Essential Hotels > England > East Sussex > Brighton

The East Sussex city of Brighton has rather subdued beginnings as a small coastal fishing settlement. It first rose to the British consciousness as a popular seaside resort in the nineteenth century, after the Prince Regent (later King George IV) first visited Brighton and Hove in 1783. His fantastic seaside palace, the Royal Pavilion, with its Indian domes, minarets and Chinese style interior has become a landmark not to be missed. And, thanks to his influence, some of the finest examples of Regency architecture in England can be seen in Brighton and Hove. Adelaide Crescent and the beautiful Brunswick and Palmeira Squares open gracefully onto the peaceful lawns of Hove giving stunning views of the sea.

Today Brighton is a vibrant mix of culture and history. Its heritage is evidenced by the Georgian architecture peppered throughout the city, contrasting with the contemporary shopping, nightlife and entertainment venues to be found here. It is still a popular destination for a seaside excursion, but it has a youthful ambience thanks to its two universities – the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex. Brighton is also famous for its strong gay and lesbian population, further contributing to its bohemian reputation. The city is located approximately 50miles south of London on the M23, with direct rail links to London Victoria Station, which takes about an hour. This makes it close enough to London to be a commuter base, yet it has a great deal to offer in its own right and attracts people from all over the country, especially during spring and summer.

Brighton has a great nightlife and is sometimes called 'London by the Sea'. There are a number of festivals held during the summer months all around Brighton ranging from the Brighton & Hove Fringe Festival to the Essential Festival. The shopping opportunities in Brighton, particularly in the historic Lanes, offer lots and lots of chances for retail therapy. For those interested in exploring Brighton’s history there are plenty of museums to discover, from the refined Brighton Museum & Art Gallery to the more idiosyncratic Booth Museum of Natural History. At the same time there are several family-friendly days out in and around the area, including Brighton Sea Life Centre.