Summer temperatures in London soared above 30°C, prompting a trip to Brighton for fresh sea air. But the beach proved to be the least favorite part of the visit.
From Fishing Village to Tourist Hotspot
Brighton began as a small fishing settlement in the 18th century before becoming a wellness retreat for the wealthy, thanks to beliefs in the health benefits of sea air and bathing. King George IV's Royal Pavilion remains an iconic landmark. The arrival of the railway in the 19th century made Brighton more accessible from London, cementing its popularity.
Crowded Trains and Pebbles
The train from London Bridge was so packed it skipped several stops, taking passengers directly to Brighton. The prospect of squeezing onto Brighton's pebbles alongside thousands of strangers held no appeal, especially for a visitor from New Zealand accustomed to quiet, sandy beaches.
Escaping to North Laine
Instead of heading to the seafront, the couple explored North Laine, a maze of colorful streets filled with independent shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. While the bank holiday crowd gravitated toward the beach, North Laine felt calmer. They browsed shops selling jewellery, homeware, driftwood art, and vintage clothing.
After a few hours, they ate at Mange Tout, an independent French restaurant tucked away in North Laine. Despite the heatwave, they had no trouble getting a table. The boyfriend ordered a breakfast bun, while his companion had moules marinière, all washed down with drinks.
A Glimpse of the Sea and the Pier
Later, they headed to the coast to see the ocean. The beach was packed with sunbathers and paddlers as far as the eye could see. They paid £1 each to enter the pier, which featured an enormous, crowded arcade. The arcade was dark, deafening, and stifling. The visitor quietly asked her boyfriend: "Why does this even exist? Who comes to the beach just to be inside?" He replied: "How often do you think the weather is actually good here?"
The pier also had fairground rides, candy floss, and doughnuts, but the 31-year-old found little thrill in them. After reaching the end of the pier, they made one final stop in North Laine for a pint before returning to London.
Returning for the Streets, Not the Beach
Brighton's beach may be the main draw in hot weather, but the city's real charm was found away from the packed pebbles. The visitor would happily return to explore more of Brighton's vibrant streets.
