Brighton

Even with its pebbled shore (and oh, how I wish it were sand — because then I’d never leave… almost certain I’d move from London!), Brighton will always be one of my absolute favourite beaches in the UK.

There’s just something magnetic about it — the energy, the carefree, fun vibe — it never gets old.

My mum loved it just as much as we did (if not more!). The weather was astoundingly beautiful — one of those rare, golden British days where the sun actually shows up and proves every tourist wrong about the UK being cold, grey, and miserable.

We strolled along the Brighton Pier, especially for its seaside funfair. Oliver dragged my mum from one ride to the next — and she loved every second of it!

My mum definitely knows how to embrace life. As for me? You’ll only ever catch me on the teacup ride — and yes, I stuck to my tradition - teacup ride only, 99 Flake in hand!

We also explored the Brighton Palace and its glorious gardens — in full bloom and buzzing with life, everyone picnicking on the lawns and basking in the sunshine.

We wandered through The Lanes (which honestly feels like playing a little game of hide and seek!!) a maze of narrow, winding, traffic-free streets lined with quirky cafés, tiny jewellery shops, cosy old pubs, and colourful street art.

We almost gave in to the Durban-style bunny chow at Nisha Katona’s Mowgli Street Food — but come on… it’s Brighton! You simply cannot leave without classic fish and chips by the sea.

Extra vinegar for Oliver (he swears by it). Absolutely none for me — I refuse to let perfectly good fish drown, thank you very much.

And when it comes to chippy spots, we’ve got our holy trinity: Little Jack Fuller’s, Captain’s, and The Regency Restaurant — dependable, delicious, and always worth the queue.

Our last stop? Boho Gelato — an absolute must! Posh, creamy gelato (yes, our second indulgence of the day) with flavours that range from daring to downright dreamy. There’s always something delicious to try. Our favourites? Sour Cherry, Choc Hazelnut, and — yes, really — Lavender.

We stayed at No.124 by GuestHouse, with those breath-taking sea views everywhere your eyes landed.

From one angle you’ve got the sparkling shoreline and the charred remains of the old pier sitting in the water like a piece of art; from another, you can see the i360 standing tall like it’s part of the room’s scenery.

And then… the fully stocked free pantry — yes, free! — packed with little goodies to nibble on, drinks to grab, and late-night snacks to raid without a shred of guilt. It felt almost illegal how fun it was.

Brighton — I’ll always find my way back to you - rain or shine - solo, with Oliver, or playing tour guide for friends visiting London… because some places just feel like home.