As many European hotspots continue to battle overtourism — from Venice doubling its controversial tourist tax to Barcelona announcing a new tourist zone — there’s never been a better time to plan holidays closer to home.
Thankfully, the UK is bursting with quality staycations, whether it’s off-the-beaten-path gems, destination dupes, or vibrant cities.
And now, your spring and summer weekend plans are sorted, as the UK’s most walkable city has recently been revealed.
The title goes to Brighton, the beloved seaside city on the East Sussex coast, renowned for its creative heart and diverse culture.
But let’s backtrack a bit. Earlier this month, Time Out launched a survey searching for the world’s most walkable cities. After asking over 18,500 people to rate how easy their city is to get around on foot, Brighton was crowned the third overall, and number one in the UK.
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As a former Brighton resident, I can confirm this to be true. Despite being incredibly hilly in places (damn you, Elm Grove), the city’s 82.88 km² size means that everything is within walking distance. From shops to pubs to restaurants, and of course, the beach, nothing is too far away.
Things to do in Brighton
Brighton’s music and arts scene is legendary. Over the years, the city has been home to plenty of famous faces from Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour to Fat Boy Slim. As for its musical history, Brighton has seen many memorable moments, perhaps most famously Abba’s 1974 Eurovision win.
Today, the focus on grassroots music is more obvious than ever. Venues like Green Door Store and The Rossi Bar champion emerging artists and nurture homegrown talent, putting on affordable events every night of the week. Bands like Lambrini Girls and Lime Garden are recent successful products of the city; both constantly praise their hometown for its commitment to the local music community.
234 Fest and Homegrown Festival are non-negotiable grassroots events in Brighton’s musical calendar, while the annual Great Escape showcases local artists and those from further afield. A four-day saver ticket for the latter is £108.
If you’re looking for a cheap way to spend your day, Brighton Beach is a classic landmark. During the long summer days, residents and holidaymakers grab their crochet blankets, speakers, and set up camp on the pebbly stretch of coastline.
The Brighton Palace Pier is close in proximity if you fancy a sugary doughnut or a few games in the arcade.
Metro's top tip:
Brighton Beach can get incredibly overcrowded in the summer months. For a more relaxing beach day, walk further down the coast towards Hove.
Here, you’re guaranteed more space to spread your belongings, and it’s often a little quieter. There’s still a vibe, though, as Rockwater Hove, the loungey beachfront destination, is the perfect spot to grab a cocktail.
Brighton Pride is arguably the main event of the year. Taking place on the first weekend in August, it’s been firmly established as the UK’s most popular Pride Festival. The city is widely considered to be the unofficial LGBTQ+ capital of Britain, thanks to its vibrant queer culture.
The parade through the city centre is an electric celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, while the event as a whole is a time for remembrance and advocacy. This year, major artists like Mariah Carey, Sugababes and Confidence Man will take to the stage in Preston Park. Weekend tickets start from £103.
The best pubs and venues in Brighton
Inn on the Square – A city centre pub with heaps of outdoor seating. The bar staff are fun and friendly, and put on regular gigs. Their Greek-inspired kitchen does some of the best side dishes ever. The famous meatballs, at £9.50, are a standout.
The Exchange – A ‘hidden gem’ pub nestled in the heart of Hove, head here to check out incredible artwork created by the general manager, and try delicious local beers.
Hope & Ruin – Described as a ‘music-led watering hole,’ the reclaimed, neon interior is just as impressive as the events they put on.
Fancy a bit of history? The Royal Pavilion Garden allows you to ‘bask in regency splendour’, inside and out. The palace is literally fit for a king – the Pavilion was constructed as the seaside pleasure palace of King George IV. Complete with Gothic and Indo-Saracenic architecture, plus a preserved interior dating back 150 years, entry is £17.00.
And finally, when in Brighton, be sure to check out the North Laines. An iconic landmark within the city, the area is home to a slew of independent boutiques, vintage shops and antique stores.
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Whether you grab a bite to eat from one of the vegetarian cafes (Iydea is a personal favourite), or sip on a cold pint in one of the many pubs (the White Rabbit opposite can provide your after-dinner beverage), it’s the ideal spot to soak up the bohemian vibe synonymous with Brighton.
The Lanes (also referred to as the South Lanes) offer narrow, labyrinth-like walkways and are nestled between the North Laines and the seafront. Head here to find homeware shops and high-end brands, plus other popular pubs like The Black Lion and East Street Tap, which sits on the edges of The Lanes.
How to get to Brighton
From London, Brighton is super easy to reach. A train from London Victoria or Blackfriars takes just over an hour, and one-way tickets start at £23.
Why are walkable cities important?
Like we said earlier, as sustainable travel continues to rise in popularity, many people are searching for destinations where they’ll make a positive environmental impact. Walkable cities receive fewer cars; when needed, people take public transport. This helps to improve air quality.
Additionally, studies have shown that people who live in walkable cities are healthier and happier. It’s just as easy to get your 10,000 steps in a day as it is to make friends and forge a community with your neighbours.
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