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Brighton Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

How To Spend The ULTIMATE Weekend In Brighton, England

Ready to find out how to spend the best weekend in Brighton? Find out the top things to do, where to eat and where to stay in this Brighton travel guide.

With its fiercely independent spirit, buzzing foodie scene and an old-time English seaside charm, it’s easy to see why Brighton is one of the most popular seaside day trips from London .

As a kid I always looked forward to visiting Brighton. We’d gorge on fish and chips followed by ice cream, trying desperately to dodge the enormous swooping seagulls. We’d ride dodgems on the pier after using up all of our 2ps on the slot machines.

At age nine (and much to my mum’s horror) I returned home dragging a stuffed panda that was as big, if not bigger than me, in one hand, and a rock from the beach the size of my face in the other. “Look how sparkly this one is,” I said picking up a handful of pebbles on Brighton Beach. “I want to take it home.”

So, when the time came to plan my four Visit England ambassador trips, Brighton was my first choice. I’ve been back several times as an adult, enjoying the food scene more and more, exploring the cool boutiques in The Lanes and seeing the city in a different light. Yet, I’d never written about it. With a weekend in the city, I wanted to get to know it more intimately than ever, seeking out its quirks and charm while learning what draws the tourists, plus the secret spots only the locals know.

If you’re visiting for a day trip, check out the video first then scroll down to find out all about my top things to do in Brighton!

Weekend In Brighton Itinerary: Your guide to spending the ultimate weekend in Brighton

British airways i360.

Last time I visited this gigantic tower did not exist, and yet now it’s a top Brighton tourist attraction!  Designed by the same architects behind the London Eye, the British Airways i360 is an exciting new addition to the seafront, and while the views from the top are impressive, the architecture of the structure itself is equally as photo worthy. Holding up to 200 people at a time (there were only around 50 when I visited) you enter the capsule at the bottom and then ascend to a height of 138 metres. The capsule remains at the top for a while before descending again.

There’s a bar in the middle serving cocktails, champagne and soft drinks. Sipping bubbly from our big bubble in the sky was a lovely experience. From the top we spotted a few unique details – I’d never realised that along with street art on the walls around Brighton, there was also some hiding on the rooftops!

Bluebird Tea Company

I visited the Bluebird Tea Company as part of my food tour of Brighton. It’s a Willy Wonka style store for tea lovers! Using their tea mixology skills they’ve created everything from peppermint crème and salted caramel flavour, to ginger beer, mojitea (geddit?!) and chilli kale! It’s definitely worth a visit, whether you’re on the food tour or not.

Brighton Pavilion  

Many who see pictures of Brighton Pavilion won’t believe it’s in England. Looking more like a relative of the Taj Mahal, the impressive building was adapted from an old farmhouse and used by George, Prince of Wales (who became Prince Regent) as one of his entertaining venues. I’ve passed it on trips before, but never ventured inside until now. The rooms are stunning, with Chinoise details, colourful décor and immense grandeur. You’ll feel like you’ve walked into a Hollywood movie! The Pavilion also hosts exhibitions, and right now (to tie in with the 200th anniversary of her death) you can find out more about Jane Austen’s relationship with the sea, and specifically Brighton.

What to do on a weekend in Brighton if you’re a shopaholic? Visit The Lanes! Not so long ago, Brighton was virtually free of big brands and high street chains. While that’s not the case these days, with all the standard high street stores and restaurants you’d find in any other city (hello H&M, Topshop, Wahaca, Zizzi etc) there’s still a huge passion for local, independent businesses. The Lanes and North Laine are the places to visit for cute boutiques, vintage stores, hipster cafes, vegetarian and vegan paradise (I’m not just talking vege food, you can buy vege shoes too!) plus gift shops and unique ‘Brighton’ haunts.

There’s the vintage-store-come-plant-shop. There’s a quirky store with the name This Is Not A Butchers. And staying with Brighton’s passion for all things vegan, there’s Eden – the vegan perfumerie that promises to match your favourite big name fragrance to one of their vegan alternatives.

Brighton Food Tour

Brighton is known for its plethora of organic foodie stores, vege cafes, delis, coffee shops, restaurants and more, but if you’re only there for a day, it might be hard to know where to start! One of my fave Brighton activities was the food tour we went on. Angela from Brighton Food Tours showed us some amazing places that I never would have found on my own. From fun flavours of tea at Bluebird Tea Company and delicious crisp Belgian fries at BeFries, to 100% organic chocolate at Rainbow Organic Chocolates and fresh oysters at English’s, it was a great way to get to grips with the city’s eclectic food scene.

Albourne Estate

Beyond the neon glow of the pier and Brighton’s sprawling city, it was nice to venture towards the South Downs for a totally different experience. The Albourne Estate is relatively new, just approaching its fifth harvest, and is one of many vineyards located in the south of England. They produce four white wines and a sparkling blanc de blancs and host tours and tastings by appointment. I’d definitely recommend a visit if you’re looking for things to do near Brighton.

It was interesting learning about their techniques, visiting the production room, and of course, tasting too! While I’ve visited vineyards in some pretty beautiful destinations around the world including Mendoza in Argentina and Ronda in Spain, Albourne’s location overlooking the South Downs is up there with the best of them. There are plenty of great vineyard tours in Sussex, and I can’t wait to return to visit some more.

Food For Friends

Brighton’s vegetarian scene is top notch, and you’ll be hard pushed to find somewhere without vegetarian and vegan offerings on the menu. With my passion for food, I was keen to try one of the top restaurants in town. I’d dined at Terre A Terre several times before, and had vegetarian food so flavoursome that I didn’t miss meat one bit.

This time I wanted to try the other top vegetarian restaurant in Brighton, Food For Friends. I started with oyster mushroom ‘scallops’ on pea puree and couldn’t believe how close they were in texture to the real thing. I also tried the tofu pockets with pickled ginger and rice, which were packed full of tasty Asian flavours with a spicy kick. For mains we enjoyed the battered halloumi and chips (a fun spin on fish and chips) and the sweet potato and oyster mushroom katsu curry with coconut rice. Both dishes were incredibly generous, full of flavour, and sure enough, we didn’t miss meat one bit.

Brighton’s spirit is colourful, but so are its walls! Street art and impressive murals cover parts of the city. Some are artfully crafted on key walls, particularly around The Lanes, while to see others you’ll need to venture down side streets and back alleys. There’s even Banksy’s famous ‘Kissing Policemen’. As mentioned, some you can’t even see from the ground, you’ll need to hop on the i360 and view from above!

Brighton Museum And Art Gallery

Get under the skin of Brighton with a trip to its museum. You can find out all about the history of Brighton, plus check out all sorts of exhibitions. During my visit, the Constable and Brighton exhibition was on, showing the artist’s relationship with the city.

Petit Pois Restaurant , Brighton

One of the best meals I’ve eaten in a long time, this French bistro offers fine dining, on a budget. We tucked into an indulgent duck dish, which was accompanied by a celeriac fondant and a sticky orange and star anise jus. I couldn’t believe it was only £10.50! The greens were as delicious and buttery as you’d have across the channel, and while I didn’t quite have space, the cheese and charcuterie platters looked incredibly appetising! 

Plateau  

Looking for somewhere nice for a glass of wine or a cocktail in Brighton? Plateau is the perfect spot. Along with some intriguing concoctions, the bartender will be happy to mix up your favourite drink or create something especially for you. The bar also serves a delicious menu of beautifully presented sharing plates – it’s the kind of place you pop in for a drink and end up staying all evening!

Bewilder Box

This Brighton escape room is one of the best I’ve ever done, and that is really saying something! Located above The Hobgoblin pub, the escape game was immersive, fun and just the right level of challenging for us. It had an entertaining storyline and I loved how creative some of the puzzles were – definitely in a different league to many we’ve done before. 

We worked as a two, but the game will suit bigger groups, and is a great activity if you’re visiting Brighton for a special occasion, a hen/stag do or just fancy trying something different! I can’t say much more, as I don’t want to give anything away, but WE ESCAPED! 

Brighton Pier

I can’t write about Brighton without mentioning the famous pier… the historic Palace Pier. Along with Southend and Blackpool, it’s the most famous in the country. As I wondered over the wooden floorboards, with a rather ferocious sea lapping below, I was transported back to my visits as a kid. I used to peer through the gaps and dare my sisters to step on the wobbly floorboards. I’d race to the end of the pier to the helter skelter and the dodgems. Then on the walk back I’d beg my dad to buy me a stick of sweet, peppermint rock.

I can report – nothing has changed! The helter skelter is still there. The sickly, fried scent of donut batter still wafts down the pier. The tarot reader wagon still sits on one side … and damn those 2p machines are just as inviting as they ever were. It’s one of those places you can’t miss, whether it’s out of nostalgia, or because you REALLY want to win a gigantic dolphin to take home!              

Brighton and Hove Beach Huts

Classic English holiday scene alert! These adorable colourful beach huts run along the seafront from Brighton to Hove. While I didn’t have time to cover Hove on this trip, I’ve been before and it’s a lovely town, much quieter and calmer than Brighton, but with plenty of charm too. Be sure to fit in this walk to see the beach huts, and you can always stop for a coffee or an ice cream at the café along the route.

Where To Stay In Brighton

When it comes to hotels in Brighton, there are plenty of gorgeous options. Be sure to check out my round of the best hotels on Brighton Seafront . Here are a few of my favourites…

Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa  

This seafront hotel is full of stylish touches. Along with smart bedrooms (many with sea views), there’s a great bar and restaurant on the ground floor (Harby’s Bar and Diner) – the perfect spot for a bite to eat or a pre-dinner cocktail. The best part though? The underground spa where you’ll find a pool, several hot tubs, sauna, steam room and relaxation areas.

There was also a great spread at breakfast, with a mix of hot and cold options available, plus service was really friendly. I think this hotel is in a great location for a few days by the seaside. It’s just a few minutes to the pier, the lanes, and around 15 minutes to Brighton Station. 

We stayed in the Danube Suite – a huge room with regency windows overlooking the Regency Square. There’s  beautiful polished wood throughout with a large coffee table and bedframe.

I also loved the in-room bath, toiletries by The White Company and designer details (funky lighting and smart bedding). With super friendly service and one of the best hotel breakfasts I’d had in a long time, it’s somewhere I’ve continued to recommend. 

When Is The Best Time To Visit Brighton?

England is a country obsessed with weather. Don’t know what to say? Comment on the weather! We talk about it a lot, but contrary to what you may have heard, we don’t have awful weather in England. It’s just a little unpredictable and varies from region to region.

You can expect average lows of around 5 °C in London in January / February, and highs around 25°C in July / August.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Brighton, I’d suggest planning a trip in May or June. The weather tends to be warm and sunny, rain is at a minimum and it’s out of peak season, so you shouldn’t be battling any big crowds either. The longest day is around 20th June every year, so it’s a time you can enjoy maximum daylight hours exploring!

I’ve never been a fan of November in Brighton – it gets pretty bleak! It’s the wettest month of the year, and while December can be pretty cold, there’s a Christmas magic around the country which always puts a smile on my face!

While my weekend in Brighton was a little bit of a trip down memory lane, it was also amazing to discover new places, and even venture just outside to the Albourne Estate for a totally contrasting experience.

If you’ve not visited recently, or are planning your first trip, hopefully you’ll be able to squeeze in a few of my top tips!

I enjoyed a weekend in Brighton as part of my year as a Visit England ambassador, showing you some of the amazing things to do without jetting off to far off destinations. A big thanks to Visit England and Visit Brighton for organising my trip! Find out more about the Join The World campaign here . As always, all opinions are my own.

Enjoyed my weekend in Brighton blog? Why not pin it for later?

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

3 thoughts on “How To Spend The ULTIMATE Weekend In Brighton, England”

Love your photos. I made a nostalgic trip to Brighton a few years ago (where I had last been in the late 1970s) and share your impressions!

Thank you! It really is such a lovely place. I hope you take another trip soon!

Beautiful city and great pics, grettings from Malaga-Spain! Chico el boqueron de Malaga.

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A weekend guide to Brighton, England

Updated On 9th December, 2021

Brighton is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in England , it’s even a strong contender for the  best places to visit in the UK. There are so many fun things to do and places to visit in Brighton, and in this blog post I’m going to share some of my favourites with you!

What makes Brighton one of the best places to visit in the UK is the colour within the city. Brighton is full of colourful houses, stunning street art and rainbow flags, best known for being the LGBTQ+ capital of the UK. But that’s not all it’s got going for it! The alternative lifestyle, the buzzing nightlife, shopping on the Lanes, fish and chips on the pier and the surrounding countryside for wonderful walks in England make Brighton a unique place to visit on your UK road trip !

Whether you’re staying in  Brighton for a weekend , or just a day, you will definitely have time to explore and enjoy some of the best things to do in Brighton. Don’t forget to pack your camera, so that you can take photos of the wonderful street art and colourful streets in Brighton !

Prior to this recent visit, I hadn’t been to Brighton in years. It was about time I went back to enjoy this city with a pair of fresh eyes, so I packed an overnight bag and headed to the English coast. As usual, I packed in a load of exploring during my weekend in Brighton and have shared all of my top tips, finds and information in this Brighton blog with you!

In this Brighton travel guide I am going to share with you the best places to stay in Brighton, the best things to do in Brighton, the best places to visit in Brighton and my favourite adventures so far.

