Exploring Brighton on a Day Trip

If you’ve got a short stopover in the UK, consider taking a Gatwick Airport taxi to Brighton for a day trip, where you'll see a very different side to the UK.

Brighton – Royal associations

It’s probably true to say that Brighton is perhaps best-known around the UK and wider world for its incredible Indian-inspired Royal Pavilion – indeed it is one of the first things you will see as you arrive in to the city after the short Gatwick Airport taxi ride. It is a stunning building, started in the later 18th century and completed in the earlier years of the 19th century. People often call it an "Indian Building" because of the external architecture, which is very much in an Indian style. However, even externally, if you look closely, you’ll see influences of other cultures, notably Islamic.

Inside, the furnishings are stunning and yet again in a wide variety of styles including Chinese or in some cases, what European makers thought was Chinese taste. Built originally for The Price of Wales (later Prince Regent and King George IV) it is a unique attraction, like nothing else you’ll see in the UK.

Antiques

For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, Brighton is also a great centre of antiques buying and selling. Much of this trade is based in and around ‘The Lanes’ – a part of the city consisting of very narrow streets populated with small shops and boutiques. Many offer some great antiques and the chance of the odd bargain, but it’s also an area known for jewellery and trendy cafés and restaurants. Your Gatwick Airport taxi will be able to drop you at any one of several local hotels that are ideally positioned for exploring The Lanes.

Brighton Marina

You should also visit the Marina whilst in Brighton. This is a great area of waterfront shops and restaurants, where you’ll find an interesting mixture of up-market designer boutiques as well as some more mainstream outlets. It’s very ‘continental’ in its appearance and ambience.

The Beach

It's true that beach life at any UK resort is likely to be ‘unpredictable’ due to the weather, but Brighton Beach copes well with this by offering a huge range of entertainment just in case the weather doesn’t co-operate! There are some remarkably preserved examples of Victorian seaside arcades, which sit alongside other cool 21st century establishments – including some of the trendiest bars you’ll find anywhere, including in London!

Culture

Brighton has always prided itself on offering a wide range of cultural pastimes. Just one example is the Grade-II listed Theatre Royal, where you’ll find a wide range of productions offered by some of the best producers and acting talent in the country. The theatre is also surrounded by fabulous restaurants with a wide range of cuisines to choose from.

So, if you have a short, or longer, stopover, why not take a Gatwick Airport taxi to explore Brighton? It’s guaranteed to be a wonderful experience.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for a Gatwick airport taxi, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.