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British Airways i360

Female yoga class taking place on the viewing platform of British Airways i360 Viewing Tower

Why we love Brighton

Quirky and cool, Brighton may seem like a typical British seaside resort, but delve below the surface and you’ll discover so much more. Enjoy vintage shopping, art shows, diverse cuisine, healthy and   sustainable restaurants at the forefront, with plenty of pubs for a cheeky afternoon tipple. Explore the Victorian history and modern-day delights of Brighton Palace Pier, search the boho boutiques of its quaint shopping street, The Lanes, or experience a bird’s eye perspective of the coastline from 450ft above the ground, on Brighton i360.

Dig into freshly cooked fish and chips on the sea front, or get back to nature amongst the white cliffs and ancient woodlands of the South Downs National Park. From wildlife to seaside charm, Brighton truly rocks!

VisitBritain/i360

Group of friends in climbing gear at the top of i360 pod with the coastline of Brighton below

Hit new heights

Venture up high into Brighton’s sky on the  Brighton i360 tower, offering dramatic views of the coastline and the South Downs. Head up higher on a Tower Top Climb right to the summit and secret open-air platform.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Crowds of people on the streets on a summer's day shopping

Shop ’til you drop

Shop ’til you drop at the quirky shops inside Brighton’s Lanes . Nestled between North Laine and the seafront, this retail labyrinth is a joy to explore – with eclectic boutiques, sought-after jewellers and art-filled cafés galore.  

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

A group of people in a restaurant in Brighton, eating in the open air at Fishy Fishy restaurant.

A foodie’s dream

Bursting with flavour, Brighton comes alive with its indy food and local produce. Head out onto the streets of the city to discover the tastes that make up its fashionable food and drink scene.

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Woman holds a yoga pose at the Beach Box Sauna in Brighton

Located right on Brighton Beach, the Beach Box Spa has three wood-fired saunas feel wonderfully wild. As well as freshwater showers and a cool plunge pool, indulgent extras include herbal masks, salt scrubs and aromatherapy oils. And the sea is just a few steps away!  

michelle_perry

Pump up the adrenaline

Pump up the adrenaline

Look no further than Brighton for an adrenaline fuelled journey along the coastline on the ride of your life. Jump on a jet ski and see the city sights, pebbled shoreline and iconic pier from the water.

Things to do in Brighton

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Royal Pavilion

Visit this 19th-century seaside ‘pleasure palace’ in the heart of Brighton to discover its colourful history.

VisitBritain/Simon Anderson/Royal Pavilion

Royal Pavilion at dusk, lit up in a range of vivid colours

The Lanes, Brighton & Hove

Shop ’til you drop at the quirky shops and boutiques inside Brighton’s Lanes.

Crowds of people on the streets on a summer's day shopping

Brighton i360

Take flight on the world’s tallest moving observation tower, with 360-degree views of the city and coast.

Group of friends in climbing gear at the top of i360 pod overlooking the coastline in Brighton

Brighton and Hove Pride

Bold, brash and oh-so proud: the Brighton and Hove Pride is the party of the year.

VisitBritain/Tom Nagle

Woman flying rainbow flag during Pride

Brighton Beach

Grab a deckchair and soak up the sea air – and stunning views – at Brighton’s beachfront.

VisitBritain

Woman standing on the beach near the pier at sunset

Brighton Zip

Whizz along Brighton’s beach on this 300m (984ft) zipline – the longest one on the South Coast.

Lauren Mabbett Brighton Zip

People at Brighton Zip

What could be cooler than gliding along Brighton’s breezy beachfront on your roller blades?

Skate Fresh

Two people rollerskating along the street in Brighton

Lagoon Watersports

Peaceful Hove Lagoon is perfect for paddleboarding – or switch it up with a wakeboarding lesson.

A woman water skiing and holding onto a line at Lagoon Watersports in Brighton

Cocktails, mini golf and…dinosaurs? With its UV lights and wacky games, this nightspot is one-of-a-kind.

VisitBrighton

Luminescent decorations on a mini golf course at Globalls in Brighton

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

A celebration of all-things Brighton, alongside artefacts and artworks from around the world.

VisitBritain/Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

An asian woman and teenager looking at paintings in gallery

Brighton Dome

This eclectic entertainment venue hosts stand-up-comedy, circus shows, classical ballet and more.

Brighton Dome - CGI visual of studio theatre

Enter Gallery Brighton Tours

Local graffiti artist REQ presents a walking tour of Brighton’s most colourful hidden corners.

A tour guide highlighting Brighton's graffitti art on a tour

Brighton Open Market

Over 50 years old, Brighton Open Market is thriving with fashion, food and craft stalls, alongside special events.

Gauthier Soho

A chef tasting prepared food in Gauthier Soho, a high-end restaurant in London

Proud Cabaret

Dine with a difference at this dazzling venue, or catch its legendary drag and burlesque brunches.

A performer on stage at Brighton's Proud Cabaret

With top-quality comedy, brunches and club nights, there’s always something new to discover.

A performer on stage at Brighton's Komedia, a comedy club

Shelter Hall

This fun-loving food market is located right on the beach, with panoramic sea views from its terrace.

An exterior shot of Shelter Hall in Brighton, a popular restaurant with outdoor seating

Brighton Food Tours

Led by local foodies, these walking tours reveal the sizzling spots you won’t find in a guidebook.

A group of people drinking wine as part of a food tour in Brighton

Brighton Bear Weekend

For four days of big, burly fun, the BBW gets Brighton growling – with club nights, bear-a-oke and more.

A group of men attending Brighton Bear Weekend

A landmark gay venue and nightclub, having been a part of Brighton’s gay and lesbian scene for over 30 years.

Revenge, Brighton

Groups of people inside a club in Brighton

Brighton Festival

A cornucopia of live theatre, music, dance and cinema, in celebration of the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Visit Brighton

Brighton Festival

Brighton Fringe

This annual festival showcases Brighton’s incredible arts scene – featuring dance, music, theatre and more.

HeadFirst Acrobats: PreHysterical by DFPhotography.co.uk

An acrobatic performer on stage as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival

The Great Escape

At venues across Brighton, this music festival hosts a diverse array of over 500 pop and rock acts.

Festival Republic

A band on stage at the Great Escape festival in Brighton

One Garden Brighton

This garden, market and café has mindfulness at its heart, and hosts wellness workshops and festivals.

Fresh flowers and produce on sale at One Market in Brighton

Brighton Diver Rampion Wind Farm Tour

This is no ordinary boat cruise: you’ll voyage out to the whirring turbines of Rampion wind farm.

Brighton Diver

An offshore rig, used by Brighton Diver for fishing and diving trips

The Mindful Garden

Take a fresh look at the Royal Pavilion gardens, with the help of this mindfulness audio guide.

People walking on stone bridge across river

Beach Box Spa

Step inside for a hot, health-enriching sauna experience – then take a cooling plunge in the sea.

Woman holds a yoga pose at the Beach Box Sauna in Brighton

Volk's Electric Railway

For a scenic ride along the seafront, take this open-air train: it has been running for over 135 years.

Volks Electric Railway, Brighton

Volks Electric Railway CAR NUMBER NINE IN SUMMER

Lure Boat Trips

Don’t just learn how to catch a fish in the ocean – discover how to prepare and cook it, too.

Brighton Lure Boat

A lure boat off the coast of Brighton, decorated with the logo of Brighton Lure Boat

Brighton Marina

This shopping and dining area overlooks the marina’s bobbing yachts – a trendy spot to linger in.

A row of shops and restaurants on Brighton's Marina

To the west of Brighton, this neighbourhood is known for its brightly-painted beach huts and shops.

rictours/onlyinbrighton

A rainbow coloured beach hut on Brighton and Hove beach

Brighton Bike Tours

From street art to sea views, this entertaining ride reveals Brighton’s best bits – all on two wheels.

Young man leaning over the railings on Brighton seafront next to a bicycle with Brighton Pier in the background

‘Kind to the environment and good for the soul’: that’s the motto of this forward-thinking bistro.

Kindling Restaurant

A chef plating up food in Brighton's highly rated Kindling Restaurant

North Laine

You’ll find everything from vintage fashion to foodie temptations in this quirky retail quarter.

Smiling woman in denim jacket standing between shops

Brighton Fishing Museum

This maritime museum tells the story of Brighton’s humble roots, as a hub for sailors and traders.

Brighton Seafront Heritage Front

A group of singers in costume outside the Brighton Fishing Museum

Featured things to do

VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two men on mountain bikes cycling at Devil's Dyke. Sunrise

Outdoor adventure awaits

From soaring high above Brighton, to floating on the water aboard a kayak – the city is full of outdoor adventure set to get your adrenaline pumping.

Woman flying rainbow flag during Pride

Celebrate Pride

Join the party as two days of celebrations come to Brighton – with headline acts, drag artists, DJ sets and live performances, this is one unforgettable weekend.

Smiling woman in denim jacket standing between shops

Hit the streets

Vintage finders, collectable hunters and bargain lovers – head to Brighton’s streets for a shopping scene full of indie shops, boutique and antique stores.

royalpavillionicerink

Ice skating at Brighton Pavilion

Festive cheer

Skate across the ice rink outside Brighton’s iconic Royal Pavilion for a sprinkling of festive cheer in the city.

Places to stay in Brighton

East of the city is this neighbourhood known for its artists, and today is home to one of Britain’s largest LGBTQ communities. It has great bistros, wine bars and you’ll find all things organic and chic here.

Hip and happening Hanover is where a lot of Brighton folk choose to live. You’ll recognise it by its colourfully painted houses and buildings and rammed with restaurants, cafés and bars - which all come as a reward after a very steep hill you have to get up first.

Once a separate part of Brighton, now in a happy marriage. It has lovely regal houses, squares and places to stay. Quieter and more elegant than Brighton itself, with a more laid-back approach to life.

Explore nearby

South downs.

Discover epic trails, rivers to kayak, castles to conquer and wild woods to explore.

Two men on mountain bikes cycling at Devil's Dyke. Sunrise

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Picadilly Circus underground station

Getting to Brighton

London Gatwick is the closest international airport to Brighton, taking around 30 minutes by train with various rail companies; see National Rail to play a journey.

With regular trains from London, Portsmouth and Southampton, as well as the Eurostar from King’s Cross St Pancras, it’s quick and easy to get to Brighton from destinations across the south east.

National Express offer a coach from London to Brighton taking around two hours. It’s also well connected to elsewhere in Britain by train or coach.

Getting around

Brighton’s compact size makes it easy to explore by foot, bike or bus once there. Brighton and Hove’s award-winning buses are regular, cost-effective and eco-friendly – making them the ideal way to journey further afield.

Check train times to Brighton from destinations across the south east, including Gatwick and find out more about times, fares and discounts .

Brighton’s best explored on foot, so grab one of VisitBrighton’s downloadable maps , and chuck on your trainers and hit the streets.

Get on your bike and head out on Brighton’s coastal route, for gorgeous sea views and access to the South Downs Way and National Park.

Want to know more?

For insider tips and top places to visit, hit up Visit Brighton.

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Brighton & Hove offers a network of Visitor Information Points (VIPS) across the city centre, offering help, advice and information about Brighton & Hove and into Sussex.

The venues listed below are all Visitor Information Points, please note opening times will vary depending on the business - to check individual times please contact the venues directly. 

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14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Brighton, East Sussex

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley visited England in 2022 where he spent a month exploring its lovely southern coastline, including touring the seaside town of Brighton.

Brighton, the largest and best known seaside resort on the English Channel , stretches some five miles along the pebbled and sometimes steep chalk shoreline of the South Downs in East Sussex.

Brighton Beach and Palace Pier

Once a fishing village with narrow, winding lanes, Brighton blossomed into an elegant vacation spot during the 18th-century, where England's elite relaxed in fashionable spas and hotels under the restorative influence of sea air.

Reminders of this period still abound. Charming Regency terraces; the delightful Palace Pier ; and the Royal Pavilion , the exotic summer home of George IV who was one of the country's most flamboyant and eccentric kings, are among the town's top tourist attractions.

Although Brighton's famous pebble beaches are now lined with souvenir shops and amusement arcades, it remains a culturally vibrant destination and one of the most popular places to visit in England — especially in summer. The town's busy calendar of events includes the popular Brighton Festival each spring, horse races in the summer, and the famous London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in November.

Brighton is also a great place for sports enthusiasts. Highlights include sailing, kitesurfing, and diving, as well as hiking and biking along the downs or across the many lovely green spaces, such as historic Stanmer Park just to the north of town.

For details of these and many other fun things to do in this popular seaside town, be sure to read our list of the top tourist attractions in Brighton, East Sussex.

See also: Where to Stay in Brighton

1. Royal Pavilion & Garden

2. brighton palace pier, 3. brighton promenade and seafront attractions, 4. the lanes and north laine, 5. british airways i360 viewing tower, 6. brighton beach, 7. brighton museum & art gallery, 8. regency-era architecture, 9. brighton festival, 10. brighton toy and model museum, 11. booth museum of natural history, 12. bluebell railway, 13. london to brighton veteran car run, 14. brighton racecourse, where to stay in brighton for sightseeing, brighton - climate chart.

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton

The Royal Pavilion is difficult to miss. Located in the center of Brighton just steps from the sea, the building's extraordinary peaks and spires look as if they'd be more at home in India. That was certainly the intention of architect John Nash, who designed this summer palace for the Prince of Wales (later George IV) in the Indian Mogul style.

Best seen via guided tour, highlights of the building include the Banqueting Room, with its lovely Asian décor, and the Royal Bedrooms. The tent-like Music Room is also worth seeing. Audio guides are available.

Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum

For a real treat, partake in a traditional afternoon tea in the Royal Pavilion Tearoom. Be sure to also allocate some time to explore the delightful Royal Pavilion Gardens. Free to visit, they can be explored by following the gently winding garden pathways, or you can simply stake your place on the lawns or a park bench.

Address: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, East Sussex

Official site: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk

Brighton Palace Pier

No trip to the seaside would be complete without a visit to a pier. With their fun amusement arcades, joke shops, and fish-and-chip stands, spending time at a seaside pier has been a tradition among visitors to the seaside since Victorian times..

Thanks to its decorative ironwork and majestic setting, Brighton's Victorian-era Palace Pier is undoubtedly one of the country's most attractive such landmarks. Jutting out to sea like the upper deck of a steamship on spindly iron legs, Palace Pier is the sole survivor of the town's three original piers (one was destroyed by a storm, while another stands derelict near the town's seafront).

Brighton Palace Pier

Built in 1891 and stretching some 1,700 feet from shore, it has lost none of its appeal. In addition to its dining and shopping, the pier also boasts other fun things to do, including state-of-the-art thrill rides and game arcades.

Address: Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex

Official site: http://brightonpier.co.uk/

Brighton Promenade

There's no end of fun things to do and places to visit near Brighton's Palace Pier, too. Many of them are just a short stroll away, along the promenade, and can easily be combined with a visit to the pier or other major Brighton attractions.

A fun diversion for those traveling with kids is Volk's Electric Railway . Built in 1833 and the oldest operating electric railway in the world, this narrow gauge line runs along the seafront from the pier, with three stations from which to catch the train.

At 1.25 miles in length, a ride can also save a fair bit of walking between attractions. Along the way, you'll pass the Brighton Fishing Museum , with its interesting exhibits relating to the town's origins and its long history as a fishing town.

Indian Pavilion and the Brighton promenade

The railway also connects to Brighton Marina , via the Black Rock station. Be sure to allocate some time to explore the marina, which offers great shopping and dining experiences.

Aquarium station is where you'll want to disembark for SEA LIFE Brighton . Established in 1872 as Brighton Aquarium, this modernized attraction is now home to more than 100 species of sea life.

Address: Visitor Centre, Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex

Official site: https://volksrailway.org.uk

The Lanes and North Laine

The center of the old fishing village of Brighthelmstone , as Brighton was once called, stood on the site of the bustling narrow alleyways known as The Lanes. The charming little 17th-century cottages, with their colorful wooden façades are now antique shops, boutiques, galleries, and cafés.

To the east of The Lanes is Old Steine , a former village green. It is now a well-tended square extending to Grand Parade, a magnificent boulevard lined with trees and planted with flowers.

Also worth visiting is North Laine . This arts-inspired shopping area boasts an eclectic mix of boutique shops and antique stores, galleries, and cafés, as well as entertainment venues.

Address: Meeting House Lane, Brighton, East Sussex

British Airways i360 Viewing Tower

Undoubtedly one of the most impressive attractions on England's south coast, the British Airways i360 Viewing Tower is a must-do on any Brighton itinerary. Replacing the Brighton Wheel as the town's tallest structure (the wheel has since been dismantled), this 531-foot-tall seafront tower opened in 2016 to great fanfare as the world's first vertical cable car and tallest moving observation tower.

Resembling a huge needle and referred to as a "vertical pier", the structure's circular observation platform can lift up to 200 people to heights of 453 feet for a spectacular view of the surrounding area and over the English Channel. Other features include a tearoom and gift shop.

British Airways i360 Viewing Tower

For a real treat, check into the availability of the attraction's food and drink options and time your visit for one of their regular special events.

Address: Lower Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex

Official site: http://britishairwaysi360.com/

Brighton Beach

If you're traveling to Brighton by train from London and wondering where the beach is, just follow the crowds. Odds are, they're also making their way to Brighton Beach, one of the top spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water-based activities on England's south coast.

Lined by a wide and extremely long promenade, Brighton Beach centers around the historic Parade Pier and is almost always busy during the warmer months of the year.

Also known as Central Beach , it's almost entirely made up of pebbles (or shingle), although some sand is revealed for a short period during low tide. Once you've claimed your spot, and so long as you've brought a towel to lay on, you'll find the beach experience here is as good as any other in Britain.

Lifeguard services are provided during peak months, and change facilities and washrooms are available for the public to use. Also available are volleyball and basketball courts, a large children's play area with splash pool, and rentals of equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards, and Jet Skis.

In addition to the many attractions overlooking Brighton Beach, you'll find plenty of good food and beverage opportunities, too.

Address: Brighton Seafront Office, 141, Kings Road Arches, Brighton, East Sussex

Read More: Best Beaches in Brighton, East Sussex

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Located in the Royal Pavilion's former Royal Stables and Riding School is the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery . This first-rate museum is worth visiting for its impressive collection of Art Deco pieces, its costume gallery with fashions from the 18th century, and the excellent Willett Collection of porcelain and ceramics.

There's even a good (albeit small) Egyptian Gallery that's worth a visit. A gift shop is located on the premises.

Address: Royal Pavilion Gardens, Pavilion Parade, Brighton, East Sussex

Official site: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/brighton-museum-art-gallery/

Regency architecture in Brighton

Strolling through Brighton's residential areas, with their lovely Regency-style terraces and squares, is a popular pastime. West of the town center, heading towards Hove, are street after street of old homes, with round bay windows and iron balconies.

The best examples are at Regency Square, Brunswick Terrace, Brunswick Square, and the horseshoe-shaped Adelaide Crescent. Sussex Square, Lewes Crescent, and Arundel Terrace, all east of the town center, are also worth seeing. Another fine local example of historic architecture, Preston Manor is open to the public and perfectly captures life at the turn of the century.

Regency Houses

You can also find some good examples of Regency-era architecture close to the town center and its major tourist attractions. Visit The Lanes for examples of townhomes that also include shopfronts on the lower levels, and a sightseeing walk along the seafront facing Kings Road or Marine Parade will reveal numerous hotels and inns from this era.

Address: Preston Drove, Brighton, East Sussex

Official site: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/prestonmanor/

Brighton Festival

The annual three-week Brighton Festival runs from early to late May and attracts artists from around the world for performances ranging from orchestral and church concerts to jazz and comedy shows. Film screenings and recitals are also among the 400 or so events offered in this diversified festival.