Other travel guides you might find useful…

• 30 places you must visit in the UK
• 28 best places to visit in England
• My weekend guide to Brighton
• The best things to do in England
• 18 unique things to do in England
• The best places to visit in Surrey, England
• The best things to do in Cornwall, England
• Top things to do in Bournemouth, England
• Weekend guide to the Isle of Wight
• The 15 UK National Parks on a map: Which should you visit?

Where is Brighton?

Brighton is a seaside resort situated on the South Coast of England. It’s in the county of East Sussex, and about 1hr from  London  by train, 3 hours from Bristol, 2.5 hours from  Bournemouth , or 4.5 hours from  Leeds .

How to get to Brighton…

Brighton is well linked to London and the South East of England by train. Alternatively, you can drive, but parking once you’re there can be tricky.

Once you’re in Brighton itself, everything is within easy walking distance so you won’t need a car to get around.

If you’re in a hotel, AirBnb or staying at a friends, be sure to check the parking situation and whether you have a space allocated. Otherwise it’s a little like London: tricky or expensive. Parking can cost up to £20 a day, which can be a bulky expense on top of your trip.

The train station is right in the centre and walking distance from the centre and the beach front. A great option to avoid car hassle, and more environmentally friendly too!

If you’re coming from further afield, it’s easiest to fly into London Gatwick. But, you can get to Brighton from most London airports and from Southampton Airport fairly easily by public transport.

• Check out flights on skyscanner here.
• Book train tickets with thetrainline.com here.
• Get £25 off your first Airbnb here.

Visiting the UK in the winter? Here are 12 tips for adding adventure into your UK winter trip.

Where to stay in Brighton…

Deciding on where to stay in Brighton completely depends on the type of stay you are after. Are you looking for a weekend staycation in a coastal bed and breakfast? A cheap hostel room? A luxury seafront hotel? Luckily, Brighton can do it all!

For example, if you want to stay in a hostel in Brighton, YHA have their YHA Brighton hostel. This is the the perfect option for budget accommodation with close access to places to visit and things to do in Brighton. Book your YHA stay here.

If the price is right then grab a hotel in the centre or even on the beach front. Some of my favourite seafront hotels in Brighton include…

• Queen’s Hotel
• Thistle Brighton Hotel
• Umi Hotel Brighton
• Hilton Brighton
• The King’s Hotel Brighton

The first time I went to Brighton, I stayed at The Kings Hotel on the seafront. The location was perfect and it was clean with great service.

Top tip: Hotels can get pretty pricey and booked up in the summer months of June – September. Try and book ahead to secure a good deal & ensure you actually get a bed! Use booking.com for great deals.

If prices are looking too high, then you can often save money booing an Airbnb. Air Bnb is also perfect if you’re looking for more of a countryside experience. See pictures below of the Shepherds hut we stayed in!

Book this exact Shepherd’s hut here . To get £30 off your first AirBnb experience, click here.

See a bucket list of unique Airbnb stays in the UK here .

Places to eat in Brighton…

Alongside a whole load of fish and chip takeaways, Brighton delighted me with its extensive offering of vegan, vegetarian and health conscious eateries. One of the best things to do in Brighton is to eat your way through the very accommodating and inclusive food scene!

Whatever it is that takes your fancy, Brighton does a flippin’ impressive job to accommodate!

• Fish and chips on the pier. There is no shortage of fish and chip shops if you fancy them!
• The Hilton for afternoon tea with a sea view or a gorgeous Sunday Roast
• The Tempest , where we enjoyed cold ciders, an insane pulled pork burger and a beetroot and goats cheese tart, which was too, amazing!
• Food for friends, in The Lanes, which I would highly recommend. Even if you love a burger you’ll love this restaurant, so don’t be put off by the ‘vegetarian’ thing.
• Choccywoccydoodah.
• Meat Liquor
• Marmalade cafe
• Red Rooster
• Harry Ramsden’s
• Tropical sushi
• Yefsis of Greece
• The Bok Shop
• Alcampo Lounge

Brighton of course also has all your usual chain restaurants, as well as plenty more food options along the seafront and in The Lanes. Comment on this post if you have any more recommendations!  

See the 30 best places to visit in the UK here

Places to drink in Brighton…

Brighton not only has a thriving health and wellness scene, but also an amazing nightlife! (It’s all about balance, right?) One of the best things to do in Brighton is to head to town as the sun goes down and watch the city come to life after dark over a drink or two.

• Juice 42 , for gorgeous raw juices
• The Tempest Bar
• Fortune of War
• Riki Tik Beach Bar – A slice of Jamaica, amazing rum punches and right on the beach front!
• Mash Tun Pub for a more laid back atmosphere
• Pitcher & Piano for cocktails (expresso martinis are amazing! Also picks up with music and atmosphere in the evenings)
• The Cricketers , which is the oldest pub in Brighton.
• Shuffle Bar
• Twisted Lemon
• Revolution , for a night out

Top tip: Head to Trading Post Coffee Roasters for the best coffee in Brighton. Wow. Prepare for it to be busy – you’ll understand why when you get your hands on a cup! They do breakfast too and the yummiest vegan cakes!

See my essential packing list for a UK road trip here.

The best things to do in Brighton…

1. release your inner child at brighton pier..

One of the best things to do in Brighton, and certainly one of the most fun, is to remember what it is to play on Brighton Pier. Head to the arcades for a good session of fun and games and then head out and enjoy some of the rides on Brighton Pier before enjoying some fish and chips or fresh doughnuts to recover some of your energy. Make sure you don’t leave without buying a stick of Brighton rock candy!

2. Go shopping in The Lanes and stop for coffee afterwards.

If you’re planning a visit to Brighton you’ve probably heard of The Lanes, a collection of narrow lanes in Brighton city centre famous for their vintage shops and independent cafes. One of the best things to do in Brighton is to spend a morning or afternoon browsing the vintage and independent shops, stopping for coffee when you need a break.

3. Explore Brighton’s cultural, arts and music scene.

Brighton is pretty famous for having lots of fun things to do and unique events! See whats on at The Brighton Centre if you’re looking for live music, or what’s on at the The Brighton Dome if you’re more into theatre and dance. Alternatively, head to Brighton and keep an eye out for spontaneous events when you’re there: I was lucky enough to stumble across a VW camper exhibition!

4. Eat all the food, and then some more.

As well as all the foodie suggestions above, there are two more fun things to do in Brighton if you’ve got a sweet tooth. First, watch Fudge being made in Roly’s Fudge Pantry & choose your favourite from the numerous flavours. Just make sure you take some home for souvenirs!

Alternatively (or additionally!) you could book onto a cake making class at www.angelfoodkitchen.co.uk – this would definitely be one of the best things to do in Brighton when it’s raining!

5. Head to Globalls for some fluorescent crazy golf!

Globalls has got to be one of the most fun things to do in Brighton… glow in the dark, flurorescent crazy golf! In teams of up to 5, take on the mini golf courses surrounded by positive, bright colours. Who’s going to get the first hole in one?!

The ultimate guide to planning a full UK road trip ft. the best places to visit in England, NI, Scotland and Wales.

6. Enjoy a morning walk along the seafront with a coffee in hand.

While you’re in Brighton, take advantage of being near the water! One of the best things to do in Brighton is to get up early, grab a takeaway coffee, and head out for a seafront walk in the sunshine. The pier is particularly beautiful at sunrise if you’re an early riser, but if not, don’t panic – sunset is stunning too!

7. Hike Devil’s Dyke for amazing views of South Downs National Park.

Take the 77 bus to Devil’s Dyke in West Sussex for some stunning views across South Downs National Park through the countryside. The hiking trails here are some of the best walks in England .

If you’re thinking of extending your stay in Brighton, check out more of the best things to do in South Downs National Park here.

See my 16 hikes in the UK that you cannot miss here.

8. Head up the British Airways i360 for panoramic views.

If you’re looking for panoramic views across Brighton, Sussex & the South Downs , and the Isle of Wight, going up the  British Airways i360 must be on your list of best things to do in Brighton. The 360 views are in the name, and you get to enjoy them all from the glass pod at the top of this 450ft tower. You can also climb an additional 30m to the top of the tower if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush! Check out tickets here.

9. Learn about the Sussex dolphins on a sunset wildlife cruise.

Golden hour is beautiful… but when dolphins are involved, it’s much more exciting! Sightings of these beautiful creatures this close to the coast are rare, but one of the best things to do in Brighton is to enjoy a Sunset Wildlife Cruise to learn about Sussex dolphins, see the city from a new perspective, watch the sun go down, and support a great charity!

See 28 places you should visit in England here.

10. Enjoy a bike or walking tour of Brighton.

If you’re short of time in Brighton, one of the best things to do so that you see more of the city is to take a bike or walking tour.

Bike hire is available in many places in the city, or you could book onto a the Jolly Explorer’s Brighton Bike Tour for a guided experience!

Prefer being on foot? Brighton is a really walkable city, so you can also enjoy a walking tour around the main parts. If you’ve seen a fair amount of Brighton and you’re looking for a more specific walking tour, try a street art walking tour or this walking tour to learn about over 200 years of LGBTQ+ history.

11. Do the Brighton zip wire along the beach front!

The Brighton zipwire is the longest on the South Coast, and definitely one of the most fun things to do in Brighton! There are twin wires, so why not do it alongside a friend?! Book here.

12. Check out the street art and colourful houses in Brighton.

If you’re looking for bright colours and unique street art, Brighton is the place to be. From the Banksy Kissing Police piece outside the train station, to John Lennon on Upper Gardner Street, there are plenty of places to see really cool street art in Brighton.

Blaker Street is one of the best places to see the colourful houses that Brighton is famous for, but there are many more too. For more colourful streets to visit in Brighton, check out this post by Global Traveller Charlotte.

13. Wake up and reconnect at Beach Box Spa.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Brighton, Beach Box Spa is where you want to be. Beach Box is an all year around wood-fired public beach sauna spa, based on Brighton beach. There are 4 unique saunas to choose from, each with stunning views of the beach and Pier so that you can really escape the hustle and bustle of the city, relax and check in with yourself. You can also opt for handmade body treatments, leaf whisks and ice baths!

Book your trip to Beach Box Spa here. 

14. Enjoy a big screen movie experience with Luna cinema.

One of the best things to do in Brighton is definitely heading to the Luna Beach cinema in summer to enjoy movies from the beach. Pack your popcorn and enjoy the ultimate summer cinematic experience, watching popular movies on the 10-metre outdoor LED screen. Check the summer schedule here. 

Discover beyond the UK with these 15 epic road trips to go on in Europe.

15. Tour the Royal Pavilion.

We couldn’t write a list of the best things to do in Brighton without mentioning the Royal Pavillion, one of the most beautiful buildings in Brighton. What used to be the pleasure palace of King George IV was transformed by John Nash between 1815 and 1823 into one of the most stunning buildings in Britain. Expect a beautiful mix of Regency grandeur with Indian architecture and Chinese inspired interiors.

Book tickets for your tour here.

16. Learn to SUP on Hove Lagoon.

If you’re always seeing photos of people having fun out on the water, but you’ve never done stand-up paddle boarding before and you’re feeling a little apprehensive, make sure you visit Hove Lagoon while you’re in Brighton. At the Hove Lagoon Watersports centre they’ll take you through the process step-by-step so you’re feeling more confident for future water adventures!

Already an SUP expert? Check out their SUP Yoga or SUP on the sea sessions, or try something different like wakeboarding or windsurfing!

Find out more about Hove Lagoon Watersports centre here.

See the best walks and hikes to go on in England here.

Have you been to Brighton?

What are your favourite things to do in Brighton? I’d love to know!

Love as always + happy adventuring…

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A Local’s Guide to Brighton

Today I’m launching a new series of travel guides on Ellie & Co featuring insider travel tips on places to eat, drink, shop, stay and discover in places I travel to around the world, starting with my hometown of Brighton, of course!

I’ve lived in Brighton since the early 2000s (yikes!), and have been writing about the city and its secrets for a while now, so I’ve lots of insider travel tips to share if you’re planning a weekend in Brighton . As I love researching places to go before I go on a trip, I also understand the appeal of finding out where the locals eat, drink and shop.

Brighton has changed a lot since I moved here. Back then it was all hippy shops and grunge. Most restaurants weren’t worth talking about and no one cared much for hot new hangouts. It still has alternative small-town charm, but most hippy shops have made way for artisan cafes, edgy fashion boutiques – and restaurants I actually want to recommend!

A Local’s travel guide to brighton

Rather than an overarching round-up, this local’s guide to Brighton features my favourite places to eat, drink, shop and discover along with twists on visiting the big-ticket tourist sights. They’re basically things I’d recommend to a friend if they asked me what they should do here. I also offer ideas for  escaping the crowds,  the  best day trips  from Brighton and  things to do in Sussex  if you want to explore further.  Let’s go!

Things to do in Brighton

Enjoy the beach like a local.

If you’re planning to visit Brighton, there’s a high chance you’ll want to hang out at the beach. I suggest starting with a brisk dip in the sea before warming up at  the seafront sauna  (£30 for a 90-minute session). You’ll feel refreshed and ready for a browse in the art shops and galleries along the arches and have a seafood lunch (the Copper Clam  near The Shelter Hall is great) leaving time for a boat trip out to  Rampion Wind Farm  (£40 for a two-hour ride).

If you want to hang out on the beach but don’t like crowds in summer, avoid the stretch between the piers. Instead, make a beeline for quieter shores at Hove Lawns or Kemptown east of the Palace Pier. I’ve written about  hidden beaches close to Brighton  if you want to escape further.

