By Sabrina Pirillo

We all travel for the same reason: to discover what the world has to offer outside our comfort zone. Sometimes it’s to escape and take part in dreams of where we want to go, and knock things off the proverbial bucket list. 

I was lucky enough this past fall to take London, England off my bucket list. To my surprise (which travellers love), I fell madly in love with a little place in England called Brighton. Brighton is filled with cobblestone streets, little cafés and shops, and most importantly a splendid rocky beach with a pier.

Top Things To Do In Brighton

Where to Stay

The Old Ship, a four-star Georgian Hotel, overlooks the seafront and is a short walk to all things Brighton, including the remarkable Brighton Pavilion, Brighton Pier, and the Lanes Shopping Centre. The hotel, dating over 450 years old, is rich in history and Royal connections. The signature rooms emulate the seafront with the light blue pastel colours and a comfortable room setting. Serenity, slow-paced and beautiful, The Old Ship hotel offers the perfect stay just a short tube ride from London.

Where to Eat

I’m not vegetarian, but Terre a Terre came very close to converting me. This vegetarian restaurant has been in business over 23 years and offers fantastic, colourful local foods. From their hallumi, made to resemble fish and chips, to their KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower), your palette will not be disappointed. To top off your meal add their local Blackdown Silverbirch Gin, distilled seven times over, to add to your experience.

Being of Italian decent, I’m always picky when eating Italian food outside of my family’s home. Edendum lived up to grandma’s Italian culinary experience. Located in The Lanes, this café uses local and organic ingredients offering breakfast, lunch, pizza, pasta, focaccia, sandwiches, panini, pastries and cakes. Don’t forget to end your meal with a fresh tiramisu.

Click Here to Watch Shaun Proulx’s Guide to Brighton.

What To Do

In 1822, gay living started in Brighton when George Wilson got arrested for inviting a man to his room. By 1988, a local newspaper deemed Brighton the gay capital of Britain.

For a detailed history of Brighton, Only in Brighton Piers & Queers walking tour will take you through this rich history, including where Vesta Tilly performed as a man in drag from 1864-1952, and where singer Dusty Springfield – the most popular performer of her era – came out as the first British Queer in 1970 just before David Bowie. In August 1964, Dusty performed alongside another band on the bill, High Numbers, who changed their name two weeks later to The Who, celebrating drummer, Keith Moon’s 17^th birthday!

Landmarks

A trip to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without seeing the newest attraction, British Airways i360, a pod that goes straight up 162 metres above sea level with a stunning aerial view of Brighton. The best part? The bar comes up with you!

The Lanes Shopping Centre is located in the city’s historic quarter in a maze of twisted alleyways. Featuring many independent shops, boutiques, and cafés all fabulously surrounded by cobblestone streets. These shops used to be fisherman’s cottages located away from the English Channel – fisherman didn’t want to have a sea-view once they were finished work for the day.

The Royal Pavillion is where King George IV, also known as Prince Regent, built this spectacular seaside pleasure palace to get away from his wife and meet his mistress.

For all things Brighton & Hove, visit www.visitbrighton.com.

What To Do In London

Where to Stay

Staying in London for a couple of days? Z SOHO is perfectly situated to get around London and close to café’s, bars, and of course, shopping. Featuring a lovely central outdoor courtyard, complimentary wine and cheese from 5-8 pm, and lavish bath products. Rooms are quaint with chic and modern amenities.

What To Do

The obvious answers to someone who’s never been to London are: The London Eye, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Tower of London, and of course, Buckingham Palace.

Three of the best-kept secrets that I was glad to explore.

1) The Berkeley: Serving in Knightsbridge since the 1970s, The Berkeley is known for their legendary afternoon tea with changing delicacies every six months to follow the latest fashion trends. A posh and chic vibe with a plethora of tea and sandwiches to choose from.

My personal favourite is the desert tower that resembled different eras of fashion.

Watch Shaun’s Top Things To See In London

2) WICKED at The Apollo Theatre: For year’s I’ve been dying to see WICKED! I missed it twice in Toronto, New York, and few other cities. But I guess that was the universe’s way of telling me I was destined to see it in London at The Apollo Theatre and it did not disappoint. An incredible experience about the untold story about the Land of Oz, what it’s like to be a green girl, and two different paths taken, two different stories told.

3) The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour: A must see for any Harry Potter Fan! Only 40 minutes from London in Watford Junction, you’ll be whisked away in a HP Bus and your journey begins! The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour is where all eight Harry Potter films were made. You’ll see every prop, set, and costume design from the films, which are all housed in this studio. You’ll make your grand entrance into The Great Hall, see Dumbledore’s Office, and even stop and buy some Butter Beer! You’ll feel like you’re part of the set.

For more information go to www.visitbritain.com

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