Although the repertoire is varied, 19th-century music predominates. Venues include the Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Dome , the Theatre Royal, and local churches.

Address: 21-22 Old Steine, Brighton, East Sussex

Official site: http://brightonfestival.org/

Brighton Toy and Model Museum

The Brighton Toy and Model Museum, tucked away underneath the town's train station, contains a vast array of vintage, rare, and unique toys from Britain and Europe. Highlights of the museum's vast collection include antique model trains by Hornby; stuffed bears by Steiff; die-cast cars by Corgi; and all sorts of dolls, toy soldiers, farmyards, circuses, planes, and puppets.

Other collections of note include numerous toy buses, construction sets, boats, stuffed animals, zoos, and character play sets. Particularly fun is a unique train set featuring local tourist attractions.

The museum shop and foyer is also home to a useful Visitor Information Point, offering maps and literature relating to local events in Brighton.

Hot Tip : Try to plan your visit to coincide with one of the museum's special "Running Days" when you'll get to see much rarer toy trains in action.

Address: 52-55 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, East Sussex

Official site: http://brightontoymuseum.co.uk/

Fossilized Dodo bird at the Booth Museum of Natural History

Another Brighton attraction that's certainly worthy of a visit is the Booth Museum of Natural History . It's notable for being home to one of Britain's largest collections of stuffed birds. Other highlights include a large collection of insects, fossils, and skeletons.

Founded in 1874, the museum is also home to the (in)famous "Merman," a Victorian-era hoax creature that many people at the time believed to be real. Be sure to check out the fascinating audio-visual displays that recount the exploits of the museum's "Victorian gentleman" founder, Edward Booth.

Address: 194 Dyke Road, Brighton, East Sussex

Official site: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/booth/

Bluebell Railway

Just a few miles from Brighton, the Bluebell Railway is a fascinating piece of Britain's engineering heritage. Running some 11 miles along the border between East and West Sussex, this fully functional railway operates between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. From here, you can catch a connecting train to London or Brighton.

Famous as the first preserved steam passenger railway in the world to operate a public service, the railway's collection includes 30 vintage engines and almost 150 carriages and wagons, most of them pre-1939.

Special themed train rides are offered, including fine dining, murder mystery nights, and Thomas the Tank Engine excursions for the kids. For a special treat, book an afternoon tea experience, served aboard one of the attraction's historic dining cars.

Location: Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex

Official site: www.bluebell-railway.co.uk

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

While not quite Wacky Races , the Royal Automobile Club's annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is probably the largest collection of unusual looking vehicles you're ever likely to see. The world's longest running motoring celebration has been held almost every November since 1927 and attracts entrants from around the globe.

Typically, some 500 pre-1905 cars attempt the trip, their drivers eager to test their vintage vehicles on the historic 60-mile run from Hyde Park in London to Brighton's seafront. The event's a huge draw for the throngs of spectators and tourists who line the route to cheer these often slow-moving machines onward to the finish line.

Address: Finish Line, Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex

Official site: www.veterancarrun.com

Brighton Racecourse

Set high up on the Sussex Downs , the stunning views of Brighton and the English Channel from Brighton Racecourse provide a unique background to the races held here throughout the spring, summer, and fall. It is regarded as one of the most intimate racecourses in the country, with horses crossing the line no more than a few feet from the crowd.

Horseracing fans can enjoy a great day's outing here at one of the country's oldest courses (1783). A restaurant and snack options are available on-site. For those wanting to bring their own food, a picnic area is also available.

Address: Freshfield Road, Brighton, East Sussex

Official site: www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk

We recommend these unique hotels in Brighton near town and the seafront:

  • Hotel Una : Located in Regency square, this boutique luxury hotel features eclectic décor in its funky uniquely styled rooms. Perks include a great breakfast in bed, plus a massage room.
  • Blanch House : This mid-range boutique hotel features themed rooms with comfortable beds. Homemade cookies are provided as a much- welcome treat.
  • Artist Residence Brighton : Along with its affordable rates, this budget-friendly hotel features great sea views, creative décor, and comfy beds. A ping pong room is available for guest use.
  • Premier Inn Brighton City Centre Hotel : This budget hotel is a great choice for its central location, and features spacious family rooms.

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Brighton & Hove, one of Britain's liveliest cities, with a passion for creativity, with a bohemian, artistic, eccentric atmosphere that can't be found anywhere else in the UK. Full of elegant Regency architecture, museums and galleries, a glittering nightlife and a rich arts and theatre scene. A city by the sea, made for exploring, stoking up the vibe and enjoying all the fun of the seaside.

Things to do in Brighton

Brighton a city made for walking, head out and explore the narrow 17th century Lanes, an area nestling between North Laine and the seafront. Stretching between East Street, Ship Street and North Street, Brighton Lanes are just a ten-minute walk from Brighton Station and a five-minute walk to Brighton Palace Pier. Discover the maze of narrow alleyways cramped full of independent shops selling antiques, jewellery and designer clothes. Hidden squares, full of cafes, bars and restaurants stretching onto the pavements, creating a cosmopolitan vibe. A labyrinth full of unusual and eccentric shops, alongside your favourite high street names at the award-winning Churchill Square shopping mall or the designer discount outlets at Brighton Marina.

Don't miss the chance to visit the Royal Pavilion , King George IV's seaside fantasy palace with its Indian domes and oriental interiors - Europe's most extraordinary royal palace.

The city's museums are treasure houses of inspiring objects from all eras and cultures. Brighton Museum and Art Gallery has dynamic and innovative new galleries, which feature exciting interactive displays appealing to all ages, while a visit to Preston Manor gives a glimpse into the life of a prosperous Edwardian family and their servants.

The arts play a major part in city life especially in May when the Brighton Festival, England's largest international arts festival, attracts thousands of people to hundreds of events for 3 weeks. You can see pre and post-West End shows at the Theatre Royal, arts and comedy at Komedia, classical concerts at the Brighton Dome and pop stars at the Brighton Centre .

Brighton's nightlife is relaxed and fun-fuelled, with stylish bars, traditional pubs and the biggest selection of restaurants outside London - over 400 serving mouth-watering cuisine from around the world. There's live music nearly every night of the week and a host of evening venues to experience including Globalls a 12-hole indoor golf course all in stunning UV. 

Brighton on the beach Enjoy all the fun of the fair on the Victorian Brighton Palace Pier with its whirling Waltzers, fish & chips and candy floss. Stroll along the vibrant beachfront with its lively cafés and bars, pubs and clubs, Artists' and Fishing Quarters, beach volleyball court, children's play area and dramatic sculptures framing the sea views.

Take to the sky on board the Brighton i360 viewing tower and glide up to 450ft for the best views in Brighton! The iconic ruins of the West Pier can be seen right here, one of Brighton’s most Instagrammable spots.

Discover Brighton's origins at the Fishing Museum and its development at the 1820's Regency Town House, dive in with a visit to the oldest operating aquarium in the world at Brighton Sea Life Centre full of original Victorian architecture, or hop on the world’s oldest working electric railway from the Aquarium Station stop near Brighton Pier to the Marina.

And there's always something happening on the seafront and in the streets - classic car rallies and cycle races, fun runs, parties, and processions. A year-round events calendar means there’s plenty of things to do and events to enjoy whatever time of the year you decide to visit.

Places to stay in Brighton

The Grand Brighton is an iconic Victorian property steeped in British history and stands centre stage on Brighton’s famous seafront. From the stunning sweeping spiral staircase and traditional period design to the beautiful sea view rooms and the new contemporary brand-new restaurant Cyan, the Grand experience is treating yourself to the best.

Amsterdam Hotel rooms offer stunning views over Brighton's famous Pier, beach and seafront and are fitted with multi-channel digital LCD flat screen TVs. Most of the hotel rooms have large en-suite walk in showers or wet rooms, all with large double or twin single beds, TV and Tea & Coffee making facilities.

Whether you are looking for accommodation by the beach or an escape to the South Downs, you'll be spoilt for choice with the selection on offer.

London to Brighton by Train

Brighton is situated on the South Coast of England , in the county of East Sussex. The city sites between Worthing and Eastbourne and nestles on the edge of the South Downs National Park. It takes just over an hour to reach Brighton from London, with direct trains running from London Bridge and London Victoria. This mainline commuter route means trains are regular and plentiful.

Hove is a district of Brighton, located to the west of Brighton, it with its own character and identify. Full of quaint squares, sweeping crescents, independent shops and eateries galore, its easy to wander into Hove on a stroll along the seafront and not even realise you are there!

Things to do in Brighton this weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend, take a look below for some weekend inspiration in and around Brighton. From things to do and places to stay and eat, you’ll find plenty of things to fill your weekend away, day trip or holiday in Sussex.

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New Steine Hotel, Brighton, Junior Suite

New Steine Hotel

Guest House

The New Steine is ideal for business trips, conference centre or exploring Brighton. Stylish cocktail lounge with wireless connection, fabulous bedrooms, internet links, cosy French restaurant and intimate conference facilities.

The New Club exterior

The New Club

The New Club is an American styled restaurant, café and bar located on Brighton Seafront where you will experience the taste and feel of New York City.

British Airways i360

Brighton i360

Sightseeing

Take to the skies to see Brighton and the South Coast as you have never seen them before!

Kilcolgan Bungalow

Kilcolgan Premier Bungalows

Self-Catering

Something special ! Just come and relax. Delightful 3 bedroom detached quality bungalow idyllically situated in downland valley. Peaceful secluded garden overlooking farmland. Rottingdean is a picturesque coastal village near Brighton

Lime Squeezy - dish

Lime Squeezy

Get your Thai on the fly at Lime Squeezy. You’ll find us on Jubilee Street in the heart of the bustling North Laines. Life is fast-paced - we say wring every last drop out of it – so why should you slow down when you need to refuel?

bedroom

The Stirling Arms

Alternative Accommodation

The Stirling Arms Pub & Rooms, based in central Hove, East Sussex, boasts four cosy guest bedrooms with en suite bathrooms - perfect for those short getaways with the family.

Sussex Downs

The Living Coast By Bike

One of the best ways to discover this area is by bike and to help you explore, we have developed a series of tried and tested bike rides. The rides are graded easy, medium and hard, so no matter your ability you will be able to find something that…

West Beach Bar & Kitchen

West Beach Bar & Kitchen

One Garden, Stanmer Park

One Garden Brighton

Brighton & Hove

Proudly presented and managed by Plumpton College, One Garden Brighton is a free to enter destination garden, a place to connect with nature and discover something different every day.

Albourne Estate Vineyard

Albourne Estate Vineyard

Set deep in the glorious Sussex countryside overlooking the South Downs, yet just 8 miles from Brighton. Visitors are warmly welcome at our vineyard as well as in our Tasting Room to sample our award-winning wines. 

Exploring Brighton

Exploring Brighton & Hove

Voted one of the top 10 city beach break destinations in the world, Brighton & its beachfront are legendary. But there is so much more to Brighton than just the beach and if you are spending time in the city, make time to head out and explore the…

Hotel Exterior

The Claremont

The Claremont, with elegant, comfortable and stylish rooms combined with intuitive and discreet levels of customer care gives you the ultimate in an enhanced stay experience. 

Nostos Interior

The award winning Nostos is a place where a nostalgic feeling of the past meets a delightful smell of the present and a grateful smile for the future.

Model station building

Brighton Toy and Model Museum

Located in four Victorian cellars under Brighton Railway Station, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum will invoke many childhood memories and dreams.

Globalls

Golf Course

Brighton Marina Village, BRIGHTON

Globalls has it’s very own 12-hole indoor golf course, this is a unique games experience. Based on an aquatic, carnival or tropicana theme you can play amongst life size neon sculptures and wall art.

Roast Dinner

The Walrus, situated on the historic Ship Street at the heart of Brighton's famous Lanes, each has it''s own unique designs to the rooms with endless winding passageways.

Brighton Street Art

Brighton Street Art

Having earned itself an international reputation over the last few years for its stunning and original street artwork dotted around the city, Brighton & Hove is certainly a mecca for the creative.

Sea Lanes Brighton 2022

This autumn a brand new National Open Water Swimming Centre of Excellence will open in Brighton.   Located on Madeira Drive the Sea Lanes development will include a 50m outdoor swimming pool. The first stage of construction should be completed by…

bewilder-box-family-game-parents-children

Bewilder Box Escape Rooms Brighton

Escape Room

Bewilder Box is a puzzle based adventure game in which you and your team race against the clock to complete challenges whilst taking part in a tantalisingly silly immersive story. For families, friends, stag/hen parties, & team building!

Ironworks

Ironworks Studios Brighton

Event Venue

Ironworks Studios is a unique multi-purpose studio and event space in the middle of Brighton, just a 5 minute walk from the main train station with an audience reception and licensed café bar.

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15 of the best things to do in Brighton

Ashley Owen

Mar 27, 2022 • 7 min read

England, Sussex, Brighton, View of beach at Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier with classic deck chairs on the pebbled beach in summer © Westend61/Getty Images

An inimitable blend of cool and kitsch, Brighton is one of the UK’s most quirky, vibrant and welcoming cities. It offers the perfect combination of lively urban life and laid-back beach vibes, not to mention a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene and more independent stores and coffee shops than you can shake a stick at. 

Here are some of the top things to do in this hip and hedonistic seaside city.

Hit the beach

A trip to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without spending time on its famous beach. Pebbly rather than sandy, you can have a go at watersports such as stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing or simply relax in the glorious sunshine. It’s worth noting that on warm weekends and holidays Brighton beach attracts sizable crowds from London and other inland locations, so head further along the coast to find a quieter spot, or visit on a weekday. The winter is a lovely time to stroll along the seafront, because the beach is virtually empty and the sunset colors add plenty of atmosphere.

Feel the nostalgia at Brighton Pier

One of the bigger attractions on the seafront is Brighton Pier , a city landmark that dates back to the Victorian era. At 1,722 feet long, it’s packed with classic fairground rides including a gaudy carousel, spooky haunted house, dodgems and a helter-skelter. Inside you can immerse yourself in the non-stop noise and flashing lights of the games arcade, with everything from old-school 2p pusher machines to modern VR simulators. If your stomach can take it after the rollercoasters, nibble on a crunchy stick of Brighton Rock for some traditional sugary sustenance.

People having fun at Brighton Gay Pride Parade, England. The annual Pride Community Parade is the biggest celebration of the LGBT community at  Brighton, UK. Getty Images

Marvel at the splendor of the Royal Pavilion

Brighton’s most iconic landmark is the extravagant Royal Pavilion , which was once the seaside palace of King George IV. It’s an opulent mix of Indian architecture and Regency grandeur, with ornate roof domes and towering spires that dominate the landscape. Meanwhile, the interior is a jaw-dropping display of chinoiserie style, with resplendent bedrooms, gilded banquet halls and a dragon-adorned music room. The pavilion is well worth a visit for a peek into Brighton’s decadent past – if you want to find out more about the city’s history and culture, combine it with a trip to the adjoining Brighton Museum & Art Gallery .

Start your day with locally roasted coffee

Brighton is one of the UK’s most coffee-obsessed cities, and there is a wealth of independent coffee shops where you can get your caffeine fix from locally roasted beans. Stoney Point has long been a favorite with locals, and Wolfox now has several stylish yet homely branches in the city – don’t miss the deliciously fluffy vegan Biscoff donuts! Alternatively, you can people-watch at Pelicano or escape the tourist crowds at Tilt in the north of the city.

Sip on local craft beer

Brighton’s bar scene is second to none, with more pubs than you could possibly hope to visit in one trip. From the rooftop garden of The Mesmerist to the cave-like interior of the beachside Tempest Inn , there’s a unique drinking establishment to suit everyone. The city also boasts some of the best LGBTQIA+ bars in the country, mostly located around St James’ Street in the Kemptown area – don’t miss the “Piers & Queers” walking tour if you want to find out more about Brighton’s history from an LGBTQIA+ perspective. Whichever pubs you choose to frequent, be sure to sample some locally brewed craft beer from breweries such as Brighton Bier while you’re here!

This is the Lanes, a shopping street popular with tourists on July 24, 2019 in Brighton

Get lost in The Lanes

Brighton’s legendary Lanes ooze with character, and you can easily while away an afternoon exploring them. These twisting alleyways and narrow streets are crammed with historic buildings that house all sorts of artistic independent shops, galleries and cafes. From antiques and jewelry to books and vinyl records, these colorful stores have something for everyone. The area gets busy, so avoid visiting on the weekend if you want some breathing room.

Shop at boutique stores in North Laine

A short walk north from The Lanes lies, predictably, North Laine. Less than half a square mile in size, it’s home to the largest collection of independent retailers on the UK’s south coast. You’ll find an eclectic mix of vintage fashion boutiques, bakeries, jewelry stores and gift shops to explore. Stop by Dave’s Comics to browse graphic novels and games, or the renowned Snoopers Paradise flea market to rummage through everything from homeware to books and antiques.

Change your perception of vegan food

Vegan fish and chips is far from the only option on the menu for plant-based visitors to Brighton. In fact, the city is one of the most veggie-friendly in the country, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. Head to Food for Friends for an innovative seasonal menu, Terre à Terre to indulge in a vegan version of a traditional English afternoon tea, or The Roundhill for an epic plant-based Sunday roast that was voted the best in Brighton – beating its many meaty rivals. For dessert, drop by Boho Gelato for creamy vegan ice cream to enjoy on the beach.

Couple enjoying fish and chips in Brighton by neon sign

Tuck into fish and chips 

Indulging in a box of fish and chips is a quintessential part of the British seaside experience, and there’s no shortage of restaurants and chippies in Brighton where you can get your fill. Award-winning Bardsley’s is one of the best, while The Regency offers gorgeous sea views as you eat. If the weather’s good, get yours to take away and enjoy eating on the beach the traditional way (watch out for hungry seagulls!). Don’t eat fish? All-vegan No Catch has got you covered with everything from its signature “tofish” to tempura “prawns”. 

Spend an afternoon at Brighton Marina

To the east of the city lies the quayside Brighton Marina , a hub of shops and entertainment. If you don’t fancy the walk, in the summer you can reach it via the historic Volks Electric Railway, which dates back to 1883 and is the oldest electric railway in Britain. In addition to brand name shops, a cinema and bowling alley, it houses the trippy UV crazy golf facility Globalls, which is perfect for a rainy day. Another hotspot for shopping in Brighton is the Churchill Square shopping center, with over 80 high street chains.

Challenge yourself at an escape room

Brighton is a city that doesn’t take itself too seriously, so it’s a great place to indulge your playful side. Pier Pressure offers a series of fun-filled escape rooms with storylines based around local landmarks like the Royal Pavilion and The Lanes, while Bewilderbox’s two sci-fi-esque rooms boast guest voice appearances from Knightmare host Hugo Myatt and Norman Lovett from Red Dwarf. For a more traditional gaming experience, check out beachside video and board game bar Loading or arcade pub The World’s End.

Admire the view from the i360

It might not be the most visually appealing attraction in Brighton, but the British Airways i360 tower does offer stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. The glass-walled pod rises 450 feet into the air, from where you can gaze out over the South Downs and on clear days even see all the way across the sea to the Isle of Wight. Admire the sights with a glass in hand from the Sky Bar, or get your adrenaline pumping by signing up for the Tower Top Climb.

Murmuration (collective fluid movement of a flock of starlings) over the ruins of Brighton and Hove's West Pier during sunset.