Hidden Brighton walks

Half of the fun here is simply strolling around the Brighton neighbourhoods fringing the centre, often overlooked for the classic seafront haunts or shopping areas. Most have a unique character and hide the city’s best architecture, cafes, delis, pubs and restaurants.

I’d start in the cool  Seven Dials  neighbourhood not far from Brighton station, with its weekend cafe culture and conservation area, moving on to Brunswick Town in Hove a block from the seafront, running from the Paris House pub in the east and Brunswick Square in the west.

Leave time for shopping-heaven North Laine before wandering over to historic Kemptown for an early bowl of beef bourguignon at this candlelit French bistro or a juicy steak burger, string fries and a glass of red at independent family-run  Busby and Wilds .

Go Gallery hopping

Brighton is a well-known artists’ enclave and is packed with galleries which are fun to hop around. My favourites are  Fabrica , in a former chapel, which hosts three contemporary art shows a year, and the big  Phoenix Gallery  which hosts 12 free shows a year across two huge spaces, and has a cool  coffee bar , too.

Some of the studios here also open up to the public in May and November Brighton as part of the  Artists’ Open Houses event. To browse art outside, it’s fun to find the novel Dog and Bone Gallery set inside two old red London phone boxes in Seven Dials. There’s also Anna’s Museum , a mini natural history museum in a shopfront window.

Movie night in a vintage Picturehouse

Brighton has several cinemas but none more beautiful and nostalgic than the single-screen Duke of York’s , near this tiny East African, Gujarati and Ismaili restaurant, Kitgum . The Picturehouse opened in the 1900s and still has its original façade and black-white-checkerboard flooring at the entrance.

It’s still going strong, thanks to a loyal local following. It used to specialise in niche arthouse films and documentaries but it now shows a curated pick of mainstream films.

Watch the murmuration

You might have heard me say: “I would rather be punched in the face than go on Brighton Pier in peak summer”. Now, I’ve found a far more peaceful and interesting way to enjoy it, which also makes a romantic winter experience. Stroll arm-in-arm to the Palace Pier at dusk between November and March to be captivated by the sight of the city’s starling population coming together to perform their murmuration dance overhead. It goes on for about an hour and is magical.

find secret Brighton

Hunting for hidden treasures in Brighton is how my blog began, so my  Secret Brighton archives  are a good place to start if you want to go off-the-beaten path, away from the tourist crowds. For example, like most Sussex towns, Brighton is filled with secret alleyways tucked between other streets. These are known locally as ‘twittens’. Camden Terrace is one of the most beautiful but surprisingly the least known. Find my guide to all the hidden streets in Brighton here.

If you need a distraction mid-shopping-spree around Western Road, make a detour towards the pretty Upper North Street to discover Anna’s Museum,  an old shop window filled with curious pieces of natural history. Finally, thousands of visitors come to enjoy Preston Park every year, but very few know that hidden away in the rock garden opposite – one of the city’s best-kept secrets in itself – is a magical waterfall.

WHERE TO EAT In Brighton

People often ask me to recommend places to eat in Brighton – especially those independent neighbourhood favourite cafes and restaurants. I’ve already written about restaurants both  romantic and no-frills , cosy cafes , tea rooms and independent pubs . Here’s a pick of a few favourites we go back to time and again, some for a quick bite, a splurge and, of course, fish and chips:

There are so many  cafes in Brighton .  Café Rust near Preston Park is my pick for a beautifully presented breakfast or filling brunch. Its dark grey and gold façade and blue faded walls, dark wooden floors, give it a pleasing rustic French farmhouse vibe. Their creamy cappuccinos and piles of smoked salmon and fluffy scrambled eggs on sourdough are the best. If it’s a Full English you’re after, this timewarp corner café a block from the sea is your place. They do fry-ups in every combination imaginable, advertised on laminated signs, as well as bubble and squeak, pie and mash, fish and chips, tea in mugs, sandwiches and rolls, toast, omelettes – that kind of thing.

Bardsley’s Fish and Chips

When it comes to fish and chips in Brighton, where to get the best is a hot debate.  One of my favourite spots is the city’s oldest:  Bardsley’s of Baker Street  opened in 1926, its tiny dining room is full of music hall memorabilia relating to Brighton’s vaudeville star, Max Miller. Bankers on Western Road  on the east end of Hove is also good; another sit-down place, the portions huge. For takeaway, I like  Wolfies in Hove , and my local: the  ‘accidentally Twin Peaks’ fish bar .

Bincho Yakitori

I cannot live without Bincho Yakitori , a perma-packed tiny inexpensive Japanese tapas restaurant that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Toyko. It serves delicious and inexpensive small plates made for sharing, cooked as ordered and served when they’re ready. It also does the world’s best fried chicken and plum wine. The vibe is cosy, yet buzzy and fun and it’s a great place for date night or dinner with friends. Insider tip: It’s best to reserve ahead for a table here .

Wild Flor in Hove is one of the city’s newest small neighbourhood gem restaurants, which just keeps getting better. They have a beautiful relaxed candlelit upstairs dining room, perfect for date night. The classic menu offers a mix of decadent (pappardelle of glazed pig cheek, peas and aged parmesan; rhubarb and cardamom custard mille-feuille), yet light and lively dishes  (Cornish crab, pink grapefruit and celery; Saddlescombe lamb, apricot, saffron and lambs lettuce).

The wine list is epic and they now do a £25 set lunch menu of favourite dishes, including their famous Madeleines to finish. Other nearby restaurants for a splurge are the Little Fish Market hidden along a Hove backstreet and The Gingerman I talk about here.

Shelter Hall

Brighton’s first-ever covered food hall, Shelter Hall is set inside a transformed old waiting room built in 1888. Inside, it’s a gleaming contemporary space with high ceilings and statement-tiled floors, high stools around wooden tables. It’s a well-administered home to seven kitchens and two bars, brimming with helpful, smiling staff who will bring plates of Neapolitan pizza and Vietnamese-inspired bao to your sea view table.

Where to drink in Brighton

Ten green bottles.

Sleek wine bars are few and far between in Brighton. You’ll find Ten Green Bottles oddly sandwiched between a Mexican restaurant and dermatology specialists opposite the library. It’s based on the idea of the enotecas in Italy: small, friendly places where you can have a glass of wine, some good cheese, and walk away with a bottle recommended by the owner.

For a sophisticated French cafe-bistro-wine-bar not far from the seafront, Plateau is great. It has a sleek informal downstairs dining room which gets loud, and a quieter one upstairs. It’s good for power lunches, laid-back lunches, a mid-shopping-spree pitstop, cocktails before a night out, dinner with friends, date night… The food is modern French. They do little dishes to share: the piping hot shishito peppers work well with a Margherita before the delectable bavette steak with pomme frites and rocket.

Hand in Hand pub

This colourful pub, the Hand in Hand , in Kemptown village is special. The walls and ceilings are lined with newspaper and crammed with random decorations, including ties pinned to the beams, ceramic beer mugs, and all kinds of pictures. There’s a piano, a box for playing the Sussex pub game, Toad in the Hole (you have to throw metal discs into a hole on the top of the box), and they do jazz nights on a Sunday.

Its piece de resistance is its microbrewery – the Hand Brew Co – where they make their range of unusual beers like toasted coconut porter, cocoa nib, and oat-filled breakfast stout. On the right day, you might even bag yourself a tour, which boasts the accolade of being the UK’s smallest working tower brewery.

WHERE TO SHOP IN BRIGHTON

Wolf and gypsy.

For vintage pieces that reflect modern styles – think 90s crinkle tops, 70s smock dresses, 80s neon cardis and dresses – Wolf and Gypsy is winning. They also sell new pieces including tie-die sweatshirts and pyjamas, as well as homewares. It’s always fun to walk past their window displays, too, which are always fun and change with the seasons or reflect events or things going on in the news.

Audrey’s Chocolates

Set in a Hove townhouse, this marvellous time-capsule chocolate shop,  Audrey’s, has its roots in the 1920s. Outside, the façade is humble and inside it looks as it did when the shop opened in 1961 by Mr William Pain – all panelled in oak, carpeted in red, with old 1960s glass cabinets full of handmade chocolates – all made on-site in the upstairs chocolate factory.

Rainbow Organic Chocolates  in the Open Market is another absolute must for a sweet treat. Owner Suzanne, a former scientist, relocated to Brighton six years ago after starting the business in Edinburgh 10 years ago. She makes every delectable chocolate herself, and her recipes use the best organic seasonal ingredients.

A little browse in Hi Cacti, a colourful cactus shop, takes you to Seven Dials. This is Brighton’s only shop specialising in cacti, and easy-care houseplants and it’s run by the lovely Sabine Palermo who started it when she moved to England from Austin, Texas – which explains the Tex-Mex meets Palm Springs vibes inside. If you’re having a bad day and arrive here sad, you will leave full of inspiration and cheer.

Brighton Flea Market

Snoopers Paradise  in North Laine is an amazing vintage flea market, but it gets seriously busy, especially at the weekend. Brighton Flea Market is a much quieter option in Kemptown across town with the same mix of vintage finds to browse spread across two huge floors – think antique glassware, 1970s bookcases, crockery, artwork, mirrors, and more. It’s also an excuse to grab a coffee at the Marmalade Store.

Where to stay in Brighton

Brighton has no shortage of  great hotels  for every budget, so the hardest part is picking which one is right for you. I live in Brighton but if I were to spend the weekend here, I’d want to wake up either facing the sea, or in a cute, quiet local neighbourhood that huddles the centre – like Seven Dials, Kemptown, or Brunswick that feels less chaotic, and have little neighbourhood restaurants and bars. Here are some to think about:

This is the city and seafront’s dominant hotel – its location practically defines the centre of the city, and its ornate facade is synonymous with Brighton’s seafront. It might be a little faded at the edges as a five-star hotel, but it still makes for a luxury stay. They also have a great breakfast in a huge ballroom with high ceilings. Doubles from £99, B&B.

Artist Residence

This is the Brighton hotel  I recommend most. It’s a playful, stylish and good value (a double costs from £85/night including breakfast). It’s cool yet without being pretentious and homely at the same time. It feels like you’re staying at your stylish artist friend or eccentric relative’s house – the eclectic lounge and dining rooms, have comfy vintage armchairs and a big rustic table where you can work on a computer, meet friends for a drink (they have a bar) or just relax. They also have a separate apartment downstairs if you want to stay with your kids or friends.

Oriental Brighton

The Oriental  on Oriental Place is a good-value hotel with charm in a story-book Regency townhouse near the West Pier. It’s close to cosy cafes, romantic restaurants (like The Gingerman I  talk about here ), and little shops, and it’s central so you can get around town easily. The rooms look dated but they’re clean, comfortable and cheap (doubles are £100 a night in summer – but they will beat any internet rates you find if you call them). I love the little baskets of old-fashioned sweets in each room! There’s also a tiny bar for a cocktail (the Oriental: lychee liqueur and vodka with a dash of Tabasco is incredible) over a board game.

This is the place “Grown-up travellers who pine for the relaxed community vibe of their hostelling days will feel very at home,” according to  The Telegraph . It’s an unpretentious, stylish budget hotel (doubles go from £50 and family rooms from £60 in low season).

I love its light and modern design, and the pastel-pink café facing the sea near the West Pier – which becomes  a Mexican restaurant by night . Digital nomads are welcome to pop in and work, and they also host DJ nights. You check in via an app and at reception sign up for activities like paddle-boarding, yoga, and even a beach clean. There are also plans to open a co-working space in the future.

Rent an apartment

This way you’ll instantly feel like a local . You’ll have a kitchen and living room if you want to cook or stay in and watch films, and you’ll have extra space if you have children or other people on holiday with you. You’ll save money and there are many amazing apartment rentals in Brighton and Hove, especially on  Airbnb .

If you want to narrow down your search, look for places in Seven Dials , Preston Park, Kemptown , and Brunswick in Hove , since these Brighton neighbourhoods are central.

I also have posts on  unique AirBnBs in Brighton  for all budgets and this  cool houseboat  just outside Brighton if you want somewhere different to stay.

DAY TRIPS FROM BRIGHTON

If you’re visiting for more than a few days, you might want to go further afield so here are  6 day trips I highly recommend . I also suggest  places to visit in Sussex  not far from Brighton, such as  little-known wineries , under-the-radar villages to hop around and off-the-beaten path country pubs with incredible gardens  and my favourite  campsites closest to Brighton .

Brighton and Hove together make a small and walkable city, so pack comfortable shoes and don’t be afraid to explore on foot. That’s my favourite way to see the city, and the best way to appreciate the architecture and smaller details you may miss in a car. However, it’s also easy to get around by bike or cab. I recommend visiting in spring before the summer holiday crowds take over, or early autumn when the leaves are changing but it’s not too cold yet.

If you want more inspiration, I have a hunch  these books  will get you in the mood. 

New here? Head over to  check in  for a welcome tour, join other curious travellers and subscribe to the Ellie & Co blog via  email  or follow my stories on   Instagram ,   Twitter   or   Facebook .

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AH! Reading this just made me miss Brighton so much! I’ve only been twice but I am craving a trip and can’t wait to go back!

Hope you can get back soon!

What a fantastic guide and as always incredible photos!

I’ve lived in Brighton all my life and you’ve so many of my favourite places listed here. Don’t forget the Duke of York’s cinema – the best cinema ever.

Yes, of course. Thanks for the reminder! It’s my favourite cinema too.

