January Staycation in Brighton
I’ve had quite a relationship with Brighton over the years, with it being just down the road when I was living near to Gatwick and later when a number of good friends lived there so visits were frequent. Many trips were spent walking along the promenade and wandering the Lanes or just enjoying the vibrant nightlife. There is no more diverse city in the UK where everyone belongs, no matter who or what you represent.
This year, for our wedding anniversary we decided to revisit the old haunts and spend a couple of cold January nights by the sea. The weather was on our side, surprisingly and the sun shone from start to finish so we were able to appreciate it completely. It's filled with stunning architecture which looks best in sunshine and we were also lucky enough to catch a stunning sunset from the famous Palace Pier, which surprisingly was heaving with people all with the same idea.
We stayed at Hotel Du Vin which is situated right in the Lanes which for those unfamiliar with Brighton are a series of little narrow cobbled streets filled with little jewellery and arty shops to browse. We were very pleased with our hotel choice with it’s cosy bar with comfy seating, wonderful breakfast and spacious room with all the luxury amenities you’d expect from a classy boutique hotel. Best of all it was very convenient for wandering out to restaurants in the evenings. The only downside would be the parking. I think the train might be a better idea next time.
We took the opportunity of the lovely sunny weather to get wrapped up and walk. We explored the Lanes, the Pavilion and we walked the full length of the Promenade and Pier. Even in January the buzzy atmosphere gives a feeling of anticipation for what it will offer the tourists in the warmer months. Street artists were out, the cafes and bars under the arches were heaving with people soaking up the sun, there were even open water swimmers retreating from the water with their very chilly pink flesh.
There really is a lot to do and see whether it is the BA 360 tower, the Upside-down House or the fun of the arcades and rollercoasters on the pier. Stop and eat a pot of cockles or savour fish and chips from the paper. There is nothing like a traditional British seaside town, even in January!
Thank you, Brighton. I loved revisiting you after all these years. You haven’t changed a bit. We won't leave it so long next time.