Gaze out at West Pier

When wandering along the seafront, you can’t help but notice Brighton’s other pier stranded out at sea. West Pier is now just a shadowy skeleton of its former self, having been ravaged by both storms and fires over the years. It might not sound like much of an attraction, yet it’s a hauntingly beautiful sight and makes for a great atmospheric photograph – especially during the winter months, when thousands of starlings swirl and dance in the skies above it.

Catch a live show

Brighton is packed with venues for live music, comedy and theater. The Brighton Centre hosts some of the biggest names, but countless pubs – including the Hope & Ruin and The Brunswick – put on live shows multiple nights a week. If classical music is more your scene, check out the listings for the Brighton Dome , which sees the likes of the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra grace the stage.

Go for a hike

Thanks to its location next to the South Downs National Park, Brighton has plenty of epic hiking routes within easy reach. So pack a picnic and head out to the dry valley of Devil’s Dyke, grassy slopes of Ditchling Beacon, or pretty woodland of Stanmer Park. There are paths suitable for all fitness levels, offering fresh air and picturesque views of the English countryside.

You might also like: The best time to go to England 8 alternative reasons to visit Brighton Seaside snaps: how to take brilliant beach photographs  

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UK Travel Planning

Brighton Travel Guide (with tips, itinerary and map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 5, 2023

Our Brighton Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most popular seaside resorts and cities on the southern coast of England. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Brighton!

Plan your visit to Brighton

Located south of London on the southern coast of England is the popular seaside resort and city of Brighton and Hove. Described as ‘bohemian, hedonistic and colourful’ ( VisitBritain.com ) Brighton is a cute, quirky English city that has it all.

Brighton is also the perfect base for exploring some of England’s prettiest villages or why not take a day trip to the Seven Sisters cliffs located in the South Downs National Park?

Brighton Pavilion 1

What you will find in this complete Brighton Travel Guide

Map of Brighton

When is the best time of year to visit brighton, how many days do you need in brighton, what is the best way to get around brighton, by train from london, by car from london, take a tour from london to brighton, attractions, places to visit & things to do in brighton, where to stay in brighton, tickets, tours and experiences in brighton, books to read about brighton, enjoy your visit to brighton.

UK AND LONDON TRAVEL PLANNING

FAQs – Visiting Brighton

May to September is the warmest and sunniest time of year to visit. Peak season is July and August when Londoners flock to the seaside during the hot summer months.

It can be breezy in Brighton at any time of year! It can also be chilly in winter so pack accordingly .

The Brighton Festival is held in May and covers the arts – film, dance, comedy, literature, circus, theatre, and opera. Find out more information on the official site.

Plan to spend at least a day to enjoy some of Brighton’s attractions. This would provide enough time to visit the Royal Pavilion and Pier plus enjoy a walk around the Lanes.

Brighton is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or as part of a road trip along the southern coast of England.

Brighton is a compact city and is easily explored on foot.

There is also a hop-on-hop-off bus available to get you around to all the major sights if you prefer.

How can I get to Brighton from London?

For timetables and tickets, we recommend the trainline . Take the train to Brighton for the day.

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

  • Distance from London: 47 miles
  • Time taken by train: Fastest is 52 minutes to around 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Depart London Victoria. London Blackfriars or London Bridge.

Brighton can take between 1 to 2 hours from London by road. Take the A23/M23 south until you arrive in Brighton. It is that easy!

There is a park and ride scheme available to get into the city. Alternatively there are number of car parks in the city. Don’t forget to carry change to pay parking meters.

  • From London: Seven Sisters and South Downs Full-Day Tour – Explore the beauty of the South Downs National Park and see the famous white cliffs of the coast on a small group tour from London. Visit the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and discover the Neolithic carving of the Longman of Wilmington.
  • Private Brighton & Arundel Castle or Petworth House Day Tour – Visit the lovely Regency seaside resort of Brighton and continue to Arundel Castle, home to the Duke of Norfolk for over 700 years. Travel in style in a luxury chauffeur-driven vehicle with door-to-door transfers from central London.

View of the Brighton wheel and colourful houses in England

THINGS TO DO IN BRIGHTON

White cliffs of Dover

10 THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH EAST ENGLAND

Houses in Brighton England - brighton-travel-guide.

PLACES TO STAY IN BRIGHTON

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

Below you will find a selection of the best tickets, tours and experiences available in Brighton. These tours are all available from Get Your Guide which is our tour company of choice due to their flexible cancellation policies and great customer service.

  • Brighton Sea Life Centre – Visit the world’s oldest aquarium.
  • Grand Brighton Bike Tour – Experience Brighton by bike on a leisurely 2.5-hour guided tour, and explore the artistic back streets of North Laine, the flamboyant architecture of the Royal Pavilion, quaint Fishing Quarter, Georgian architecture of Brunswick Square, and more.
  • Brighton Zip Line Experience Ticket – Get an adrenaline rush on the longest zip line on the south coast of England and experience Brighton from a different perspective. Race your friends on a dual zip line or choose the complete package and have a go on the drop zone.
  • Guided Chocolate Tour with Tastings – Sample your way around the seaside city of Brighton on this unique guided tour. With a local, visit some of Brighton’s most beloved chocolate shops and taste a selection of delicious sweet treats.
  • Brighton Walking Food Tour – Discover the history and cuisine of Brighton on a 2-hour walking food tour, making regular stops for tastings of local food and drink.
  • Private Customisable Brighton Tour With a Local – Book a local for a personalised exploration of Brighton. Your local host will give you a local perspective on both top attractions and lesser-known parts of the city with a flexible and exciting itinerary.

Brighton Pier with deckchairs - brighton-travel-guide.

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Brighton. You will find more inspiration and ideas to help plan your travels around England in these travel guides:

  • Devon Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
  • Dorset Jurassic Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary & map)
  • York Travel Guide (including essential travel tips, itinerary + map)
  • Peak District Travel Guide
  • Lake District Travel Guide
  • 10 virtual tours of famous landmarks in the UK

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

Download GPX file for this article

  • 1 Understand
  • 2.1 By train
  • 2.4 By plane
  • 3.1 By bike
  • 3.3 By train
  • 3.4 By taxi
  • 4.1 Alternative
  • 4.2 Art galleries
  • 4.3 Further out
  • 8.1.1 City centre
  • 8.1.2 Elsewhere
  • 8.2 Mid-range
  • 8.3 Splurge
  • 9.1 Station and Trafalgar Street
  • 9.2 North Laine
  • 9.3 The Lanes
  • 9.4 Pavilion
  • 9.5 Churchill Square and Seafront
  • 9.6 Western Road area
  • 9.8 St James's Street and Kemptown
  • 9.9 Hanover
  • 9.10 Northern Brighton
  • 9.11 Clubs and musical venues
  • 10.1 Budget
  • 10.2 Mid-range
  • 10.3 Splurge
  • 11.1 Stay safe

tourist information brighton

Brighton is a beachfront city on East Sussex , south-eastern coast of England , 76 km (47 mi) south of London . In 1997, the neighbouring communities of Brighton and Hove joined to form the City of Brighton and Hove which was given city status in 2001.

Brighton is known for its grand Regency architecture, several landmarks in an oriental-inspired architectural style including the Grade-I Listed Pavilion, and for its large LGBT community .

Understand [ edit ]

Brighton was a sleepy little fishing village, then known as Brighthelmstone , until Dr Richard Russell of Lewes began to prescribe the use of seawater for his patients. He advocated the drinking of seawater and sea-bathing in 1750. In 1753 he erected a large house near the beach for himself and for his patients. A further factor in Brighton's growth came in the early 19th century when the Prince of Wales built the Royal Pavilion, an extravagant Regency building designed by John Nash. But it was only with the development of the railways, around 1840, that Brighton truly started to boom.

The city is close to London, and is increasingly popular with media and music types who don't want to live in the capital. It is sometimes called "London-by-the-Sea" for this reason. Brighton is typically referred to as the gay capital of Britain. There is a significant gay district in Kemp Town which adds to the Bohemian atmosphere of the city.

Whilst a day trip to Brighton, or even a long weekend, will offer activities and culture for the visitor all year round, it is in the springtime that the city really starts coming to life, and May sees the return of two of the most popular festivals, Brighton Festival and Festival Fringe (see the events section ). In the summer Brighton truly flourishes, with residents and visitors enjoying lazy days and beautiful sunsets on what is perhaps the city's greatest asset, the more than 5 mi (8.0 km) stretch of shingle beach, facing south onto the English Channel.

For those with working visas, Brighton is a good spot for seasonal and temporary work, due in part to its status as a student town and in part to it being on the sea.

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ].

tourist information brighton

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain

Trains to Brighton run from London Victoria and London Bridge stations in London, taking about an hour (faster for the Brighton Express services from Victoria, although expect to add another 20 minutes if travelling during peak commuting times). Trains also run along the coast from Hastings and Lewes in the east, and Portsmouth , Southampton and Chichester in the west. Brighton is on a direct line to Gatwick Airport and Luton Airport (Gatwick is much closer, being to the south of London).

Brighton has 2 stations:

All trains stopping in Brighton stop at Brighton Terminus, on Junction Road. Local trains to Newhaven via Lewes also stop at London Road station, on Shaftesbury Place, just off Ditchling Rise. This station is only really useful for the northeastern part of Brighton, and isn't too far from the main Brighton station. When travelling to Brighton, it would be easier to just plan to go to the main Brighton station, as it is also closer to the town centre.

Trains to Brighton are operated by Southern and Thameslink . Southern operates trains to Eastbourne , Hastings , Ashford , Newhaven , Portsmouth , Southampton and London Victoria; while Thameslink operates trains to Bedford , Cambridge , London St Pancras , Luton and London Blackfriars .

Trains are crowded on Saturdays when Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are playing at home: the surge is towards Brighton around lunchtime, and towards London late afternoon.

By car [ edit ]

Brighton is a congested city, and not easy to drive or park in at peak times. The principal route from London and Gatwick Airport to the north is the A23, which turns into the M23 just after Crawley . The A27 runs along the south coast from Portsmouth in the west to Pevensey (near Eastbourne) in the east, and is a dual-carriageway for much of its length west of Brighton but is primarily a congested normal carriageway to the east of Brighton, the A27 turns into the M27 after Portsmouth and continues on into the New Forest National Park. There are several car parks in central Brighton - expect to pay about £1.50 per hour, even on Sundays, although they can get quite full at times, so don't count on finding somewhere to park.

The Ethos Parking website shows where available parking spaces are in some car parks with entry barriers around the city on a map. However, it doesn't show all car parks.

For a day at the beach, parking is available, though very limited, on the two roads parallel to the beach between the main pier and the marina, Madeira Drive and Marine Parade. As with many popular seaside resorts in England, the earlier you arrive on a warm, sunny day, the better your chances of getting yourself a space! Charges vary between seasons and the location premium, but generally in the height of summer expect to pay £15-20 per day closer to the pier, and £5-7 per day further east.

As an alternative to driving to the city centre, parking (charges apply) is available at Worthing , Hassocks or Lewes rail stations, both about 20 minutes by train from the city centre. Another alternative is to use the city's Park and Ride service , where you park at a free car park about a 45-minute walk away from the main train station, then get a bus to the city centre.

There are particular days of the year when it is very much inadvisable to drive into Brighton:

  • The children's parade day at the start of Brighton Festival . Usually the first Saturday in May. Many roads in the centre of Brighton are closed.
  • The day of the annual London to Brighton Bike Ride. This is on a Sunday in June - tens of thousands of cyclists plus their support vehicles are in the city, so many roads will be blocked or difficult to get across.
  • The parade day of the Brighton and Hove Pride week . Around the first Saturday of August. Many roads in the centre of Brighton and around the pier area are closed to all traffic, and diversionary routes are long and/or not built for heavy traffic. Gridlock often ensues on Pride Saturday.
  • The Brighton Marathon in early April, where many roads in the city are closed.
  • The first Sunday of November when the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is held (unless, of course, you own a veteran car!)
  • Any summer's day when the sun is shining and the whole of London decides to head to Brighton beach.

By bus [ edit ]

  • Brighton and Hove Buses is the main bus company in Brighton, and they run to Brighton from Eastbourne in the east (with routes 12, 12A, 12X or 13X) and Tunbridge Wells in the north (with routes 28, 29, 29B or 29X). Travel on Brighton & Hove Buses cost £2 per journey or £4 a day for travel within Brighton (Southwick - Newhaven - Lewes - this is called a CitySaver). There is also a NetworkSaver ticket for travel around the network for £6.50 a day. There are many discount fares ("CentreFares", online tickets) and tickets which cost more (Nightbuses - ranging from £2 for N7 and N25 to £5 for the N69). Children only receive a discount with a BusID.
  • The National Express coach route 025 from London Victoria travels via Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. Journey times to Brighton are roughly 1 hr 40 min from Heathrow and 30 min from Gatwick, offering a competitive alternative to the train. Indeed, this is the quickest way to get between Heathrow and Brighton by public transport. If travelling from Central London, don't get the coach; the train is much quicker (under 1 hr) and the slight cost increase is worth every penny.
  • Stagecoach bus [dead link] services run to Brighton from Portsmouth, via Worthing, on service 700. It costs £6.30 for one day's unlimited travel on this route.
  • Metrobus has "hop-on, hop-off" services which run from Haywards Heath (with routes 271 and 272), Ardingly (with route 272) and Three Bridges (with route 272). Tickets cost between £4 and £5.30 for these routes, and can be used on Brighton and Hove Buses too.

By plane [ edit ]

The city's proximity to London means Brighton is well served by airports. Brighton can be reached from Gatwick by train in as little as 25 minutes £9.80-£11.90, Jan 2023).

Get around [ edit ]

Map

Brightonians often give directions relative to a prominent landmark, the Clock Tower , which stands due south of the rail station where Queen's Road meets Dyke Road (oh yes it does), West Street, North Street and Western Road.

The oldest part of the city is the Lanes , which is bounded by North Street, West Street and East Street, through which runs Middle Street - and Ship Street. Beware the spelling of the similar-named North Laine (meaning "north fields") which is a boutique and alternative shopping nirvana, to the north side of North Street.

Western Road, a major shopping street runs east–west from the Clock Tower, whilst Eastern Road runs up a hill towards the main hospital from the area known as the Old Steine (rhymes with clean) which has Brighton Pier at the seafront here.

Running north from the working Pier, you find the memorable Royal Pavilion , a run down church St Peter's, and The Level, which is being developed. Going north east from here is Lewes Road (pronounced "Lewis") which takes you out to the city boundary and both of the Universities.

Hove is found to the west of Brighton. To the east of the city, there is Brighton Marina.

By bike [ edit ]

Although the area is hilly, cycling is a growing form of transport in Brighton. The city council's website has more details on cycling, including a map of routes.

A cost effective way of getting around town 'pay by the minute' ebike rental service, Beryl BTN Bikes , which has stations available across the city. It is often the fastest way to move around, although the 'resilient' bikes can be challenging on larger hills.

tourist information brighton

Brighton and Hove Council have published a journey planner for local traffic.

There is an extensive bus network in Brighton and Hove. In the city centre, services are very frequent and many stops have 'real-time' bus information. The majority of buses are run by one company, Brighton & Hove Buses . The best option for a visitor is to get a £4.40 CitySAVER all-day ticket to avoid the £2.20 single fares.

Children travel at half price, and pensioners free after 9AM (with a suitable RFID card). If travelling by train, you can add a "plus bus" CitySaver option on your ticket for £2, or get a CitySaver for £3 at Brighton Station bus stops.

There are three routes on weekdays (route 52 on Saturdays too) between the City Centre and the universities with a bright yellow bus company called the Big Lemon , costing just £1.50 for a single and £2 for an all day pass.

On a few days a year, buses are disrupted by parades etc. - the same days as in the " by car " section above.

Many of Brighton & Hove Bus's vehicles are named after celebrities (some living, some deceased) and individuals who have made a contribution to Brighton & Hove city life in some significant manner. You can even suggest names for the buses to have at the bus company's website!

Brighton Station is one of the most important rail terminals in the South East and from here the city of Brighton has a small suburban rail network with London Road station, 50.8352 -0.1708 4 Hove station , 50.8458 -0.155 5 Preston Park station , 50.8363 -0.1816 6 Aldrington station , 50.8619 -0.0872 7 Falmer station and 50.8463 -0.1188 8 Moulsecoomb station serving the city (Moulsecoomb and Falmer for the universities in the city).

Southern and Thameslink services do not carry bicycles during peak hours (7AM-10AM and 4PM-7PM).

By taxi [ edit ]

tourist information brighton

There are lots of teal (greeny-blue) and white taxis in Brighton, with the council logo on the door. They are, however, more expensive than most other towns and cities in England. In Friday and Saturday after midnight, the hire charge for a taxi is £4.10 before the journey starts.

The main taxi ranks are at Brighton train station and at East Street (near the Lanes). (Smaller ranks dotted around include: Queen Square (opposite Churchill Square), the north side of St. Peter's Church and the bottom of Montpelier Road.) Some taxi companies are:

  • Brighton Taxis 4U , ☏ +44 1273 730 730 (Brighton) , [email protected] . ( updated Apr 2017 )
  • Streamline , ☏ +44 1273 74 74 74 (Brighton), +44 1273 20 20 20 (Hove) , [email protected] . ( updated Apr 2017 )
  • Radio Cabs , ☏ +44 1273 20 40 60 , [email protected] . ( updated Apr 2017 )
  • Bn Taxi Anytime , ☏ +44 7846454994 , [email protected] . ( updated Nov 2023 )

See [ edit ]

tourist information brighton

The Brighton Attractions Combi-Saver Ticket saves you up to 30% on tickets to the Royal Pavilion , i360 tower, and Sea Life Brighton . Purchase at i360 (or online 3 days in advance): adult £27.70 (£26.10), child (5-15 years) £14.75 (£13.95), child (4 years – under 4s go free): £8.00 (£7.20) (Nov 2017).

  • 50.81889 -0.13522 2 Brighton Beach . In the summer, the pebble beach is covered in tourists and Brightonians. Poi twirlers strike a beautiful image against the sunsets, and flaming lanterns are launched into the air on summer evenings. To the east of Brighton there is a designated nudist beach. The pebble beach gives way to a flat sandy seabed just below mid tide line so time your swimming to the low tide and avoid the painful feet. Just beyond the Marina is an area for surfers. Fishermen cast their rods from the Marina or by the giant doughnut. For £16, you can fly the short zipline over the beach (2017). There is also the wreck of West Pier which was derelict for some time before burning down. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • The Lanes -an area of small shops, the tumbled street plan reflecting the layout of the original fishing village of Brighton which was here. Almost every shop in the Lanes is a jewellery shop, although there are also cafés, bars, record shops, a shop that sells vintage weapons, and a host of Italian restaurants.
  • North Laine (sometimes incorrectly called the North Lanes). A wild nest of alternativism, the North Laine area is walked by dreadlocked hippies, bright colours, punks, goths and oddballs. The shops sell everything from bongs to magic potions, from giant wooden hands to fairy wings and from bagels to fire staffs, and a full complement of cafés, bars, second-hand clothes stores and newsagents. The area is north of the Lanes on the other side of North Street.
  • 50.8371 -0.15304 4 The Booth Museum of Natural History , 194 Dyke Road . A bit out of town up Dyke Road, this spectacular collection of taxidermy features over 300 bird specimens, a giant bear, a feejee mermaid and the infamous "Bone Room". ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • Komedia . Major comedy club. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • Brighton Marina with boats, pubs, restaurants, a supermarket and even a hotel, well to the east of the town centre.
  • 50.82333 -0.13971 11 Theatre Royal , Corn Exchange Theatre , Dome Concert Hall - Theatre and music venues are all in the 'Cultural Quarter' that encompasses New Road, Jubilee Street and parts of North Laine.
  • 50.82478 -0.1385 12 Jubilee Square . A modern redevelopment towards the south of Brighton's North Laine which includes the magnificent Jubilee Library, upmarket restaurants, and café culture. ( updated Nov 2023 )

Alternative [ edit ]

  • St James's Street/Kemp Town - Brighton's gay village, lending the city the title of 'Gay Capital of Britain', is a short walk east of the city centre. It caters to the LGBT community, and is home to a wealth of restaurants and cafes. Continuing in the same direction you reach the rather more low-key and genteel area of 50.81758 -0.11845 17 Kemptown Village , with another clutch of antique shops.