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How To Spend A Weekend In Brighton

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

Brighton is a beautiful, vibrant, alternative, paradise on the South Coast of England, and I absolutely loved visiting it last summer!

Despite living in London for seven years I haven’t explored much else in England, so when my friends suggested spending a weekend in Brighton for my birthday, I was very excited!

It’s a city that is in love with all things retro (evidenced by the surplus of famous Brighton vintage shops) and a passion for independent establishments.

It’s full of flea markets, bric-a-brac boutiques, and other unique stores that all give it a really cool and hipster vibe.

Brighton is also an incredible city for music and cultural activities, from theatre to street art and everything in between! On every corner you will easily find independent eateries, hipster coffee houses and edgy pubs.

If you’re planning a weekend away from the British capital, Brighton is the perfect place to do so.

In this guide I’ve covered everything you need to know to plan your weekend in Brighon, including what to do, where to stay, where to eat and more. So let’s jump straight in!

• 1.1.1 Wander around The Lanes
• 1.1.2 Visit the Royal Pavillion
• 1.1.3 Chill at Brighton Beach
• 1.1.4 Discover Brighton Palace Pier
• 1.1.5 Enjoy the Brighton Nightlife
• 1.2.1 Have brunch in the Lanes
• 1.2.2 See the view from the British Airways i360
• 1.2.3 Explore the Street Art in Brighton
• 2.1 Accommodation in Brighton

The lively and colourful streets of Brighton in summer

Weekend Break in Brighton: Itinerary

Weekend breaks in Brighton are the best way to experience it, so I’ve put together this Brighton travel guide to help you plan your trip .

It’s a breakdown of how I would spend an ideal Brighton city break and I think it’ll set you up for the best weekend break Brighton has to offer!

Day 1 in Brighton

On your first day in Brighton, you should aim to visit the city’s most iconic sights and attractions.

I’ve planned out a fun-filled first day that will immerse you in Brighton’s famous culture. This is how I would spend a day in Brighton if I only had one to spend!

Wander around The Lanes

When people ask me what to do during Brighton weekend breaks, I always tell them to start with The Lanes. The Lanes are the historic quarters of Brighton, and arguably the city’s best feature!

North Laine Bazaar in Brighton, a great spot for all things vintage!

They’re a network of streets (or lanes, as the name would suggest), that contain the majority of Brighton’s boutiques, vintage shops, curio stores, art galleries, and cultural establishments.

If you’re looking for a slice of cool Brighton culture, or to add an alternative splash to your Brighton shopping, The Lanes is the place to go! Spend some time floating around The Lanes and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

The streets are bustling and alive with a unique off-beat energy; Brighton has cultivated a really cool cultural scene full of fun-loving alternative people, who are warmly welcoming and always smiling!

Some of the vintage market stalls you can find around the Lanes in Brighton

More vintage shops in the Lanes of Brighton

Wander between the myriad of curious independent shops, and poke your head inside to discover some of Brighton’s treasures.

Expect everything from vintage clothes and record stores to funky coffee houses and antique jewellers. I could spend days exploring and getting lost in The Lanes!

Tip – The shops in The Lanes typically don’t open until 11 am on weekends, so start off your morning with some coffee and a bite to eat at one of the awesome hipster cafés.

Wandering around the Lanes and cute shopping streets of Brighton

Visit the Royal Pavillion

Brighton’s Royal Pavillion is one of the most striking sights in the city. It’s a heavily decorated, domed building that appears to be straight out of 18th century India! That’s because, in some ways, it is.

With roots dating back to the late 1700s, the palace was designed by John Nash in the Indo-Saracenic style, which was popular in India at the time.

It was originally built as a seaside residence for King George IV, but the former royal residence is now primarily a tourist attraction.

Rooftop details of the Royal Pavillion in Brighton

The inside is just as grand as the outside, with royal opulence dripping from every corner!

A trip inside is definitely a fascinating experience, but you may choose to save the cost of an entry ticket and just enjoy the architecture from the outside.

The Royal Pavillion Garden that surrounds the building itself is lush and green, and a perfect place to kick back on the grass if you’re visiting in the warmer months.

If you’re planning a winter trip to Brighton, you’ll have the awesome opportunity to ice skate on the grounds of the Pavillion!

This is particularly beautiful at night, with festive lights twinkling all around you and casting a dramatic glow on this exotic palace!

Click here to book an entry ticket to the Royal Pavillion

The Royal Pavillion in Brighton from outside

Chill at Brighton Beach

The UK isn’t particularly renowned for its beaches, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any good ones.

Brighton Beach might not be the white sand tropical beach of your dreams (the water isn’t quite as clear as I’m used to in Sardinia either), but it’s a really cool spot to hang out and enjoy Brighton’s unique atmosphere.

The beach is made up of tiny rocks and pebbles, but don’t worry, they’re all really smooth and surprisingly comfortable! In winter you can take a blanket and a bottle of wine, and cuddle up with loved ones while you enjoy the view.

In summer you can get your tan on and enjoy the sweet sunshine to the soundtrack of the waves. If you’re visiting in summer just be ready for it to be incredibly busy, the Brits love soaking in the sunshine as soon as it comes out!

After all, Brighton is where most people spend their summer holidays in Great Britain .

Brighton has an active port, so there are plenty of ships and boats cruising around the beach and harbour.

Watching them make their way is really peaceful, particularly at sunset when their lights turn on and twinkle against the colourful sky!

Brighton Beach on a sunny summer day

Discover Brighton Palace Pier

A stroll down the Brighton Palace Pier is a whirlwind adventure that conjures images of Coney Island with its fantastical fairground attractions and classic late 19th-century design.

It’s an English seaside classic, fully equipped with arcades, restaurants, cocktail bars, ice cream vendors, and even a fully operational amusement park!

It’s a massive structure, extending over ½ a kilometre out into the sea. It starts off relatively narrow by the shore but opens out at the end, where the amusement park is located.

Take a walk to the end of the pier along the slatted boardwalk, and peer down between the planks to see the water flowing far underfoot!

Brighton Palace Pier

A visit to the pier is an absolute must-do while in Brighton, no matter what kind of trip you’re after. It’s not only an iconic Brighton experience, but it also caters to all kinds of travellers with its diversity.

Whether you want to ride the rides, play a VR game, or enjoy an ice cream or cocktail overlooking the sea, you’ll be happy that you visited Brighton Pier.

My personal favourite way to enjoy the pier is to settle down at one of the many cute bars and sip on a drink as the sun sets over the sea.

The sunset over Brighton as seen from the Brighton Palace Pier

Enjoy the Brighton Nightlife

Brighton is renowned for its varied and infectious nightlife. The options are limitless, from techno clubs to 1960’s throwback bars and live performances of every kind!

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Brighton tonight, you’re in luck, every night is a good night in Brighton!

It’s a city known for its incredible music scene, with a plethora of cool live music venues pouring top-notch tunes into the air every night of the week.

There are plenty of talented musicians who call the city home, and big-name artists make frequent appearances on the scene.

The fun fair / arcade at the end of Brighton Palace Pier, also a popular spot in evenings!

The club scene is equally as diverse, with dozens of clubs playing a wide variety of music, from techno and house to classic rock n’ roll. If you’re in the mood to dance, Brighton has you covered!

If you’d prefer to kick back with a drink, there are also plenty of cool bars and pubs. Try the Plotting Parlour for some chilled out evening drinks and a great vibe. You’ll feel as if you were exploring bars in old town Scottsdale .

The cultural connoisseurs among you will be pleased to know that Brighton is also home to a number of performing arts venues.

Whether you’re after West End theatre, musicals, or stand up comedy, you won’t have a problem filling your evening with vibrant cultural entertainment.

The colourful streets of Brighton

Brighton Music Hall and The Mesmerist are great places to find local music talent, and Maggie Mae’s serves up live music as delectable as their cocktails.

Brighton Dome is a classic venue for big concerts and comedy nights, while Coalition is a killer club with a diverse setlist. There’s a never ending list of things to do in Brighton at night!

Be sure to check out what’s on in Brighton to find things to do in Brighton this weekend!

The cute streets of the Lanes in Brighton

Day 2 in Brighton

After an intense first day in Brighton, I’ve planned a more relaxed itinerary for your second day, so that you have some time to spend however you choose.

There’s plenty to see in Brighton, and one of my favourite things to do in any city is jus wander around and explore!

Have brunch in the Lanes

The lanes offer more than just bric-a-brac boutiques and vintage stores; there are dozens of amazing little restaurants, perfect for a mid-morning brunch!

Take a leisurely stroll from your accommodation to The Lanes, and sift around for the perfect brunch spot.

The Breakfast Club Brighton serves some brilliant breakfast treats, and IL Bistro is a classic British steakhouse with wonderful outdoor seating.

If you don’t eat meat, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, thanks to Brighton’s thriving veggie scene!

So you won’t have to venture far to find something plant-based. Wander around The Lanes for a while after your meal; there’s plenty to see, so you definitely will have missed some stuff on your first day.

Brunching in Brighton

See the view from the British Airways i360

After your relaxing mid-morning feast, wander down toward the beach for a panoramic experience. The British Airways i360 is a unique viewing tower right by the seashore!

At this Brighton attraction, visitors soar 138 meters up into the sky in a futuristic glass bubble that’s wrapped around a central pole.

This allows for amazing 360-degree views of the city and the meandering coastline on which it’s set. The sprawling vistas extend from the Brighton Pier to Brighton’s rolling inland hills and beyond.

There’s even a bar on board the bubble, so you can sip on a cocktail or some bubbly while floating above the city! I recommend that you book your tickets online before you go in order to guarantee a spot.

Click here to book your ticket to see the best view in Brighton!

The British Airways i360 panoramic deck

Explore the Street Art in Brighton

Brighton’s cool culture permeates the city streets in the form of art as well as atmosphere. The city is home to a thriving street art scene, with colourful murals and vibrant graffiti lining the streets and alleyways!

It’s a hotspot for graffiti artists and one of the UK’s key cities for urban art, with an ever-changing landscape of colour to keep your eyes entertained.

If you take a stroll down London Road, you can even spot a classic Banksy original featuring two policemen kissing! The street art in Brighton is a must-see on any weekend itinerary.

One of the many murales in Brighton

Where to stay for a Brighton weekend away

I recommend staying close to The Lanes and the seafront during your Brighton weekend break. This is where you’ll find most of the action and attractions!

North Laine is a really cool neighbourhood just north of The Lanes (as you may have imagined from the name), that is considered the cultural quarters of the city.

The bustling city center lies to the west of The Lanes, making it a central and convenient spot, while Kemptown lies on the seafront to the East. Kemptown is a hub for Brighton’s LGBTQ community and another great place to stay.

You could also stay amongst the hills and colourful houses of Hanover, although it’s a little further from the sea.

Brighton Palace Pier at sunset

Accommodation in Brighton

There are loads of fantastic accommodation options for weekend breaks to Brighton, whether you’re looking to splash on a luxury hotel or for a cosy AirBnb in Brighton .

Although there aren’t many hostel options in Brighton, S eadragon Backpackers is the best of the bunch if you’re looking for cheap accommodation.

If you’d prefer to indulge in a luxury hotel, The Square Hotel Brighton is a great choice, and is set in a wonderful location.

My dream option however, although it’s a little pricey, is The Lanes Residence . It’s a light and airy apartment set in a historic building above the legendary bustle of The Lanes.

The good news is that it sleeps 6 people, so the cost can easily be divided if you’re travelling as part of a group! I haven’t had the opportunity to stay there myself, but I’ve heard great things, and it looks absolutely stunning.

We stayed at a small but cosy AirBnb right on the beach, about a 15-minute walk from Brighton Pier. It was spacious and with nice seaviews, but a little far from everything.

Book your stay at our lovely beachfront Airbnb here!

The beach in Brighton right in front of our AirBnb

Final thoughts on our weekend in Brighton

Brighton is a perfect city break destination for every kind of traveller, whether you’re a foodie, a coffee connoisseur, vintage fanatic, or a big fan of shopping.

It’s a music lover’s dream, a night owl’s fantasy, and in my opinion, one of the coolest cities in the UK ! It’s the perfect place to escape from London for a weekend.

Despite living in London for so long, until I came to Brighton I had only spent a weekend away in Bath , I really need to get out of London more and see more of England!

Up next on my UK bucket list are a few days in Dorset , hiking in Lake District and a visit to Stonehenge.

Have you been to Brighton? I’d love to hear about your adventures in this fabulous city and your favourite things to do in Brighton.

Leave your stories in a comment below! I hope you find this guide useful in planning your own weekend in Brighton.

People eating outside in the colourful streets of Brighton on a sunny summer weekend

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11 Very Best Things To Do In Brighton

Brighton is one of the most fun and pretty cool places in the south of England to go for a long weekend break. It’s the kind of city that’s got so much to see and do and you’re almost guaranteed to find a few spots you’ll love. Honestly, there are just so many incredible and best things to do in Brighton that you’ll be spoilt for choice and probably end up staying longer. Ha! 

Better still, Brighton is a stone’s throw from the central areas of London by train, making it a really easy pit stop to visit whilst already in the capital. This is exactly why I wanted to share my very best things to do in Brighton on your next trip. 

It doesn’t matter if you want to soak up some of that (not quite) elusive British sun, gorge at some of the freshest restaurants or explore some of the amazing festivals the city hosts… I’m almost sure you’ll love Brighton.

Best things to do in Brighton

With that in mind, take a look, below, at the best things to do in Brighton once you arrive. Have the best trip. 

