Brighton Marina (Outer Harbour)

Tucked beneath dramatic white chalk cliffs on the east side of Brighton, this large artificial marina was built in the 1970s and gives you a proper working harbour vibe alongside a buzzing mix of restaurants, shops, and a casino right on the waterfront. It's surprisingly self-contained — you've got a supermarket, a cinema, and even a bowling alley within the marina complex itself. The city centre is a couple of miles west along the coast, easily reachable by bus or a clifftop walk.