Brighton

Stretched out along the nearest south-facing beach to London, Brighton is a complex mix of kiss-me-quick fun and bohemian style. It is London-by-the-sea, and as such has always boasted charm and sleaze in almost equal abundance. But the city has style too, from the elegant Regency architecture of its central core (and that of its conjoined sister Hove), to its top-notch restaurants and the thriving creative community that they serve. Above all it’s a positive place, with a famously free and non-judgmental vibe – no more than you would expect, perhaps, from the original home of the ‘dirty weekend’. Perhaps partly because of that, it’s thronged with visitors throughout the summer, many of whom like it so much they end up relocating here for good.


Cool Places aims to celebrate the glorious diversity of the UK, promoting the very best places to visit, sleep, eat, drink, shop and much more. We particularly love the independent businesses that make the UK unique, from the tiniest B&B to the grandest boutique hotel, as well as the extraordinary British landscape and its amazing sights and attractions. Our guides cover most of the major towns and regions of Britain – for more information, visit www.coolplaces.co.uk