1.) Explore Brighton Pier

Now, no trip to Brighton would be complete without a little jaunt along the Brighton Pier. Arguably, one of the best-known piers in the south of England, strolling the pier is easily one of the best things to do in Brighton on a hot summer day. 

Admittedly, it does get busy at certain times, but that’s part of the fun too. Take a stroll out to see over the wooden decking, buy yourself a few sticks of rock (candy) and head on board some of the fairground rides that are at the end of the pier. It’s so much fun. 

Read more: Best things to do in the south of England

2.) Visit the Royal Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is probably one of the most iconic buildings in the city of Brighton and Hove and a spot you can’t miss. Better still, it’s only a short stroll from the seafront and so easy to find. 

Built way back in the 18th Century, this former royal residence was built as a way for Royalty to enjoy the south coast and Brighton itself. A few hundred years ago, Brighton had started to become pretty fashionable for royalty to visit. Which, in turn, made everyone else want to go.

Built in an Indo-Saracenic style, seeing the Royal Pavilion is easily one of the best things to do in Brighton when you visit the city. It’s so beautiful and totally eye-catching. Just make sure to visit the stunning Pavilion Gardens too. 

3.) Stroll around ‘The Lanes’

The Lanes has become one of the coolest shopping areas in Brighton that’s filled with every type of shop and restaurant you can image. 

Now, there are over 400 shops crammed into a dense network of small alleys will keep you occupied for hours, even if you’re looking for something specific or if you’re just browsing. Essentially, if you can’t find it there, you won’t find it anywhere. Except perhaps at the Brighton Flea Market.

It’s certainly one of the best things to do in Brighton if you fancy a little shop. Afterwards, head across to The Marine Tavern for some delicious pub grub that’ll fill you right up. 

4.) Go to Brighton Pride

Every year, Brighton hosts Pride, a celebration of all things LGBTQ+ and it’s easily one of the biggest Pride Festivals in the UK. Happening every year, on a weekend in August (typically), Brighton Pride takes over the city and puts on one of the best festivals.

It’s so much fun and one of the best things to do in Brighton if you want to experience what the city is all about. Brighton is a liberal, fun and exciting city that just makes it so incredible. 

5.) Gorge on Fish and Chips

Okay, I know you can gorge on fish and chips almost anywhere in the UK but there’s something that makes it even tastier by the seaside. Once in Brighton, head for a bag (or plate) of fish and chips, with lashings of vinegar. 

For some of the best places, check out the Regency Restaurant (where you can sit in), Bardsley’s or Bankers that all serve up a freshly fried portion. 

6.) Visit the Dukes at Komedia

If the weather is going full-on British for you, there’s no better place to treat yourself to a movie and some popcorn than the Dukes at Komedia. It’s the perfect place to escape a little drizzle and they often show some more artsy films that are amazing to see. 

That being said, if cinemas aren’t your thing, you might wanna give this spot a miss. 

7.) See the Seven Sisters

 Now, if you fancy a little jaunt out of Brighton, head over to the Seven Sisters that call this coastline home. Perched about 40-minutes from the centre of Brighton, it’s one of the best things to do if you fancy a little break from city life. 

Visit the area around Seven Sisters Country Park and head around the country paths that follow the cliffs themselves. Just one word of caution always is cautious and sensible when near the tops of these paths. It’s never worth taking the risk of going to the edge, especially as the cliffs are soft and often fall. 

That being said, it’s still one of the best things to do in Brighton when you want to escape the city. 

8.) Explore the Brighton Art Museum and Gallery

Perched with the Royal Pavilion Garden, the Brighton Art Museum and Gallery is one of the best things to do in Brighton if you fancy dipping into a little culture. 

Once inside, make sure to visit their fine art galleries, queer galleries and all the art. It’s so great to see. 

Also, for a great place to stay, check into the Brighton Grand that’s right on the seafront. 

9.) Head up the Brighton i360

One of the newer but still one of the best things to do in Brighton, the i360 observation deck is well worth a little gander if you love a view. Tickets typically cost around £15 but they also have a heap of special events that go on every week. 

For instance, you can even book tickets for a Pride silent disco or even yoga sessions high in the sky. 

Afterwards, pop over to Chamuyo who serve up the best steaks in the city. 

10.) Find Beacon Mill, Rottingdean

Just outside of the city itself, Beacon Mill is a smock mill that’s pretty iconic and dates back over 200 years. It’s pretty easy to find and right in the centre of Rottingdean near the coastline itself. 

Afterwards, head over to Bom-Bane’s for an intimate meal in the city. Just make sure to reserve a table. Spaces fill up fast. 

11.) Enjoy the beach

Of course, you can’t forget a little time on the beach in Brighton, especially on a sunny day! Grab your sunscreen, rent a deck chair and gorge on all the ice cream you can.

It’s one of the best things to do in Brighton if you want a more chilled out vibe when visiting the city. 

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For Those With Wanderlust

How to Spend 2 Days in Brighton, England

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city on the south coast of England and in my opinion is one of the best cities that England has to offer. It’s less than an hour from London via train (head for London Bridge or Victoria) and is a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of the UK’s capital.

As soon as you emerge from Brighton train station you’ll notice a different vibe not only from London but most other England cities as well. The people of Brighton are a lot more open, friendly and chilled out compared with anywhere else up north.

This is probably because the city is located right by the south coast and there is a range of activities to do there. Two days is the perfect length as well, a lot of people visit Brighton for the weekend away from London . The capital of England is great but many people now think it’s just another city you don’t necessarily need to visit and has become a bit overrated.

Brighton is rich in history but is also a very trendy place, known for its famous pebble beach, beautiful Victorian architecture like the Brighton Pavilion, and it also has a thriving cultural scene. And there are a huge amount of bars and restaurants to choose from as well.

All of this makes Brighton the perfect destination for a memorable weekend getaway. In this travel blog post, I’ve crafted the ultimate two-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit to this unique seaside city.

Day 1: Explore the Seaside Charm of Brighton

Morning: breakfast by the beach.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the many beachfront cafes or restaurants. There are numerous cafes right on the promenade that offer fantastic panoramic views of the English Channel.

Brighton enjoys a surprising amount of sunny weather not only during the summer months but throughout Spring and Autumn too. This is why it has become a go-to place to visit and to live for not only Brits but also a lot of Europeans as well.

For example, there’s a large Spanish community in Brighton that has moved from their native Spain and set up a new life on the English coast. Brighton does have a multi-cultural vibe to it and you may often be mistaken for thinking you’re in a European country on the Mediterranean rather than the UK.

Late Morning: Brighton Palace Pier

After breakfast, take a stroll down to the famous Brighton Palace Pier. Enjoy the classic seaside amusements, ride some roller coasters, and savor some traditional fish and chips as you bask in the sun.

Brighton Palace Pier is a fun family place that is a throwback to England’s Victorian past, similar to other English seaside towns like Blackpool, Weymouth, or Weston-Super-Mare.

Some people think these places are a little bit tacky and there’s no denying they are outdated. But it’s all a part of the English charm and is great fun for young and old alike.

Early Afternoon: The Lanes

Head to the historic Lanes, a maze of narrow streets filled with unique shops, boutiques, antique stores, and cafes. This is a charming area where you can hunt for one-of-a-kind souvenirs or vintage treasures.

These streets, especially the North Lanes, are the beating heart of Brighton. Here you’ll find all sorts of independent shops that you just don’t find anymore in most of the rest of the UK.

The Lanes are always busy, especially during weekends, so expect a lot of crowds! My favorite shop on the Lanes is ‘Snoopers Paradise’, otherwise known as ‘Snoops’.

This is a large antique store that has two floors full of old antiques, memorabilia, clothing, and other strange items from a bygone era.

Lunch: Al fresco dining in The Lanes

Choose from one of the quaint cafes, cozy pubs, or restaurants in The Lanes for a leisurely lunch. You can choose from local cuisine or international flavors while soaking up the lively atmosphere.

There’s a wide range of places to choose from, from traditional British pubs to pizzerias and more. Vegan cafes and restaurants in particular are hugely popular in Brighton and you can find them everywhere.

Afternoon: The Royal Pavilion

Head on over to the magnificent Royal Pavilion, which is just a short walk from the Lanes. This is a former royal residence inspired by Indian architecture and is, without doubt, the historical centerpiece of Brighton.

It dates back to 1787 as a seaside home for Prince George, who later went on to become King George IV. The interior of the building is just as impressive as the exterior, and you can take a tour inside, with tickets costing £18 for adults and £11 for children.

The surrounding gardens around the Pavilion are absolutely beautiful too and make for a pleasant stroll and a good alternative to the often crowded beach area.

Evening: Brighton Beach Sunset

Watching the sunset on Brighton Beach is a must when visiting the city during the summer months. The pebbly beach is a social setting for a lot of locals who meet up after working hours to watch the sun dip below the sea, which often produces amazingly colorful skylines.

A lot of people bring picnics and drinks to the beach to watch the spectacle, making an unforgettable evening and is a great opportunity for a few Instagram-worthy snaps.

Dinner: Seafood Feast

Indulge in a seafood feast at one of the seaside restaurants. Freshly caught fish and seafood are specialties here. Don’t forget to try the local oysters or a seafood platter for a truly memorable meal.

Riddle & Fins can be agreed as probably the best seafood restaurant in Brighton, and they have two locations. One is situated in the Lanes and the other is a relatively new location on the seafront with stunning views. It’s best to book in advance as this place is very popular during the peak season.

Of course, if seafood is not your preference then you won’t be short of options in Brighton. You can find every kind of international cuisine in the city, from Indian restaurants to Mexican, Italian, Thai, and Japanese sushi bars and more.

Nightlife: Brighton’s Bars and Clubs

Brighton is famous for its vibrant nightlife. It is after all very much a University city, meaning there’s always a large populous of students enjoying a night out, especially on Friday nights and weekends.

After dinner, explore the city’s bars, pubs, and clubs. From live music venues to stylish cocktail bars to cheesy nightclubs, there’s something for every taste. Brighton comes to life once the sun has set and you are spoilt for choice.

The Brighton Fringe takes place annually every May and is a great month to visit the city. During this month the city becomes a focus for stand-up comedy shows, theatre plays, and musical acts.

Day 2: Culture and Nature

Morning: breakfast at a local cafe.

Start your second day with a big breakfast at a local cafe, fuelling up for another exciting day of exploration. You’ll be surprised at just how many options you have when it comes to cafes in Brighton.

Most of them are independent cafes which make for a refreshing change from the usual commercial options like Starbucks etc.

And while in England this is the perfect opportunity to try a traditional English breakfast! This is admittedly not the healthiest of options but nothing beats an English fry and it will set you up well for the day ahead.

Late Morning: Seven Sisters

The Seven Sisters is a series of stunning chalk cliffs located to the east of Brighton which is easily reachable either by bus or car. The cliffs in total are 13 kilometers in length, so it makes for a pretty memorable hike if you’re feeling up for it.

The views of the English coastline are stunning and there are a couple of pubs located nearby which are a great option for lunch.

Afternoon: Brighton i360

The Brighton i360 (or British Airways i360, as it’s officially called) is an awesome observation tower that was erected back in 2016. It offers yet more amazing views of not only Brighton but the whole of East Sussex on a clear sunny day.

You enter a huge glass domed pod that elevates you 162 meters off the ground, which is quite spectacular!

It takes around six minutes to reach this height before descending downwards again after you’ve taken in all the stunning views. Tickets cost around £17 for adults, £12 for young adults, and £8 for children between four and fifteen years of age.

Some people think it’s a little bit costly for just 6 minutes, but there is no better way to take in the views from such a high advantage point. There is also a bar within the dome, so you can order drinks and food while enjoying the views, but again, it’s quite expensive!

Nightlife: Live Entertainment

Wrap up your two days in Brighton with some live entertainment. Check out what’s playing at one of the city’s theatres or catch a live music performance at a local venue.

Or you could choose to chill out at one of Brighton’s many pubs, which always have a good atmosphere. Here are a few of my favorite pubs which are well worth checking out when in Brighton:

The Basket Makers Arms: This is a brilliant traditional pub that is walled with old antiques and photos and has a lovely homely feel. The food is great here too, especially their Sunday roasts which are a must!

The Foundry: This is another traditional pub that is quite small but very intimate and always has a great atmosphere. Again, this pub has a great menu like a lot of Brighton pubs.

The Walrus: This place has three floors and has very beautiful Victorian decor. It’s always busy as well as lively, which sums up Brighton!

Brighton’s unique blend of history, culture, and seaside charm makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a diverse and unforgettable experience. It’s one of the top villages in England’s South Coast . If you get tired of London after a few days then this is the perfect getaway alternative!

With this ultimate two-day itinerary, you’ll have the chance to explore the best of what Brighton has to offer, from its iconic landmarks to its vibrant nightlife and fantastic food options.

Be warned that the summer months are particularly busy, but don’t let that deter you! Head south and embark on a memorable couple of days in this captivating coastal gem.

Mark Jeavons

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The Best Brighton Day Trip Itinerary

Travel , UK | October 3, 2023

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Colourful, alternative and packed with young people: Brighton quickly became my new favourite UK city when I first visited. Here’s my brilliant Brighton day trip itinerary for first-time visitors.

While Brighton’s attractions are numerous and diverse, one of the best things to do in Brighton is simply to take an aimless walk around the city and soak up the atmosphere, which vibrates with a contagious energy.

