Brighton

Brighton is the classic seaside escape from London — a pier, a pebble beach, and the Lanes, a maze of narrow streets packed with independent shops and cafes. It's reachable in about an hour by train, which makes it one of the easiest coastal day trips from the city.

Getting There

Direct trains run from London Victoria and London St Pancras, taking roughly an hour. Both routes are simple, frequent, and don't require a change.

What to See

Brighton Palace Pier is the obvious first stop — arcade games, fairground rides and fish and chips over the water. The Lanes, a warren of narrow lanes just back from the seafront, are the best area for independent shops, vintage finds and cafes. The Royal Pavilion, King George IV's extravagant former seaside palace with an Indo-Saracenic exterior and lavish chinoiserie interior, is worth the entry fee if you have a couple of hours to spare.

Tips for Visiting

• The pier and seafront get busy on sunny weekends — a weekday visit is noticeably calmer.
• The beach is pebble, not sand — worth knowing if you're planning to swim or sunbathe.
• The Lanes are best explored without a fixed plan — wandering is half the appeal.
• Book Royal Pavilion tickets online in advance in peak summer months.