The beloved beachside enclave of Brighton boasts one of the most inclusive communities in Europe.
And yet surprisingly few American travelers make it here when touring England.
Its an omission thats easily corrected.
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Brighton is just an hour-long train ride south ofLondon.
Those trains run regularly and cost as little as $7 each way.
In fact, its often known as London-by-the-Sea.
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And yet that misses the mark.
Heres how to navigate it all.
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Take a stroll through Kemptown.
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Its a cozy pub thats popular with locals.
The well-executed fare is exclusively vegetarian.
The raucous three-floored space offers live cabaret.
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Sightsee The Lanes.
you’ve got the option to have a proper Sunday roast paired with a local pint atHop Poles.
But do not skip out on theRoyal Pavilionand its adjoining gardens.
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Rove to Hove.
According to Caton, this is Brightons most haunted pub.
It hosts a Sunday drag bingo which is notorious citywide, she adds.
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Anything west of this stone sculpture, commemorating Edward VII, belongs to Hove.
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Just up the road from here youll find Catons distillery.
Brighton Gin opened in 2012 and offersdaily tours and tastings.
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The 90-minute-long experience costs 35 and includes a beautifully garnished gin and tonic.
Savor the international flavor.
Craving a French bistro?Petit Poishas you covered.
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But I thinkBincho Yakitoriis the best restaurant in town, says Becky Paskin, a local writer.
It specializes in Japanese small plates, sake, and whisky; no frills and very cheap.
Since its a small venue, however, she warns that securing a table can be a challenge.
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The Chilli Pickleis always a great backup plan, she advises.
Their inventive Thali really was a game changer for modern Indian cuisine in town.
Fringeis such an exciting time to be in Brighton, she says.
For music lovers, theres another noteworthy event around the same time.
Great Escapeis my personal favorite, Paskin says of the four-day-long extravaganza.
Its the largest festival for new music in all of Europe.
Its spread out across all the pubs and bars of town.
Some of the biggest names in music first made a name for themselves right here.
Stay overnight.
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The Grand Brightonhas served as a dependable overnight destination for decades.
If youre in search of something a bit more boutiquey, arrange accommodations at theGinger Pigin Hove.