The south east seaside destination has just enough grit to hold appeal for edgy folk in their 20s and 30s, but it still has the classic British beach attractions that have made day trips to Brighton popular with Brits since the 18th century.

The LGBTQ capital of the UK feels like a place where anything can happen .

The city wears its personality on its sleeve and it’s reflected right back in its residents’ faces.

I spent my entire day trip to Brighton gushing about how much I loved the place!

Seriously, can I just move there?

What to do on a Brighton day trip

Here’s what to see in Brighton on a day trip. I’ve included the usual tourist attractions, photogenic places in Brighton and quirky spots that will make your day trip to Brighton super memorable.

1. Walk along Brighton Pier

Brighton Palace Pier is a must-see if you’re only in Brighton for a day trip, so head there to start your day in Brighton.

One of the most photographed piers in Europe, this 1,722ft long Victorian pier epitomises everything that’s golden about a day at the seaside.

Grab fish and chips and wander the fairground attractions, two arcades and various stalls on the pier.

This is one of the best free things to do in Brighton. You don’t have to pay to people watch there!

If you’re enjoying a Brighton day trip with kids, you can take them to the indoor soft play on the pier. Ideal for rainy days!

Get ideas for more things to do in Brighton with kids on Zena’s Suitcase’s site.

2. Sunbathe on Brighton Beach

Brighton’s beach might not be the comfiest on the old bum bones – there are about 614,600,000 pebbles lining the shore – but it’s popular among sunbathers in the summertime.

You can rent a deck chair and spend the day chilling and watching the waves if you so desire – or do some water sports if you’re feeling brave. 

Book a jet ski ride to kick your day in Brighton up a notch here , or book a powerboat ride here .

There are loads of bars, cafes and other facilities lining the seafront.

Don’t miss the famous colourful beach huts, which are over in Hove!

3. Take a stroll along the Promenade

Brighton’s seafront promenade is probably the loveliest I’ve been to in Britain.

As well as lots of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating that give the city a real cosmopolitan vibe, there are galleries in the Artists’ Quarter that spill out onto the paving from the arches.

You can pick up unique souvenirs here and there are plenty of free activities to keep kids busy, including a basketball court.

You’ll also find a free fishing museum , ice cream shops, seafood stalls, children’s play areas and of course the carousel.

You could easily spend the best part of an afternoon soaking up Brighton’s seafront attractions!

4. Pose with the Upside Down House

The peculiar Brighton tourist attraction on the promenade is amusing to take a photo with, but the real intrigue is inside this curious structure!

Within the aquamarine house that’s turned on its head; you’ll find the ‘UK’s first inverted photo experience’.

The Upside Down House is a museum of illusions that’s brilliant if you’re looking for a rainy day activity in Brighton.

This is one of the most fun places to go in Brighton with kids, and you’ll come away with great pictures to remember your day trip to Brighton.

5. Reach high on a flight on the Brighton i360

The Brighton i360 is a unique attraction in Brighton for all ages.

Buy a ticket and enter a futuristic glass pod, then soar 415ft into the sky to take in breathtaking panoramic views of Brighton’s cityscape from the top of the observation tower.

There’s an onboard bar where you can order a sparkling wine and an exhibition room back on the ground, which details the creation of the tower.

You’ll need to book your i360 flight online in advance. You can do this here .

The attraction also has an open-air rollerblading rink, so you can get your skates on and have some fun there too!

6. Visit the Royal Pavilion

This might be one of the best places to go in Brighton for photographers, but unfortunately all the scaffolding meant the Royal Pavilion wasn’t looking its best during our day out in Brighton!

Built as a seaside retreat for King George IV, this historic house was later redone with inspiration from Indian architecture.

These days it radiates Regency grandeur with an oriental aesthetic.

While it’s magnificent to take in from the outside, you can also book tickets online in advance to explore the interior of this grand structure.

There’s an imposing banqueting room, royal bedrooms and a music room complete with pagodas where Rossini performed in 1823.

7. Wander along North Laine

If you’re planning a day trip to Brighton, you cannot miss North Laine !

This vibrant mecca for the alternative is a melting pot of colour, bohemian style and gastronomy. It’s a hive of activity and is viewed as the cultural hub of Brighton.

Join the outlandishly dressed throngs for a stroll around the countless independent shops, boutiques and galleries, then pull up a pew in the street for a light bite and enjoy watching life unfold in what has to be one of England’s most fascinating streets.

It’s Brighton’s diversity that made me fall in love with the city, and nowhere is it better epitomised than North Laine.

Saturdays get very busy on North Laine, so if you’re visiting Brighton on a day trip at the weekend you should take this into consideration.

TIP: Get around Brighton with ease via City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus tour . It’s a simple way to see more of Brighton if you’re only there for 24 hours.

8. Go shopping for vintage gems

If you’re into vintage fashion, Brighton is your spirit city.

North Laine is jam-packed with overflowing vintage shops and antiques bazaars.

If you’re ever lost for things to do in Brighton when it’s raining you can easily lose a whole morning wandering the shelves of Brighton’s vintage treasure troves.

Some of my favourites are Snooper’s Paradise , To Be Worn Again and Waiste Vintage .

Take a deep breath and get ready to rummage.

I actually got a headache because I was so overwhelmed with the sheer quantity of stuff in these shops and felt like my eyes couldn’t possibly take it all in at once!

9. Explore The Lanes

Brighton’s Lanes are a rabbit’s warren of narrow streets lined with independent shops, pubs and eateries.

Once a tiny fishing town, this is another of the top places to visit in Brighton, whether it’s your first visit or your thirtieth.

Walking around the Lanes is a bit like stepping back in time in the best possible way.

If you’re in the market for some one-of-a-kind jewellery, I highly recommend a trip to the Lanes’ jewellery quarter.

We went early in the morning when the Arabic jewellers were finishing their coffee and catching up on the cobbles before opening their shops.

10. Hunt out Brighton’s street art

No modern city would be complete without its fair share of street art and Brighton is no exception.

Among the rainbow coloured houses and vibrant shopping streets, you’ll find a plethora of incredible wall murals and less curated graffiti that conveys the city’s bold character.

Some of the most well known street art areas in Brighton are The Prince Albert Pub on Trafalgar Street, with its lurid depiction’s of some of Britain’s late great artists, and Gloucester Road, Kensington Street and Orange Row.

I reckon Brighton’s street art rivals Bristol’s – what do you think?

11. Visit Brighton’s top museums

If your day trip to Brighton isn’t blessed with dry weather you can take shelter and find amusement in some of the city’s museums and galleries.

Brighton Museum in Pavilion Gardens is a must-visit. It’s open all week except Mondays.

There’s also the Crane Kalman Brighton Gallery for photography lovers, Hidden Gallery for contemporary art and the Brighton Toy and Model Museum which will appeal to children and adults alike.

You’ll find lots of small independent galleries around the city. Just wander in and you might find something truly special!

12. See Brighton’s Marina

Did you know that Brighton’s boasts one of Europe’s largest floating Marinas?

Whether you drive along the coast or stroll along the beach towards the area, Brighton’s Marina is worth visiting.

Buy lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants and browse the high-end shops that line the attractive harbour.

There’s free parking, an outdoor ping pong and chess tables so you can even have fun at the Marina if you’re visiting Brighton on a budget.

If you take your bike along for your day in Brighton, you can cycle along Brighton’s coastline and finish at Newhaven & Seaford beach, where you can jump on the train back to the city.

13. Experience Brighton’s nightlife

Brighton offers visitors a great night out whether you’re there with friends, family or your significant other.

There are clubs tucked away in the beachfront arches, stylish bars for date night and plenty of traditional but quirky pubs rising from corners around the city.

Some of our favourite watering holes are Patterns on the beachfront during the day, Seven Stars for funky late night vibes and The Mash Tun for a decent pint.

The World’s End is a unique pub in Brighton, where you can play retro arcade games as you sip!

For a top-notch night out in Brighton that will introduce you to some new friends, why not join a local bar crawl ?

14. Extending your day trip to Brighton?

From Brighton, you can easily visit nearby Cambridge and Greenwich on a day trip. Book your adventure here .

Alternatively, set sail to the Isle of White !

Where to eat on your Brighton day trip

Trying to recommend the best place to eat in Brighton isn’t easy. With more bars and restaurants per head than anywhere else in the UK bar London, Brighton has a plethora of excellent eateries so you’ll be spoiled for choice when your stomach starts rumbling.

We had mouthwatering Middle Eastern wraps at Lavash on North Laine , which I’d definitely recommend if you’re into that sort of cuisine.

It took me right back to my time in Dubai !

For daytime light bites along Brighton seafront, try West Beach Bar & Kitchen .

They have a beachfront terrace that’s great for watching the world go by and their fish goujons are delicious.

If you’re a carb queen like me, let me direct you to NuPosto . We had a beautiful Italian meal there on the night of our arrival in Brighton.

If you love South Indian food and craft beer, you HAVE to eat at Curry Leaf Cafe in the Lanes.

They’ve won loads of awards and the kooky decor gives the place a wonderfully laid-back feel.

Their Thali trays look incredible, but we were just after something to keep us going for the long drive back Up North so we ordered some open naan wraps.

They were SO tasty – I had paneer and Tom had tandoori chicken.

If you’d like to support some of Brighton’s many independent foodie businesses, book a foodie walking tour which will take you to visit the city’s best-loved independent food producers and street-food vendors.

The tour I’ve linked above includes vegetarian and vegan options.

Got a sweet tooth? This doughnut tour or this chocolate tour will satisfy that!

How to get to Brighton

If you’re planning a day trip to Brighton from London, you can travel via National Express or Southern Rail.

Where to stay in Brighton if you have more than a day

We were hosted at the City Centre ibis and couldn’t fault it.

It’s right next to the station and a quick walk to the Lanes and seafront, so the location is perfect if you only have two days in Brighton.

We had a partial sea-view, the staff were great and their hygiene standards were flawless.

Plus, I just love those grab n’ go breakfasts… in my world, that means sending Tom down to grab them so I can go back to bed.

If you’re after a luxury hotel in Brighton, you can’t go wrong with Malmaison Hotels – but always book direct on their website because they usually have great deals that are only available there.

You can search for your ideal Brighton accommodation using the Booking.com map below.

If you’re planning a day trip to Brighton or visiting the city while exploring England on a trip from overseas, you’re in for a real treat.

I t’s a bohemian city where diversity is celebrated with vigour, and I think every city in the UK could be improved if it took a leaf out of Brighton’s book.

I hope this mini Brighton day trip itinerary has given you loads of inspiration to find the best things to do in Brighton and top places to head to on your visit.

I just wish the city wasn’t such a long drive from Sunderland – or I’d be there every weekend!

More UK travel guides you might find useful

Bristol city guide

Bath city guide

Best things to do in Scarborough

Liverpool weekend guide

Newcastle weekend trip guide

Girls weekend in Manchester guide

Berwick-upon-Tweed trip planning guide

What to do in Leeds on a weekend break

How to have a perfect day out in Knaresborough

Glamping sites in Northumberland

Unique accommodation for couples in Northumberland

All UK travel guides

Use my Travel Resources page to find the best deals on your Brighton day trip

Click here to join my UK Travel Deals group on Facebook. We share lots of great ways to save money on UK trips and fun ideas for days out and places to visit in the UK.

Pin this to your UK travel planning board on Pinterest !

15 of the best things to do in Brighton

Apr 5, 2024 • 8 min read

Brighton Pier is one of the city's most iconic attractions © Olivier DJIANN / Getty Images

An inimitable blend of cool and kitsch, Brighton is one of the UK's most quirky, vibrant and welcoming cities.

The perfect combination of lively urban life and laid-back beach vibes, Brighton has a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene, scores of independent stores and coffee shops, and a beloved seafront that draws beachgoers from across the southeast of England and beyond. 

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

1. Hit the beach

No trip to Brighton would be complete without spending some time on its famous pebbly beach. Have a go at water sports including stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing, or simply relax in the sunshine. On warm weekends and holidays, Brighton beach attracts sizable crowds from London and other inland locations, so if you'd rather avoid the masses, visit on a weekday or head further along the coast to find a quieter spot. Winter is a lovely time to stroll along the seafront – the beach is virtually empty, and the sunset colors add plenty of atmosphere.

Read more: The top 10 beaches in England

2. 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 .

3. Feel the nostalgia at Brighton Pier

One of the bigger attractions on the seafront is Brighton Palace Pier, commonly known as  Brighton Pier , a city landmark that dates back to the Victorian era. The 525m-long (1722ft) structure is 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 a ride on a rollercoaster, nibble on a crunchy stick of Brighton Rock for a traditional sugary treat.

4. 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 crafted 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 "Mr Fox" pancakes. Alternatively, you can people-watch at Pelicano or escape the tourist crowds at Tilt in the north of the city.

5. Get lost in The Lanes

Brighton's legendary Lanes are laden with character, and you can easily while away an afternoon exploring these twisting alleyways and narrow streets. You'll find all sorts of artistic independent shops, galleries and cafes in the historic buildings here. 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.

6. 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.

7. Try 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' St 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.

8. 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 has 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 – but watch out for hungry seagulls! Don't eat fish? All-vegan No Catch has got you covered. Try their signature "tofish" and tempura "prawns." 

9. 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 seafront.

10. 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.

11. 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 137m (450ft) 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.

12. 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, you can reach it in the summer 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 a bowling alley, it houses the trippy UV-crazy golf facility Globalls, which is perfect for a rainy day. Another hot spot for shopping in Brighton is the Churchill Square shopping center, with around 80 high street stores.

