So you want to book an easy, cheap and stress-free weekend break but you're out of ideas?
If you're short on time but you still want the airport experience, why not travel across the pond to our English neighbours?
Brighton is the perfect choice - it's a stunning seaside destination, there's great restaurants, bars, so much to see and do and it's super close.
Just a 30-minute train ride from London Gatwick, this trendy spot suits all ages and every kind of break away. I headed over for the weekend recently with my family and I enjoyed it so much. I can't believe I had never been before because it's right up my street.
Here are my top tips for those planning their next trip;
Where to stay - The Artists Residence
My family and I stayed in The Artists Residence hotel which is located in the Recency Square opposing the British Airways i360, a great indicator for when you get lost.
It's a deadly venue and it's ideal for groups with some rooms holding up to six people. Inside there's a bar, an unreal restaurant (ordering breakie here is a must) a ping pong table room and hang out spots.
The interior is slick, artsy and contemporary and there's just a good vibe all round. Best of all, it's great value so you get bang for your buck.
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Day 1
What To Do: i360
Check out the beautiful Brighton from every angle on the British Airways i360.
The 162-metre observation tower on the seafront gives people a chance to take in some breathtaking views while sipping on a glass of bubbly from the Sky Bar 450ft above ground.
Flights take approximately 25 minutes and depart every half hour.
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Where To Eat: Food For Friends
This sophisticated vegetarian restaurant serves innovative dishes and offers seasonal set menus.
A lot of my family are veggie and when I heard that we had booked into a vegetarian restaurant I have to say, I wasn't expecting much. Turns out this was the best meal we had all weekend.
The dishes were absolutely incredible and catered to everyone at our table. Friendly staff and tasty wine added to the all-round good vibes of the evening. I would come back just for that meal tbh.
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Where To Go: The Pier
The Palace Pier is a childhood dream as well as a sensory overload.
Entering you'll get that pungent smell of freshly made candy floss and popcorn, hear the screams from amusements and get that sharp salty wind in your hair.
There's a plethora of arcade games, restaurants, rides and chill spots.
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Where To Drink: Bohemia
Tucked away down winding lanes is three-floor cocktail experience Bohemia.
It's all about standout looks and bold statements with cocktails designed to excite the senses. This is a dream for Instagrammers with each drink putting on its own show with smoke, lights and bright colours.
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Day 2
What To Do: The Pavillons
You've probably heard all about the pier and seaside areas of Brighton but did you know that it's home to one of the most unusual palaces in England?
Built over 200 years ago by King George, this building looks like something from India on the outside and China on the inside. King George never actually visited these places but he wanted to create something exotic and it is exactly that.
This needs to be on your bucket list if you're a history nut.
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Where To Eat: Don Carlos
Tapas is never a bad idea.
Don Carlos is one of those restaurants that has probably looked the same for the last twenty years. There's no fuss inside, it's all about the food.
When I visited the venue was completely booked out so I knew it was going to be good. There was such a variety of food on the menu, big portions and delicious flavours.
Really friendly staff who made such a big deal for my Mam as it was her birthday - a truly fab spot.
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Where To Go: North Laines
One of the best things about Brighton is the unique shops. It's like walking through a big market, there's so many funky clothes shops and tonnes of places to pick up a special gift.
It's also a very popular spot for wedding rings, you could spend hours peering into windows watching the sunlight hitting the multiple jewels on show.
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Where To Drink: Merkaba
This award-winning cocktail bar is a hotspot with tourists and locals alike.
I'd recommend getting the Tiki cocktail if you're looking for a show:
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Pack the bags, this is a holiday spot you need to put on your bucket list this year!