The area just west of 50.82246 -0.15048 18 Regency Square is one of the more interesting parts of Brighton to spend a day wandering (if a little less sanitised; the area has a high number of brothels and halfway houses. Still safe, but exercise more caution at night than elsewhere in Brighton). Wide range of stores-including a fabulous Chinese supermarket- and some stunning architecture.

Art galleries [ edit ]

  • 50.82277 -0.14197 19 Fabrica , 40 Duke Street, BN1 1AG ( housed in a renovated church on the corner of Ship St and Duke St in the city centre ), ☏ +44 1273 778 646 , [email protected] . Contemporary art gallery that specialises in new commissioned site specific work. As an artist led space this is a unique venue in the southeast that shows important new works by international artists. Fabrica is not a selling gallery but a place that offers access to exciting large scale work and media installations. Free .  
  • 50.82418 -0.13546 20 Grand Parade ( Near St. Peter's Church just north of the Old Steine, in Brighton's most central university campus ). Art gallery. The gallery often has exhibitions of students work as well as a wealth of international artists. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.826 -0.13819 21 Lighthouse , Kensington Street, North Laine ( At the site of a disused warehouse ). Another contemporary art gallery. Like Fabrica it has no permanent collection and is purely artist-led. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82885 -0.13375 22 Phoenix ( In quite a central part of the city and is right next to Grand Parade ). Another art gallery housing works from artists from all over the world. ( updated Nov 2023 )

Further out [ edit ]

  • 50.847 -0.185 23 West Blatchington Windmill is a smock mill of 1820. It's on Holmes Ave, Hove.
  • 50.905 -0.148 24 Jack and Jill are a pair of windmills on the Downs above Clayton village. You can visit Jill, a post-mill built in 1821. Jack is a tower mill of 1866.

Do [ edit ]

  • Brighton Theatres . Brighton is a great place to see a theatre show or a gig. There are many many theatres and venues in and around Brighton.  
  • 50.81715 -0.12348 1 Sealanes on Madeira Drive is an open-air lido with heated 50 m pool, opening in spring 2023.
  • Cricket: 50.831 -0.164 3 Sussex CCC , Eaton Rd, Hove BN3 3AN ( 1 mi (1.6 km) west of central Brighton ). Sussex CCC play in Division Two of the County Championship. ( updated Apr 2019 )
  • Shop until you drop . Calling into many of the quirky shops in the Laines looking for that elusive deleted LP, leather bound book, one-off party dress, or organic beer, can be a highlight and a chance to uncover hidden gems.

Events [ edit ]

tourist information brighton

  • Brighton Racecourse has flat-racing April-Oct. It's on Freshfield Rd a mile east of town centre.
  • Plumpton Racecourse is National Hunt (jumps races) Nov-March, but it's 10 mi (16 km) north in Lewes .
  • Brighton Festival Fringe : early May – early June,  ☏ +44 1273 764900 ,  [email protected] . The Fringe runs at the same time as the main festival, and features over 600 events, including comedy, theatre, music, and "open houses" (local artists exhibiting in their own homes) and tours (haunted pubs, Regency Brighton, churches, cemeteries, sewers, etc.)  (date needs fixing)
  • Brighton Festival : May,  ☏ +44 1273 709709 (tickets) ,  [email protected] . The Brighton Festival, in May each year, is the second biggest arts festival in Great Britain (coming closely behind Edinburgh ). Music of all sorts, art exhibitions, and book debates.
  • The Great Escape : mid-May Brighton (England) ,  [email protected] . Music festival that takes part in venues all over the city in May with musicians from around the world.  (date needs fixing)
  • London to Brighton Bike Ride : 3rd Sunday in June,  ☏ 0845 130 8663 (BHF national events team; non-geographic number), +44 20 7935 0185 (BHF head office) . A 58-mile (95-km) charity bike ride held each June to benefit the British Heart Foundation. The Ride has raised over £26 million for heart research since its inception in 1980, from the efforts of over 550,000 riders. Suitable for all levels of riders, the route passes through glorious countryside on the approach to Brighton.  (date needs fixing)
  • Brighton Pride : 1st weekend in August. Considered by many to be the biggest and the best Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Pride Festival in the UK, attracting more than 100,000 people annually to Brighton for the week-long festival in late July-early August. Features parades, parties and music.  (date needs fixing)

Learn [ edit ]

Brighton is home to two universities, the University of Sussex (situated on the edge of the city at Falmer), and the University of Brighton, which has campuses around the city, and in nearby towns.

  • 50.81897 -0.13059 4 Neon School , 282 Madeira Drive, BN2 1EN ( on the seafront, under the arches ), ☏ +44 1273 694662 , [email protected] . A neon art studio arranging one-day or weekend neon workshops. One day £595, two days £950, including all equipment and materials . ( updated Nov 2022 )

Buy [ edit ]

Shopping is one of the main reasons to visit Brighton. But don't get stuck in the mainstream shopping area around Western Road. There are a huge array of shops catering for all tastes but the impressive assortment of independent shops and boutiques is something that differentiates Brighton from many other British cities. The atmosphere in the North Laine and in The Lanes is one of the intangible aspects of the city that leaves many wanting to return time and time again. Brighton is especially good for Music, Books and independent clothes shops. Head towards Hove on Western Road and you'll find a haven of quality charity shops outside of the centre.

  • North Laine contains heaps of shops and market stalls to tempt everyone's quirky or vintage fancies without a chain shop in sight. There is a flea market with numerous stalls in Kensington Gardens and another, the 50.82614 -0.13922 1 North Laine Antiques & Fleamarket in nearby Upper Gardner Street. Shops tend to get less mainstream, the further north into the North Laine area you go.
  • 50.826551 -0.138669 2 Two Feathers , 11 Kensington Gardens, BN1 4AL , ☏ +44 1273 692929 . M-Sa: 10am-6pm, Su: 11pm-6pm . Native American jewellery shop selling new age products such as crystals, incense stick, aromatherapy oils and tarot/oracle cards. ( updated Sep 2020 )
  • 50.823819 -0.140197 3 Enter Gallery , 13 Bond St, BN1 1RD , ☏ +44 1273 724829 . M-F: 9:30am-6pm, Sa: 9am-6pm, Su: 11am-5pm . ( updated Sep 2020 )
  • The Lanes are known for their independent shops, especially antique shops and jewellers. Can get somewhat repetitive but the indoor market 50.82633 -0.13873 4 Snooper's Paradise is always a joy to wander.
  • 50.822082 -0.140863 5 The Lanes Armoury , 26 Meeting House Ln, BN1 1HB , ☏ +44 1273 321357 . M-Sa: 11am-5pm, Su: Closed . World famous for selling antique war memorabilia and weapons. ( updated Sep 2020 )
  • 50.826184 -0.138513 6 Resident , 28 Kensington Gardens, BN1 4AL , ☏ +44 1273 606312 . M-Sa: 9am-6:30pm, Su: 10am-6pm . Was voted "England's favourite indie record shop" in 2011. ( updated Sep 2020 )
  • 50.826881 -0.13813 7 Across The Tracks , 110 Gloucester Rd, BN1 4AF , ☏ +44 1273 677906 . ( updated Sep 2020 )
  • 50.829125 -0.141885 8 The Record Album , 8 Terminus Rd, BN1 3PD ( just above the station ). A small shop specialising in vinyl soundtracks and other retro curiosities. ( updated Sep 2020 )
  • 50.82279 -0.14583 9 Churchill Square Shopping Centre and the surrounding area offer more mainstream goods, standard fare on UK high streets and in shopping centres.
  • London Road is an unglamorous "High Street" type shopping area with some genuine bargains, particularly at the 50.83142 -0.1355 10 Open Market . There is a concentration of electronics, photographic and hi-fi retailers towards the northern end, around Preston Circus.
  • Brighton Marina contains more up-market shops.
  • The pedestrianised George St. is Hove's main shopping area, but it is not really worth a detour if you are already in central Brighton.

Eat [ edit ]

Brighton has excellent food, especially for vegetarians. The most famous (and fairly expensive) vegetarian restaurant is Food for Friends in The Lanes.

On the other end of the scale, there are many takeaways in Brighton catering for different kinds of tastes (pizza, Chinese, Mexican, Indian food). On the beachfront there are many stalls near Brighton Pier selling crêpes, doughnuts and ice-cream. Prices are usually fairly cheap and most are open until late.

Budget [ edit ]

Preston Street on the border of Hove and Brighton has a string of low to mid priced ethnic restaurants.

City centre [ edit ]

  • 50.819264 -0.137512 1 Seafood stalls , A259 . No seaside town is complete without them. On the seafront, about 100 m west of the pier, are a clutch of stands offering snacks of cockles and mussels, crab sandwiches, fish soup and oysters, all for a few pounds. Daytime only. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.825039 -0.154922 2 The Small Batch Coffee Company , 111 Western Rd . Has locations including Brighton and Hove. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.82339 -0.14295 3 Foodilic , 60 North Street, BN1 1RH , ☏ +44 1273 774138 . 11AM-7PM . North Street, is another buffet restaurant, with a variety of vegetarian dishes and some carnivorous options. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.826134 -0.16161 4 Grubbs , 62 Western Rd . Something of a local legend, renowned for their many sauces and toppings. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.824076 -0.138818 5 Pompoko , 110 Church Street . A delightful, small, genuine Japanese cafe, selling a wide range of delicious dishes for a very reasonable price. (If you are eating alone or if there is space at your table, often other diners will be seated with you, which can make some people feel uncomfortable.) Take-away available. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.82483 -0.13529 6 Market Diner ( Circus St. ), 19-21 Circus Street, BN2 9QF . A "greasy spoon" famed for its all-night opening hours and "gutbusters". ( updated Dec 2022 )

Elsewhere [ edit ]

  • 50.861049 -0.1282 7 Burger Off , The New Oak, County Oak Ave , ☏ +44 1273 326655 . Burgers. Family-run with a Five-Star Health inspectorate Rating, well worth a visit ( updated Feb 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

  • 50.82199 -0.15127 8 The Regency , 131 Kings Rd, BN1 2HH ( on the seafront almost opposite the collapsing West Pier ), ☏ +44 1273 325 014 . 8AM-10:30PM . Good value fish and seafood restaurant that won't break the bank. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.827953 -0.136205 9 The Prince George , Trafalgar Street . Pub, near the train station, serves only the finest vegetarian meals and snacks. Wi-Fi available. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.820178 -0.145186 10 Shelter Hall . Not a flop-house for dilapidated sailors, but Hanoi street food Brighton style - mix and match from various vendors. Opened in 2021, it's on the prom at the foot of West St and open M-Sa 08:00-00:00, Su 08:00-22:00. £15-25 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.825483 -0.137563 11 Bill's Restaurant & Bar , The Depot, 100 North Rd , ☏ +44 1273 692894 , fax : +44 1273 692387 . M-Sa 8AM-8PM, Su 10AM-4PM . consistently highly rated and reviewed, the café at Bills specialises in organic munchies of the best type. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.824545 -0.166507 12 Bali Brasserie ( Indonesian-Malaysian Restaurant in Hove ), Kingsway Court, First Avenue , ☏ +44 1273 323810 , [email protected] . Bali Brasserie is one of the finest Brighton restaurants renowned for delicious Indonesian and Malaysian cuisines. £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.821179 -0.140784 13 Gar's , 19 Prince Albert St . Possibly the best Chinese restaurant in town. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.82671 -0.136899 14 The Eagle , 125 Gloucester Rd , ☏ +44 1273 607765 . Great vegan, vegetarian and carnivorous food ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.829212 -0.130485 15 The Greys , 105 Southover St , ☏ +44 1273 680734 . 11th best pub in the UK in 2004. Famous for its food, and chef "Spats" (no child licence.). ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.837292 -0.136142 16 The Open House , 146 Springfield Rd , ☏ +44 1273 880102 . 20th best pub in UK in 2004. Large, child-friendly pub next to London Road train station. Good food and drink. £10-25 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.831942 -0.134609 17 Bardsley's , 22-23a Baker St ( Just off London Road, near the level park ), ☏ +44 1273 681256 . 11:30AM-2:30PM & 4PM-8:30PM . Fine fish and chip restaurants serving delicious fish and chips and some really excellent specials (roys shark steaks are amazing). The family run restaurant has fantastic reviews. It is very popular with locals. £10-20 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.827086 -0.133716 18 Planet India , 4-5 Richmond Parade , ☏ +44 1273 818149 . Tu-Su 6PM-10PM . Great Indian vegetarian restaurant that serves an authentic menu within a friendly atmosphere (barefoot waiter included!) £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.82063 -0.140756 19 Moshimo , Bartholomew Square . An unusual conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, in the glass-sided "opticon" in Bartholomew Square. £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance 50.8249 -0.1539 20 Kambi's (Number 107) and 50.82487 -0.15332 21 A Taste of Sahara (Number 103).
  • 50.82138 -0.139786 22 Giggling Squid , 11 Market St, 159 Church Rod . Good-value Thai restaurant noted for their lunchtime tapas. £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.824708 -0.1386 23 Chilli Pickle , 17 Jubilee St . A high-concept Indian restaurant in Jubilee Square. £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

  • 50.820205 -0.139169 24 Terre à Terre , 71 East St , ☏ +44 1273 729051 . Well-respected vegetarian restaurant, with a lively crowd and bright décor - voted 2nd best British restaurant in the Observer Food Monthly 2004. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.821209 -0.139353 25 English's of Brighton , 30-31 East Street , ☏ +44 1273 327980 . Seafood restaurant. Decor and clientele tend towards the old-school. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.82405 -0.15532 26 Gingerman , 21a Norfolk Square Brighton East Sussex BN1 2PD , ☏ +44 1273 326 688 . fine-dining restaurant (Norfolk Sq.) garnered numerous accolades and spawned three sister operations. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.82624 -0.18023 27 Ginger Pig , 3 Hove Street, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2TR , ☏ +44 1273 736 123 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 50.820304 -0.144905 28 Riddle & Finns The Beach , 65 Kings Rd BN1 1NA ( just east of Music Hall. ), ☏ +44 1273 821218 . Daily noon-10PM . Great reviews for this upscale seafood restaurant on the beach front. They have another branch on Meeting House Lane. ( updated Feb 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

There are many, many pubs and bars catering for all tastes. Any list of reasonable length will be far from complete; if there's a street in central Brighton there is likely to be a pub on it. LGBT-orientated pubs, bars and clubs are mostly in the Kemp Town area of the city, in the vicinity of St James's Street and Marine Drive.

Look out for the spirit 'Tuaca', a sweet Italian brandy liqueur. Almost every bar in Brighton will have it (ask for a squeeze of lime!) but it's rare to see elsewhere in the UK.

Station and Trafalgar Street [ edit ]

  • 50.82768 -0.14205 1 The Evening Star , 55-56 Surrey St, BN1 3PB ( 200 m from railway station ), ☏ +44 1273 328 931 . If you enjoy real ales this is a must. They have a wide selection of tap ales, ciders and bottled Headbangers too. Best of all, it's really cheap! ( updated Feb 2021 )
  • 50.82799 -0.136 2 The Great Eastern , 103 Trafalgar St , ☏ +44 1273 685681 . Offers a wide range of US bourbons and rye whiskeys.  
  • 50.82847 -0.14066 3 The Prince Albert , 48 Trafalgar Street . Boisterous indie kids' pub, with a selection of local ales and a mural of its patron saint, John Peel. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82832 -0.13906 4 The Lord Nelson , 36 Trafalgar St . The "Nellie" is a thoroughly traditional, multi-roomed pub serving a range of ales from the 200-year-old brewery in nearby Lewes.  

North Laine [ edit ]

  • 50.8266 -0.13688 5 Basketmakers Arms , 12 Gloucester Rd, BN1 4AD , ☏ +44 1273 689006 . Great traditional backstreet pub on a side street in the North Laine area. Excellent choice of English ales and excellent good value food. Often busy so arrive early to bag a seat.  
  • 50.82672 -0.13701 6 Eagle . directly opposite is also excellent. ( updated Feb 2021 )
  • 50.82582 -0.13959 7 The Heart & Hand , 75 North Rd, BN1 1YD ( just off Queen's Rd ). This traditional pub, is an indie kids' favourite, famed for its jukebox ( updated Mar 2021 )
  • 50.82502 -0.13875 8 Ten Green Bottles , 9 Jubilee St, Brighton BN1 1GE ( opposite the Jubilee Library ), ☏ +44 1273 567 176 . a wine bar and merchant ( updated Mar 2021 )

The Lanes [ edit ]

  • 50.82062 -0.1423 10 Hotel du Vin , Ship St. . An excellent but very pricey operation. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82265 -0.14246 11 The Victory , Duke Street . Old-fashioned green-tiled pub with fine ales and gigs upstairs. ( updated Nov 2023 )

Pavilion [ edit ]

  • 50.82153 -0.13852 12 Fitz Regent , 7-8 Castle Square, BN1 1FX . A cheap pub. Expect to see just about any type of person in here from Indie Kids and Goths to Old Men and Chavs who somehow all manage to co-exist harmoniously. There is also a nightclub above the pub. ( updated Feb 2021 )
  • 50.82468 -0.13706 13 Ye Olde King & Queen , 13-17 Marlborough Pl . A faux traditional old pub that never loses its popularity! The decor is in a fake-medieval style, but the place is fun if you like a studenty atmosphere. Especially popular with students from the language school called St.Giles close to the pub always hang out here. It is a meeting point for them. As the name of the pub shows, there are portraits of former English kings and queens. The pub has a high ceiling and the space is large. Various forms of entertainment which include karaoke, televised sport and occasional live music.  

