Much-loved English seaside resort an hour from London to make its beach even bigger – meaning more space for tourists
ONE of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations has revealed plans to extend its beach.
New planning applications have been submitted to widen the beach in Hove.
Fears of flooding and erosion across Brighton and Hove has led to the new plans.
The extension would see a new groyne field – a shore protection structure – built on the beach, if given the go-ahead.
The bays between each groyne would then be filled with thousands of tones of shingle.
The beach extension would be between King Alfred Leisure Centre and Second Avenue.
The beach would then be another 25m wider, with images showing it almost doubling in width.
This would mean not only would it protect against erosion, but would create more room for tourists during busy seasons.
Local councillor Trevor Muten said the project was “vital” to protect the land.
He added: “The new groyne field and wider beach will help to do that and significantly reduce the amount of shingle that washes up onto the promenade every year.
“This will mean a more accessible prom and a larger beach for our residents and visitors.”
If given the go-ahead, works would start next year and be ready by summer 2026.
It’s not the only improvement that has transformed Brighton and Hove.
A £13.7million renovation project introduced a new beach park, gardens and a sports hub in West Hove.
The Kingsway to the Sea project includes Hove Beach Park, with gardens and activity spaces.
And last month, a wheeled sports areas with skateboard plaza, biking track and rollerblading area opened.
What is it like to visit Brighton?
The Sun’s Associate Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski recently visited Brighton for a day trip.
“As we weaved our way up and down the uneven cobbles [of Brighton] each twist and turn through the labyrinth reveals a new row of colourful shops with misshapen signs swinging from old doorways.
“Most of the houses here date from the 16th century, so no surprise some are a bit askew, with slanted walls and roofs weathered by years of salty sea winds.
“We stayed at The Southern Belle, a characterful boutique hotel further west along the seafront.
“The brilliant thing about Brighton is it may be a seaside town, but it doesn’t matter if the weather takes a turn as there’s so much else to keep you busy.”
“The Rockwater Hove is the place to go for unbeatable views of the ocean and delicious fresh seafood, or closer to the centre is The Salt Room, another seafront restaurant.”
And last year, a new lido opened in Brighton.
The outdoor swimming pool Sea Lanes has six lanes right by the beach.
There are also lots of food choices, leading to the nickname Boxpark-by-the-Sea.
Madeleine Bunting, author of The Seaside: England‘s Love Affair, even told Sun Travel: “The brilliant thing about Brighton is it may be a seaside town, but it doesn’t matter if the weather takes a turn as there’s so much else to keep you busy.”
And if you fancy staying at the seaside resort, The Sun’s Donna Smiley checked into Lansdowne House in Hove – here’s her verdict.
And here are some other seaside towns to add to your list to visit this year.