Why Brighton Is Arguably the Best Day Trip from London

Brighton is more than just a seaside and a beach. It’s more than a really cool town 50 miles south of London. It’s a gateway to adventure.

For the past year, Brighton has kept calling me back. For day trips, for one-night stays, for two-night stays. It’s kept calling me back.

And whilst I find the city itself quite exhilarating, what makes Brighton truly remarkable is the fact that it’s a doorway to such a great adventure.

But firstly, let’s talk about the journey there.

The journey itself amps you up. Honestly, I think this section of the Brighton Main Line has to have one of the best stretches of Great British railway in the country. I’m positive.

That section between the Ouse Valley Viaduct approaching Haywards Heath… my word. Spectacular!

Even in the misty grey of winter days, the grass still glistens. The greenery beams. It’s almost like it’s neon. How is it so beautiful? How?

It is truly an area of natural beauty.

Another thing I enjoy is passing the planes at Gatwick. It’s almost like amping yourself up for that trip you’re going to take in a couple of months’ time. I love it. It’s cool. And I love catching a plane landing as well. If I get a plane landing on the way down to Brighton, that’s a moment.

But even the journey to Brighton simply amps you up.

Then you arrive in Brighton, and you can’t help but think: I am for SURE not in London!

You’re instantly met with the sounds of seagulls.

Everyone’s out. It’s just… it’s so lit. I love it.

You come out of the station and, on one side, you’ve got steep hills, and straight ahead you’ve got the sea. And I think as a Londoner, that is the first thing you’ve got to see. No pun intended.

I will always be enamoured by the sea. Maybe I didn’t go to the seaside much over the last ten years, but every time I see the crystalline blue waters around this English country, around England, I’m taken aback. I’m lost for words.

The sounds of the waves rushing back and forth does something to you. It’s beautiful. It’s refreshing. It’s crisp. I love it.

I can’t help but laugh each time I’m there. Throw a rock in, run up and down the beach.

Honestly, to date, one of the best runs I’ve done in my entire running career (I’m not a professional runner) has to be by the Brighton coast.

I had a stay here last August over the bank holiday weekend, and one morning I went for a run along the Brighton seaside.

Spectacular.

The air was so fresh. The weather was amazing. It was just incredible. So beautiful.

But honestly, it doesn’t stop there.

Now before I get into the rest of it, I just want to note that Brighton has a lot to offer. But this isn’t just about what Brighton the city has to offer — it’s more about what it opens you up to.

Brighton is the gateway to adventure.

One thing Brighton has that I really like is the Coaster buses. These buses literally traverse the coastline.

On the west side, you have the 700 going to and from Durrington, passing through Worthing and beyond.

Then on the east side, heading towards Eastbourne, you’ve got the 12, the 12X, the 13, and the 14.

Now, the 700 is cool.

But the 12 is where it’s really at.

From Brighton to Eastbourne, it’s one of the best journeys you can take in the UK. One of the best journeys.

It is frequently cited as one of the most SCENIC rides in the WHOLE of the UK.

Firstly, the sheer speed the bus travels at is exhilarating. You go vroom vroom. It is just… it is lit. I love it.

You are passing literal valleys, cliffs upon cliffs upon cliffs.

And the best part about this bus is that it stops at the Seven Sisters Country Park.

This enabled me to do a mini Seven Sisters hike and see Brighton on the same day.

How cool is that?

Within about an hour of leaving Brighton you will reach Seven Sisters Country Park via the 12 bus. Take the 12X. That is actually about 50 minutes. If you take the regular 12 or 12A it is just over an hour.

But the 12X will get you there in about 50 minutes.

These buses run every 10 to 15 minutes so there is no need to overly plan. It is virtually a turn up and go service.

Now, Seven Sisters… need I say more.

Cliffs.

The whole country park is marvellous, spectacular and beautiful.

Now I will admit, the weather was not the greatest when I went last week, but try this in the summer and I promise you it is truly spectacular.

Now you will not have time for the full hike if you are starting your day in Brighton, but there is nothing stopping you having a short 90 minute hike in the park where you can get a glimpse of the cliffs, beach and the rest of the country park.

Now that is what I call an adventure.

Vibrant city centre. Nostalgic seaside vibes. Exhilarating rides along the coast and cliffs.

What a day.

Brighton is not the destination. It is the gateway.

Come and try this day out. But until you do, find a hidden gem near you.