Churchill Square and Seafront [ edit ]

  • 50.82036 -0.14457 14 Fortune of War , 156 Kings Rd, BN1 1NB , ☏ +44 1273 205 065 . The most interesting beachside pub, designed to look like a galleon. Can heave as well! ( updated Mar 2021 )
  • 50.82413 -0.1434 15 The Quadrant , 12-13 North Street . Historic, precipitously multi-level pub by the Clocktower, with good beer and live performances. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.8229 -0.14883 16 Regency Tavern , 32-34 Russell Square . Very welcoming if pricey pub, attracting a quiet, mixed clientelle. It is renowned for its kitsch decor, which becomes extra fabulous during Christmas and Valentine's Day. ( updated Nov 2023 )

Western Road area [ edit ]

  • 50.8252 -0.15625 17 The Bee's Mouth , 10 Western Road . Hove. This self-described "jazz dive" serves a selection of potent and pricey world beers in faux-oriental ambience resembling one of Amsterdam's more smokily atmospheric venues.  
  • 50.82667 -0.15917 18 The Farm Tavern , Farm Rd. ( Hove, in a side street off Western Road ). Cosy, friendly pub with a small but well chosen selection of ales. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82372 -0.15416 19 Lion and Lobster , 24 Sillwood St. . Large pub with cluttered, Victorian junk shop interior. There are screens for watching sport, but it is also possible to get away from it. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82271 -0.14385 20 Molly Malones , 57 West Street . Irish pub with live music, good decor and fairly expensive drinks. Somehow infamous, nobody knows why. Best visited at the end of the night when it's filled with locals all similarly confused as to how and why they're there. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.8251 -0.15364 21 Temple Bar , 121 Western Road . Large pub in a shopping area, serving a good selection of Sussex ales and world beers. Somewhat pricey. ( updated Nov 2023 )

Hove [ edit ]

  • 50.83529 -0.18286 22 The Ancient Mariner , 59 Rutland Rd, BN3 5FE , ☏ +44 1273 748 595 . ( updated Feb 2021 )
  • 50.82554 -0.17529 23 The Better Half Pub , 1 Hove Pl, BN3 2RG , ☏ +44 1273 737 869 . ( updated Feb 2021 )
  • 50.83023 -0.17621 24 The Foragers , 3 Stirling Place, BN3 3YU , ☏ +441273733134 . Is a gastropub emphasising local and organic ingredients.  
  • 50.83408 -0.17897 25 The Poets Ale and Smokehouse ( Poet's Corner ), 33 Montgomery St, BN3 5BF , ☏ +44 1273 272212 . Hove's best Harvey's pub. Regular live music is offered, and the pub is home to a Folk club.  
  • 50.83035 -0.17506 26 The Urchin , 15-17 Belfast St, BN3 3YS , ☏ +441273241881 . ( updated Feb 2021 )

St James's Street and Kemptown [ edit ]

  • 50.82118 -0.13461 27 Kings Arms , 56 George St. . A modern and funky bar, offering a relaxing atmosphere during the day, before turning in to a pre-club bar at night. They offer regular cabaret nights and a weekly quiz night. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.81865 -0.12207 28 The Barley Mow , 92 St George's Road . Perhaps the best of a good selection of pubs in Kemptown village, with Sussex ales and fresh cooked food. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82022 -0.13042 29 The Black Dove , 74 St James Street . Eclectic and interesting surroundings, very impressive beer and cider list, live music and performance arts in an intimate space. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.8201 -0.1355 30 Charles Street Tap , 8 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA . LGBT-orientatated bar. Half-price drinks (excluding sparkling wine and cocktails) M-F 5-9PM, Su 8:30PM-close. Small dance floor. Get there early to get a table. Outside smoking garden, sheltered but no heaters. Entry fee selected nights . ( updated Feb 2015 )
  • 50.81943 -0.12729 31 The Hand in Hand , 33 Upper St. James's St. . Everything is quirky about this little pub from the eccentric regulars to the collection of Edwardian erotica on the ceiling. Live music on Sundays if you can squeeze in. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82071 -0.13394 32 St James Tavern , 16 Madeira Place . Laid-back pub offering over 70 rums, decent real ales, Thai food and an atmosphere all its own.  
  • 50.8199 -0.12895 33 The Sidewinder , 65 Upper St James Street , ☏ +44 1273 679927 . Su-Th noon-midnight, F Sa noon-2AM . Cosy pub, live music some nights. Great beer garden with lots of tables and about ten heated booths; fantastic smokers' pub. Entry free . ( updated Sep 2017 )

Hanover [ edit ]

The Hanover area of Brighton (north-east of the centre, walk north from St. James, or cross the Level from the bottom of Trafalgar St.) has numerous excellent pubs in close proximity (hence its nickname: "Hangover") to each other and is well worth the 15 minute walk from the city centre. The stand-out is the 50.82923 -0.13051 34 The Greys Freehouse ( at the bottom (mercifully) of Southover street ).   Brighton's best known pub crawl takes place in this area — up Southover St and down Islingword Rd (or vice-versa) — the hill is very steep!

The atmosphere is more relaxed than the centre and the historic Victorian terraced streets with their brightly coloured houses are also notable.

In Southover Street and you will find 50.82932 -0.13038 35 The Geese .   , Greys , 50.82818 -0.12852 36 Dover Castle .   , 50.82781 -0.12798 37 Sir Charles Napier .   and 50.82727 -0.12643 38 Haus On The Hill .   all of which are worth a visit.

Islingword Road runs parallel to Southover Street and there you will find the 50.8318 -0.12876 39 The Admiral .   , 50.83088 -0.12777 40 Village .   , 50.82903 -0.12614 41 The Constant Service .   and 50.82776 -0.12485 42 The Islingword Inn .  

There is also a small but good beer festival once a year in Hanover.

Northern Brighton [ edit ]

Well off the tourist trail, Brighton's relatively gritty northern sprawl is home to a number of boozers, some rough, others diamonds.

  • 50.83192 -0.1354 43 Mitre , 13 Baker Street ( Just off the London Road shopping area ). Traditional Harvey's pub with quietly dotty regulars. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.83186 -0.13445 44 Druids Arms , 79-81 Ditchling Rd, BN1 4SD , ☏ +44 1273 680 596 . Strenuously eccentric pub (the landlord sports a fez) with cheap beer and Thai food, where the Open Market backs onto the Level ( updated Feb 2021 )
  • 50.84175 -0.14108 45 Preston Park Tavern , 88 Havelock Rd, BN1 6GF ( Havelock Road, near Preston Park Station ), ☏ +44 1273 330 517 . Gastropub with a good line in ales. ( updated Feb 2021 )

Clubs and musical venues [ edit ]

  • The 50.8237 -0.13808 46 Dome and 50.82382 -0.13854 47 Corn Exchange are large, neighbouring venues, both architecturally distinguished, being parts of the Royal Pavilion complex. Well known acts are interspersed with more avant garde choices.
  • 50.82141 -0.14612 48 The Brighton Centre , King's Road ( On the seafront ). The largest live performance venue in town, although far from the best loved as a building. The programme is mainstream. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82492 -0.13945 49 Komedia , 44-47 Gardner Street ( In the heart of the North Laine area ). A multi-room venue with a wide variety of comedy and music. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.81728 -0.12252 50 Concorde 2 , Madeira Drive . A medium-sized venue with a busy schedule of live music, a stone's throw from the pier. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82085 -0.14338 51 Casablanca , 5 Middle Street . Scruffy, studenty club offering Jazz, Funk Latin and Disco from DJs and live acts. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.8193 -0.13279 52 Volks , 3 Madeira Drive . Small nightclub offering "underground" music — appropriately, it is built into a seafront archway. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.81783 -0.11897 53 Proud Cabaret Brighton , 83 St. George Street . ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82959 -0.1402 54 Green Door Store ( In the arches beneath the station ). Club and live music venue. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82041 -0.13553 55 Latest Music Bar , 14-17 Manchester Street ( Just off the seafront ). A medium-sized live venue with a varied, generally trendy, bill of fare. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82233 -0.13391 56 The Verdict , 159 Edrward Street ( North of St James's Street ). A special-purpose Jazz venue and supper club. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82431 -0.16248 57 The Brunswick , 1 Holland Rd. . Hove is a large pub venue hosting several performances a week of comedy, jazz, funk, soul and cabaret. Ticket prices are generally not much more than £5. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82847 -0.14066 58 The Prince Albert , 48 Trafalgar Street . One of Brighton's oldest pubs, and an Indie venue (music upstairs) instantly recognisable from its outside mural of the late John Peel, and invaluable early Banksy graffito. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • 50.82921 -0.13053 59 The Greys , 105 Southover Street . A tiny pub venue which only hosts live music occasionally, but is nonetheless worth keeping an eye on because the (mostly acoustic) acts are so well chosen. Advance booking highly advisable. Also respected for its food and drink. ( updated Nov 2023 )
  • The 50.82476 -0.14314 60 Hope (Queen's Road), the 50.8221 -0.14349 61 Fiddler's Elbow (Boyce St.) and 50.82504 -0.17596 62 The Neptune (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.

Sleep [ edit ]

A general note on hostels in Brighton- research the place you're booking into thoroughly before committing. Some are not meant for travellers although marketed as 'hostels'. Hostelpoint on the seafront in particular has a rough reputation, being overcrowded with junkies and generally unsafe. Spend a couple of quid extra and go for a friendlier place, it's worth it.

  • 50.82021 -0.13192 1 OYO Gullivers , 12 New Steine , ☏ +44 1919340021 . Right in the city centre, approximately 250 m from Brighton Pier. Double Rooms from £46.25pppn.  
  • 50.82327 -0.13611 2 Kipps Hostel , 76 Grand Parade , ☏ +44 1273 604182 . Close to Old Stein, Kipps is a pleasant place to stay with a variety of room sizes (10 share mixed dorm to private rooms). The staff are very helpful and welcoming.  
  • 50.82262 -0.15437 3 The Brighton Hotel , 143-145 Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2PQ , ☏ +44 1273 820555 , [email protected] . This Grade II listed hotel is on the seafront directly opposite the Brighton Bandstand. ( updated Jul 2015 )
  • 50.8217 -0.1496 4 Granville Hotel , 124 Kings Rd , ☏ +44 1273 326302 . It's right on the seafront, with no other buildings between it and the beach, and so half of its 24 rooms have a great view of the sea. Each room is decorated in a different style - Japanese, Art Deco, Wedgwood and lace, etc. Some of the rooms have built-in Jacuzzis in the en-suite baths. Well-executed breakfasts, including a vegetarian (and optionally vegan) version of a full English breakfast. Seaview rooms start from £108 (price for two people including breakfast); other rooms are £88. All rooms are non-smoking.  
  • 50.82286 -0.15536 5 Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel , 149 Kings Rd , ☏ +44 844 815 9061 , [email protected] . This grand Victorian beachfront hotel was built back in 1864 and has all the period features. Next to Brighton Pier. Internet access in all rooms. Double rooms from £100 per night.  
  • 50.82013 -0.13194 6 New Steine Hotel , 10-11 New Steine , ☏ +44 1273 695415 , +44 1273 681546 . New Steine Hotel is right in the heart of Brighton city centre, a few hundred metres from the Pier. The restaurant, the New Steine Bistro has been awarded the AA Breakfast and Dinner Award for outstanding quality and service. Double rooms from £95 per night.  
  • 50.8232 -0.14997 7 Artist Residence , 33 Regency Square BN1 2FJ , ☏ +44 1273 324302 . Modern graffiti art decorates this characterful small hotel. Good scores for comfort and service. B&B double £110 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
  • 50.81944 -0.13158 8 A Room With A View , 41 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1PE , ☏ +44 1273 682885 . Bright clean B&B in a Regency house on Kemp Town prom. No children under 12 or dogs. B&B double £110 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
  • 50.81924 -0.12807 9 Paskins Town House , 18 Charlotte St BN2 1AG , ☏ +44 1273 601203 . Smart, Art Deco style B&B; vegan bias but breakfast also offers bacon etc. B&B double £70 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
  • 50.82262 -0.15101 10 Hotel Pelirocco ( the Peli ), 10 Regency Square , ☏ +44 1273327055 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3pm , check-out: noon, options of late check out 1pm or 2pm . The original boutique hotel in Brighton, with 19 individually themed rock'n'roll bedrooms. Own cocktail bar with local beers. Art exhibitions. Offer catered wedding receptions and whole hotel hire. Breakfast included when book direct, vegetarian and vegan options. Singles from £59, doubles from £99 . ( updated Mar 2022 )
  • 50.82066 -0.14234 12 Hotel Du Vin , 2 Ship Street , ☏ +44 330 016 0390 (Reservations) , [email protected] . Close to the Seafront and the pier with a beautiful courtyard entry. This is where the stars stay when in Brighton. Great restaurant as well. Rooms start at around £175 but many would say 'completely worth it for the exclusivity alone'.  
  • 50.82638 -0.16665 13 The Claremont , 13 Second Ave, Hove , ☏ +44 1273 735161 . 5-star hotel 50 yards from the seafront in Hove. Single £75, double from £125.  
  • 50.81976 -0.13968 14 Queen's Hotel , 1 Kings Rd , ☏ +44 1273 321222 . Contemporary, fresh and centralcentral Seafront hotel boasting breathtaking Channel views, spacious rooms, swimming pool, steam room, sauna & gym. Free Wi-Fi. Great restaurant menu, extensive wine, cocktail & Champagne list. Enjoy a high quality stay at a sensible rate. Our best prices are available online.  
  • 50.82275 -0.14974 15 Hotel Una , 55/56 Regency Square , ☏ +44 1273 820464 , [email protected] . Hotel Una is tucked away in Regency Square adjacent to the West pier. It's a bit of a secret that is well worth discovering. Excellent website shows all the individual room styles. Singles from £55, up to £375 for their top room .  
  • 50.81937 -0.1294 16 Kemp Townhouse , 21 Atlingworth Street , ☏ +44 1273 681400 . Stylish and very comfortable boutique hotel in the heart of Brighton, with a Visit Britain five-star rating. Not the cheapest, but excellent value for affordable luxury. Singles start at £70, and doubles at £90 .  
  • 50.8229 -0.15331 17 Oriental Brighton Bed and Breakfast ( B&B and Guesthouse ), 9 Oriental Pl , ☏ +44 1273 205050 . Beautiful bed and breakfast in the heart of Brighton.  
  • 50.82157 -0.14885 18 Hilton Metropole , Kings Rd ( on the seafront to the west of the pier ), ☏ +44 1273 775432 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . Hotel with a distinguished history, much of which is still visible in the reception and dining areas. Positives are large rooms and family-friendly policy that gives 50% discount on second room for kids. Offsetting this is the generally poor maintenance and disappointing service levels. From £100 .  
  • No 124 on Kings Rd next to the Metropole opens in summer 2024.
  • 50.81943 -0.13132 19 Drakes , 43 Marine Parade, Kemptown BN2 1PE , ☏ +44 1273 696934 . Upscale small hotel facing Palace Pier. Stylish rooms, great dining. Assistance dogs only. B&B double £150 . ( updated Jul 2020 )

Cope [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ].

Although Brighton is generally a safe place, like every other big city it has its share of problems. The city centre can get quite rowdy at weekends, and West Street is best avoided after midnight. The sheer volume of people on weekends combined with alcohol consumption make Friday and Saturday nights on this street potentially volatile. However, it is still perfectly possible to have a civilised Friday or Saturday night at one of the venues favoured by locals and sensible tourists.

Brighton attracts quite a lot of homeless people, although most of these individuals are harmless. They will likely only ask you for money and, if you refuse, will simply go on to the next person. Drug-users often gather around London Road and the Level, although these places are perfectly safe before dark. Some areas on the outskirts, such as Whitehawk and Moulsecoomb, have a bad reputation, but most tourists would have little reason to visit them anyway, being far removed from the main attractions and cultural venues the city has to offer.

As with most LGBT-friendly towns and cities, caution should still be used for same-sex public displays of affection in certain areas, but by-and-large the diversity of Brighton & Hove is celebrated and welcomed. In Hove , The Lanes and North Laine areas of the city, same-sex displays of affection will generally go unnoticed and are seen by most residents as acceptable as the norm between men and women. In the Kemp Town and Kemp Town Village areas especially, any homophobic abuse towards LGBT visitors would likely be met by residents with outright hostility towards the perpetrator of such abuse.

Lifeguards patrol the city's beaches from the end of May until the first weekend in September; signposts on the beach show which areas are covered. In an emergency related to the sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Connect [ edit ]

As of Aug 2022, Brighton and Hove and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. There's 5G along the beachfront but it's surprisingly patchy for such a cosmopolitan buzzing place - Three has the best. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Go next [ edit ]

  • Lewes – this gorgeous medieval town has a castle, as well as Glyndebourne Opera House , a famous opera house, set in beautiful grounds where opera-goers eat gourmet picnics at intervals which can be brought in or ordered from their own catering service. 11 mi (18 km) from Brighton and 20 minutes away by train.
  • Dieppe , France – by ferry from Newhaven Harbour, about 9 mi (14 km) east of Brighton. Services are three daily and take around four hours. The service is operated by DFDS
  • Rottingdean – in the east of Brighton, with memories of Kipling, Burne-Jones and several other artists.
  • London – an hour away via train or 2 hours via coach.
  • Worthing – There is no reason you wouldn't want to visit this lovely town. Short journey via train from Brighton Station.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Brighton Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

a view of Brighton Beach and the Ferris wheel on the coast in sunny Brighton, UK

Brighton is a seaside resort town on the southern coast of England that’s known for being quirky, bohemian, artsy, and very LGBTQ-friendly. It’s an extremely popular place to visit in the summer.

I really like this town — even during the summer when it gets crowded!

Considered the hippest city in the UK, Brighton comes to life during the summer with festivals and events. There’s a lot to do here beyond just going to the beach or shows and I think people really miss out on the charm of the city when they just focus on those two things. Brighton is actually a fun year-round destination for anyone looking for a short trip from London .

This travel guide to Brighton will help you plan a fun, affordable, and off-the-beaten-path visit to this underrated city!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Brighton

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Brighton

The 18th-century Royal Pavilion in Brighton, UK

1. Wander Brighton Pier

Brighton’s most famous attraction, the Brighton Palace Pier is a great place for a stroll. It’s particularly beautiful during sunset and sunrise. There has been a pier here since 1823 but the pier in its current form opened in 1899. It has been through both world wars as well as many, many storms (some of which destroyed the previous versions). During the day, lots of people come and hang out at the arcades, ride the rides, and restaurants. It’s great for relaxing and people-watching. At night, it’s lit up with 67,000 lights which makes for a pretty cool spectacle.

2. Visit the Royal Pavilion

Completed in 1823 for King George IV, the Royal Pavilion is Brighton’s most iconic building. Although King George was only able to visit the Royal Pavilion twice, it was often used as a royal summer home and, during World War II, it was transformed into a military hospital. Many of the rooms, including the banqueting room, the kitchen, the saloon, the music room, and three bedrooms have been restored to reflect how it would have looked during the Regency era. There’s also a pretty garden in front that you can visit for free to get photos of the exterior. Admission is 17 GBP and includes unlimited return visits for one year.

3. Spend time at Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach can get touristy and crowded in the summer, but it’s the best place to swim (be warned, the water is never warm!) and get some sun. It’s a pebbly beach but there’s plenty to do with lots of watersports in the sea, the nearby Pier, and a selection of shops and cafés. At the western end of Brighton Beach, near Hove Beach, there is a colorful row of beach huts perfect for some Insta-worthy pictures and a 4-mile (6-kilometer) promenade that’s great for a stroll with nice views.

4. Day trip to Seven Sisters Country Park

Located within the South Downs National Park, the Seven Sisters Country Park is a great place for a quiet afternoon in nature, with an abundance of flora and fauna. The park includes a number of chalk cliffs (almost 700 acres’ worth) that run right up to the seaside. You can find several walking trails as well as cycling, canoeing, and paddle boarding options here. Admission is free.

5. Hike Devil’s Dyke

The largest dyke in the UK, this mile-long valley is part of the Southern England chalk formation and offers panoramic views across the South Downs. The rare chalk grassland is home to beautiful wildlife, from birds to butterflies, that you can see while hiking or cycling across one of the area’s many bridleways (trails). Devil’s Dyke history dates back to the Stone Age and you can see everything from the remnants of an Iron Age hillfort to the remains of a Victorian funfair. In recent years, it has become a popular spot for hang gliding. It’s only accessible by car and parking costs 6 GBP per day.

Other Things to See and Do in Brighton

1. explore the city through the eyes of a local.

Brighton Greeters is a free program that connects visitors with a volunteer local guide. You’ll spend two hours with a guide who will take you around the city on a personalized tour. It’s a unique way to see Brighton and a cool way to connect with an insider. It’s best to book early on in your visit so that you can get plenty of local tips for the rest of your trip. I can’t recommend it enough!

2. See contemporary art at Fabrica Gallery

Located in a former Regency church, this artist-run visual art gallery is free to visit and a wonderful spot for afternoon inspiration. Exhibitions change several times a year and, in the past, have included video installations, contemporary photography exhibits, and large sculpture works. It’s only open for special exhibitions, so visit their website for a schedule of shows. If you visit on a weekend, you can also pop into their new café for a drink and snack.

