A lively beach and pier, quirky shopping, great food, and easy access to the bright lights of London and quiet countryside; Brighton offers a little bit of everything.
Home to a population of 230,000, Brighton is ideal if you’re looking for a work-life balance that a big city can’t offer. However, unlike other smaller cities, Brighton’s digital marketing industry is thriving – which is great news for graduates.
Working in Brighton
Brighton may be a city of commuters, but if you’re working in digital marketing, you can stay right where you are! The creative industry, along with retail, education and tourism, are amongst the biggest employers in Brighton.
Whether you’re aiming for an in-house role at the likes of American Express; or want to specialise in an area of digital marketing such as content, SEO, PR, social media or PPC at a digital marketing agency, then Brighton could be the perfect place for you.
To get you started on your job hunt, take a look at our top 10 agencies in Brighton.
Top 10 agencies in Brighton
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I think the most important thing is showing your interest and drive. Gain as much experience as you can, even if it’s just a day of shadowing someone at an agency. As long as you can show how passionate you are, and how much you want to learn, the rest will come! I’d recommend reading into digital marketing, and the different aspects of it, so you could try figure out which aspects might suit you best. There are a few online courses, some that are free, which could be an amazing way to show your initiative, and help start your career in this industry.
Holly Marsh, Seed
Advice I would give to new graduates wanting to start in the digital marketing industry is to put yourself out there. Send an email out to digital marketing agencies you’re interested in, with your CV, and do all the work for them by explaining what you’re looking for and why you would benefit them. Also, there are tons of courses out there that give you certifications at the end, and give you more understanding of different areas of digital marketing, so definitely have a look at them.
Becky Longstock, Seed
After studying marketing modules at university, I found myself drawn to the industry. This naturally guided the work experience, training and extra-curricular activities that I therefore sought after during my time at university. After gaining some experience in a full time role in events and marketing, I decided to begin applying for graduate roles, which took me to where I am today in my first digital marketing role. It is exactly the environment that I believe that I need.
Lance Matongo, Seed
Applying for jobs and going to interviews after university was a very daunting process. I happened to reach out to Creative Bloom and an offer of a day’s work turned into a part-time job! They have been extremely welcoming and supportive in developing my marketing knowledge. My tip would be: never be afraid to ask a question, it’s a great way to demonstrate your willingness to learn, whilst making yourself as efficient as possible.
Rosie Quirke, Creative Bloom
Does degree subject matter?*
0%
Have degrees
0%
Have marketing degrees
0%
Have business degrees
Other
degrees include archaeology and graphic media
*stats from included agency owners/managers
Career-building opportunities
From digital marketing conferences to regular meet-ups; if you want to expand your knowledge whilst meeting like-minded individuals, and build your networking circle, then make sure you attend these events in Brighton.
Living down south is naturally more expensive than up north, but if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to London (78% cheaper, to be precise!), then Brighton could be the answer.
Living Costs*
Average cost of a one bed flat (monthly rent)
£952.92 (city centre)
£807.71 (outside city centre)
Average monthly commuting costs
£73
Monthly gym membership
£36.67
Average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant
Brighton’s only covered open market has been trading for over 50 years, and has a lot to offer.
You will find new things every time you go, but there are 45 permanent stores, including 12 artist studios for beautiful handmade products you can’t find anywhere else.
From the smallest bookshop in Brighton, to the finest organic chocolate, there are so many stalls, it’s easy to lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of this lively market.
It’s within walking distance from the station so an easy first stop in the city. They also have a plaza for events throughout the year, so watch this space for performance and exhibitions!
Where? The Open Market, Marshalls Row, Brighton and Hove, BN1 4JU Cost: Free Website: brightonopenmarket.co.uk
An iconic symbol of Brighton, the Palace Pier is a Grade II listed pier stretching 1722ft long.
A trip to the beach wouldn’t be complete without a stroll down this beautiful pier, filled with nostalgic food and entertainment from top to bottom.
Brave the fairground rides at the end of the pier with sea views as you fly through the air. Try your luck (and skill) at the arcades in the middle of the pier, or gorge on sugar coated doughnuts in the ultimate beach day experience.
There are plenty of events along the pier you can get involved in too, including live music and parties.
At 300m long, Brighton has the longest zipwire on the south coast.
Experience the thrill of rushing along the coastline, all with a backdrop of sea views.
Take on the challenge with a friend on their dual zipwire, or if you are feeling extra brave, you can have a go at their drop zone – a 24m high free fall that is certainly not for the faint hearted!
So you can remember your experience for years to come, you can even take home an action video of your thrilling ride!
Where? Madiera Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET Cost: £16 zip wire, £9.50 drop zone (deals available for doing both) Website: brightonzip.com
Take to the skies in Brighton’s glass viewing pod that reaches 450ft in the air.
It provides some incredible views across the whole of the city, and allows you to see all along the coastline – you can even see the Isle of Wight from the top!
It’s a gentle glide, so even those who may find the height a little scary can rest at ease and enjoy the views. Enjoy a drink from the bar whilst you are in the air and relax in the spacious pod that is ten times bigger than a London Eye pod.
This pod is not just for viewing – you can also try yoga in the air, or go to a silent disco at the top for a truly unique experience.
Situated right on the beach front, it is perfect for all kinds of gamers.
From board games and arcade games, to Xbox One and Nintendo Switch – you certainly won’t be bored here!
Whilst you are there, enjoy some delicious cocktails and burgers to fuel all your gaming. It has a very casual atmosphere – you can even just turn up to play games for free. The staff are always there to help too, so if you get stuck, ask them for a recommendation.
They hold events almost every night such as Sunday D&D nights and Poker Wednesdays so you can join a group to meet people and regularly play with.
