Brighton is a busy place, full of activities for families, students, couples and more! Don’t let that deter you from venturing out to explore beautiful Brighton solo though. With the city getting busier and busier as the Summer goes on, it can be a daunting prospect to pick up your bag and head out alone, but it can also be a much more rewarding experience. So if you’re looking to go out and brave it on your own this Summer, have a look at our top tips and activities!
Take A Walking Tour
Walking tours are plentiful in Brighton, popular amongst both tourists and locals who simply want to get to know their town better. This is a great activity to do alone as it generally requires more listening than talking. You can be as active or passive as you want, choosing to ask questions to your guide and fellow walkers or just sitting back and absorbing all the tour has to offer. Walking tours in Brighton are so popular there really is something to suit everybody. Whether you want to go on a spooky tour of the lanes, a yummy foodie tour or a historical tour – we’ve got it all.
Sunbathe By The Sea
It may not be the sandy shores you’d hope for but that doesn’t mean Brighton’s beach isn’t great for sunbathing. In Summer the beach is a great place to catch some rays and watch the waves come crashing in. If the idea of lying on a bumpy pebbly beach for hours on end doesn’t appeal to you, why not hire a deck chair from one of the shops along the seafront? Or even better, bring your own blanket or chairs!
Choo! Choo!
While you’re at the beach why not experience Brighton’s famous, Volks Electric Railway? A staple on Brighton’s waterfront and often considered a great activity for all the family, that doesn’t mean that this isn’t also perfectly appropriate for lone wolves. Use it as an opportunity to take in the views along the coast and explore further up the beach!
(Volks’s website says they’re taking a short break this year but should be back in late Summer 2017)
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Like we’ve said before, Brighton is great for shopping. Whether you’re into vintage or not, there are hundreds of shops to explore in town. With the North lanes right on your doorstep, high street shops and Churchill Square shopping centre, you could spend the whole day shopping if you really wanted to. If you’re not feeling quite so frivolous, window shopping can be equally satisfying, especially when there are such interesting items on sale.
Visit The Open Market
The Open Market is another great attraction, familiar with London Road locals. With 40+ stalls and traders and 50 years of history behind it, this is somewhere not to be missed. If you’re looking for a way to while away the day by yourself, markets are a great option. Similarly to shopping, it’s a pretty good solo activity as there’s little need to communicate and no occasion to feel left out! Even if you’re not in it to buy, this is a great opportunity to take a look at what local vendors have to offer.
For more information about The Open Market click here.
Grab A Bite
Many people claim that going out for a meal by yourself is one of the great pleasures in life, however if (like me) you find this a pretty scary prospect, why not opt for a meal on the go? Every Saturday you can find a market on Upper Gardner Street, just behind the North lanes which offers a selection of street food! Not only is this a great way to avoid sitting alone at a restaurant, but it’s the perfect opportunity to try different foods. Instead of getting one meal, try mixing and matching from the different stands to get a true taste of Brighton!
Be Entertained
Brighton is a great place to sit back, relax and be entertained. With several music, theatre and arts venues, there will almost always be something on that will appeal to you. Whether you want to see a musician, comedian or play check out what The Brighton Dome, The Old Market and Komedia have to offer. All are located just minutes walk from the centre of town, so are easily accessible even if you just go on a whim! Theatres are great places for independent wanderers as there’s no need to be nattering away during a performance.
Walk Through The South Downs
If you’re less of a city dweller and your interests lie more t’ward nature, take yourself for a picturesque walk through Sussex’s lovely South Downs. Begin your journey from Stanmer Park and plan out a route, or just see where the untrodden path takes you. Expect breathtaking views and tranquility.
Be A Bookworm In The Park
If you’re feeling worn out after your walk, why not settle down on the lush grass of Stanmer Park with a good book? After all, there really is no activity better suited to doing alone than reading. Amp it up with your own picnic for a proper Sussex day out.
