saturdays it can really get crowded.

That is what our usual Brighton day looks like. You still have time, which is unlikely, you can also add a few things like walking through the old lanes, visiting the colorful Blaker Street or enjoying the Brighton nightlife and getting into that British Airways i360. :)