Smart Brighton Beach

The snap of salt wind off the Channel and the crunch of pebbles underfoot — you're minutes from Brighton Pier, but tucked just far enough back to sleep through the seagull chorus if you're lucky.

This one's for budget-conscious couples, groups of mates doing the seaside, or solo travellers who want a bed and a base rather than a full camping setup. You've got camping pods and hostel-style bunks, so it works whether you fancy your own little cabin or don't mind sharing. Brighton itself is the draw here — the Lanes, the beach, the nightlife — and this gives you somewhere affordable to crash between exploring the city and collapsing after fish and chips on the front.

Facilities aren't listed in detail, so ring ahead to check what's actually onsite. Dogs are a maybe — ask when you book. Campfires need confirming on arrival. Open all year, which makes it handy for off-season city breaks. The vibe skews more urban stopover than wilderness retreat, but that's exactly the point.