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The city of colour and culture, Brighton & Hove is located in East Sussex on the south coast with the South Downs National Park just a stone’s throw away. Renowned as a popular seaside resort and indeed “London-by-the-Sea”, there’s as much for the kids to do in this idyllic getaway destination as there is for culture hounds and food fanatics.

Just 60 minutes by train from the Big Smoke and a welcome retreat, no visit to Brighton & Hove is complete without a saunter through the winding Brighton Lanes – packed with boutiques, speciality restaurants and theme bars – down to the famous pebble beach. Here, traditionalists can venture onto the pier and step back in time to enjoy the slot machines followed by fish and chips in the sea air while thrill-seekers will enjoy the hair-raising amusements.

Just over the road, Sea Life Brighton offers amazing views of green sea turtles, tropical fish and sharks via a nifty glass-bottom boat. Close by is the British Airways i360, a high-flying observation tower, which gives a view of Brighton & Hove and its beautiful coastline in entirety – this could come in handy when picking what to do next!

Take the world’s oldest operating electric railway and travel east towards Brighton Marina where there are a variety of eateries overlooking the harbour. For those with time to kill, here you’ll find a plethora of leisure facilities including a cinema, bowling alley, fun play and casino.

Stroll west from the pier along the seafront and explore the arches where an array of artisan craft shops, galleries and seafood restaurants will be revealed. After you stop for a bite to eat and a browse around Brighton Fishing Museum, continue towards Hove to discover the quieter side of local life. Complete with picturesque sorbet-coloured beach huts, stunning Regency architecture and high-class restaurants, such as The Ginger Pig and The Little Fish Market legendary for their outstanding menus and exclusive clientele, Hove is well worth a visit.

The seaside isn’t all this vibrant and varied city has to offer. Further inland you’ll find the stunning and iconic Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum and Art Gallery where there are many wonders to behold. Meanwhile, Brighton Toy and Model Museum, packed with childhood memorabilia and fun, is the perfect rainy day activity for children of all ages.

Brighton & Hove is also a great base for those wishing to explore the South Downs National Park and the many surrounding coastal villages by bus or bike. A bracing morning walk at Seven Sisters Country Park with its rolling cliff tops and wonderful wildlife followed by afternoon tea in pretty Rottingdean, Rudyard Kipling’s old haunt,  could be just what the doctor ordered.

Love Cottages is here to help you find your holiday HQ, book at Brighton holiday cottage and start your next exciting break today!