Brighton Diaries: Fish ’n’ Chips, Rollercoasters Over the Sea & a British Summer Done Right

Brighton 

Nothing says “British summer” like a spontaneous seaside trip. After a long week of staring at grey skies in London, my friend and I decided to chase sunshine and sea breeze on England’s south coast. Our pick? Brighton — a city synonymous with pebbly beaches, cheeky seagulls, and the best fish ’n’ chips this side of the Channel.

Brighton is just about 50 minutes by train from London Victoria Station — a convenience that makes it one of the UK’s most popular day-trip destinations. As the train pulled out of London, I was ready for quaint views, coastal air, and… an unexpected soundtrack of burps from the elderly man sitting next to me, who was clearly more enthusiastic about his lunch than I was about mine.

Pro tip: Always book a window seat and bring earphones. My friend did. I didn’t. Guess who had the more peaceful journey.

Arriving Hungry: Fish ’n’ Chips on the Brain

As soon as the train screeched to a halt, we bolted like prisoners at roll call. Brighton Station is a short 10-minute stroll to the seafront, but for me it felt like an eternity because my mind was already deep-frying cod and potatoes.

Brighton’s famous delicacy is Fish ’n’ Chips. Every step towards the sea was lined with tempting chippies, but before I knew it, the smell of saltwater and the crash of waves lured me straight to the beach. Hunger forgotten, shoes off, I ran to the water like a kid who’d spotted free ice cream.

Brighton Beach 

Brighton Beach: Pebbles, Cold Water & Pure Bliss

Brighton Beach may be pebbly, but it’s full of charm. Couples holding hands, kids building fortresses with stones, and surfers waiting for waves — it’s a postcard of British seaside life. Despite the sun, the water was icy cold, but I couldn’t resist dipping my toes (and then ankles) in. Within minutes, I was lying back on the pebbles, sun on my face, waves in my ears.

Surfing at the Brighton Beach 

Relax Mode Activated 

Hot Dog!!

Things to Do at Brighton Beach:

• Swim (if you dare brave the cold!)
• Rent a deck chair and soak in the sun
• Watch street performers and buskers
• Hunt for unique shells and pebbles
• Try water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking

Feeding Frenzy: Fish ’n’ Chips, Hot Dogs & Seagull Side-Eye

Soon hunger returned like an uninvited guest. We picked a busy fish ’n’ chips joint along the promenade (a good rule of thumb: more customers = better food). The crispy batter, flaky fish, and salty chips were worth every greasy finger.

Still peckish, we followed our noses to a sizzling hot dog stand near Brighton Pier. One whiff of grilled sausages and fried onions and we were sold. As we devoured our hot dogs, seagulls eyed us like loan sharks. 

Travel tip: Never underestimate a Brighton seagull. They’re fast, bold, and won’t hesitate to snatch your chips mid-bite.

Brighton Pier: Thrills Above the Sea

Brighton Pier is like a seaside theme park crammed onto a Victorian boardwalk — classic rides, arcades, candy floss, and all the nostalgia you can handle. While we admired the merry-go-rounds and roller coasters, one ride stood out: The Booster.

Think of it as a giant slingshot that hurls you 100 feet above the English Channel while your legs dangle helplessly over the water. My heart raced just watching people stagger off it with jelly legs and pale faces. Yet somehow, against my better judgment (and my stomach’s protests), we bought tickets and joined the queue.

The Booster Ride

• Duration: About one minute (enough to question all your life choices)
• Thrill factor: 10/10
• View factor: 11/10
• Leg stability after: 2/10

When the ride flung me skywards, the entire Brighton coastline spread out like a model train set — the beach, the pier, the wheel, and the sparkling sea beyond. By the time we were safely back on solid ground, my hair was vertical and my legs were still shaking.

That's Booster Facing the Sea

Sunset & Seagulls at the Brighton Wheel

We spent the late afternoon wandering past the Brighton Wheel, watching locals set up beach barbecues and bonfires. With the sky turning sherbet pink, we snapped photos of seagulls swooping low over the water, the perfect end to our day.

While people started the preparations for Barbecue and bonfire along the beach, we spent the rest of the evening relaxing at the beach near Brighton wheel while observing few seagulls and did some sunset photography.

  

Brighton Wheel

  

How to Reach Brighton from London

• By Train: From London Victoria or London Bridge (approx. 50–60 minutes).
• By Car: Around 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic.
• By Coach: Budget-friendly National Express buses from London.

Food Recommendations in Brighton

• Fish ’n’ Chips at the Beach: Try The Regency or Palm Court on the pier.
• Hot Dogs & Street Eats: Brighton Pier kiosks.
• For Coffee Lovers: Small cafés like The Flour Pot or Marwoods.
• For Sweet Tooths: Grab traditional seaside rock candy or doughnuts along the promenade.

Best Time to Visit Brighton:

Late May to September, when the sun actually shows up. Early mornings for fewer crowds, late afternoons for golden sunsets.

Why Brighton Should Be on Your List

Brighton is colorful, vibrant, and (yes) bright. Whether you’re in it for the cold water swims, the adrenaline-pumping rides, the iconic pier snacks, or simply a day of relaxing on pebbles under the sun, this seaside city delivers.

We boarded our train back to London with sandy shoes, full bellies, and a camera full of memories — the kind of day trip that makes you fall in love with British summers all over again.

Three Words for Brighton: Colorful. Vibrant. Bright. Cheers!