Page 581 - Aldeburgh Festival 2022 FINAL COVERAGE BOOK

Brighton

Brighton has acquired a certain big city sophistication in recent years, but you’d never really call it
glamorous. The Lanes (close to the ornate Royal Pavilion) and North Laine are usually busy with
visitors exploring independent shops, art galleries, coffee shops and bars (the grungier the better).
Brighton Pier and the pebble beach are great for a wander.

Brighton Pier is an icon of the city CREDIT: Getty

Lesser-known spots

Worth turning your back on the sea are Brighton’s Regency squares (at the very least, explore
Brunswick Square, Regency Square and Palmeira Square) and its pretty green spaces (Preston
Park has a gorgeous 1920s café on site and a rockery just across the road). The city is also home to
some offbeat museums, from the Brighton Museum to the Booth Museum of Natural History and
the Toy and Model Museum.

Did you know?

The Brighton Sea Life Centre is the world’s oldest aquarium (opened in 1872).

Where to stay

Drakes, a fabulous boutique hotel, is said to be a favourite of Cate Blanchett's, and a seaside pad
for Kylie Minogue. It spans two late-Georgian townhouses almost opposite the pier, and is packed
with gorgeous bedrooms and Art Deco-style detailing alongside a cool cocktail bar and
restaurant. Read the full review here.
With additional contributions from Harriet O'Brien and Helen Pickles.