Destination Brighton Beach, United Kingdom

Brighton Beach, United Kingdom. Here was the place that started to completely broaden my perspective on what was out there, who was out there, and how much more there was for me to see. I had an opportunity to stay in an apartment on Brighton Beach, one of the biggest tourist areas in the country, about an hour south of London by train. The atmosphere was completely different from what I was used to in New York or Dallas (where I currently reside). Not to mention, being an American in a foreign country makes you the one with the accent, so be prepared to get some attention.

During most days I would take a walk down to the beach, which is famous for being made of pebbles instead of sand. A big attraction is Brighton Pier which has rides, games, food, and all sorts of entertainment. Across the street and down a few blocks there are a few casinos, nothing like Vegas, but fun all in all for the diversity of environment and people watching. The whole city has different features about each area that make it so there’s no chance of boredom. The shopping is one of the best things I have ever seen. While there is a massive shopping mall, a couple of blocks from the beach, there are also small privately owned shops of all sorts through the rock embedded trails weaving throughout the whole area. You can find practically anything in these as a good portion are actually antique shops. Between those are markets for fresh fruit, clothing, shoes, jewelry, desserts, and some of the best fish and chips you will ever discover.

In my opinion the best part of being in the area was the history. The United Kingdom has so much to offer in so many ways. One such gem is the Royal Pavilion, a huge palace beautifully designed in an Indian-style manor which was built in the 1700s for King George, Prince of Wales. It was later used as a hospital during the First World War. This building has one of the most magnificent chandeliers I have ever seen in my life dangling above the dining room table. Even one of the primary music venues used today in Brighton is from the same period of time. It truly helps you appreciate history and happens to be located in the middle of town.

As amazing as these areas were, nothing could prepare me for the night life. As the town is considered hip and trendy, there are so many young adults. After many discussions with locals and artist, I had come to find out this place has an incredible music scene as well. The bars were so fun with great atmospheres, but the scene was completely different after the bars closed. Instead of being disappointed for the ending of my night, I was dragged into the underground bars where people partied until the wee hours of the morning. The city is considered the “unofficial gay capital” of Europe so on the other side of town there was a huge group of gay bars that I couldn’t have had a better time in. Flags and drags everywhere! I even met some of the best people these nights who I am still in contact with today.

Brighton, you get an A+ from me. I highly recommend this city for a nice summer getaway if you want to have some fun. Sometimes the best places to have the best times will be those you weren’t aware existed in the first place.