There’s something about leaving London behind and heading for the coast. Brighton is one of those places that makes it effortlessly easy. With frequent trains rolling south – and only just over an hour away – by the time you arrive it already feels like you’ve stepped into a different rhythm.
For us at Reia, time by the water always brings perspective. And once you’ve breathed that in, the city itself has plenty of corners worth exploring.
We’ve gathered together some of our favourite places to pause, shop, eat and spend a few unhurried hours.
Coffee
We couldn’t start a day trip without a coffee or two! Feels like part of the ritual in Brighton.
Bread and Milk is a laid-back café serving good coffee alongside hearty brunch plates.
The Flour Pot has a handful of cafés dotted around the city, including one by the beach in case you’re wanting a coffee and stroll.
DANDY is known for excellent coffee and even better people-watching, especially if you take a seat by the wide front window.
Redroaster is Brighton’s oldest roastery, a place with history as well as flavour, and also worth a stop for its fresh, seasonal lunches. 
Things to Do
There are some simple rituals that always make a Brighton trip complete.
Walking along Brighton Pier and getting your fortune told by Zoltar is almost a rite of passage.
A fresh sea swim can’t be beaten, even if it’s drizzly outside, for a few quick strokes.
A stroll along the seafront at sunset is another small ritual worth keeping, especially when the sky opens up and the horizon seems endless.
Sauna
A good sauna by the sea feels like the perfect way to reset, especially if you pair it with a swim.
Luna Hut Sauna Café is just a short walk from the station, so you can pause almost as soon as you arrive (or just before you go). Alongside the sauna there’s a small café, making it easy to stretch out your visit.
Beach Box sits right on the pebbles, with wood-fired cabins and views of the water that make every session feel elemental.
Saunadelic is a little further along in Hove, set beside the lagoon. With a wood-fired sauna and a cold plunge on hand, it offers a bracing rhythm of heat and salt air.
Food
By the sea, seafood is an obvious draw, but Brighton’s food scene has much more to offer.
Sea Haze right on the beachfront serves oysters that taste as fresh as it gets.
Plateau was our lunch spot of choice, with a natural wine menu and heavenly small plates, we couldn’t recommend more.
Riddle and Finns is a Brighton institution, where champagne and seafood are served in a lively, elegant room.
Shopping
Brighton is known for its independent spirit, and the Laines are the best place to see it come alive.
Tidy Street General Store contains many thoughtfully chosen clothing pieces that stand the test of time.
Snoopers Paradise is a treasure trove of vintage finds, and inside you’ll find a photo booth for those oh-so-necessary goofy snaps to remember the day by.
Abode is a beautiful place for homeware, with sustainable treasures that feel both practical and playful.
Family Store sits just next door, full of art prints, stationery and gifts that will bring a smile.
Pubs
Brighton and Hove are full of pubs with character. While we couldn’t stop at them all this time round, Holly, our resident tour guide shared her top selection.
The Lion and Lobster in Hove is a classic, sprawling pub with plenty of cosy corners.
The Basketmakers in the South Laine is welcoming and steeped in history.
The Black Dove in Kemptown is eclectic in its interiors, with great drinks and an atmosphere to match.
The Park Crescent in Hanover is unfussy and rooted in its community.
The Saint James Tavern in Kemptown is known locally as the one with the parrot, and it’s worth a visit for that alone.
Brighton is the kind of place where you can do a lot or very little. You can walk the seafront, tuck into fresh seafood, browse the independent shops, or simply sit with a coffee and watch the day unfold. However you spend your time, there is always a place to pause when you’re by the sea.
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