After over a year of lockdowns, I have been craving a holiday for a very long time. Despite the fact that restrictions are starting to ease, the UK’s travel traffic light system realistically means that a holiday abroad still feels quite far from reach. With that in mind, I am planning to go on a few UK staycations, which I hope inspire you to explore your home country too! I went to Brighton, in East Sussex, during the end of May bank holiday weekend and with great company, sizzling sunshine and blue seas, definitely had the best time! Here are the top things to do whilst on a staycation in this vibrant city by the sea.

Explore Brighton Palace Pier

Brighton Palace Pier is probably the city’s most iconic sight. It is definitely worth spending some time wandering along the seafront and taking in the stunning views. You can also play games in the arcade, go on a ride in the traditional fairground and grab a bite to eat!

Relax on Brighton Beach

Recognised as one of the UK’s most famous beaches, Brighton is home to a pebbly beach and a four-mile long promenade. It is the perfect place to relax and sunbathe, especially on a warm and sunny day!

Taste the delicious doughnuts

When I visited Brighton a few years ago, the talk-of-the-town was the famous Brighton rock. Now, these impressive doughnuts seem to be the must-try Brighton food. Be sure to buy these from Brighton Palace Pier, where the sugary treats are freshly made in front of you and they come out hot!

Breathtaking Bandstand views

The beautiful Bandstand is located on Brighton’s seafront, to the right of the Pier. It first opened in 1884 and after restoration, reopened again in 2009. This Victorian Bandstand’s intricate architecture is the perfect spot to take some photos, and it also offers breathtaking views of the beach and the sea.

Take a ride up the soaring British Airways i360

If you are after a unique birds-eye view of the South Coast, take a 450ft ride up the British Airways i360. The glass viewing pod offers panoramic views of Brighton, the promenade, South Downs and the English Channel.

Experience Brighton’s unique Upside Down House

Located next to the BA i360, this topsy-turvy attraction is a one-of-a-kind photo spot! You can either take pictures of the Upside Down House’s exterior, or walk inside to take some surreal photos from an inverted perspective.

Roam around Hove’s colourful beach huts

If you continue walking past the BA i360 and the Upside Down House towards Hove, you will come across a long line of these cute beach huts, which also make for pretty photos.