13. 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 has 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 have guest voice appearances, including Norman Lovett, who played Holly in the cult UK TV show Red Dwarf. For a more traditional gaming experience, check out beachside video and board game bar Loading or arcade pub The World's End .

14. 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.

Read more:   Seaside snaps: how to take brilliant beach photographs

15. 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, with fresh air and picturesque views of the English countryside just a short hop from the city.

Keep planning your trip:

Heading to England in 2024? Consider these 16 top places to visit Navigate like a local with these tips for getting around England Discover the best time to go to England

This article was first published March 2022 and updated April 2024

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TRAVEL BLOG

Secret Seven: Brighton

Secret meadows, penny arcades, vintage shopping and every species of British bird – stuffed for perpetuity – are amongst Brighton’s lesser-known treasures. Our tips for a Bohemian break on the South Coast…

Every traveller en route to England’s famous seaside resort is already familiar with Brighton Pier and the Pavilion, but – as always with our Secret Seven series of posts – the question we aim to answer is: what are the city’s cool and alternative things to do? To answer this question we have invited left-field lifestyle blogger, Ellie, of Ellie & Co. Inc, to steer us away from the stag and hen party haunts and overused sights and take us instead on an off-beat Brighton treasure hunt.

1# Subterranean Cocktails

Not even many Brightonians know about this place but if you happen to be out for the night in the Kemp Town , make sure a trip to the Black Dove pub is high up on your list. Order a cocktail at the bar, then quietly make your way downstairs. Turn directly left at the bottom of the stairs where you’ll find a secret room complete with eccentric décor and cosy booths, perfect for a romantic date night or long overdue catch up with a friends.

A secret underground drinking den ?? #Brighton #drinkingden #saturday #boho A post shared by Ellie Seymour | Ellie & Co (@ellieandco.inc) on Sep 10, 2016 at 2:49pm PDT

2# A Vintage Penny Arcade

Don’t waste time queuing up with every other tourist on Brighton Pier to play the usual arcade games. Instead, turn around and make your way along the seafront where you’ll find somewhere more interesting to spend your time. I’m talking about a little place called the Museum of Mechanical Memories , an old-time penny arcade hidden under a little arch along the main seafront promenade. From ‘What the Butler Saw’ peep shows and working models of ‘The Laughing Sailor’ to puppet machines, skill games and fortune tellers, this museum has a collection of some of the rarest penny arcade games you’ll find dating back to the 1920s. What’s so good about it is you don’t have to pay to get in and for £1 you get 12 real old-fashioned pennies to use on the machines. Only open at weekends during the summer.

3# A Regency Time Capsule

If you take a walk along Brighton seafront towards Hove, past the West Pier to Brunswick Square, nostalgia lovers are in for a real treat. This beautiful enclave is home to some of the city’s most stunning Regency homes designed by an ambitious and talented architect, Charles Busby – and it’s also the site of a unique hidden gem. Head to number 13 Brunswick Square where you can enjoy a snoop inside a Grade 1 Listed Regency property, known as ‘ The Regency Town House ’. Founded by a man called Nick Tyson in the 1990s as a passion project, so far the building has been reconverted from flats back into a house and is slowly being restored and developed as a heritage centre and museum that celebrates the architecture and social history of Brighton & Hove between the 1780s and 1840s.

In case Romeo is looking for Juliette ?, I think she's living in Brunswick Square, #Hove ?? ?? @Brighton #thisisbrighton #regencyarchitecture #townhouse #seaside #sussex #brighton A post shared by Ellie Seymour | Ellie & Co (@ellieandco.inc) on Nov 11, 2016 at 9:13am PST

4# A Tiny Cabinet of Curiosities

Every big city has its own Natural History Museum, but there aren’t any major versions around the world – let alone local ones – that can lay claim to being the ‘home of the diorama’. Founded in 1874, The Booth Museum in Brighton was the first of its kind at the time to display taxidermy birds in their natural habitat, an idea since copied all over the world and perfected by the likes of New York’s American Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, no less. This vast gallery resembles a Victorian attic belonging to a compulsive collector, complete with the musty smell. It’s home to a spectacular collection of 300 dioramas showing every British bird stuffed for eternity in its natural environment, from seagulls and owls, to hawks and starlings. It was set up by Edward Thomas Booth, a typical affluent Victorian, exposed to hunting, the natural world and taxidermy at an early age, eventually developing a serious ambition – to exhibit an example of every species of British bird. Probably my favourite thing about this place is the collection of butterflies out the back – don’t forget to have a look .

5# A Secret Tunnel Beneath the Pavilion

Sending you into some old tunnels might sound a little odd, but then again, this is Brighton. Underneath the Pavilion, the former home of Britain’s charismatic Prince Regent George IV, is a century-old forgotten tunnel that has recently been opened to the public. The tunnel was used as a secret route from the pavilion to the Prince’s former stables in today’s Dome concert hall. The story goes that he’d become so overweight he preferred to make the journey alone to see his beloved horses. A 45-minute tour is a chance to see Brighton from a different perspective, go time travelling underground and waddle in the footsteps of the Prince and the palace staff.

6# Vintage Shopping in Snoopers Paradise

If you’re coming to Brighton looking for chain shopping, look away now, this is not a tip for you. But if you’re looking for a unique, chic and more quirky shopping boutique set in a typically charming local street, here is something you will love. Taking up almost three shopfronts on the bustling Kensington Gardens in the vibrant North Laine area of the city, Snooper’s Paradise is as its name suggests – a giant emporium filled with a maze of little concessions and crammed with all kinds of thrifty finds, bric a brac, books, furniture, home wares and memorabilia. It’s pretty much heaven on earth for vintage shopping fans, and you could easily lose hours snooping through the stacks. It doesn’t end on the ground floor, for head up the creaky stairs where you’ll find a second emporium called Snooper’s Attic dedicated to fashion and accessories. It’s another treasure trove of stuff from over 20 designers, makers and hoarders, as well as an art space.

Oh my goodness, there's a whole other floor! ???????? #brighton #shopping #vintage A post shared by Ellie Seymour | Ellie & Co (@ellieandco.inc) on Jan 9, 2016 at 9:12am PST

7# A Secret Wild Flower Garden

Almost every day I ride past the lush oasis of Preston Park just outside the centre of Brighton. Originally called Brighton Park, it’s the largest green space in the city. This is where you’ll find locals jogging, kids playing, groups gathering for weekend barbecues… But there’s a quieter spot hidden away past the hustle of the main park. Follow the path south from the clock tower, past the swings and tennis courts towards the Victorian Rotunda café. This is where you’ll find what used to be a perfectly groomed bowling green a couple of years ago, but is now a beautiful wildflower meadow that comes to life every spring with multicoloured flowers that last all through the summer. Not only is it perfect to stare at, it also makes an idyllic outdoor oasis for soaking up rays with a picnic.

Bonus Tip: Grand Brighton Bike Tour

To see a little bit of everything this south coast resort has to offer, a good option is a bike tour – there are plenty of bike paths in town and overall the place is perfect for a little two wheel discovery. The Grand Brighton Bike Tour takes you to the top sights like the Royal Pavilion and sea front, but also to Brunswick Square (point 3 above!) and to the Bohemian North Laine zone (see point 6), as well as Preston Manor, the Fishing Quarter and a rather poignant / silly (delete according to sentimentality) pet cemetery. You can find out more and reserve the tour via Get Your Guide .

You may have guessed by now but Brighton is one of Urban Travel Blog’s favourite places in the UK , so get your booty down to this Bohemian seaside hang out soon – but be sure to read up on all our tips in our weekend guide to the city first. Our Secret Seven series of posts meanwhile cover everything from fun things to do in Athens , to Sydney’s best kept secrets and we’ll be publishing plenty more insider tips in the coming weeks and months. Subscribe if you don’t want to miss any!

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Current version updated on February 21st, 2017

First published on February 17th, 2017

Posted in Secret Seven with destination tags Brighton , UK

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Brighton: A Local’s Guide for 2024

In this blog, I bring you the ultimate Brighton Travel Guide. It’s filled with weird & wonderful facts, the best places to stay, the best things to do (according to my husband Paul who was born and raised here) as well as the best places to eat.

The seaside city of Brighton has been enticing travelers for centuries. It is also called ‘London by the Sea’ because it’s the closest seaside resort to London. Brighton is a little bit weird and a lot wonderful!

A Local’s Guide to Brighton

After spending lots of time in Brighton (my husband was born and raised here), I’ve come up with what I think is the perfect day in Brighton. It includes excellent coffee shops, the best restaurants as well as awesome sunset spots. Plus, a whole lot more!

Morning – wander the lanes and grab a coffee

Stroll through the lanes early in the morning to catch these narrow, quirk-filled lanes at their finest. Pop by Snoopers Paradise at Kensington Gardens in the North Laines – a quirky treasure-filled department store that you can easily whisk away a few hours. Also worth a visit is The Duck House on 4 Union Street – in this fun store, you’ll find over 300 different types of imaginative rubber ducks.

Are you a coffee fiend – I recommend grabbing a coffee at  Pelicano on Sydney Street or  Bond St  in the North Laines. In Brighton you are spoiled for choice for great coffee. A good indicator of how hipster/yuppie a city is how many independent coffee shops it has, it’s no surprise then that Movehub’s Hipster index ranked Brighton as the most hipster city in the world!

Other great coffee spots in the city include the very popular Small Batch at 17 Jubilee Street, 44 Poets on Poets Corner, and Twin Pines in Kemptown.

Afternoon – stroll along the pier and head to Stanmer Park

Take a long walk along the seafront and try your luck at the slot machines on the Pier. Waste away an hour playing the aforementioned slots, riding the dodgems/ bumper cars at the permanent funfair here, and spoil your lunch with a head-sized stick of candyfloss.

Then, take a stroll to the Madeira Lift at the seafront in Kemptown – a creaky, very old Victorian lift that brings you up the cliff that links Marine Parade with Madeira Drive. There’s even a lift attendant.

Tired out from all the fun, grab some amazingly authentic wood-fired pizzas at Fatto o Mano in Hove (or London Road). Other excellent lunch spots in Brighton include Trollburger under Brighton Station, Cin Cin in North Laine, and 64 Degrees at Meeting House Lane.

After lunch, take the 78 bus to Stanmer Park about a 15 minute drive from Brighton. It’s well-worth a visit, mainly just to explore a little on foot and take photos. There’s also a little tearooms here if you fancy a snack. 

Dinner – head to the Marina

Hit the Marina for dinner – did you know it’s the largest marina in the UK? Popular restaurants here include Chez Mal, Cafe Rouge, and Malika Indian Restaurant.

Or if you want to stay in the city for food –  try   Casalingo   on Preston Street (the hubby’s favorite restaurant) for authentic Italian food.

Late evening – catch the sunset in Brighton

Okay, I love sunsets. In fact, on vacation, I make it my mission to watch the sunset every night. In Brighton, I advise ending the day by watching the sunset over the West Pier. The best spot for a photo of the sunset is from the Brighton Bandstand, it can get very busy here though.

Some other best sunset spots in Brighton are:

• Walk to the top of Bear Road for a lovely view of the city. It’s a short, steep walk up to this hillside grassy area.
• Hove Beach – before sundown, snap some photos of the very cute, very colorful beach huts
• Cuckmere Haven – a riverfront beach about a 30-minute drive from Brighton. One of the most iconic photo spots here is the Coastguard cottages overlooking the Cuckmere River, with the Seven Sisters in the background. Walk just above the cottages on the path to get the best shot.

Fun facts about Brighton

I told you this isn’t just any old Brighton Travel Guide – I’ve done heaps of research and come up with some very weird facts about this city. Some of the facts even a local won’t know!

Brighton is a weird & wonderful city by the sea, here are some super interesting facts about the city.

• England’s first-ever casino was opened here in 1962 at The Metropole Hotel
• The Brighton Sea Life Center on Marine Parade is the world’s oldest aquarium. It first opened its doors way back in 1872
• Hitler had his eyes set on setting up home at the Royal Pavillion. He wanted it as his holiday home after taking over the U.K. (which never happened, thank god)
• Brighton has the most restaurants per capita than anywhere else in England – there’s approximately one restaurant per 250 people
• The city was the first place in the country to open a nudist beach in 1979
• Brighton Pier is made up of over 60,000 light bulbs – imagine their electricity bill
• The first Body Shop was opened here in 1976

Where to stay in Brighton

We loved  The Grand  if you fancy splurging, or  The Old Ship Hotel for great-value-for-money, both are on the seafront. Ask for a sea-facing room in both hotels. 

If you fancy an airbnb for a few nights, we love  this unique cottage  a 15 minute bus-ride from Brighton or  this charming house  conveniently located in Hove. Or if you plan to stay for longer (which I highly recommend doing!) your best option is to opt for a room to rent in Brighton !

Is Brighton UK Worth Visiting?

Yes, Brighton is DEFINITELY worth visiting! Brighton is a city of extremes, from its crowded stony beach to the tourist trap that is Brighton Pier to the quirky hipster-filled North Lanes.

On first look,  it may seem like a typical English city but it’s filled with the weirdest characters.  People you wouldn’t see anywhere else in the world. But that’s why we love it. The restaurants are cool, the bars are cool (even the ‘old man’ bars are cool), the coffee shops are cool.

If you’re spending a few days in Brighton, why not consider visiting the quaint town of Rye – a 2-hour train ride away? It’s so photogenic there, and there are loads of fun things to do in Rye!