3. Take a break at St. Ann’s Well Gardens

A beautiful and expansive park near the Hove seafront, St. Ann’s Well Gardens is named after its chalybeate spring (a spring with a heavy concentration of iron in the water). Legend has it that the spring’s waters are the tears of a woman named Annafrieda, shed after she learned that her lover had been murdered. The park has tennis courts, a children’s play area, and numerous local and exotic trees. There’s a small garden café in the park too.

4. Explore under the sea

First founded in 1871, Sea Life Center is the world’s oldest operating aquarium. The aquarium’s star attraction is the new Day & Night exhibition, which includes a 24-hour window into what life in a coral reef looks like, featuring Black Tip Reef Sharks and stingrays. As you walk through the Day & Night aquarium, the lighting changes so you can see different species living in different environments. Other experiences include exploring the Rainforest Adventure zone and riding on an indoor glass-bottom boat (requires a separate ticket). Admission starts at 17 GBP if you book online two or more days in advance.

5. Attend Brighton Festival

Every May, Brighton puts on the second-largest art festival in Great Britain, with music, theater, dance, art, and more across around 35 different venues across the town. Tens of thousands of people attend the event so make sure you book accommodation in advance. Some events are free, while others cost between 5-40 GBP.

6. Attend a special event at the Brighton Centre

The Brighton Centre is a huge conference and exhibition center designed in the Brutalist style. Located right on the waterfront, this is where they hold big-name concerts, comedy shows, theater and dance performances, and special events. Check out the calendar to find out what’s on or stop in to see if there are any day-of tickets available. Prices start at around 25 GBP.

7. Get lost in the Brighton Toy & Model Museum

For something a little unusual, the Toy & Model Museum is a fun escape. Located underneath the central train station, this museum has over 10,000 items in its collection, including working toy trains, vintage toys, and 20th-century packaging and advertisements. It’s quirky but also super interesting. Admission is 7 GBP.

8. Party in Kemptown

Brighton is unofficially known as the queer capital of the UK, and most of the gay and lesbian nightlife is in the Kemptown neighborhood along St. James Street. Just a few blocks from Brighton Pier, there are many great LGBTQ-owned bars, venues, and clubs here. The Charles Street Tap is a long-running gay bar with pub nights and pop music blasting on the TV screens, while The Queens Arms is a small venue with daily cabaret shows. If you’re looking to belt some music, Bar Broadway welcomes everyone for show tunes with sing-a-longs.

9. Enjoy panoramic views from the Brighton i360

Opened in 2016, this is one of Brighton’s newest attractions. The i360 tower stands 162 meters (53 feet) tall and is located at the foot of the former West Pier. Designed by the team behind the London Eye, it cost 46 million GBP to build and offers panoramic views over Brighton. On a clear day, you may even be able to see the Isle of Wight some 40 miles (64 kilometers) away. The experience takes less than 30 minutes and costs 17.95 GBP.

10. Shop in the Lanes

The Lanes are a famous spot to catch a glimpse of that hippie Brighton vibe. This area is a collection of narrow streets and alleys, or lanes, with lots of independent small shops, restaurants, and street art. Look for the North Lane Bazaar shopping streets and just poke around the different shops for souvenirs.

11. Attend Brighton & Hove Pride

Held annually over a weekend in August, Brighton’s Pride event is internationally recognized as one of the best in the world with a huge parade, peaceful demonstrations, and community fundraising. Tickets to the Fabuloso event start at 28.50 for one day (the weekend tickets start at 48.50 GBP), there’s a village party and you can camp all weekend.

For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides:

  • Bath Travel Guide
  • Bristol Travel Guide
  • Cambridge Travel Guide
  • Liverpool Travel Guide
  • London Travel Guide
  • Manchester Travel Guide
  • Oxford Travel Guide

Brighton Travel Costs

People walking around on the boardwalk on the Brighton pier in Brighton, UK

Hostel prices – A dorm with 4-8 beds costs 23-38 GBP per night while dorms with 10-12 beds start at 19 GBP. Private rooms start around 60 GBP. Prices can be up to two times higher during the summer. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have either self-catering facilities or free breakfast.

Since Brighton is surrounded by a national park, there are also plenty of camping options available in the area. For a basic tent plot, expect to pay around 20 GBP per night for a pitch without electricity (there’s not great availability in the off-season).

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels start at 60 GBP per night (100 GBP in summer). Expect basic amenities like TV, coffee/tea makers, and AC.

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Brighton. Private rooms start at 50-65 GBP per night, while a full apartment averages 100-125 GBP per night. Prices can double when not booked in advance, so book early.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

You can find kebabs for about 5 GBP while fish and chips cost around 8-10 GBP. Indian lunch specials are around 10 GBP. Burritos and sandwiches cost 5-9 GBP, pizza starts at 8-10 GBP, and a fast food combo (think McDonald’s) is around 6 GBP.

For an inexpensive meal at a pub or restaurant, expect to pay between 12-16 GBP for a main course, while a pint of beer costs around 5 GBP. Sunday roasts (13-15 GBP) are a well-known tradition in Brighton, like most of the United Kingdom. Usually served with lots of vegetables, this is a hearty way to end your week. A 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs from 30 GBP.

Some good places for a roast are The Royal Sovereign Pub, The Dover Castle, and The Dorset Bar & Restaurant.

A latte or cappuccino costs around 3 GBP while bottled water is 1.25 GBP.

A week’s worth of basic groceries costs between 40-55 GBP. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat. The best places to buy cheap groceries are Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco.

Backpacking Brighton Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Brighton, expect to spend around 60 GBP per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, walking and using public transit to get around, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and hanging out at the beach. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 GBP to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of about 130 GBP per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or private Airbnb, eat out for most meals at cheap pubs and fast food joints, have a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visit the Sea Life Center and the Toy Museum.

On a “luxury” budget of 255 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do as many activities and tours as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Brighton Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While the UK is one of the most expensive countries in the world, Brighton is more affordable than other cities thanks to its cheap pubs, public parks, free beaches, and affordable hostels. Here are my top ways to save money when you visit Brighton:

  • Visit the parks and gardens – Brighton has numerous parks and gardens that are beautiful to explore during the summer months. Best of all, they’re free!
  • Buy an all-day bus ticket – If you need to use the public buses to get around, save money by getting an all-day bus pass for 5 GBP. It’s the cheapest way to get around.
  • Eat cheap – If you are going to eat out, stick to fish and chips and other pub foods. While it’s not the healthiest option, it’s the most budget-friendly. For further savings, book accommodation with a kitchen and cook for yourself.
  • Relax at the beach – Sunday is beach day and the Brighton Pier and Brighton Beach attract tourists and day-trippers from the surrounding area. Wander around and take in the scene for free.
  • Take a free walking tour – If you want to get a better feel for the city, be sure to take a free walking tour. They only last a couple of hours and are a great way to engage with the city’s history. Both Real Brighton Tours and Brighton Greeters have excellent guides and cover all the highlights.
  • Stay with a local – If you’re on a budget, use Couchsurfing to stay with a local for free. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to cut costs while connecting with a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
  • Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Brighton

As a relatively popular weekend destination, Brighton has a few budget-friendly accommodation options. Here are my suggested places to stay in Brighton:

  • Seadragon Backpackers
  • Selina Brighton
  • HAPPY Brighton
  • YHA Brighton

How to Get Around Brighton

White cliffs rising up out of the ocean in Brighton, UK

Public transportation – The best way to get around Brighton, especially if you stick to the central area, is by foot. The city is relatively compact and everything is easy to reach. However, there is an extensive bus network through Brighton and Hove to get around if you need it.

The easiest way to buy bus tickets is through the Brighton & Hove bus app. A ticket valid for 60 minutes costs 2.80 GBP. If you’re going to use the bus a lot, you can get a citySAVER day pass for 5 GBP (5.50 GBP if you want to use the night buses). You can also buy 2-,3-,4- and 7-day passes. Tickets can also be bought on the bus or in advance through pay stations and shops around the city.

Bicycle – Brighton is a very bike-friendly city, and in fact, Cycling England chose it as one of six Cycling Demonstration Towns to encourage and promote cycling. Brighton’s public bike-sharing program is BTN BikeShare and you can find docking stations all over the city. Unlock a bike for 1 GBP and then it’s just 4p/minute.

Bike rentals from private companies start at around 25 GBP per day.

Taxi – Taxis cost 2.80 GBP to start and then 2.20 GBP per mile. Given how expensive they are, I wouldn’t take one unless absolutely necessary.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Brighton but, again, walking or cycling is the easiest way to get around the city on a budget.

Car rentals – You don’t need a car to explore the city, however, it might be helpful if you want to explore the region. Car rentals can be found for as little as 20 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. Keep in mind driving is on the left and that most cars have a manual transmission. Drivers need to be at least 21 to rent a car.

When to Go to Brighton

Summer is peak tourism season in Brighton and temperatures are the warmest during this time — but rarely are they ever above 27°C (80°F). Brighton is bursting at the seams during the summer and the city offers a fun, lively atmosphere thanks to the many seaside attractions. People make the most of the warm weather and there are constantly tons of events and festivals happening. Prices are a little higher so be sure to book early to save money and secure your spot (accommodation can sell out when festivals are happening).

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are also fantastic times to visit, as temperatures are mild and the crowds have thinned out. It’s still warm enough to hike and explore though you won’t be able to hit the beach. Expect a little rain.

Winter lasts from December to February, and tourism crowds thin out drastically during this time. Temperatures rarely dip below 3°C (37°F), and prices are slightly lower as well. While it’s a fine time to visit, I would try to aim for the shoulder season or summer instead just to beat the grey winter weather.

How to Stay Safe in Brighton

Brighton is safe and the risk of violent crime here is low. Scams and pickpocketing can occur around high-traffic areas, especially around tourist attractions like the Pier and Brighton Beach. Pickpockets tend to work in teams so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

Avoid leaving your belongings unattended on the beach as bags and purses can get swiped. If you’re out enjoying the nightlife in Brighton, keep your belongings close to deter potential pickpockets and always keep an eye on your drink.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams here are rare, however, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 999.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Brighton Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
  • Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
  • FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
  • BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Brighton Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

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22 best things to do in Brighton on your next weekend break

Catch a show, hit the pier or beach, or take to the skies in the world’s tallest moving observation tower. these are the experiences all visitors to brighton should prioritise.

tourist information brighton

E ver since King George IV picked Brighton for his fantasy holiday pad, the city has retained a fondness for bawdy fun. The Prince Regent’s Royal Pavilion may have transformed what was once a small fishing village into an anything-goes tourist destination, but Brighton still has gravitas. Elegant Regency architecture mixes with top-rate museums; cool restaurants rival London’s foodie scene; and The Lanes’ cobbled alleyways atmospherically evoke Brighton’s early history. As for the city’s more quirky attractions, time it right and you could catch the annual naked bike ride or the Brighton mods meet-up. Alternatively, check out Kemptown for camp pubs, burlesque bars and live music, then North Laine’s hip enclave of indie shops and artisan cafés. Even the beach scene is far from boring, with funky galleries, horsebox-converted saunas on the pebbles, and a swish 50m heated outdoor pool.

Main photo: Brighton Pier (Getty Images)

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1. Uncover Brighton’s queer history on a LGBTQ guided tour

Unofficially dubbed as the UK’s gay capital, Brighton has a long history of inclusivity. Rainbow flags adorn buildings and not just during Pride; there are gay pubs aplenty alongside specialist bookshops, accessories stores and entertainment venues. And Kemptown, fondly known as Brighton’s gay village, is one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in the city. On this guided walking tour with a local expert, stroll through 200 years of history charting the places and celebrity icons that put Brighton firmly on the LGBTQ map. You’ll also learn how the city hosted the first same-sex marriage in 1923.

The Queens Arms in Kemptown (Alamy)

2. Step inside the Royal Pavilion

Easily Brighton’s most distinctive icon, the Royal Pavilion is an absolute must-see. Built by John Nash, this was the Prince Regent’s ostentatious seaside party pad; its flamboyant exterior of minarets, jelly-mould domes and mock-Mogul detailing almost pales into insignificance once you step inside. George IV favoured Kubla Khan-style extravagance: the dragon-festooned music room is a highlight; so too, the ostentatious banqueting room and nodding Chinese statuettes. Upstairs, don’t miss Queen Victoria’s lumpy-looking mattress-tiered bed; worthy of the one described in Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea .

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The music room at the Brighton Pavilion (Alamy)

3. Go behind the scenes at the museum

From the Brighton Pavilion, you’re now a pebble’s throw away from Brighton Museum and Art Gallery . Housed in what was the Prince Regent’s stable complex, this museum has a delightful mix of ceramics and art deco furniture, tribal masks and costumes, and interesting Egyptian artefacts. There’s a good Brighton-focused LGBTQ+ room upstairs, alongside seaside memorabilia and some excellent postwar British art. Plenty of fun quizzes and trails for children are staged, and for culture vultures there’s a new afternoon behind-the-scenes tour, where you get to see the full collection and meet the curators.

brightonmuseums.org.uk

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery (Alamy)

• Best hotels in Brighton

• Best hotels in East Sussex

4. Tour the city on two wheels

Brighton is highly walkable (most attractions are about 10-20 minutes’ stroll from Brighton station), but if you don’t fancy schlepping around on foot, rent one of the city’s pale-green community bikes. They are easy to use and stationed at key points throughout Brighton, with plenty parked along the seafront. Brighton has stacks of cycle lanes, but for an ozone-fuelled skedaddle, pick one up at the Peace Statue by the burnt-down West Pier and pootle eastwards towards the marina. Couples should opt for a fun tandem ride.

Rentable bikes are stationed at key points throughout Brighton (Alamy)

5. Walk the undercliff path to Rottingdean

Rottingdean is Brighton’s hugely photogenic neighbour, and although getting there is straightforward enough by bus it’s much nicer to take the sea-facing stroll. Just beyond the unprepossessing marina is the undercliff walk — a broad-paved pathway backed by steep chalk cliffs. You’ll find some funky sea-facing cafés en route, and if you have kids in tow the rockpools are lovely to explore. Once you reach Rottingdean, head to Rudyard Kipling’s home in the centre of the village. Only the grounds can be visited, but they’re an exquisite example of a traditional English garden.

visitbrighton.com

The Undercliff Walk At Rottingdean (Alamy)

Best boutique hotels in Brighton

6. Munch your way around the city

Brighton and Hove’s foodie scene has really been elevated in recent years, and the ethos of low-mileage cuisine is a feature in many of its excellent restaurants. However, if you fancy tracking down local produce on the hoof, join a Brighton Food Tours walk. Uncovering districts that many tourists miss, you’ll visit the open market, great cheese shops, Brighton’s own sausage shop and scrummy streetfood stalls. There are four walks to choose from, including a Kemptown tour of microbreweries, roasteries and vintage tea shops. Naturally, tastings and quaffings are included.

7. Have fun on the pier

The city’s beach scene has become so hip that Brighton Palace Pier is almost a stand-alone for traditional seaside fun. Come here for the cheesy appeal of spinning cups and dodgems, or jump on the retro-tacky ghost ride and helter-skelter. You can purchase super-saver tickets from the kiosk at the entrance — a bonus if you’re planning to ride the stomach-churning Turbo Coaster. Entrance is free if you just fancy strolling its length. Top tip: fish and chips from Big Fish Trading Company by the kiosk are really excellent.

brightonpier.co.uk

Brighton Palace Pier (Alamy)

8. Spend a day on the beach

Finished with the pier? If the weather’s peachy, Brighton’s beaches offer enough diversions to fill a day. And an evening too; at dusk, you’ve got the strange spectacle of starlings swirling over the piers, and those buzzy live-music beach bars and clubs fill up with cocktail quaffers. During the day, scour the art galleries and cool cafés housed within the old boat sheds, join a volleyball match by the West Pier, or head to Kemptown with some mates for a sauna on the pebbles in Beach Box Spa’s cleverly converted horseboxes.

A murmuration of starlings at the Palace Pier (Andrew Hasson/Alamy)

9. Ride the vertical pier

For locals, the British Airways i360 — a vertical tower with a glass, doughnut-shaped viewing pod — is very much a love-hate beachside fixture. At 138m high, it’s one of the world’s tallest moving observation towers, and the ride takes you swooshing slowly skywards for sparkly views over Regency squares, back gardens, the burnt-out West Pier and all the way along the coastline towards Beachy Head. Of course, the 20-minute ride can be marred by bad weather, so make this a last-minute option. Themed events include Sussex sparkling wine flights and yoga-in-the-sky sessions.

The British Airways i360 observation tower (Alamy)

10. Gawp at sharks and tropical fish

Perfect for families and kids, Sea Life Brighton (just opposite the pier) is the world’s oldest aquarium — an architecturally impressive collection of polychrome arches and salons, stuffed with enormous fish tanks. Book online for family deals to avoid expensive door rates, then gawp at delicate jellyfish, dazzling tropical species and enormous manta rays. Don’t miss the glass-bottom boat ride where you glide through the water over sharks and turtles. As well as daily fish-feeding sessions, there’s also a thrilling behind-glass rainforest adventure, for face-to-face encounters with anacondas, terrapins and poisonous dart frogs.

Fish at the Sea Life Centre (Dave Rushen/SOPA Images/Sipa USA)

11. Head for the hills

Brighton has got it made — a walkable seaside city, with the added bonus of easy access to the South Downs. From Brighton station, nab a place on the heritage open-air double-decker bus up to Devil’s Dyke and you’re only 20 minutes away from the UK’s deepest and longest dry valley. The bus stops outside the family-friendly Vintage Inn, perfect for a refuel before tackling the walks. Families should bring a kite; daredevil couples can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the dyke on a tandem hang-glider.

The view from Devil’s Dyke looking over the Sussex landscape (Alamy)

12. Enjoy a dip at Sea Lanes

Eight years in the making, and a welcome addition to Brighton’s beach scene, Sea Lanes is the UK’s first open-water swimming centre. Plonked right on the pebbles just below Madeira Drive in Kemptown, this six-lane 50m heated pool means you can enjoy an open-air dip all year round — or, if you fancy braving the waves, Sea Lanes offers guided sea-swimming technique sessions. The surrounding area has become a hub of fitness-focused outfits — from SUP operators and kayak hire to a sauna, and the cafés and restaurants keep fitness to the fore with a range of healthy organic menus on offer.

sealanesbrighton.co.uk

Sea Lanes

13. Discover early filmmakers at Hove Museum & Art Gallery

Before Hollywood, there was Hove… and at the Hove Museum & Art Gallery (also known as the Hove Museum of Creativity) you can discover how this once sedate suburb became an important hub for early filmmakers. This elegant former Victorian villa houses two interactive galleries outlining the city’s importance in film history — from the technology used to create early special effects to magic lanterns and examples of some of the UK’s earliest recordings. Alongside a programme of changing exhibitions, there’s also a fun Wizard’s Attic showcasing the evolution of toys from the 18th century.

14. Zip over the waves

Ready for an adrenaline rush? Head to Brighton’s zip wire, one of the city’s newer attractions, where you get to swish some 30m over Brighton beach on the south coast’s longest zip wire ride. Climb the spiral tower at the entrance, get kitted out and safety briefed, then you’re ready to whizz 300m eastwards from the pier. With its parallel twin wires this ride is perfect for couples or families with older children — and for hardcore adrenaline junkies brave enough to step over the ledge, there’s a super-thrilling 24m drop zone.

