(27JUN21) An army for a day, but rain, rain, it didn’t go away.
Although, we still got to maximize our day trip in one of the finest cities in the South---BRIGHTON.
This blog covers a DIY day tour to “the hippest town in England” that is located in the county of Sussex. I have to say that 1 day ain’t really enough to explore it for all the Instagram-worthy spots it offer. Plus, I will share our experience to the BT 21 Café: pretty much, the highlight of this trip.
TRANSPORTATION
We actually booked around 2 weeks in advanced to avail a group saver deal in Train Line which costs £13/head. It was a good price yet the weather was just very unfortunate, neither can we predict that it would rain after a week of sun! Anyhow, the ride took 90 minutes via Thameslink Rail from London Bridge station. As usual you can use Citymapper or Google Maps as your navigation aid here.
Brighton is pleasant yet, it’s better to travel in groups. As far as I have observed, there are several homeless chaps across the town centre and they can be very disturbing; They would even follow your tracks so please, be mindful of your belongings and never entertain them!
We had our late breakfast in Pelicano. Such a simple, affordable and cozy cafe!
The Open Market and The Royal Pavillion. I knew it at first sight that it was inspired from India's Taj Mahal! The structure is grand though it was closed inside because an ongoing film shooting that time. I wonder what it was...
In a glance, the town has a series of street arts and cafes. There’s a lot of walled- graffities which are certainly good for photowalks. Though, the very trademark of this area is the town's pier.
Brighton Palace Pier is an amusement along the seaside surrounded by food stalls and arcades. This extends by the shore with pubs, shops and more attractions. So imagine the crowd it’ll have if only it did not rain that time!
Pardon me but on places like this, I am more focused on UFO games, slot machines or the ones where you have to toss thrice to get a prize 😆 I know it can cost hefty but I can be competitive for the challenge!Haha.
Eating by the seashore with gulls flying around always means for fish and chips. Don't forget to try this authentic stall! I think one meal is already good for 2 because of the big serving. Y'all know how they scoop a bundle of potato wedges to pair up this freshly fried dory. ;D
Make sure to wear proper footwear for pebbles’ sake!'Cause nope, it's not sand but small bunch of stones..
Art is absolutely everywhere. From customized shirts to artistic structures, tell me what’s not to adore in Brighton? Some stores would explain how genuine their products are to the fact that you can only buy it in the area.
West Brighton Pier and Brighton's Upside Down House
And if you wanna feel more tourist-y, try out the British Airways i360 to catch a full view of Brighton and Hoves.
By late afternoon, we head on to Artbox Café where they currently feature LINE friends & BT21 (the LINE app characters of the ever-popular Korean boy group, BTS). The cafe is well-known for its pop-up themes that changes every season. I have been to a similar branch in Osaka last 2017 where Gudetama was their highlight and it was such a cutie 💛 Hence, if you're a fan of all-things kyeopta/kawaii, then you'd surely have to dine-in to this place!
The ground floor is open as their souvenir shop and takeaway orders. Prices are quite average with a variety to choose from whether it's Sanrio, Disney or LINE friends, they are worth a buy and collect!
My 2 legit Army friends who bought plushies of their bias.
I'm not even familiar who this is but I only bought it as a memento---and the closest that I can have as a Sontokkie. Haha!Son Yejin fan thingzzz 😝
Moving on, the second floor is their dine-in area in which it's better to book a table beforehand since they have a low chance of accommodating walk-in customers due to COVID policies. The reservation has £5 holding fee per guest that can be credited for food and drinks at the cafe for a 60-minute sit down. So do make the most of it while you're there! As for my squad, we each ordered a drink to get a free coaster and 2 desserts. Everything was too cute to be eaten!Haha
Though it still sucks that the UK doesn't have the BTS Mcdonalds' meal but I guess we can just take this pinky cafe in the meantime. Anyway, I'm no BTS army but I do like some of their tracks. Their upbeat tunes really deserves to be a hit. ^.^
The BT21 interior will stay until late autumn according to site. Come visit this cuteness in Brighton and 'get it, let it roll' 🎶
And that marks my short yet fine stay at the South. I would definitely come back when my friends drag me along again. Lol. Havingsaid that, I don't think I have any more travels coming up at the moment as I've somehow had enough of England! 😅 I might start investing back to my overseas ventures someday so hopefully, the heavens will ease up the borders!!🤞🏻
'til then! To everyone (my fandom friends and IRL's) who has entertained me during my 10-day break, thank you so much 💜 I was honestly down at that time but I'm now calmed-up. ^.^
