When my train from London rolls into Brighton I always feel excited as I see the rows of terraces houses stretching down to the seafront. This city has a kind of crazy magic to it, wrapped up in decades of significance to so many generations of teens and social misfits. Even as far back as Jane Austen's time, Brighton was known as a risque place: after visiting for a little sea-bathing, Lydia in Pride & Prejudice decides to elope with an officer in a fit of sexual passion. You can also visit the famous Royal Pavillion, with its beautiful Indian-style design, which George IV built before he was king so he could secretly spend time with his mistress away from the royal court. Brighton found infamy in the 60s for clashes between the Mods and the Rockers, which is why much of the iconic film Quadrophenia was set here.
Since the 90s, it has arguably been the gay capital of the UK, which alongside having the only Green Party member of parliament, really indicates strongly what a lovely, open-minded community this city has. There are lots of vegetarian and vegan places to eat, and always loads of arts events to attend. Being only an hour by train from London, it's the place people flock to lie in the sunshine by day and party at night. It's not a big city but it has so much heart and history it is definitely worth a visit!