Where? Unit 11, Lower Promenade, Madiera Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET Cost: Free entry/to play games Website: loading.bar
Ever wanted to look like you are in an action movie as you jet ski across the chopping waves?
Brighton is the place to be for all the watersport action! At Hove Lagoon and Brighton marina, you can jet ski, powerboat and wakeboard like a boss.
If you’ve done it before, then you can jump straight back into the action, but don’t worry if you are new to watersports, as they offer a range of taster days in all the activities. Or if you just want to enjoy the sea breeze, then you can take a boat trip.
Those that love sailing can gain qualifications there, and even take their own boat out. There is something for everyone at Lagoon Watersports, no matter what level you are.
Where? 6 Western Concourse, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5UP Cost: Taster days £44-£75pp Website: lagoon.co.uk
Sing your heart out with your friends in your own private karaoke booth!
It’s a chance to let loose and have some fun with all your guilty pleasure songs.
The booths all have room service, just press the ‘thirsty’ button and you will be greeted with delicious cocktails and a range of classic bar food. The cocktails are so good that they offer masterclasses on how to make them yourself.
It is the perfect way to celebrate any event and you can take lots of pictures using their inflatable prop box inside the booth.
Where? 8 Black Lion Street, Brighton BN1 1ND Cost: £5-£10 booth hire Website: luckyvoice.com
One of the most versatile dining experiences around, No. 32 will have you grazing on a simplistic brunch, before tackling a fine-cut steak.
Even the fussiest of eaters will find something here!
No. 32 miraculously transforms on a Friday and Saturday evening like Cinderella going to the ball, as the venue turns into a sophisticated bar and club. Enjoy the music from some of their resident DJs, whilst making full use of the bar.
Whether you are looking for a place for a light lunch, an elegant dinner or a vibrant night out, it’s all in one place at No. 32.
The gardens are set around the already magnificent Royal Pavilion which provides a stunning background for the wildlife and plants that grow in the gardens.
The gardens are well maintained and run a management programme that nurtures the biodiversity there. This protects valuable species and also attracts a variety of butterflies and bees to the area.
It is a serene and relaxing garden, alive with nature, which provides a nice escape in a busy city centre. In the summer, there are often music performances from orchestras and choirs that are usually free to attend.
Where? Royal Pavilion Grounds, New Road, Brighton, BN1 1UG Cost: Free entry Website: royalpaviliongardens.com
The Royal Pavilion is an eye-catching feature of Brighton; a royal palace dating back to 1787 built for George, Prince of Wales.
WIth Indian and Chinese influences, the architecture is something to marvel at whilst you walk through the gardens. The inside is just as grand and exotic, where you can visit the saloon, banquet halls and music rooms.
Live the life of a royal and indulge in an afternoon tea in the upper Royal Pavilion Tearoom that has been restored, where you can sip some of the speciality teas whilst looking over the gardens from the balcony.
Brighton’s SEA Life Centre is the oldest operating aquarium in the world.
Built in the Victorian period in 1872, the original architecture is a highlight of this SEA Life Centre.
Brighton also boasts the UK’s largest collection of sharks and rays under one roof, that you can marvel at in their new day/night zone. This means you can see the bioluminescent creatures and the coral reefs all in the same place.
Why not try SEA Life’s glass bottomed boat to see your favourite sea creatures from a different angle? Or walk through the rainforest section, watch the turtles being fed or go to a talk to learn more about the ocean!
As the name suggests, this quaint little tea shop is located in The Lanes, the most characteristic part of Brighton.
Despite being small in size, it makes up for it in taste, with some of the most incredible fresh cakes and pastries on offer.
The delicate china teacups and laced tablecloths give a vintage and homely feel to it, complete with waitresses in old maid costumes. It may be hard to find, but it is certainly a hidden treasure in Brighton.
They even offer vegan and gluten free options so everyone is catered for, and if you fancy a special treat why not stop and have their afternoon tea experience?
This trendy lounge bar with a retro, gin palace-inspired decor suits all your needs, from a family outing to a lively night out with your friends.
They offer freshly prepared food made with local ingredients that cover specialist diets including gluten and dairy free. It is all high quality and not your typical pub food. Then in the evening, you can make your way to ‘The Flipside’, their 70s themed cocktail bar complete with a retro jukebox.
Make sure to book your place though, as its table service only and you don’t want to risk being turned away.
Where? 1-3 Prince Albert St, Brighton, BN1 1HE Cost: Free entry Website: mesmerist.pub
No trip to Brighton is complete without visiting the pebble beach that makes up the best part of the southern coastline.
Rent a deckchair and let the waves wash over your feet as you watch the sunset.
Don’t forget to try the sugar coated doughnuts before riding on the carousel in an ultimate nostalgic experience. Take a trip on the Volks Railway, Britain’s oldest electric railway, built back in 1883, it’s still running!
There is so much to do – it’s not voted one of the top 10 city beach break destinations in the world for nothing! So we recommend enjoying a leisurely day at the beach to see what all the fuss is about.
A studio situated in the centre of Brighton run by a husband and wife, Yoga in The Lanes has become the go-to yoga place over the last 10 years.
Classes run everyday and they welcome all abilities; whether you want to detox your mind and body or just want to become fitter, there is no pressure – just go whenever you feel like it. You will be taught by teachers who hail from countries all around the world, that all share the same passion for yoga.
They offer the popular Hot Yoga for those that want to work up a sweat, but also Ashtanga, Yin and Vinyasa. There are also special monthly workshops held in the studio you can attend, to learn some extra techniques and conditioning.
Where? 4th Floor Huntingdon House, 20 North Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EB Cost: £12-£18 drop-in sessions Website: yogainthelanes.com