Categories: Excursions, London Living
Located less than an hour away from London by train, Brighton sits between the scenic Sussex countryside and the sea. This town is widely recognised for its quirkiness, bohemian atmosphere, and vibrant arts scene.
And in case you didn’t know, as a part of our two-week Discover London Programme, we offer our international students an all-encompassing experience that goes beyond the streets of the capital city. That's why, during your studies with us, we've carefully curated an exciting itinerary that includes a memorable visit to this unique city.
In this blog post, you can expect to read about Brighton's best places to explore - from sights to snacks. So, if you are a curious English learner looking to discover exciting destinations outside of London (whether with SCL International College or on your own during your free time), then this article is perfect for you!
Psst! Don't forget to also see our previous blog post: "10 of the Best: Places of Interest to Visit This Summer".
The easiest way to travel to Brighton is from London Victoria Station. This train takes you from the UK capital's hustle and bustle to the lively Brighton city in about an hour. Please plan your journey in advance, as its duration may vary depending on unforeseen circumstances, such as train delays or cancellations.
Important note: Kentish Town tube station will be closed from Monday, June 26, until summer 2024. This closure is due to the replacement of escalators and the improvement of station facilities. For our Kentish Town students, the closest underground stations will be Chalk Farm (a 15-minute walk from our campus) or Camden Road (a 17-minute walk from our campus). Both of these underground stations sit on the Northern Line and offer excellent connectivity to central London.
Brighton is much more than just a seaside town with a beautiful beach. This city hosts events like festivals, and there are plenty of things to do too, from enjoying panoramic views from the Brighton i360 to roller skating underneath the tower to getting an adrenaline rush on a zip line. Take a look at our curated list below and get inspired on where to visit in Brighton!
Tip: Students enrolled in our Discover London Programme will be pleased to know that, as part of their activity schedule, they'll explore Brighton with their classmates, guided by our experienced teachers. This will allow them to learn about Brighton and practise English outside the classroom. (And in case you didn't know, learning English in a fun and relaxing environment has a positive impact on its outcomes!)
The Royal Pavilion was originally built as a seaside recreation place for George, Prince of Wales, who later became the Prince Regent in 1811 and King George IV in 1820. The palace showcases visual architectural styles inspired by China and India. One interesting fact about the Royal Pavilion is that it served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during World War I. In recognition of its historical significance and its architectural beauty, the Royal Pavilion has become one of the most iconic landmarks in Brighton.
Brighton Pier is one of the oldest piers in the UK, and when visiting, you can expect nothing less than a destination in itself. It offers outdoor activities, on-site cafes and restaurants, as well as benches where you can sit, watch the waves washing the shore, and relax. Brighton Pier also has toilet facilities.
Adrenaline seekers will appreciate attractions and rides that will make their stomachs leap. We've searched online and discovered that there’s been a new arrival announced on the pier. Now, you can enjoy their famous Twister with a VR set (virtual reality headset). If you go, don’t forget to share a photo of you for us to see!
Tip: In case you are searching for the most Instagrammable places in Brighton, we warn you in advance: it's hard to pick from picturesque lanes, colourful houses, Brighton Pavilion and more. But this time, we've decided on the upside-down house! From the outside to the inside, you can have plenty of fun getting snap-happy and creating mind-boggling photos.
Brighton is lively all year round, and in fact, barely a week goes by without entertaining events. So, no matter when you're visiting, there will be plenty of fun and interesting things happening in town. Keep reading to find out about the events we've selected for you.
Tip: If you're visiting Brighton solo or with friends and want to enhance your English language skills, we recommend signing up for a Brighton Walking Tour. Alternatively, an even better way to see results in your English learning journey is to join our fun and culturally diverse student community! Remember our Discover London Programme is perfect for curious English learners like you.
Come and see STOMP
From 19th July to 27th August, come and see these 8 talented performers who have been entertaining diverse audiences all over the world for almost three decades! You'll embark on a journey where rhythm is the only language. Expect brooms, plastic bags, or even bin lids turning into instruments. This fun and entertaining event is available for you at the Old Market.
Van Gogh Alive
From May until September 2023, you can enjoy Van Gogh's Alive multi-sensory experience, delivering high-definition projections and various immersive installations to showcase the life and work of the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh.
Street Art Tour
Brighton is a hub of creativity, so it's no wonder we are including a street art tour in our top three cool events and things to do this summer in this lively seaside town. Be ready to explore hidden street art that you might miss as a regular tourist. And if you are a graffiti lover, then this tour is perfect for you!
Fish and chips
Our candidate for the best place is determined based on Google ratings, TripAdvisor ratings, and the number of likes received on Instagram. While we haven't personally tried it ourselves, according to our research, the winner is Captain's Fish and Chips. Like many others, this is also a family-run business located on the beach. According to reviews, you can expect great and friendly service, delicious fish without excessive greasiness, and wonderful views.
Cute cafés
Yet again, it's hard to choose just one. This time, we've discovered that Oeuf Café has been voted the best café by Brighton locals. From delicious breakfast options to tasty brunch dishes, you can find all sorts of goodies here. It's conveniently located just a short walk from the seaside, and its charming atmosphere makes it a place worth visiting. Don't forget to share your photos with us when you indulge in their famous eggs!
We hope you found our blog post about Brighton helpful and inspiring! As you plan your visit to this dynamic seaside town with friends, be sure to make the most of our recommended top places to explore, mouth watering cuisines to try, and captivating events to attend.
Whether you choose to explore the city independently or join our Discover London Programme, Brighton offers a wealth of opportunities to enhance your English language skills and create unforgettable memories.
Keep an eye out for our next article, where we'll be diving into the captivating city of Cambridge and uncovering its rich history and educational treasures.
And of course, don't forget to follow us on Instagram and tag SCL International College in your own Insta-worthy photos from Brighton!
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