Brighton England A Quick Guide

Brighton is a city resting on the southern coast of England. The city is a seaside resort located in the county of Sussex. The city boasts a Neolithic causeway enclosure, which dates back to 3500BC. However the first recorded mention of Brighton dates back to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which was written between AD1 and 1154AD. In 1514, Brighton (then a fishing town) was burnt to the ground by invading French soldiers.

The town was quickly rebuilt, but it did not grow significantly until 1753 when Dr Richard Russell declared that the salt water of the area offered significant health benefits. The area rapidly became a popular tourist destination for the Georgian upper classes.Today, Brighton is still a hugely popular area for holiday-makers, and the site of the original fishing town (now known as The Lanes) boasts winding streets, which are popular amongst visitors looking for collectibles or quiet cafes. The city is home to two universities: the University of Sussex and Brighton University. Due to this, the city is renowned for its youthful, liberal population and lively nightlife. Brighton offers an abundance of bars, clubs and music venues, while it also has a legendary 'free party' scene dating back to the early 90's.

The city is also home to a large gay and lesbian community, whose presence is celebrated each year in the week-long 'Brighton Pride' festival.The city boasts numerous attractions, not least the picturesque Brighton Pier, featuring plenty of seaside amusements. Brighton Beach is also a popular destination for visitors hoping to enjoy the sunshine. Another attraction is the Sea Life Centre, a well-kept aquarium close to Brighton Pier, which is worth a visit. The North Laine district is another area popular with tourists. This neighbourhood is famed for its left-field, artistic residents and is perfect for shoppers looking for some unusual items.

By: Dara Ward