Rugby visitors guide to Brighton

Brighton Pier in the sun. Photo © Nickos

So, you’re visiting Brighton for a match?

Good choice.

Expect a colourful seaside town with every type of food, bar and shop that you could want, with a splash of history and hopefully a dash of sunshine whilst you’re here too.

From Brighton Central station, Falmer (home to the stadium) is just three stops on the rail line towards Lewes. Or you can jump on the No. 25 bus from Brighton’s Cardinal Square – it takes about 20 minutes.

1. Breakfast for champions

Whether you’re travelling by bus, train or car I’m sure you’re going to want to start your day with a hearty breakfast. So head to Kensington Gardens in the North Laines and discover a Brighton gem in British diner Kensington’s.

Cheap, cheerful and delicious breakfast options including pancakes with bacon and maple syrup, as well as good ol’ fashioned full English breakfasts in veggie and vegan options too.

If the weather’s good you can grab a seat on the balcony and people watch and you’ll have plenty of pennies left over.

2. Cool local shopping

The North Laines are where it’s at for indie shopping and eating in Brighton.

Fans of vintage and antiques will love Snooper’s Paradise and Beyond Retro, whereas the geeks out there will be delighted to discover Dave’s Comics.

Vinyl fiends. Photo © Andrea Carolina Sanchez Gonzalez

If you’re a music fan browse GAK, Resident Records or the quirky Punker Bunker which specialises in punk vinyl.

Fashion fans will stumble upon countless independent fashion boutiques and vintage clothing outlets to suit every budget and style.

Looking for your favourite chains? Brighton’s got them too. You’ll find most of them on Western Road towards Hove and Churchill Square Shopping Centre.

3. Burgers on the beach

Time for lunch?

For the best burgers that Brighton beach has to offer head to Lucky Beach on the seafront and grab a seat on the pebbles for trashy, squishy, yummy burgers that’ll easily rival any London boutique burger.

Hunger sated

Still shopping in the North Laines? You’ll be wanting to pop to Burger Brothers or Grubbs Burgers for burgers on the go.

If you’re veggie or vegan, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Brighton too, so never fear, Kensington Gardens will sort you out for sure.

4. Sunshine and ice cream

Still hungry?

You need ice cream by the seaside, right? Visit Gelato Gusto in the North Laines for lush handmade Italian style gelato in loads of flavours.

Gelato

Want to up your ice cream game? Ask for a Gelato Burger, your choice of gelato and sauce sealed inside a warm, soft brioche bun, it’s incredible!

5. Beachside 

Now it’s time to walk off all those calories!

If you’re a fan of history you must visit inside Brighton Pavilion for its completely nuts design and story. If you’re being thrifty you can appreciate the Pavilion from the beautiful gardens for free.

The Pavillion. Photo © Carnegie42

Now it’s time for the beach.

For a true British seaside experience eat candyfloss on the pier, play in the arcade and then grab (another) ice cream on the beach.

If you want to retreat to a quieter part of the beach, walk towards Hove and visit the pastel-coloured beach huts and Hove Lawn.

6. Fish and chips

Hungry again? No worries, there’s lots more to eat in Brighton.

Fish and chips is obviously a seaside essential. If you want to stay traditional, a short walk up to Bankers in Hove is a great idea for probably the best fish and chips in the town. You can takeaway or eat in.

For pudding, there’s Jojo’s Ice Cream Parlour just a few doors down for a retro, American-style parlour experience with tons of choice.

7. The celebration option

If you’re feeling fancy, Riddle and Finns is a Brighton institution, serving excellent locally sourced seafood in a chic, relaxed setting. They have two venues, one on the beach and one in the Laines. You’ll need a slightly bigger budget for this place and may need to book, but it’s well worth a visit if you’re here for a special occasion.

8. The big send-off

All done? Don’t forget to pick up a stick of rock on the way home and if you are really still hungry, visit The Beach Hut opposite the Odeon cinema for awesome freshly made sugar doughnuts for the journey home or midnight snack.