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.

OP the answer to your question is that nowhere is like Brighton. Some places are better and some are worse but for all of it's grit and grime and liberalness and beach and countryside, this is the only place like it. You may find a city or town with it's own uniqueness but if you want Brighton then you have to bite the bullet and compromise with your house.

Southend? Hebdon Bridge? Hull?

It's just dickish to mock people.

Yes it is. Thus I didn't ☺️

I'd look at Bristol (the outer towns you get more for your money including garden!) No sea but a beautiful harbourside. Very diverse. Lots going on all the time (in normal times)
And a fab location. I can get down to Devon in less than 2 hours and over to some stunning beaches in Wales in less than 2 hours too. Not far from Bath (12 min by train) and just generally a good location. Beautiful countryside too. I wouldn't move in a hurry now. I'm a bit outdoorsy walking, camping, beach person and I can pack my stuff and head away in such a short time on the weekend. I love it.

Southport

Tynemouth.
North Berwick.

Bristol is my fave city, though.

Newcastle, Co. Down. Lovely feel and spectacular scenery, although currently for the wrong reasons due to the fire in the Mournes.

All of those recommending "Hebdon" Bridge, I take it you don't really know it since you are all spelling it wrong.

It's Hebden

If you want a lovely house, for peanuts, in a leafy city that has a great school system, incredibly friendly natives, tons of great pubs and restaurants and nightlife, is by the water and surrounded by beautiful scenery and countryside you should just move to Belfast! it's a fab city.
But it's colder than SE England, obvs.

I'm so confused about the OP ruling out places that are too suburban but then also wanting somewhere with a garden.
Also the seafront part of Hove isn't suburban at all and neither is Lewes.

And okay the South Downs aren't the Highlands or the Alps but it's pretty countryside, it's hardly Suffolk.

@SarahAndQuack It's just dickish to mock people

I don't know why you are so determined to believe this happened, but you clearly are, so go ahead. Knock yourself out.

All of those recommending "Hebdon" Bridge, I take it you don't really know it since you are all spelling it wrong.

Not been there for years. I used to know it 20 odd years ago. But I expect people would be able to find it despite the spelling error. ☺️

I love the suggestion of Sheringham as an alternative to Brighton

Agree with Hastings Old Town BUT schools are not great. Also, no diversity. And like most of this corner of East Sussex, not liberal in its leanings.

@MobyDicksTinyCanoe

Lancaster ticks all your boxes. Plenty of canals and river walks, stunning countryside and more grammar schools than you can shake a furry stick at

I don't think op wants grammar schools. Its why they ruled out Kent

This thread is MN 'where shall we move to?' bingo.

Brighton le sands 😋

Either the one in Merseyside or the one in Sydney are better Brighton's than Brighton itself

But all seaside towns are weird at heart

Just move a bit down the coast to somewhere less wanky

Whitley Bay

Lytham St Annes. Or anywhere along the Fylde Coast (avoiding Blackpool).

We've just moved up here from Brighton and it's a dream in comparison.

Everybody - thank you! Some very interesting, useful and funny replies.

Firstly - I realise I Sound like a bit of a twat in my OP - sorry - I shouldn't dismiss Kent or grammar or say other places can't be open minded.

I love the sound of Belfast - also - SOuthsea a few people have suggested that.

Just to say - people have said Brighton has beautiful countryside. I know the downs a bit but think of them as quite flat and featureless but it's true bits are lovely - it's my husband I really have to persuade as he says can't we be somewhere a bit wilder. I know hastings is in nicer countryside but it's just a bit futher from London and we might have to come back and forth a bit .

Tbh I'm pretty sure I'll end up in Brighton as I lived there years ago and have pined for it ever since - nowhere is perfect, Brighton is a bit grimy but I like Hanover/ Queens Park area, might have to sacrifice a garden.

I just wish I could find somewhere near Brighton I haven't thought of where houses are large and cheap and it's near the beach.

Is eastbourne lively???

Anyone know Dover? A friend told me it's quite wild for parties on the beach for teens - sounds fun.

I really like Folkestone but as I said, don't like the grammar/ sec modern divide - maybe I'll have to get over that.

@Wondergirl100

I live 7 miles from Bristol and have sea! Property is cheaper than London (not cheap though) no idea on schools because mine are at university. Most of my neighbours are incomers as am I, many Londoners

Worcester/malverns if you do without the sea.

Southsea is a very good shout.