Brighton is a vibrant seaside city on the south coast of England. It’s a popular holiday destination, full of history and culture. For English language learners, exploring Brighton can provide valuable context and vocabulary – but did you know these interesting facts about Brighton?
Six facts about Brighton
People are drawn to study English in Brighton for several reasons. Brighton is known for its diverse culture, arts scene, and lively atmosphere, making it an enjoyable place to learn. The city’s coastal setting offers a beautiful environment for study and leisure, with beaches and outdoor activities.
Here are some interesting facts about Brighton, with tips on how to use them to improve your English skills.
“London by the Sea”
The city’s full name is actually “Brighton and Hove“. Many locals still consider Brighton and Hove to be separate towns, and people who live in Hove often jokingly say “Hove, actually” when you make the mistake of saying they live in Brighton.
However, one of the interesting facts about Brighton is that it has another nickname, “London by the Sea“. It has been fashionable for people from London to visit Brighton since the 1700s, when King George IV (when he was still a Prince) came here regularly and had the Royal Pavilion built. This is an attractive building which looks similar to the Taj Mahal – and you can have a picnic outside when the weather is nice – see the photo above!
Even today, Brighton’s proximity to London makes it easy for students to explore more of the UK.
English Tip: Research the history of the Royal Pavilion. Write a short paragraph describing its architecture in your own words. This will help you practice descriptive language and historical vocabulary.
Musical history
When the Swedish pop group ABBA won the Eurovision song contest with ‘Waterloo’ in 1974, this was at the Brighton Dome concert hall. A huge amount of musicians, comedians, and other performers come to the Dome every year – it’s definitely worth looking at the Dome website to see what is happening in the coming months.
Lots of famous musicians have lived in the Brighton area, including Sir Paul McCartney from The Beatles, David Gilmour from Pink Floyd, Nick Cave, Adele, Noel Gallagher from Oasis. Fatboy Slim is a proud resident and has performed many times on Brighton beach.
English Tip: Look up an event happening at the Brighton Dome. Write a letter to a friend inviting them to attend. This practice will help you with informal writing and invitations.
The UK’s oldest cinema and aquarium
The historic Duke of York’s cinema is 2 minutes walk from our language college, BSC Brighton. This is known as the oldest cinema still in use in Britain, and offers cosy atmosphere to watch new and classic movies.
Brighton is also home to the world’s oldest aquarium. The Sea Life Centre was built in 1872 and has over 100 species, including sharks, stingrays, and tropical marine life. Take a walk through England’s longest underwater observation tunnel – it’s a real highlight!
The beach huts are very, very expensive
Colourful beach huts in Brighton are fun to look at, and are great for selfies. But don’t get too excited – you probably won’t be able to buy one. There are long waiting lists and these often sell for between £20,000-£30,000!
Brighton is the UK’s LGBTQ+ capital
Brighton is known as one of the UK’s most LGBTQ+-friendly cities, hosting the annual Brighton Pride festival, which attracts thousands of visitors. The Kemptown area in particular is popular with the community. People love to visit Brighton as it feels like a place they can be themselves.
English Tip: Research LGBTQ+ history in Brighton. Write an essay discussing the importance of diversity and acceptance. This will help you engage with more complex themes and vocabulary.
Facts about Brighton Pier
The Brighton Pier was opened in 1899 and is famous for its amusement rides, arcade games, and food stalls, making it a symbol of British seaside culture. It costs just a pound to enter. It is a favourite spot for BSC students and regular tourists to visit.
There used to be a second pier – ‘the West Pier’ – but this closed in 1975 and nobody can use it for anything because of fires. It is a very interesting sight to look at though and many local people do not want it ever to be fixed because it adds character to the sea view.
English Tip: Create a list of attractions at Brighton Pier. Use adjectives to describe them (e.g., thrilling, nostalgic). This exercise will enhance your vocabulary and help you practice forming sentences.
Want to learn more facts about Brighton?
We hope you have enjoyed these facts about Brighton. If you would like to know more, here are some more information you might like:
