Our Guide to Brighton

Whether you’re looking to escape the big smoke for the weekend or are a countryside dweller craving a fun packed day out, Brighton has something for everyone.

Our partner this month, the Artist Residence, boasts a beautiful branch in the centre of the city.

Perfect for a special weekend away or overnight stay, the décor, service, and on-site restaurant and bar are hard to beat, and it even has a ping-pong room. Grab a room quickly as it gets booked up on weekends months in advance. If you’re just visiting for the day, you can still pop in to The Cocktail Shack where as well as enjoying a tipple you can also take a Cocktail Masterclass.

With views of the beautifully decaying West Pier through the windows, this seafront spot specialises in American inspired fare. A great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it has a laid-back atmosphere, a great selection of craft beers and lots of outdoor seating for sunny days.

Find this little gem at the end of the North Laine. All of the bread, cakes and pastries are specially made for the café by expert bakers and everything on offer is mouth-wateringly good. Pop in for a mid-afternoon coffee and cake, and leave with a loaf to take home.

A Brighton institution that opened its doors 25 years ago, this award winning vegetarian restaurant is sure to please even the most devoted carnivores. Choose from curries and salads, to burgers and gnocchi. They also do a simple but delicious afternoon tea for £7.25.

This is one for a special occasion. Molly recently took her younger sister there for her 30^th birthday and despite it being relatively pricey, it’s said to be worth every penny.

This little maze of streets is a cornucopia of shops, cafes and restaurants. With one of the best selections of antique jewellery shops in the country, The Lanes are also a great place to discover new independent designers as well as high end high street favourites.

Packed full of independent shops, with everything from locally made jewellery to homewares, clothes and antiques. Notable stop offs include Unlimited Shop for art and gifts, Utility for no-nonsense household goods and Snoopers Paradise for just about everything else (make sure you get some snaps in their vintage photo booth!).

Tucked away under the promenade are the Kings Road Arches, which you can’t miss when you’re wondering along the seafront. One of my favourite places to pop in for a browse is Castor and Pollux. It's the perfect place to buy presents for friends and family or to treat yourself, and is packed to the rafters with prints, books, stationery, jewellery and gifts. Further down opposite the West Pier you’ll find Lavender Room, Brighton Photography, and The Lollipop Shoppe, which are all worth dropping into for souvenirs to take home.

There are so many gorgeous green spaces all over the city. Head to Preston Park or Hove Park on a Saturday morning for the free 5K Park Run, or go for a bike ride around Stanmer Park and stop for tea at Stanmer House afterwards.

On a sunny day, there’s nothing better than a stroll along the seafront. Walk towards Hove to beat the crowds and stop off at The Meeting Place Café or Lawns Cafe for a cuppa. Carry on past the dog friendly beach and rows of beach huts to Maroccos for one of their legendary ice creams.

On the way back, stop off for a sit down at the picnic tables at Brighton Music Hall and treat your ears to some live music.