Brighton’s zipwire (Simon Dack/Alamy)

15. Catch a show at Brighton Dome

Next door to the museum, where “Prinny” stabled his 40-odd horses, is the city’s plushest entertainment venue, Brighton Dome. Inside, it’s all Poirot-style art deco glamour (the architect, Robert Atkinson, had also designed London’s former Daily Express building) and the shows staged here span excellent classical and contemporary music, modern dance, talks and debate, magic events and headliner stars of comedy. The Dome runs a full programme of events throughout the year, and if you’re visiting during Brighton Festival this is definitely a venue to check out.

brightondome.org

Kelis performing at the Dome during the Great Escape Festival (Rob Ball/Redferns via Getty Images)

16. Meander through North Laine

A five-minute walk from the Dome will bring you to North Laine — the city’s buzziest neighbourhood. This was Brighton’s former industrial quarter, but today its grid of narrow streets lined with Victorian cottages are full of fabulous indie shops, impressive street art, chic cafés and bistros. Always busy at weekends, especially the pedestrianised Kensington Gardens (don’t miss the brilliant flea market, Snoopers Paradise), this is Brighton’s hipster-meets-hippy quarter for quirky finds. For a snazzy retro look, head to Jump the Gun for 1960s mod gear, including tonic suits, button badges and Harringtons.

jumpthegun.co.uk

Inside the famous bric-a-brac shop, Kensington Gardens, North Laine (Alamy)

17. Tour the Fishing Museum

East of the West Pier is the Fishing Museum (look out for the old wooden boat outside) — a gem of a Brighton attraction set within the former boat builders’ sheds. Through photographs and marine memorabilia, you can learn the story of the town’s fishing past; from life in the fishing village of Brighthelmstone in the 18th century, to how the party-loving Prince Regent heralded the trend for bathers bagging boat rides from the fishermen. Entrance is free: afterwards pop next door to Jack and Linda’s Smokehouse for a delicious fishy snack.

seafrontheritage.co.uk

The Fishing Museum (Alamy)

18. Scour the Lanes for antiques

Talking of Brighthelmstone, the village where the fishing community settled is now in the Lanes, an atmospheric muddle of narrow alleyways and “twittens” stuffed with jewellers and antiques shops. Sure, it gets crowded and you’ll find yourself walking single file at a snail’s pace; but off-season this is a great spot to explore. Alternatively, book a quirky ghost-themed walking tour here, led by costumed actors at dusk. Afterwards? The Cricketers pub nearby is the city’s oldest tavern, reputedly visited by Jack the Ripper and a favourite haunt of Graham Greene.

ghostwalkbrighton.co.uk

Inside the Lanes Armory shop (Alamy)

19. Book in for Brighton Festival

A festival to rival the Edinburgh event, Brighton Festival kicks off in May, when the city’s 40-odd schools rock along the seafront in fancy dress. This arts festival pulls in the crowds for fabulous live music performances, art exhibitions, dance and talks at venues dotted throughout the city. There’s always one atmospherically quirky highlight event — night-time sound and light installations in Shoreham harbour, for instance — so booking ahead is essential. Brighton Fringe Festival runs concurrently, offering tip-top comedy, acrobatics, art shows and kids’ activities.

brightonfestival.org

Check out the buskers at Brighton Festival (Alamy)

20. Swim between the piers

Brightonians are a hardy mob; it doesn’t matter what the weather is doing or how cold the sea might be, you’ll spot swimmers splashing in the waves with barely a goosepimple evident. A hugely jolly 1km competition (dating back to 1936, it’s the UK’s oldest swimming race) takes place on dates in June and July and you need to register to join. Alternatively, have a solo “between the piers” swim, or, on a calm day, follow the local hipsters and kayak or SUP the route with Brighton Water Sports.

thebrightonwatersports.co.uk

The annual pier-to-pier race (Alamy)

21. Hit the cocktail scene

OK, we have pubs covered — everything from camp dives to snug, hole-in-the-wall boozers — but townies are getting a taste for cocktails, and if that’s your tipple du jour, Brighton has an amazing choice of bars. The newest kid on the block is Burnt Orange, owned by the Salt Room and Coal Shed restaurateur Razak Helalat. This all-day, all-night cocktail bar excels at properly made martinis, garnished with olives and grilled orange skin, alongside flavour-packed grazing dishes. Other cool venues? Try the Plotting Parlour and L’Atelier du Vin.

latelierduvin.co.uk

The Burnt Orange restaurant on Middle Street (Alamy)

22. Ride the world’s oldest electric railway

Chunter along the seafront in a dinky open-air train carriage. Volk’s is the world’s oldest continuously running electric railway, and OK, its route is only a mile long, but for families this is a highly pleasurable ride. Opened in 1883 by eccentric local boy Magnus Volk, it trundles along just east of the pier all the way to Black Rock. Pop into its heritage centre to absorb its history, then stop halfway at Yellowave Beach Sports. My recommendation? Pre-book one of their volleyball courts or classes on the sands.

volkselectricrailway.co.uk

Volk’s electric railway (Alamy)

Take me there

Inspired to visit Brighton but yet to book your trip? Here are the best places to stay from Booking.com and Hotels.com .

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tourist information brighton

Brighton travel guide

Brighton tourism | brighton guide, you're going to love brighton.

With a population of 139,001, Brighton is a must-see destination in England, United Kingdom. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. We recommend you stay at least 6 days in order to fully appreciate everything Brighton has to offer.

tourist information brighton

Activities & attractions in Brighton

Art & performing arts.

tourist information brighton

Other activities

tourist information brighton

Where to Eat in Brighton

Brighton Seafront is the neighborhood with the most restaurants in Brighton. These include popular favorites such as Warung Tujuh (7 Pool Valley), Brighton Beach House – Dining Room (Madeira Dr) and The Copper Clam (143-144 Kings Road Arches). If you’re looking for affordable options, The Ivy in the Lanes (51A Ship Street) and The Ivy Asia, Brighton (51 Ship St) are great picks. For delicious green meals, The Coal Shed Brighton (8 Boyces Street) and The Roundhill Pub (100 Ditchling Road) are recommended spots to get vegetarian or vegan food in Brighton.

When to visit Brighton

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Brighton in July, when the average temperature is 66.2 °F, and the highest can go up to 75.2 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 35.6 °F, with an average temperature of 39.2 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in October, when precipitation is around 3.4″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Brighton, with an average rainfall of 1.8″.

weatherbase

How to Get to Brighton

Although Brighton doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to London All airports (LON), which is located 76 km from Brighton. The shortest flight to Brighton from the United States departs from Miami and takes around 8h 40m.

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Brighton, followed by Train. The train journey from Brighton to Birmingham takes 1h 28m and costs around $18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bristol, expect to pay about $41 for a 1h 35m trip. Located 6 km from the city center, Brighton Fishersgate is the busiest station in Brighton. Another popular train station is Brighton, located 0.8 km from the center.

Another option to get to Brighton is to pick up a car rental from London, which is about 75 km from Brighton. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and DRIVALIA , among others, in London.

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Brighton, including National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Reading, the bus ride to Brighton takes 145 km and will cost you around $6. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $4 for a journey of 217 km. The most popular bus station is Brighton Bus Stop, located 1.2 km from downtown Brighton. Brighton Patcham is also a commonly used station, and is 5 km from the city center.

Airports near Brighton

Airlines serving brighton, where to stay in brighton.

From 5-star hotels such as the The Charm Brighton Boutique Hotel and Spa to great affordable options like the The Brighton Hotel , Brighton offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around $140 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $184 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Travelodge Brighton Seafront and The Queensbury Hotel . There are also lots of vacation rental options in Brighton, with prices from $10 to $533 per night. Brighton Seafront is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Brighton are about 22% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Brighton

Most booked hotels in brighton, renting a car in brighton.

Renting a car in Brighton costs $45 per day, on average, or $271 if you want to rent if for 6 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 161% cheaper than airport locations in Brighton.

Expect to pay $6.97 per gallon in Brighton (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $83.58 and $111.44. The most frequently booked car type in Brighton is Economy (Vauxhall Corsa or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Peugeot 208 or similar) are, on average, 66% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Brighton

2 Adults, 2 Bags

4 Adults, 2 Bags

Happy to Wander

19 Unique & Fun Things to Do in Brighton, England

Last Updated: October 31, 2023

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Brighton is one of the most celebrated gems of the great British seaside, oozing with colour, personality, and an eclectic range of fun things to do.

… and in true Christina fashion, I’m here today to ramble about all the great things you can do there.

Quick Links for Brighton Activities if You’re in a Rush

Must-Do (In My Opinion): Brighton Royal Pavilion Getting Around: Brighton Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour For Views: British Airways i360 For Thrills: Brighton Zip Lining For Kids: Brighton SEA LIFE Day Trip: Seven Sisters and South Downs Trip from Brighton

First: a little context. Brighton first became a go-to destination in the mid-18th century, when English doctors began to prescribe seawater dips & sips as a remedy for all kinds of illness. 

Over time, this glamorous seaside town became the preferred place for the rich to bathe and chill in the name of wellness. The completion of the Brighton Railway in 1840 sealed the deal: with Brighton now a possible day trip from London, it soon became the most attractive of tourist magnets.

Now, Brighton’s beaches may no longer be the go-to place for sun-starved Brits to tan, soak, and heal… (thanks to cheap RyanAir and easyJet flights to Spain and Portugal) but there’s far more to Brighton than just a pebbly, slightly painful to step on beach.

Today, Brighton is considered an epicentre of the UK’s LGBTQ+ scene, as well as one of the most dynamic and fun destinations in the UK.

If you’re wondering what to do in Brighton, I’ve got you. From a jaw dropping palace and vibrant party scene to all the strangest seaside attractions, here are the best things to do in Brighton, England.

tourist information brighton

Save this list of Things to do in Brighton for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Visit the stunning Brighton Royal Pavilion

Buy Tickets

Without a doubt, one of the most unusual and beautiful things to do in Brighton is to visit the drool-worthy Royal Pavilion.

This Grade I-listed structure from the 19th century was built in the Indo-Saracenic Revival style as a holiday home for George, Prince of Wales (later George IV), and wow did the guy have taste.

Most of Brighton features a mix of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, so this fabulous palace with bulbous domes and pretty minarets is quite unusual to behold… with strikingly opulent interiors and gardens to wander happily in (wink wink).

A list of stunning bucket list destinations in England, including historic sights, quaint villages and beautiful must-sees.

Rain or shine, do make sure you book a ticket to see the interior (you can get one in advance here ) – it’s hands down one of the most impressive Brighton attractions I’ve been to!

tourist information brighton

2. Enjoy Brighton Beach

While Brighton Beach may be covered in pebbles rather than sand, it’s still a very popular spot for sunbathing and swimming during the great English summer.

But even when the weather isn’t ideal for swimming, there’s plenty to explore in/around the beachside promenade, so going for a beach walk is definitely one of the best things to do in Brighton… especially since (as the old timey doctors said) it’s good for your health!

Most of the most prominent beachside attractions (which I will get to in a bit) are located on the west side of Brighton Palace Pier – the left if you are facing the water. If you head all the way along the beach on this side, you’ll see Brighton attractions like the beautiful restored Victorian bandstand and Angel of Peace statue.

But head east and you’ll find the oldest operational electric railway in the world, so let your inner child do with that info what it must.

tourist information brighton

3. Have Fun on Brighton Palace Pier

Aside from the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Palace Pier is the most popular man-made attraction in Brighton, and one of the top things to do when visiting the city.

This Grade-II listed pleasure pier dates from 1899 and has been synonymous with fun by the seaside for decades. More than four million people visit the pier each year as it’s lined with arcade games, funfair rides, restaurants and cafés.

It does get very busy in summer but if you don’t like crowds, you could visit when the weather is cooler (like I psychotically did in January).

Of course, no matter the time of year, don’t forget to have some fish and chips! With you being so close to the sea, it’d be rude not to.

tourist information brighton

4. Explore the Artist Quarter

Next to Brighton Pier (on the left/west side) there are a number of art galleries and artist’s studios right on the beachfront, underneath the main road.

These underground ‘lofts’ are known as the Brighton Artist Quarter, where you can find paintings, sculptures, photographs, jewellery and more to buy as souvenirs or gifts.

Having a wander around and talking to the local artists is one of the best things to do in Brighton for art lovers, with most studios opening around midday and closing at sunset.

Plus, there are a number of nice restaurants and bars to explore after you’ve had your fill of art, so be sure to put this spot on your list of Brighton must-dos.

tourist information brighton

5. See Brighton from Up High on British Airways i360

Forget Ferris Wheels, the best way to see Brighton from the sky is on the British Airways i360!

This 162-metre tall observation tower features a circular viewing pod which goes slowly up and down the main ‘needle’ in the middle, offering stunning 360-degree views of Brighton. When the weather is clear you can often see all the way out over the British Channel and wave to the Isle of Wight!

There are regular fun events held within the viewing pod, from yoga to special meals but it’s also super romantic at sunset…

Or if you’d prefer the ultimate thrill, you can even walk around on top of it.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  A regular ticket for the viewing pod costs £19.95 for adults and provides a 25-minute ‘flight’ as well as access to the Sky Bar. Buy tickets in advance here.

tourist information brighton

6. Discover The Lanes

Starting next door to the Royal Pavilion is the winding neighbourhood known as The Lanes, which is packed with an exciting assortment of antique shops, tea rooms, record stores, restaurants, cafés and pubs.

Most of the buildings here are from the 16th and 17th centuries when the neighbourhood was the centre of the fishing town. It’s a fascinating area for a wander or some shopping, often with buskers entertaining during the summer months.

… Just try not to get lost.

Pro tip: Be sure to try some of the unusual ice cream flavours at Brass Monkey in The Lanes!

tourist information brighton

7. Take Ridiculous Photos at the Upside Down House

I’m a sucker for a cheesy photo opp, and the Upside Down House is certainly one of the most fun things to do in Brighton if you’re similarly goofy and will do anything for an absurd picture.

As you can probably guess, everything here is upside down, with furniture attached to the ceiling so that you can take photos that seem to defy gravity.

This is a fun activity in Brighton to do with kids or when it’s raining and even just a photo from the outside (as you can see below) looks pretty cool.

tourist information brighton

8. Pose with a giant donut

Okay, while we’re on the topic of silly photo opps in Brighton, I need to tell you about Afloat, a giant donut sculpture generated by taking a globe and pressing the north and south poles together.

I mainly love it because it’s a giant donut. And it’s a great spot to get a photo of the pier too! What a win.

tourist information brighton

9. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee

Brightonions are said to be among the biggest coffee drinkers in the UK , which a) might explain why I enjoy it here so much and b) why there are SO many great quirky coffee shops all around the city.

Especially if you’re looking for rainy day activities in Brighton, you really can’t go wrong with hiding away with a delicious cuppa joe.

Here are some cafes I’d personally recommend:

  • The Botanist Coffee Co | 50A Gloucester Rd, Brighton BN1 4AQ
  • 17 Grams | 12d Meeting House Ln, Brighton BN1 1HB

tourist information brighton

10. Soak Up the Vibe in North Laine

North Laine is another one of the top cool things to see in Brighton, although it’s not part of The Lanes as you might expect from the confusingly similar names.

This area is located north of Brighton centre in what used to be the slums of the city. Today it’s known for a creative, bohemian and alternative vibe, which is particularly illustrated by all the awesome street art!

Like The Lanes, North Laine is also an excellent shopping destination, especially for clothing. Check out Jump the Gun for 1960s mod-style fashion and Beyond Retro for unique 20th-century fashion pieces.

Of course, there are also plenty more shops, pubs, cafés, restaurants, theatres, galleries, and museums to explore here too.

tourist information brighton

11. Have a Snoop at Snooper’s Paradise

Located in North Laine, the amusingly named Snooper’s Paradise deserves its own listing because it’s just such a cool spot.

In brief, Snooper’s Paradise is a massive market space filled with stalls selling all manner of vintage treasures.

Even if you aren’t particularly looking to buy, it’s incredibly fun to snoop around the labyrinth of retro furniture, vintage crockery, iconic lighting, kitsch homeware, rare vinyl records, books, and memorabilia…

Just be sure to sharpen your willpower before coming in, lest you end up walking out with a frilly vintage lamp.

tourist information brighton

12. Go zip lining

Book tickets

Brighton happens to be home to the South Coast’s longest and fastest zipline, starting 32m above ground level. Thrill-seekers, this is by far one of the most adventurous things to do in Brighton, and the best part is you can even race a friend. Click here to check prices and availability

tourist information brighton

13. Learn About Brighton’s History at the Fishing Museum

From ultra thrilling to decidedly more laidback, another fun thing to do in Brighton is visiting the Brighton Fishing Museum.

You see, before Brighton was a hip and trendy tourist destination it was (unsurprisingly, given the location) a small fishing village, and the Brighton Fishing Museum is the most interesting place to learn about how this 1000 year old fishing community developed into a fashionable seaside resort for the rich… and now a place where travel bloggers go to look at frilly vintage lamps and write about them.

If you enjoy model boats, then you will probably also love it here, as there are many a cute boat on display and, best of all, this museum is free, making it one of the best free things to do in Brighton!

tourist information brighton

14. See Live Fish (and more) at SEA LIFE Brighton

If you’re more into actual fish (and other sea creatures) than the history of fishing (or maybe you’re interested in both!) then SEA LIFE Brighton is the destination for you.

This is actually the oldest aquarium in the world , first opening in 1872 as ‘Brighton Aquarium’. There are 3,500 sea creatures to see here, from turtles and jellyfish to seahorses and octopuses.

The exhibits here are also really unique and interesting, especially the indoor glass-bottomed boat! Buy tickets in advance here for the most stress-free experience.

tourist information brighton

15. Get in Touch with Your Inner Child at the Brighton Toy Museum

This is one of the top things to do in Brighton if you are visiting with kids, but even adults will be in awe when met by the thousands  of vintage toys on display here!

The Brighton Toy & Model Museum (usually just called the Brighton Toy Museum) is huge, with more than 10,000 items on display in over 60 different display areas.

The model railway layout is particularly awesome (it’s the biggest collection in the country) but other vintage toys on display include puppets (and puppet theatres), radio-controlled aircraft, dollhouses, teddy bears, dioramas, slot machines and much, much more.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  The Brighton Toy and Model Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday and costs £7 for adults. Make sure you double-check  the website  for opening times, as sometimes there are private events on.

tourist information brighton

16. Seek Out Brighton West Pier

Looking for a slightly spooky attraction in Brighton? Look no further than (what remains of) the Brighton West Pier.

This was actually the third pier built in Brighton, but the two earlier ones are no longer in use.

First constructed in 1866, this pier originally had a concert hall on the end, which was then converted into a tea room and theatre in the 1950s.

It closed down in 1975 and has since become derelict after years of sea and wind damage. Even though it’s a ruin, you can still see a glimpse of the beautiful Victorian architecture and it makes for some gorgeous photos.

tourist information brighton

17. Have a Pint at The Prince Albert

One of my favourite activities in Brighton is searching out cool street art and at the Prince Albert pub, it’s almost too easy!

The Prince Albert is famous for its colourful exterior, a mural that’s often updated with paintings of famous deceased musicians; from Amy Winehouse and Kurt Cobain, to David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Sid Vicious, George Michael and more.

Here you can also find a replica of the Banksy painting “Kissing Coppers”, which was originally painted on the side of the pub in 2004. And once you’re there, make sure you head into the pub for a drink as it’s just as eclectic inside!

tourist information brighton

18. Catch a Show at the Brighton Dome

As I mentioned, the Brighton Dome was once part of the Royal Pavilion Estate and served as George IV’s stables.

