Before I left for Brighton, someone told me it’s often referred to as ‘London by the sea.’ Though I’d visited the city countless times before, this affectionate epithet framed it anew in my eyes and I started to wonder if I’d missed something – yes, Brighton may have recently revamped its image somewhat, but to me it remains the popular Victorian seaside resort that’s filled with British eccentricity. And that’s precisely why I enjoy visiting so much. Here are five things to do/places I suggest you visit if heading down there for the first time…
WANDER // Oh the things you’ll see in Brighton if you just roam and watch. To me, time spent spectating is always rewarded by the sight of those who seem to inhabit their own worlds, and I found plenty of them by the seaside and even captured a few below (my particular favours were the waltzing couple, who seemed entirely unaware of passersby).
THE ROYAL PAVILION // Built in the early 19th century by the dissolute Prince of Wales, the Royal Pavilion is now – as it was then – a paean to oriental-inspired luxury and a breathtaking spectacle. Unfortunately photos inside are strictly prohibited, but the few shots of the (comparatively relatively modest actually) outside should offer some idea of how very opulent the inside is.
THE TREATMENT ROOMS // Highly regarded in the beauty industry, the rooms in this day spa are redolent with Aromatherapy Associates oils and the treatment menu peppered with their signature treatments. I opted for the Blissful Back, Face & Scalp Experience, which made me so relaxed that I trundled along the seaside in a seemingly semi-drugged state, which probably contributed to the whole eccentric thing I so love for onlookers.
BLACKBIRD TEA ROOMS // You know those scenes in wartime films where characters meet over tea (and maybe a scone, rations permitting) to discuss earnest things? The things said often pale into insignificance for me as I ogle the background. Everywhere you glance in these tea rooms looks like the kind of film set I’d be driven to distraction by, so the scones, though delicious, failed to hold my interest when up against the delights of photographs from days or yore and the like…
THE LION & LOBSTER // In looking for a place to please all present (veggies and non-veggies, fans of a big ‘proper’ plate of food and those – me – who’ll eat anything containing truffles), we stumbled upon this gem. As we were a big party, we had the good fortune of being shown to our own dining room, which made us feel exceptionally decadent as we poured red wine in the wood-panelled room. Despite our variety of proclivities, we were unanimously impressed by the simple, but yummy, food.
