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.

@Youdose

'The women I know who live there now take taxis everywhere after dark, whereas, even five years ago it felt a safe place to walk.'

this isn't true. I, a woman, and my other female friends walk everywhere. It't one of the big pluses of living in such a compact city.

Actually, it is true that the women I know who live there don't like walking around alone after dark.

You might be happy to, the women I know aren't.

Edinburgh. Admittedly still lots of hen dos, but it's big enough that they're pretty easy to avoid.

'Chichester is a pretty town/city. The cathedral is lovely, the coast is near, Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton are easy to get to on public transport, or in the car, the South Downs are close, the Witterings, Emsworth, Bosham, etc. Trains to London Bridge if you need it, outdoor market, range of schools, Gunwharf Quays.'

Chichester is Tory run, snobby, boring, and overpriced! There is F all to do there most of the time... can't believe anyone would recommend it. I had the misfortune to spend a decade there and really is pretty on the surface, ugly underneath.

Yes, imagine wearing a "Woman is an adult human female" t-shirt there - you'd see how open minded they were.

I'm sure the aggression and violence directed at women expressing their views would be quite something. Well, we've already seen it play out in the past.

How about Chatham op? Near the water. I think you'd like it. ☺️

@greenmarmlade Google it

Fine if you're a furry or a flasher with a pushbike though according to this thread. Maybe the op is a member of one of these vibrant communities?

Threads like this are hilarious- literally none of the places mentioned on here are anything like Brighton with the exception of Bristol.

The draw of Brighton for many people is its slight grunginess- and actually those of us that live here and love it would be quite happy if noone else did move here from London further pushing up house prices for the locals.....

Oh, and the south downs are truly beautiful and wild and have so many places to explore so not sure what kind of countryside the OP is looking for.

Bonkers!

You want Bournemouth!

It's a bit nasty to pick on the OP for mentioning places being open minded, I think. Some people do have to worry about what their neighbours are like and whether they'll be treated badly. If you think that's all a bit of a joke, maybe consider whether this person's had experiences that make them a bit more cautious?

Hastings Old Town.

Marcia Bournemouth has the grammar/ secondary modern system.

Yes there are, sadly, still many places where rubbing one's naked bollocks and sweaty arse crack over a bike saddle in public will attract attention.

Bournemouth

Southsea in Portsmouth! Got the laidback artistic vibe, the the sea and areas of common land etc. Lots to do and a great place to raise children

Fine if you're a furry or a flasher with a pushbike though according to this thread. Maybe the op is a member of one of these vibrant communities

True. Maybe they are. Maybe it's Digby asking for advice. In which case it will need to be Brighton after all.

Maybe try Hebdon Bridge. It used to be lovely there once and quite laid back, but I believe it's moved into the modern open minded environment that you are now looking for.

Southsea!

Cardiff. Loads of countryside on your doorstep and lots of coast and sea close by. The city has more of a town centre vibe though and does not have the variety and buzz of larger cities.

Norwich is a lovely city with great beaches near-ish and a relaxed feeling that makes it nothing like the south-east. I think schools aren’t great though unless you’re catholic.

Also Edinburgh - though is expensive and cold. SO there is a coast about half hour or so drive away but it is always too cold to go there : )

It's a bit nasty to pick on the OP for mentioning places being open minded, I think. Some people do have to worry about what their neighbours are like and whether they'll be treated badly. If you think that's all a bit of a joke, maybe consider whether this person's had experiences that make them a bit more cautious?

Well it depends what op is looking for. After all they say Brighton is open minded, but it's not open minded to everyone. It depends on what community op identifies with I guess ☺️

Dorset? Lots of amazing coastline, lots of beautiful countryside. Also has Bournemouth - lots going on. Hampshire? Devon?

Oh and apparently Cardiff has the more parks than other other city in the UK!

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

London is open minded ...to crime 🤣

@Wondergirl100

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

Anyone know Tunbridge Wells is it at all open minded

Fuck no. It's Toryville all day long and very little diversity.