KEMP TOWN ESTATE AGENTS
8 Bristol Road
Brighton
BN2 1AP
Sales: 01273 670 067
Lettings: 01273 606 076
OUR AREA
Why to move to Kemp Town
Kemp Town is a vibrant and exciting neighbourhood in Brighton and Hove, famously avant-garde and home to numerous artists, poets and musicians. Not only does Kemp Town feature some of the finest architecture in Brighton, but it’s also a cultural focal point for Brighton’s artistic community. In summer Kemp Town hosts the extraordinary Kemp Town Carnival, which attracts visitors from miles around and features performances by local and international musical groups, street artists, stalls selling handcrafts, games and rides for children, and much more.
Kemp Town is also home to a unique blend of independent shops, restaurants and cafés. Locals can enjoy fresh bread from the Real Patisserie, sip hot coffee and catch up with friends at Ground, or unwind over a pint at the Ginger Dog. Between the gorgeous views of the sea, the exciting shops and the excellent food, it’s no surprise Kemp Town attracts visitors from all over the world!
History of Kemp Town
Though Brighton started out as a modest fishing village that dates back to the Neolithic period, by the late 1700s the blossoming town was becoming a popular seaside resort for the upper class, who flocked to Brighton to take the “healing waters” and escape the hustle and bustle of London. By the early 19th century, Brighton had also attracted the attention of the Prince Regent, the future King George IV, who fell in love with the town and began to put his own stamp on Brighton through the construction of the Royal Pavilion and its riding houses.
The development of Kemp Town was spurred by this royal attention. The houses in Brighton tended to not be big enough or elegant enough for the most affluent of the upper class, and in the mid-1800’s Thomas Kemp designed the Kemp Town estate to deliver suitably stately mansions for the rich. Two hundred and fifty houses were included in the original plan, including Arundel Terrace, Chichester Terrace, Sussex Square and Lewes Crescent.
Lewes Crescent, the most magnificent of all the squares in Brighton, was completed in 1855. Together Lewes Crescent and Sussex Square are larger than London’s Grosvenor Square, and the crescent is to this day the largest square in all of Britain, measuring two hundred feet wider than Bath’s Royal Crescent. Indeed, Kemp’s achievements are some of the finest examples of Regency architecture anywhere in the country, and have been home to both royalty and celebrities. Now most of the large houses have been converted into flats that are popular with both Brighton residents and those seeking a beautiful holiday home by the sea.
Dine
Kemp Town is home a wide range of amazing restaurants, from traditional local fare to gastropubs to fine dining. From the St George’s to the Thomas Kemp, both popular local pubs, to 24 St George, featuring fine European cuisine, plus the many restaurants offering everything from steak to burgers to some of the best Thai food in town, Kemp Town has something for everyone. A quick walk to the city centre offers even more dining choices, ensuring that even the pickiest palettes will be satisfied by the delicious fare on offer.
Shop
An extraordinary array of independent shops can be found in the streets of Kemp Town, including the Kemp Town Bookshop, a number of vintage and antique shops, retro clothing stores, art galleries and much, much more. Kemp Town is a colourful and vibrant neighbourhood in Brighton, offering a wide range of unique gifts, collectibles and furniture that can’t be found on the high street. For more bohemian shops, try the nearby North Laine, or visit the Lanes for designer fashions, and just a step beyond you’ll also find Churchill Square, a modern shopping centre that is currently home to over 80 high street shops including Topshop, Apple, and many more. Close to Kemp Town you’ll also find the Brighton Marina, home to numerous excellent independent shops and restaurants. Whatever your desires, Brighton is heaven for the serious shopper.
Explore
Kemp Town is located right on Brighton’s famous seafront, making it a perfect place to explore the beautiful streets of Regency England and the famous architecture built during this period. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach, take a ride on the Volks railway, visit the Brighton Pier and the Royal Pavilion or any of the numerous museums in the city. Families can enjoy a wide variety of fun days out, from catching a show at the Komedia or the Brighton Dome, visiting nearby family farms or playing football in East Brighton Park. Whatever you love to do, you’ll find an endless array of things to do in Kemp Town and the surrounding area of Brighton and Hove.