As the days get longer and we’re finally seeing some sunshine many are thinking of escaping to warmer climates. But if you’re looking for a sunny escape without leaving the UK, we’ve got you covered.
According to new research, Brighton is the sunniest city in the UK. With an average of exactly five hours of sunshine each day, the beloved seaside destination topped the list.
Clearly, the south is the place to be as Plymouth receives 4 hours 45 minutes, Southampton 4 hours and 40 minutes, and Exeter basks in the sunshine for a whopping 4 hours and 30 minutes.
At the other end of the spectrum, Inverness in Scotland was declared the least sunny place in the UK, averaging less than three hours of sunshine per day at just 2 hours and 53 minutes. So long, vitamin D.
To crown the winner, The Independent analysed Met Office data covering 30 cities, going back between 1991 and 2020 to decipher the location with the most sunshine on the average day.
So, if you’re looking for a sunny getaway (whether this weekend or later in the summer), here’s everything Brighton has to offer.
Things to do in Brighton
Brighton describes itself as ‘an inclusive, free-thinking city in the heart of Sussex’ and that couldn’t be more true. There’s something for everyone in Brighton, from iconic architecture to even more iconic drag and cabaret shows – and of course we can’t forget the beach.
Not only is it free-thinking, but the local community is known for being lovely. In fact, they’ve got such a reputation that the city was named an ‘oasis of niceness’ by one particularly generous Reddit thread.
Brighton’s most famous venue is the Brighton Pavilion. Once the seaside home of the Prince Regent George IV, the palace is a gorgeous mix of Regency grandeur, Indian architecture and Chinese interior – plus stunning gardens that you can wander around in all day.
Right next door to the Pavilion is the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, which is home to an eclectic mix of fashion, 20th century art and design, and fine art. The Queer the Pier exhibition which explores the history of Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQ+ communities is a must-see.
You can see the sights of the seafront on Volk’s Electric Railway, the oldest in the world. And of course we couldn’t not mention the beach – there’s over eight miles of it, but be warned as it’s pebbly (not sandy), so pack your trainers.
Also on the seafront is the Sea Life Centre and Brighton Palace Pier. If you want a different view you can brave the 138-metre high Brighton i360, where you can enjoy a glass of fizz while admiring the gorgeous scenery.
Just a five minute stroll from Brighton Station is The North Laine, where you’ll find and eclectic mix of attention grabbing gift shops, kooky vintage stores, stylish boutiques, antique shops and a range of independent restaurants.
If you visit on a weekend you can even take advantage of the outdoor market on Upper Gardner Street.
If you keep walking towards the seafront from The North Laine you’ll come to The Lanes, a labyrinth of streets and alleyways full of little shops and cafes and restaurants where you can dine in or outside.
Of course you can’t visit Brighton without taking in a drag or comedy show and the city has so much to offer.
As the self-professed ‘comedy capital of the south-east’ you’re in for a fun night in Brighton, with shows taking place at the Ironworks, Komedia, the Brighton Centre and Brighton Dome. Expect big names, emerging stars and lots of silliness.
How to get to Brighton
By train Brighton is around an hour away from London, though if you’re coming from Victoria it’s only 48 minutes.
If you want to fly to Brighton, Gatwick Airport is approximately halfway between London Victoria and Brighton, so you can hop on a train from there. And if you’re driving, it’s on the M25.
See you on the sunny shores!
Top 10 sunniest cities in the UK
- Brighton: 5 hours
- Plymouth: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Southampton: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Exeter: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Bristol: 4 hours 27 minutes
- Oxford: 4 hours 26 minutes
- Swansea:4 hours 24 minutes
- London: 4 hours 23 minutes
- Lincoln: 4 hours 21 minutes
- Cardiff 4 hours 19 minutes.
Source: The Independent.
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