To ask is there a better version of Brighton

[Wondergirl100]

Sorry a bit cheeky to put on AIBU - but - it's an important question!!

Brighton - great vibes, creativity, open mindedness good schools - but overpriced and the countryside isn't amazing and there are no gardens.

So what is the alternative! Where else is open minded and fun and has sea air and countryside but is not ruined by hen dos and property prices. And needs to have good schools.

Sadly, I have to write off the whole of Kent as I don't approve of grammar system. Unless there is somewhere in Kent with good secondary moderns.

Bristol? It has got a bit pricey lately though.

I love Bristol but I'm currently in London so it seems like just picking another city - also, no sea.

Hove?
Lewes?

Know both Hove and Lewes well and too burby for me.

Anyone know Tunbridge Wells is it at all open minded

I don’t get where you think Brighton is open minded with good schools.
Most of the schools are pretty poor with two decent ones which everyone wants but as they operate a lottery and busing system you cannot say where your child will get a place.
Brighton has a pretty transient student population so the cheaper areas are full of HMOs. Brighton is home to two of the most deprived estates in the uk and the so called nice areas are over priced small houses.
The council is green controlled who spend more time worrying about gender politics and reducing women to body parts than green issues. They have just destroyed on Maderia drive an area full of 150 year old trees which they now admit was a mistake but funny how that mistake now allowed they to build yet another cycle path no one wants.
Only open minded if you think the way they do.
If you are looking for Brighton elsewhere then you need to really look at what Brighton is rather than the sea front vibe.

Morecambe

I live in Tunbridge Wells, it’s lovely- artistic, lots of independent shops and businesses and gorgeous countryside- but not particularly close to the sea and you said you don’t agree with grammars? It’s very much a grammar school town, although I think the Skinners Academy is doing pretty well.

How about Bournemouth?

I hated living in Brighton. Absolute shithole IMO.

Totnes in Devon is lovely.

If you can sacrifice sea, and be wary of flood zones, Hebden Bridge.

I've NC'd for this as it's very identifying.

I've lived in Hove for years and it's only burby a few blocks north. Church Road to the west of Palmeira Square is full of lovely cafes and restaurants now, and the roads south off it
have a range of sizes and styles of houses and apartments, so would suit a variety of budgets.

The countryside is breathtaking and can be reached in 15 minutes by car! Me and my family walk twice a week up the Downs via either New Timber Hill or Wolstonbury Hill.

My BIL and family live in Tunbridge Wells and it's lovely - seems posher than Brighton and Hove though strangely you seem to get more for your money. However, it's totally different - much smaller and quieter (and yes burby). They were visiting at the weekend and thought Brighton was like a giant festival in comparison.

What's the "open minded" thing? You're in London, what on earth do you need the community to be open minded to?

Tunbridge Wells is like Fulham in Kent. Not Brightonny at all and very very grammar / private school orientated.

Also re schools, the lottery system has hardly affected anyone I know.

When you apply you're given a randomly generated number. If it's higher than the number of places at your chosen school then you have to go with your second choice.

Even then though, if you stay on the waiting list for your first choice, in a year or so you're likely to be offered a place as most people drop off it.

@GreyhoundG1rl

What's the "open minded" thing? You're in London, what on earth do you need the community to be open minded to?

I imagine it's the opposite of the recent thread about insular towns - but also an acceptance / celebration of that which is out of the ordinary, the weird, and all the things Hyacinth Bucket would disapprove of.

@Ginandtonic4all

Tunbridge Wells is like Fulham in Kent. Not Brightonny at all and very very grammar / private school orientated.

I disagree. The Pantiles has changes for the better recently and has a much nicer vibe about it with the DoY pub and Ragged Trousers. Camden Road is great and has some brilliant restaurants and cafes.

the countryside isn't amazing

erm. I refer you to the South Downs.

I am actually trying at the moment to find somewhere that has countryside as good as that close to Brighton....

The South Downs and not far to Birling Gap etc are not spectacular countryside?

Cockermouth?

Newcastle upon Tyne?

Colchester?

Not seaside but how about Stroud in Gloucestershire? Beautiful countryside, strong hippy/alternative vibe, great music and arts scene, lovely independent shops and cafes... Or Totnes in Devon – much the same but with the sea nearby!

I love the way anywhere outside London is at risk of being ' not open minded'. I know the BBC have fed the public a diet of Midsomer Murders and Doc Martin depicting anyone who doesn't live in a city as a superstitious, neurotic, half-wit but come on, there is normal life and most of us function quite well outside of the capital

No where better in the UK. Had a gay old hen do there 🌈 🏳️‍🌈 and would move in a heartbeat if I could.

We're in Folkestone, previously in East Sussex.
It has two grammar schools but decent secondaries too (Brockhill and Turner Free School - avoid Folkestone Academy).
It has pebble and sandy beaches, 5 minutes from the lovely north downs and various forests, and has a Brightony feel. Not many good big shops in the town centre but it's close to Ashford and Canterbury.

Eastbourne?

I hate Brighton, horrible atmosphere.

OP "not Kent. I've discounted the whole of Kent.
What's Tunbridge Wells like?".

Hmmm.....

Haha, "the countryside isn't amazing" when the fabulous South Downs National Park is on the doorstep. You must have very high standards for attractive countryside!