Do you want to go to the sea side? The answer is always yes! Brighton is the British equivalent of a seaside getaway. Very different to an Aussie beach experience, but lovely all the same.

There was a group of us that caught the train an hour out of London to Brighton one grey Saturday on the Easter weekend. It’s an affordable trip at just £11 return if you go off peak.

We started by casually wondering down to the ‘beach’, stopping at a design market along the way. When you arrive at the shore Brighton Pier stands to the left and the ocean stretches out in front of you. It’s quite the contrast to the crowded city of London.

Instead of sand there are pebbles, which was hard to get my head around. That’s why I don’t know if I can officially call it a beach. But, surprisingly it works. You can sit pretty comfortably and watch the waves… well actually just the water. No one getting barrelled here.

We navigated our way along the pebbles to the famous Pier where there is a carnival of rides and other amusements. I didn’t go on any rides but I’m sure they are thrilling (most likely because you’re wondering whether they will hold together).

After that we explored the lane ways in search for food. It was super busy when we were there so you may want to think that one through. We landed on a pub that had enough seating for 11 of us, miraculously. It was a decent meal- I think most pubs are reliable like that. I got the special: Salmon and potato (the fancy version of fish and chips).  However I’d also recommend grabbing fish and chips and sitting on the ‘beach’. There are plenty of places to choose from.

By the time we had finished our meal the sun was out and we headed over to the Pavilion. This is like a little piece of India in Brighton, of all places. There is a large patch of grass just opposite where you can just sprawl out in the sun. And if your lucky like us there may be some buskers providing some tunes.

To take advantage of the sun my friend and I ventured back to the sea and got side tracked by gelato from Boho Gelato along the way. There was a line outside so we knew it had to be good. I got hot cross bun flavour to keep in the Spirit of Easter.

Even though it was rather nippy the sun was enough to make eating ice cream pleasurable. We watched the sun set over the water which was a fitting end to a great adventure.