travel | 10 things to do in brighton

i had my first trip to brighton at the weekend and i had THE BEST TIME! 

brighton totally stole my heart with it's selection of independent boutiques, trendy coffee shops and seaside appeal. it's also pretty compact so you can potter around without stressing out that you'll miss some awesome discovery which makes it my kind of weekend destination!

i've rounded up my highlights in case there are any brighton newbies like me thinking of visiting, i'd totally recommend you try these out.

1. take a wander around north laine.

i spent the majority of my time in this eclectic slightly hipster neighbourhood. it's swimming with coffee shops, quirky restaurants, vintage stalls and independent boutiques. take a stroll around the streets (right near the train station) and enjoy the bustling atmosphere in between stops for pancakes and coffee!

2. picnic at the cultural quarters.

the exotic pleasure palace that is the royal pavilion is a total surprise to stumble across. it's over the top taj mahal-esque architecture and beautiful gardens are a must see. grab a sandwich and take a stroll around this little gem that's so perfectly out of place at the seaside!

3. eat candyfloss at brighton pier.

the pier is retro heaven and the most iconic sight in brighton. if the smell of freshly cooked doughnuts doesn't finish you off the selection of kitsch seaside rides might. 

4. hunt for vintage.

brighton has a wicked vintage offering- especially in north laine. my favourite haunts were beyond retro for fashion and vine street vintage for nicely curated interior pieces. snoopers paradise wasn't my favourite offering but it's a bit of an institution so worth a peek!

5. get papped at photomatic.

i highly recommend a pit stop at photomatic shop to memorialise your trip. pick how many prints you'd like and get selfie snapping in their b&w and colour booths (novelty accessories are provided!)

6. nab a bonsai.

if you're green fingered head to bonsai ko on sydney street (the cutest little shop ever) not only will the owner give you the low down on how to care for the miniature plants but take them back before you go on holiday and he'll babysit them whilst you're away- SO CUTE!!!

7. be wowed by the graffiti.

keep an eye out in north laine for lots of instagram friendly walls and street art to brighten your trip!

8. shop for your home.

i found myself buying mostly home accessories in brighton. if you're a lover of scandi cool workshop is one of THE best shops i've found in the uk! junkfunk is a dinky place for gifts and prints as is the newly opened tidy print. for retro home basics utility is a rather fun addition to browse as well..

9. walk along brighton beach.

the pier is undoubtable brighton's most famous feature but don't neglect the beach! the atmosphere is seriously upbeat at the seafront and there are oodles of shops, galleries and restaurants to enjoy. on a sunny afternoon there's no better place to be...

10. eat all the fish and chips.

because no trip to the seaside is complete without them right? we tucked into ours at lucky beach but the regency restaurant on the seafront is an old school favourite!

i'm already planning a return trip- is brighton one of your favourite destinations too?

back soon!

caroline x