Brighton Beach has been a firm favourite with Brits looking for classic sea, sun and sand, thanks to its bustling pier, long promenade and easy access to restaurants, bars and shops
The UK is brimming with stunning beaches that could give the Caribbean a run for its money, but one seaside gem stands out not only for its natural beauty but also for its wealth of attractions and cultural offerings, making it an ideal spot for Brits planning a staycation.
Brighton Beach has long been a favourite among Brits seeking the classic combination of sea, sun and sand, thanks to its lively pier, extensive promenade, ample beach space and the convenience of having restaurants, bars and shops just a stone’s throw away.
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The city itself boasts a plethora of must-visit spots including the magnificent Royal Pavilion, the Lanes where you’ll discover unique boutiques and bars, and family-friendly locations like SEA Life Brighton.
The beach is popular with both locals and tourists, lined with cafes, fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours. Plus, you can hire loungers to bask in the sunshine or take a dip in the swim-friendly waters.
It’s so picturesque that it’s been bestowed with a ‘Golden Beach Award’ by the folks at BeachAtlas, although it’s worth mentioning that the main beach is pebbled, not sandy.
The team’s rankings are based not just on a beach’s beauty but a number of factors including the local community, lifestyle offerings and cultural significance.
The team shared: “Brighton Beach, a picturesque five-kilometre stretch along England’s southern coast, offers breathtaking views of the English Channel and is a cultural symbol of the UK.
Nestled on Brighton’s lively seafront, this beach is a famed retreat for Londoners in search of a seaside break. Furthermore, Brighton is renowned for its inclusive and diverse community, notably housing one of the largest LGBT communities in the UK.
Frequently dubbed as the “gay capital” of the country, Brighton’s rich LGBT history dates back to the early 19th century, contributing to the city’s reputation as a welcoming and progressive seaside resort.”
On Tripadvisor, some visitors have cautioned that due to the beach’s popularity, it can become quite packed on sunny days, and seaweed can be a problem in the waters during spring.
However, generally, holidaymakers have been left awestruck by the iconic coastal spot. One satisfied holidaymaker wrote: “Lovely walk along the beach. There are pebbles and stones, no sand. Nice and clean. Some shops along the actual seafront too which is nice. One of my favourite UK beaches.”
Another person commented: “It’s a lovely walk along the beach and the board walk. However, the fantastic Victorian benches, shelters and the mid level walk all look very run down and decrepit – which is a shame.
“It’s fun to walk to black rock and the marina and then walk back on the top road and admire the magnificent houses. You can do all of this with a dog but please note the pier does not allow dogs..”