Exploring British Countryside...

Continuation of the Exploring British Countryside... series. Summer is finally officially here, in the UK.

Brighton, East Sussex (17.June 2017)

According to Lonely Plant: "Brighton is where England's seaside experience goes from cold to cool" and I can't agree more. The town is fun, hip & colorful. My socks were totally charmed & if it wasn't over 1,5 away from central London, I'd totally move there! With a town slogan "BrightOn your day!", that's totally a place to be!

Must-Dos:

• Walk the gardens of the Royal Pavilion - an impressive Eastern-looking palace, which is the finest example of early-19th-century chinoiserie in Europe (although it was unaffectionately called "a strange, odd Chinese place" by Queen Victoria). Initially a palace of Price George (& later King George IV), it's a symbol of Brighton's decadence & fun-loving attitude.  

• Visit the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery - situated just  next to the Royal Pavilion, it has a good collection of 20th century art & design, notably hosting Salvador Dali's sofa modeled on Mae West's lips.

• Have lunch in one of the  award-winning vegetarian restaurants, for example in the North Laine (we landed at Iydea (17 Kensinston Gardens), which had an affordable, delicious & generous lunch menu). 

• Get lost in the Lanes - full of vintage boutiques & charming little shops & cafes. Worth a stop: Choccywoccydoodah (3 Meeting House Ln, Brighton BN1 1HB), a dangerously chocolaty emporium. 

• "Gamble" in Brighton Pier - tacky & fun, the amusement arcade is full of extremely addictive nonsensical games & fairground rides that can keep one entertained for a good part of the day. 

• Take pictures of the West Pier during the golden hour or at sunset - its skeletal iron hulk is very photogenic!

• Check out i360 Tower - Brightonian cousin of the London Eye.

• Have a craft ale either on the peer or in one of the quirky pubs hidden in a maze of little streets.

• Continue along the Beach in direction of Hove for a nice stroll & in order to see some colorful beach houses.