After the palace was sold to the city by Queen Victoria it was used as assembly rooms, a corn exchange and a studio theatre, although now it’s a multi-functional arts and events venue. There’s even a café and a nice bar for a pre- or post-show drink.

The Brighton Dome is most famous for hosting Eurovision in 1974, the year that ABBA won with “Waterloo,” and is a very impressive location to see some live music or theatre while you’re in town.

tourist information brighton

19. Visit the Colourful Hove Beach Huts

Lastly, if you are still searching for fun stuff to do in Brighton, head down to see the colourful beach huts at Hove Beach.

Hove used to be a separate town until it was combined with Brighton in 1997 to form the city of Brighton & Hove. If you’ve ever seen photos of colourful beach huts in Brighton, what you’re actually seeing are the private beach huts of Hove.

It’s possible to walk all the way along the coast from Brighton Beach to Hove Beach though, and it only takes around half an hour from the Brighton Palace Pier before you will see all the different painted beach huts.

tourist information brighton

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Brighton?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more recommendations to my list!

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Brighton Beach & Pier – Tourist Information and Pictures

  • Post published: August 24, 2012
  • Post category: England
  • Post last modified: November 16, 2020
  • Reading time: 10 mins read

Brighton is located on the south coast of England and is often referred to as London on the Sea!

Brighton was known as Brighthelmstone in the ancient times and first settlements date back to 1086 A.D.

Being a traditional British seaside town, Brighton gained its popularity as a health resort in the 18 th century amongst visitors from London after the railway was established. There are now over 900 pubs in Brighton offering a vibrant night life.

Brighton Facts Brighton Pier  – Built in 1899, 1760 feet long and required 85 miles of planking Britain’s oldest electric railway – Volks Railway opened in 1883 Sea Life Centre in Brighton – Largest underwater viewing tunnel and oldest operational aquarium in the world Number of pubs – over 900 pubs in Brighton Large LGBTQ community – often referred to as gay capital of Britain High number of media companies – often referred to as ‘Silicone Beach’

Brighton Pier is also one of the top tourist attractions of Brighton with many fun rides and seaside arcades.

According to Brighton and Hove council figures, over 11m visitors visited Brighton & Hove in 2018. And out of the 11m visitors, 1.15m stayed overnight which shows that Brighton as a destination has so much more to offer than just the beach.

Page contents

Things to do and places to visit Brighton

Brighton pier tourist information.

The pier has seen millions of pounds in investments over the last decade to make it one of the top tourist attractions in the south of England.

The pier features the Super Booster ride which is one of its kind in the UK which catapults 4 brave hearted people up to 38 metres above the sea to drop swinging freely at 60mph.

The pier also features restaurants where during the summer many events are hosted in the restaurant gardens with a spectacular view across Brighton.

Brighton pier also features two amusement arcades, The Palace of Fun and The Dome. They are packed full with many games such as basket ball game, air hockey table and many more. The food court also offers traditional British Fish & Chips, pizza, hot dogs and many more options!

Pebble beach at Brighton

Brighton beach has been regarded by many a news paper and travel outlets as one of the top tourist destinations in the World! Brighton beach also came fourth in TripAdvisors Travellors Choice awards, falling only behind Bournemouth Beach and 2 other beaches in the UK.

Overlooking the Brighton Pier, the Blue Flag pebble beach offers a fantastic seaside experience for visitors. Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education which is awarded on an annual basis, and Brighton beach has been securing this status for more than a few years now.

The promenade comprises of trendy cafes and bars and there are numerous sailing activities and water sports in Brighton Beach itself. The beach also has a dedicated nudist area at eastern edge of the promenade for those who are interested.

Eating out in Brighton – Restaurants and pubs

Brighton has a wide range of restaurants and pubs where you can plan a perfect meal for two, a family or a decent lunch with a beer. Brighton has been awarded Observer Food Awards on numerous occasions for its diverse range of restaurants and many places for food and drinks have scored greatly on the Food Hygiene Scheme.

There are plenty of bars and pubs in Brighton to keep you busy for the whole year round if anyone decided to visit a new pub every day of the year! The nightlife in Brighton can probably only be second to London in terms of the party atmosphere and happy go lucky crowds. The pubs are trendy with designer decorations and outstanding pub food combined with live music.

Brighton Festival

In May every year, Brighton hosts the second largest Art Festival in Britain which includes a Children’s Parade and outdoor events such as pyrotechnics. In venues throughout the city music events, visual arts and theatre shows take place.

Gay Pride and Brighton

Brighton is often referred to as the Gay capital of the south having a large LGBT community. There are plenty of shops, bars and clubs specifically aimed at the community and Gay Pride carnival is also hosted in Brighton in August every year attracting thousands from all over the world.

How to get to Brighton

Brighton beach is often referred to as the London’s Beach. While 47 miles away, it is one of the closest and most famous beach to London. Here’s a list of ways and travelling directions below for your next trip to Brighton.

Getting to Brighton by Train:

There are frequent trains from London Waterloo which takes just over an hour with good connections from London Victoria, London Bridge and Gatwick Airport train stations as well. For up to date travel information and planning a train journey visit National Rail website at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk

Getting to Brighton by Car:

Postcode for Brighton Pier: Brighton Pier, Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1TW

Postcode for Brighton Beach: BN2 1PS

Brighton is approximately 55 miles or 1 hour 30 minutes’ drive from London mainly on A23 and M23 motorway.

Parking near Brighton Beach

The Lanes car park is probably the closest multi storey car park to Bright Pier. It only has 366 spaces so you may struggle to find space in peak season. The post code for Lanes Car park at Brighton Beach is: Black Lion Street, Brighton BN1 1ND

The NCP Car Park Brighton Centre Russel Road is another car park which is quite close to the Brighton Pier. The post code and address for NCP Car Park near Brighton Pier is as follows: Russell Rd, Brighton BN1 2DX

You can also try parking on the Madiera Drive which is right by the beach. However, spaces are limited (363 spaces) so it is always good to have a 2nd option to fall back on to as a backup. Address for Brighton Madeira Drive car park is: Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1PS​ For a full list of car parks in Brighton and prices, you can visit Brighton and Hove council website here: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/parking-and-travel/parking/car-parks

Getting to Brighton by Bus:

By bus, it takes approximately 2 hour 30 minutes from London Victoria, and the coach station in Brighton for National Express coaches is very close to Brighton Pier on Pool Valley Road. For coach fares and reservations you can visit National Express website at www.nationalexpress.com

Map of Brighton Pier and car parks

Brighton beach and pier image gallery, you might also like.

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Brighton Tourist Information and Tourism

(brighton and hove, east sussex, england, uk), more brighton information / fast facts and orientation.

  • Country: England
  • Location: south coast, East Sussex
  • Area: 83 square kilometres / 32 square miles
  • Population: 250,000
  • Language: English
  • Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP)
  • Time zone: GMT / UTC and BST (British Summer Time), 5 hours from Eastern Standard Time
  • Country dialling code: +44
  • Telephone area code: 01273
  • Religion: various religions
  • Average daily January temperature: 8°C / 46°F
  • Average daily July temperature: 23°C / 73°F

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18 Things Brighton is Known and Famous For

The United Kingdom is home to many famous cities, from London to Edinburgh, Manchester to Cambridge. And though many people abroad may not think of Brighton at first, it’s a favorite for many British travelers. For its small size and population, it packs a real punch, with a lot to offer!

Brighton is famous for its stunning seaside, soaring observation tower, and iconic Palace Pier. It is known throughout the United Kingdom for its open-minded community and LGBTQ+ population, as well as its bohemian atmosphere and eco-friendly spirit. And not to forget Brighton and Hove Albion F.C. and the South Downs.

Brighton skyline

Brighton is perfect for a day visit, but it doesn’t have to be either. You’ll find plenty to do and see here for days on end.

So here goes: the 18 things Brighton is known and famous for.

Table of Contents

Brighton beach, Brighton and Hove

Brighton is known across the UK as a seaside destination. It’s one of the favorite places for British people to take a day trip to the sea. It’s especially popular with Londoners and those who live in the South, accessible by just an hour train journey from central London.

Brighton’s shingle beach stretches for 8.7 kilometers. In the winter, it will probably be a bit too cold to stay in the water for too long. The beach will probably be busy with walkers instead. In the summer, the beach will see hundreds of locals and tourists flock to the beach for a refreshing dip or a sunbathe.

The city is also known for its Brighton Marina, which is home to a working harbor and some wonderful residential houses which overlook the sea.

2. Brighton Palace Pier

The Brighton pier, or Palace Pier is a landmark symbol of Brighton Beach

The Brighton Palace Pier has been a landmark of the city for over a century, having been opened in 1899. In fact, it is so popular that it attracted over four million visitors in 2016.

For those who don’t know, piers are a very British phenomenon: a sort of iron and wooden structure that extends into the ocean at seaside resorts.

It was the third pier built in the city but is the only one still operating, after the infamous fire of the West Pier in 2003.

It’s free to visit the pier, which has a variety of activities for all ages, from an arcade to fairground rides. The “Booster” ride is especially well-known for swinging riders 40m into the air over Brighton’s famous sea.

Gorgeous image of the rainbow flag having Brighton beach on a background.

Brighton is the unofficial LGBTQ+ capital of the United Kingdom, with a history dating back to at least the 19th century.

The city hosts many LGBTQ+ venues and shops, and a large and welcoming community. It is estimated that between 11-15% of the Brighton population identifies as lesbian, gay, or bi.

Brighton is home to the largest Pride festival in the country, and it’s one of the most popular in terms of visiting numbers. It lasts for three days on the first weekend of August, making for a great source of fun!

Beautiful sunset in Brighton, UK. Row of beach huts of Hove

Brighton is famous for not being just one place, but two! Officially, the city is called the city of Brighton and Hove and when people refer to Brighton, they’re often referring to this common area (or unitary authority, as it’s officially known).

Brighton and Hove is interesting for being a conurbation. This is where two urban areas naturally expand into one another and the official borders between them become blurred. Despite previously being two separate towns, Brighton and Hove now form one urban area under one city. It was granted city status in 2000.

Brighton and Hove has the largest urban population in the county of East Sussex and the South East of England.

5. Royal Pavilion

Royal Pavillion of Brighton is seen on a Sunny Day

The Royal Pavilion is a grand building located in the center of Brighton. It was a former palace of the Royal Family, being particularly loved by King George IV, who ruled from 1820 to 1830. Queen Victoria sold the Pavilion to the city of Brighton in 1850, meaning it is now a public building.

The Pavilion is especially notable for its Indo-Saracenic style, which is inspired by the Indian architecture of the 19th century. Today, the interior is in the style of George IV’s residence during the 1820s.

The Pavilion also has some wonderful gardens, if you fancy a stroll through nature after visiting the Pavilion. The garden uses only organic methods.

6. Observation Tower

Glass pod and tower for sightseeing attraction at Brighton Pier

The Brighton Observation Tower is a 162-meter-tall tower on the seafront of Britain. It is officially known as the British Airways i360, and is designed by the same architectural company as the iconic London Eye.

Visitors get in the observation tower’s pod at ground level. The pod then rises into the sky to give 360-degree views of the city, the South Downs, and the English Channel. Rides last around 25 minutes, allowing plenty of time to take in your new surroundings.

7. Liz Williams Butterfly Haven

Adonis Blue Butterfly

The Liz Williams Butterfly Haven is an area in the city that was specifically built to attract and provide a habitat for a range of butterflies.

Today, the Haven is home to twenty species of butterfly, making it a grand success. Species of butterfly include the Adonis Blue, whose wings are a striking bright blue, and the Green hairstreak, whose wings are almost neon green in color.

The site was built between 2006 and 2007. It was renamed in 2011 when famous botanist Liz Williams, who recorded 97 species of wildflower in the Haven, passed away.

8. Brighton Festival

The Royal Pavilion, Dr. Blighty show, Brighton Festival

Every May, the city hosts its annual Brighton Festival. It hosts an assortment of art, music, theatre, dance, and film events, among many others.

The festival has been held every year since 1967, apart from in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It receives tens of thousands of visitors every year, with almost 65,000 people in 2016 celebrating its 50th year.

9. Brighton Fringe

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

And if the Brighton Festival is not enough for all you art-lovers, the city also hosts a second annual arts festival, the Brighton Fringe. The Fringe runs for four weeks in May and June, and is the second-largest arts festival in the UK, after the famous Edinburgh Fringe.

Some commentators have even suggested the Brighton Fringe is quickly becoming as big as the Edinburgh Fringe!

The Fringe is unique for being open access. This means the Fringe does not book performers, but rather performers approach the Fringe to ask for support on putting on an event. This creates an exciting vibe where performers range from beginners to professionals (and a lot of the time you can’t even tell).

The Fringe takes part across the city, using famous venues such as the Pavilion as well as private houses and the beach. One year, a performance even took place in a bath.

10. Brighton and Hove Albion F.C.

 General crowd view during the match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion in the FAWSL at American Express Community Stadium.

Brighton and Hove Albion is the city’s local football club. Since 2017, they have played in England’s Premier League (the top league). Albion is an alternative name for Great Britain, and often features in traditional poetry as well as the name of this football club.

The club finished 16th in the most recent league, narrowly escaping relegation to the league below. The team is notable for being one of the only large football teams in the southern area of the UK, which has few large towns or cities. This means Brighton and Hove Albion has amassed a large fanbase across this more rural region.

This also means that, unlike most football teams in the UK, Brighton does not have a local derby (where the team has a strong rivalry with other local teams). The closest large teams are Southampton and Portsmouth, but they are located almost 100 kilometers away.

11. Eco-friendliness

Royal Pavilion in Brighton, England

Brighton is famous for being one of the greenest and most eco-friendly cities in the UK.

It has a large number of sustainability projects. To the north of the city, you’ll find the South Downs, which have influenced the city’s embrace of cohabiting with nature.

In January 2021, the Garden of Life rated Brighton as the most eco-friendly city in the country. The city is home to the only Green Party Member of Parliament in the whole country, Caroline Lucas.

12. Waste House

Brighton waste house

Brighton’s love for being green is so strong that it is even home to Europe’s first building made entirely of re-used waste. The Waste House at the University of Brighton is built from a range of waste objects, such as VHS cassettes and even toothbrushes.

The building is low-energy and sustainable and has won a number of design and architecture awards for its sustainability and uniqueness.

Brighton is also home to the Earthship, which is a completely self-sustainable building. The building was made using recycled materials such as car tires and incorporates renewable energy systems and rainwater harvesting into its structure.

13. Eurovision

ABBA covers

Brighton is famous for hosting the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, which took place in its Brighton Dome. This year of the Eurovision contest is particularly important as the one which shot ABBA to fame across the world.

Their song “Waterloo” received 24 points (second-place Italy got 18) and remains one of their most popular. After winning the contest, ABBA went on to become one of the best-selling bands in music history.

And it’s not just Eurovision that makes Brighton musically famous. The city is also home to Nick Cave, acclaimed singer-songwriter (and actor and author and screenwriter and composer).

14. Street art

A photo of Banksy graffiti on the side of a pub in Brighton of two policemen kissing each other in a golden frame

If you’re into your street art, Brighton is a great place for you. The city is well known for its street art, as is natural for such an artistic and youthful city.

Areas of the city that are particularly special for their street art include Trafalgar Street, Trafalgar Lane, and Gloucester Street.

The city center was formerly home to one of Banksy’s most famous works, the Kissing Coppers, which depicts two policemen kissing (copper is British slang for a policeman).

Sadly, the artwork can no longer be found as it was sold to an anonymous buyer in Miami for $575,000. However, there is a replica on display today, at the Prince Albert Pub.

15. Independent cafés and shops

Brighton's north lanes/laines is a vibrant bohemian shopping area of independent shops and restaurants

A large number of independent cafés and shops find their home in Brighton, especially in comparison to other UK cities. These independent shops give the city an extra charm and a friendly community feel.

The North Laine area is particularly known for its independent businesses, with over 400 of them, as well as a wonderful flea market. This is also where you’ll find a lot of Brighton’s street art!

On Sundays, there are two weekly flea markets, one at the Brighton Marina and one at Brighton Racecourse. Be sure to stop by here to pick up a good deal on artisan goods or vintage clothing.

16. South downs

 Devil's Dyke at the golden hour, West Sussex, near Brighton

The city is a stone’s throw from the South Downs, an area of outstanding beauty and the UK’s newest National Park (since 2011).

The South Downs are known for their rolling hills, which are formed of chalk. Devil’s Dyke is the area most popular with Brighton residents as it’s just 8 kilometers northwest of Brighton. The area has some wonderful walks that go through its deep dry valley.

If you’re into walking and seeing new natural views, be sure to stop by on your visit to Brighton.

17. Railway

Volk's Electric Railway is the oldest continuously running electric railway in the world

Brighton is home to the world’s oldest operating electric railway, the Volk’s electric railway. A quarter-mile-long (400m), the railway runs along the beach and stops just before the Marina. The railway’s history is explained during the short ride.

Trains run every 15 minutes and there’s no need to book. Just turn up and ride!

18. Cycling

Visitors are encouraged to hire bicycles and ride designated cycle paths in Brighton

If you’re looking for ways to get around in Brighton, there’s no better transport than cycling. The city has many cycle lanes, including along the beachfront, and many of the local residents cycle everywhere.

The city also has a number of cycle routes outside the center, for longer and more rural routes. They range from family- and beginner-friendly to more experienced. If you’re a cycling pro, you may even enjoy the 87-kilometer route from London to Brighton – a worthy challenge.

And that concludes our list of the 18 things Brighton is known and famous for. Make sure to let us know all about your visit!

2 thoughts on “18 Things Brighton is Known and Famous For”

Brighton truly is a hidden gem among the cities of the United Kingdom, and this post does a fantastic job highlighting its unique and appealing features. From its beautiful seaside and bustling beachfront to the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, the city offers a delightful coastal experience for locals and tourists alike.

I spent quite a bit of time in Brighton /Hove right as a guest of a very dear friend who livd in those limestone hones along the beach loved every thing about it.the people whereas beautiful as the coastline.

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Brighton Tourist information

Brighton and Hove Tourist Information

Brighton  is the most enchanting, exciting, extraordinary seaside city in britain.

tourist information brighton

However brazen that may sound, it is no exaggeration.

With its cosmopolitan air, oodles of restaurants,  Brighton hotels ,  accommodation ,  guest houses ,  self- catering,  bed and breakfast  and  B&B s, feverish nightlife and abundance of culture for  visitors  and locals, the place defies comparison with anywhere else this side of the English Channel.

For centuries it has been regarded as a 'pleasure dome', and that's not about to change. If you love life, welcome to  Brighton and Hove .

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COMMENTS

  1. VisitBrighton: Brighton's official tourism site

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  11. Brighton

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  12. Brighton Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    1. Explore the city through the eyes of a local. Brighton Greeters is a free program that connects visitors with a volunteer local guide. You'll spend two hours with a guide who will take you around the city on a personalized tour. It's a unique way to see Brighton and a cool way to connect with an insider.

  13. 22 of the best things to do in Brighton

    22. Ride the world's oldest electric railway. Chunter along the seafront in a dinky open-air train carriage. Volk's is the world's oldest continuously running electric railway, and OK, its ...

  14. Brighton Attractions Map

    Get App. Interactive map of Brighton with all popular attractions - Brighton Palace Pier, Royal Pavilion, North Laine and more. Take a look at our detailed itineraries, guides and maps to help you plan your trip to Brighton.

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    Modern Brighton is famous for its nightlife. Catch up-and-coming artists at the aptly named Latest Music Bar, enjoy a pint at novelist Graham Greene's favorite haunt, the Cricketers, before diving into pulsating clubs like Funfair or the Coalition Brighton. 3. A Creative Vibe and Plenty of Cultural Attractions.

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