At just over 50 miles outside of London, Brighton is perhaps the perfect destination for city slickers who are looking for a change of scenery on a day trip or weekend break. With a real tradition for culture plus a diverse and eclectic mix of bars, shops and landmarks, Brighton has an atmosphere which sets it far apart from the bustling streets of London.

Take, for example, the incredible festival culture. With different events taking place almost every month of the year (including England’s largest arts festival) you could easily plan a visit to coincide with such events as the oh-so-hip White Night Festival. This all night celebration of the arts is held for one night only each year when the clocks go back on the last Saturday of October. Or how about Paddle Round the Pier? After all, Brighton is famous for its beaches and piers and this event is known all over Europe for being the largest free annual beach festival. Held in July, there is music, extreme & urban sports demonstrations and of course, the famous ‘Paddle’ itself, where people of all ages can climb aboard any kind of water-sport vessel (think lilos, surfboards and kayaks) and quite literally paddle round the pier. You certainly don’t get that in London!

Perhaps one of Brighton’s most famous cultural festivals is Brighton Summer Pride which is held annually around August and September time. This celebration of everything Lesbian, Gay and Transgender proves without doubt that Brighton is truly one of the most diverse and open cities in all of the UK, if not Europe. With a myriad of different events and parties spanning a full week, the climax is the colourful and extravagant parade winding through Brighton until it reaches Preston Park where participants can enjoy the finale party. Will perhaps not dissimilar to the Notting Hill Carnival in terms of the party atmosphere, the event certainly stands for something altogether different.

Of course, there is far more to Brighton than just festivals. The aforementioned beaches would surely be a great draw to those from more urban areas and the seafront and pier areas offer a wide array of bars, restaurants and arcades for visitors to enjoy. For the more daring, Brighton beach even has a nudist area (though this is perhaps not best suited to the British weather!).

Brighton is also home to famous landmarks such as the Royal Pavilion – the former royal palace with its oriental façade is a stunning monument to the decadence and creativity of George IV. Now a draw for tourists the world over, visitors from London who are more used to seeing the famous Buckingham Palace would surely be left in awe at the sheer difference between the two.

With great train links from London and some beautiful hotels in Brighton, it would be relatively easy to pack your bags and head there for a long weekend – leaving all your day to day cares behind as you explore all it has to offer.

Jesse Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.