Brighton! I know nothing!

[Vroomfondleswaistcoat]

Me, two daughters and two daughter-in-law are off to Brighton at the end of November for a long weekend to pick up a wedding dress and just generally chill.

None of us have ever been before and have no idea of things like where to stay, where's good to eat, what to see (we are very much museum, indie shops and Pavillion type sightseers). Is there anyone from Brighton that can give me a few pointers of places to go, places to avoid and the best places to stay?

Thank you!

Definitely head to the North Laine area, loads of brilliant independent shops. Also The Lanes, which is a bit more upmarket but lots of little lanes and very quirky.
There are tons of great places to eat.

only area I would avoid is West Street at night

Thank you! We are very much looking forward to it!

Beach box sauna is something you might like to do on a colder winter's day. They do some women only sessions or for five of you, booking the whole of one sauna might be an option.

What sort of budget are you on? I can recommend some places to eat.

Theres loads to do in Brighton

I would recommend the Leonardo on the beachfront as a place to stay. It's a lovely hotel in a great location. For food we like Moshimo (which is right behind the hotel), English's, The Salt Rooms, Burnt Orange and Copper Clam.

If you fancy a blustery winter walk there’s a really lovely area to the east of the pier. Reading room, Sea Laines, Saunas, Bison Beer, Fika.

Snoopers Paradise in the North Laines is great for a mooch and there’s some lovely pubs like the basket makers in that area.

if you catch a decent November day I’d get a bus up to Devils Dyke if you’ve time for a glimpse of the view and a pint (the pub is terrible for food but stunning scenery)

@LlynTegid I'm not sure that we'd all be up for saunas. Some of the other girls might, but I'm not a sauna lover, however I'll suggest it in case someone might fancy a go.
@CHO0SE We have varying budgets. Not looking to spend huge amounts, we'd rather pay the money for somewhere nice to stay and eat more cheaply than the other way around.
@musicmum75 The Leonardo has gone on my list!
@Palegreenstars Not sure we're going to have the time to get up to Devil's Dyke, this is more of a city break and some of the group aren't walkers, but it's somewhere I would definitely like to go another time.

Hotel du Vin is lovely if you want to spend on accommodation (we stayed there two weeks ago). Bills is great and if you work for the NHS or have a blue light card you can get 20% from your bill for the whole party. The Royal Pavilion is lovely for a wander round. And there are lots of great shops. You will have a lovely time. Brighton is great.

Hotel Pelirocco is cool.

for eating you could head to Shelter Hall, lots of different places to choose from but you can all eat together and it’s a great location on the beach

Manjus is a little hidden gem in my opinion, Indian food. Amazing

Casa Don Carlos for tapas

Blossoms is supposed to be great for Japanese food and cocktails

Which wedding shop is it?

Pavilion is worth a look around but it’s not cheap and the museum and art gallery next door is worth a look

Snoopers Paradise is interesting for a wander around

There are also some nice cinemas and cosy cafes if it’s raining

The Museum & Art Gallery has a mod fashion exhibition that looks interesting

Booth museum and Hove Museum are free to enter which is nice if you’re looking to save money.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to come up with these suggestions. I'm going to put the whole list to the rest of my crew.
@CHO0SE - I don't know which bridal shop it is. My DD is the one getting married and she's having her dress made there - this is the trip to try it on.

I didn't know there was an art gallery and museum next to the Pavillion - we are all most definitely museum people so we will be heading in there. Pavillion is on our list too, chiefly because it would be a shame to go to Brighton and NOT see it!

Thanks too for all the restaurant suggestions. We can all eat for Britain so a fair few of them might take a battering.

Some great tips here. Would also recommend getting the no 27 bus to Saltdean and going to the Lido for a swim! Lovely art deco building that's been saved by the locals 🏊

As a born and bred Brightonian I agree with the north laine (four roads in a row from bond street to sydney street) bohemian independent shops with great food, pubs, vintage clothes and tap rooms. Slightly off these streets is blackout the most amazing kitsch shop where the women owners travel worldwide to source everything themselves.
Blackoutshop.co.uk

Go to Mange Tout in the North Laines, best brunch!

I can recommend The Salt Room and The Coal Shed restaurants, also The Ivy Asia - and Hotel du Vin for cocktails. Be prepared to get lost, just go with it - you’ll stumble across some great little places and will definitely want to go back!

Thanks again to all contributors! Plans are underway...

We stayed at travelodge Brighton seafront . It's not the poshest hotel in town but its really well located , the laines are a few minutes walk. There's quite a number of good restaurants within easy reach

We apparently (one of my DDs has booked) have an air B&B somewhere a couple of minutes from the sea and in the middle of town. Experience will tell whether this is really the case or whether we end up hiking into town! What is the pier like - I don't think I've ever been on an actual 'amusement' pier before so I'm quite keen to give it a try!