With lockdown in the UK easing but with limits on international travel, plus the promise of summer round the corner (please, weather gods!) it is easy to see why many are choosing to stay closer to home for their holidays this year.

Recently Tripadvisor named Brighton as one of their top spots in the UK to visit this summer. But did you know there is so much more to our vibrant city then the beach and sticks of rock? Brighton is packed with history, culture and sights for all age groups. So, whatever your idea of the perfect city break is, Brighton has something for everyone.

So, this English Tourism Week we challenge you to Escape the Everyday and book a break in our fantastic city.

Here are our top 5 reasons to visit Brighton this year:

1. Shopping

Brighton is packed to the rafters with quirky, independent shops that you won’t find anywhere else in the UK. From the winding cobbled street of The Lanes, where you’ll find a host of vintage and contemporary jewellers to The North Laine district which is home to some of the best vintage fashion and homeware around, a trip to Brighton isn’t complete till you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped! If you’re after the best of Sussex, take a trip to BA i360’s shop which is packed to the brim with exciting and unusual local wares & produce.

2. Food

The old stereotype of English cold roasts and lumpy stews is long gone, with the English food scene now boasting some of the best chefs in Europe. Foodie Brighton is no exception, with everything from sourdough pizzas, exceptional seafood and a plethora of vegan friendly options the world is your oyster in Brighton. Our very own West Beach Bar & Kitchen has a unique beachfront terrace so you can make the most of the sun whilst enjoying some of the best ingredients sourced from our doorstep.

3. Culture & History

Brighton was famously just a small fishing town until the George IV discovered it in the mid-1700s. He went on to build the fantastical Royal Pavilion designed by the renowned architect John Nash, which turned Brighton into a hub for wealthy Londoners. To this day the Royal Pavilion with its Indian inspired façade and collection of Recency furnishings is a must see for any history buff visiting Brighton.
Those interested in Brighton history will be delighted to hear how British Airways i360 are dedicated to preserving a piece of it. Our ticket office and café are beautiful replicas of the original West Pier Toll Booths which date back to 1866. Brighton additionally has a variety of art galleries to suit all tastes and budgets. Hidden in the North Laine has a collection that boasts art by Banksy, Hockney & Riley to name a few!

4. The Beach!

What trip to Brighton would be complete without a stroll down our glorious seafront? Brighton’s pebbly beach is a hub of bars, restaurants and attractions. Walk down the Palace Pier to play the penny slot machines, grab a cocktail at Brighton Music Hall or simply eat fish & chips on the beach. British Airway’s i360 Viewing Tower beachside location is hard to miss! Join us for Brighton’s best views, as you glide up to 450ft.  You’ll see unrivalled panoramic views of the city, the coastline, the sea and the South Downs. You can even toast the sunset as you enjoy a glass of award winning English Sparkling wine from local vineyard, Nyetimber, on one of our famed ‘Sunset Flights’.

5. Family Fun

Brighton is the perfect city to enjoy with your family. With so much to entertain kids and teens you’ll be patting yourself on the back for booking the trip. Kids love escaping to the sky and exploring the city from a bird’s eye view in our spaceship-like glass viewing pod. At British Airways i360 Viewing Tower kids fly for half the price of an adult ticket and under 4’s fly FREE. After your flight take the kids to the Upside Down House next door, your teens will love the Instagrammable photo ops! Or for your little ones let them burn off some energy at the Kings Road Playground where the kids can enjoy a giant sandpit play area with slides and climbing frames!