How Many Days is Enough in Brighton?

My recommendation is to spend at least 5-7 days in Brighton. 5 days is just enough time to see the best of the city, tick off Brighton’s best tours and take some day trips to awesome nearby towns like Rye and Hastings. While, if you have 7 days you’ll be able to slow it down and maybe even squeeze in a beach day or perhaps a day trip to London.

Brighton is especially beautiful and buzzing in Summer. If you want a quieter getaway but still want warmer weather, September is a top choice for me.

You could always combine a stay in Brighton with one of these gorgeous towns in East Sussex .

Planning your Brighton trip, this detailed UK Trip Planning Guide will help you decide when to go, what to see, how to get around, and even what to pack!

Related Read: If you’re traveling to the UK with little ones, you may want to check out my guide to visiting Peppa Pig World ! I’ve included everything you need to know!

Why is Brighton Popular with Tourists?

Brighton is easily the most famous city in East Sussex and maybe the most famous seaside resort in all of Britain. It is a popular weekend haunt for Londoners (as its only an hour from the capital city), stag and hen parties and for couples looking for an escape. 

And because it’s so close to London you can easily hop on a train to the ‘big smoke’ for the day or night. In saying that, if you’re in Brighton over the festive period, I recommend celebrating New Year’s in London if at all possible – it’s easily one of the best cities in the world to celebrate the New Year !

The city is also home to the UK’s largest LGBT population. In fact, it’s widely known as the unofficial gay capital of the UK.

It’s also famous for the gorgeous Royal Pavillion; its long stony seafront & Brighton Pier as British Airway’s very flashy i360 tower.

What are the Most Popular Things to do in Brighton?

• Blaker Street is certainly one of the most colorful streets in Brighton, if not the whole country – an entire road of brightly colored houses, every Instagrammers dream, right?!
• Brighton’s Victorian Sewers – Southern Water leads tours through these stinky sewers that were still being used for raw sewage up until 1990. The sewers are 7-miles long and lead all the way to the Telscombe Cliffs.
• The Royal Pavillion – easily one of the most beautiful homes ever built. It took over a 20 years to be built for Prince George IV. It is often commented on how similar it looks to the Taj Mahal.
• i360 viewing tower – an enclosed glass pod takes you up 450 feet to the top where you can enjoy glorious views over Brighton.

Thanks for Reading!

I hope my Brighton Travel Guide will give you some inspiration for your next visit. There’s so much to see and do in this quirky seaside city, and being just an hour from London – it’s so easy to get to.

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2 thoughts on “ Brighton: A Local’s Guide for 2024 ”

I’ve only been to Brighton once to visit a friend, so I wasn’t able to look around as much as I would have liked. It looks like there are some fun things to do and see though!

You’ve made me want to visit Brighton again. I’ve been many times through the years but not had chance to try many of these things – you can’t beat advice from a local! Thanks for sharing & once we’re allowed out of the local area…I’m getting on the train to Brighton!

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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?

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.

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.

THINGS TO DO IN BRIGHTON

10 THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH EAST ENGLAND

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.

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.

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1 Day In Brighton: 15 Things To Do On A Brighton Day Trip (2024)

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

I recently spent a day in Brighton and I’m raving about it. Not only is there a beach, but the city is colourful, quirky and friendly with a fantastic eating scene. It’s easy to take a day trip to Brighton from London as well as several other UK cities. I’d been to Brighton a couple of times before but not in the last few years (given my recent globe-trotting I’ve not exactly been anywhere in the UK in a couple of years). I was expecting street art , the beach and food & drink from my Brighton day trip – and that’s what I got plus a bit more! After this trip, it’s safe to say Brighton is one of my favourite places in Southern England , apart from of course Bristol , Bath and my hometown of Oxford ! If you’re looking for UK day trips , read about my day trips to Bath , Oxford , Cardiff and Liverpool. If it’s the beach you’re craving, consider a London to Margate day trip . I also have a post on the top 10 London to the Cotswolds 1 day trips .

BRIGHTON QUICK LINES Accommodation: Booking.com  / Hostelworld.com Copy of Lonely Planet England Activities: GetYourGuide Getting there: Trainline / Busbud Must read: Complete guide to UK travel on a budget

Brighton day trip from London by train

I use Trainline for booking train tickets in the UK. You can compare prices and times throughout the day to get the best deal, plus the website shows live departure times which is helpful when travelling. Tickets from London to Brighton start at £14.50 but ones at decent times usually cost £21.50.

When taking a day trip to Brighton from London, there are several London stations you can depart from. For a direct journey of just 1 hour with no changes, your best bet is catching:

• A Great Northern or Thameslink train from London Blackfriars
• A Southern Railway or Gatwick Express from London Victoria
• A Great Northern, Southern Railway or Thameslink train from London Bridge .

Regardless of the service, use Trainline to book tickets. Consider getting a Railcard if you’re aged 30 or under. After a few uses, you make back the cost of the card and then some.

Search London to Brighton trains .

Day trip to Brighton from London by bus

If you just have one day in Brighton, taking the train is much quicker meaning you have more time in Brighton. However if you’re short of cash, it’s worth noting that Brighton is well connected to London and other UK cities by bus. Journeys to Brighton from London cost just £5 and take 2 hours 30 minutes from London Victoria.

Search London to Brighton buses .

How to spend one day in Brighton – quick itinerary

10am: Arrive in Brighton and head for brunch (see my top picks below) 11am: Wander Brighton Pier and relax on Brighton Beach 12pm: Visit the Royal Pavilion 2pm: Browse shops on North Laine 4pm: Stroll the Promenade and spot other Brighton sights 5pm: Pass Brunswick Square and reach Hove Beach Huts 6pm: Eat dinner in Hove Finish your day out in Brighton & head back home!

How to get around during a day in Brighton

I explored Brighton on foot which is easy to do. You can see most of Brighton in a day without a car or public transport and even make it down to Hove, the other part of the city that is Brighton & Hove. Sightseeing bus: If you’re not much of a walker or prefer the novelty of exploring from the upper deck of a big red bus, book a hop-on-hop-off bus for £17. By bike: Another fun way to see Brighton (and get around a bit quicker) is a Brighton bike tour led by local guides. This will take you from Royal Pavilion to Brunswick Square (opposite ends of the city) in just 2.5 hours meaning you have more time later to relax on the beach and shop at the Lanes.

Best things to do during 1 day in Brighton day trip

Now for the good bit. Let’s run through everything to do during a Brighton day trip including visiting costs and info, plus where to eat and other Brighton travel tips. Here’s how to see Brighton in a day…

1. Begin with brunch

Depending what time you begin your Brighton day trip from London, you may wish to begin with a hearty feed. If you didn’t guess from my many food blogs, feeding myself heartily is the joy of my life! Billie’s Cafe : There are plenty of cafes in Brighton but I would highly recommend Billie’s Cafe on Hampton Place. With the blue checkered tablecloths and generous mugs of builders tea, Billie’s has an old-school vibe that you won’t find in some of the gentrified Brighton restaurants. I had salmon & avo but apparently the star dish is the farmhouse stack with potatoes, sausages, eggs, cheese and beans.

Joe’s Cafe : Another fantastic option for brunch lovers in Brighton is Joe’s. This cosy independent gets busy on a weekend but it’s well worth the queue. The best dish is Lucie’s healthy breakfast with smoked salmon, poached eggs, mushrooms and avocado.

2. Take a walking tour

Want to learn Brighton’s stories from a local? Taking a walking tour is one of my favourite ways to get orientated in a new city. This TripAdvisor award-winning Brighton story walking tour (£17) takes 90 minutes and will bring you up to speed on Brighton’s history and best neighbourhoods.

3. Tour the street art

After finding street art in Bristol , Camden and Shoreditch lately, I’m a huge fan. Set against some of the elaborate townhouses, the Brighton street art is quite the contrast. Lart, much of it tells a story. One urban mural above encourages young women to vote. If you just have one day in Brighton, this is a fun and free activity that will introduce you to Brighton’s quirky side. Mini Brighton street art tour:

• Head past the train station onto Trafalgar Street where the street art begins
• Turn into Trafalgar Lane (where 90% of the above photos were taken)
• Walk along Gloucester Street
• Connect to Gloucester Passage and Kensington Street.

More street art locations in Brighton: Seek out the Astoria building on London Road where there’s a recreation of Banksy’s Kissing Policemen. Find more art on Orange Row off North Road, and on turn-off streets from North Laine.

4. Brighton Palace Pier

It wouldn’t be a Brighton day trip without eating ice cream and checking out the arcades at Brighton Palace Pier. There are also fair rides if that’s your cup of tea but I’m a 27-year-old with less capacity for adrenaline than a toddler so I stuck to my Mr Whippy and chocolate flake! Having survived two wars, Brighton Palace Pier is a Grade 2* listed building with all the charm of yesteryear. But following some big refurbishments, it’s now firmly in the modern day with free Wi-Fi so you can ‘gram your Brighton day trip! Brighton Pier is free to visit but you can purchase a wristband if you’ll be going on the rides. Buying one online in advance saves you 25%. Wristbands are priced differently for weekdays and weekends so make sure to buy the right one.

5. Relax on Brighton beach

I’m so envious of Brighton locals for having a beach on their doorstep (even if it’s stony). If you have time towards the end of the day, return to Brighton Beach and grab yourself a couple of beers (and a blanket to sit on if possible!). This is the perfect way to end a Brighton day trip from London if you’re taking the train and don’t need to drive.

6. Try some classic English foods

What better way to enjoy the British seaside than with ice cream? If there is one, I’m yet to hear about it. A few English seaside foods to try include:

• Mr Whippy ice cream and flake
• Fish and chips (do not take your eyes off them for a second or an evil seagull will steal your chips!)
• A stick of rock (to take home as a souvenir or gift)
• Candy floss!

7. British Airways i360 

Near the remains of the old West Pier is this brand-spanking-new (well, newish – it was built in 2016) addition to the seafront. While some locals were initially iffy about it, you can’t deny it’s a fantastic attraction for tourists wanting a bird’s eye view of the coast. From the glass viewing pod at the top, you can see 360-degree views of Brighton, the English Channel and South Downs. Book a British Airways i360 Ticket for £20 or upgrade to a cream tea experience !

8. The Royal Pavilion

If you’re trying to see Brighton in a day, you can’t squeeze in everything… But I’d recommend prioritising the Royal Pavilion ! This is one of the most impressive buildings in Brighton with a colourful history to boot. King George IV built the Royal Pavilion as a seaside pleasure palace, taking inspiration from India and China. Having been to India a couple of times now, I could appreciate the Indian influence. It’s sometimes called the ‘Taj Mahal of Brighton!’ Inside, there are some incredible rooms to peruse including the Banqueting Room, the Music Room, the Saloon and the Royal Bedrooms. Entrance fees: £18 for adults, £11 for children (under 18). For a free option, snap it from outside and relax in the Pavilion Gardens. Opening times: 9.30am-5.45pm (last admission at 5pm). Address: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, BN1 1EE.

9. Shopping in the Brighton Lanes

Right in the heart of Brighton, the Lanes are where to pick up souvenirs during 1 day in Brighton. It’s worth visiting even if you’re not much of a shopper; there are also cafes, pubs and theatres. The spirit of boho, alternative Brighton is best discovered in this part of town. There are two main areas: South Lanes: Here you’ll find lots of cafes, jewellery shops and gift shops. North Laine: My personal favourite! This is the place to be for trinkets, antiques and retro fashion. There are more than 400 independent shops and cafes in this area so I was more than happy to ditch the Starbucks and get stuck in. Food & drink in the Lanes: I visited on a beautiful sunny day so settled myself outside Kooks Restaurant  for a G&T and snacks whilst I read my book and people-watched. If you visit at lunchtime, check out Curry Leaf Cafe for casual Indian food or Lost in the Lanes for hip, wholesome lunch and brunch. Browse the shops in this A-Z to the Lanes .

10. Wander the promenade

After visiting Brighton Beach and Brighton Pier, take a stroll along the promenade. Here you’ll spot some other famous features of Brighton. You can walk all the way to Hove, spotting colourful beach huts and finishing your Brighton day trip with a tasty dinner in Hove. Some sights to see along Brighton’s seafront promenade include:

• The skeleton of West Pier (sandy lost to a fire)
• Brighton Beach Bandstand.

After walking past Brighton Beach Bandstand, you’re just a few moments from…

11. Brunswick Square

It may not be the most common thing to do during a Brighton day trip but I’m always amazed by this part of town. Go and ponder how the other half live at this millionaire square! Built in the 1820s, Brunswick Square was (unsurprisingly) created for the upper classes who were expected to behave accordingly while living in them. While the classes may not be as divided these days, it’s still the fanciest part of town. After having a nosy around, keep walking towards Hove. These two parts of the city are close enough together that you can see Brighton in a day and tag on Hove, too.

12. Hove Beach Huts

I’m no minimalist; I’m obsessed with anything bright and colourful so I was in heaven in Hove, 10 minutes’ walk down the road from Brighton. There’s not much to say about the Hove Beach Huts (apart from some sell for up to £14,000!) but they’re worth checking out as an Instagrammable destination in Brighton !

13. Eat dinner at Fatto Amano

After walking to Hove to check out Hove Beach Huts, I stopped for dinner. If you have just one day in Brighton and limited stomach room, save yourself for pizza at Fatto Amano ! This pizzeria is inspired by Naples and exclusive to Brighton.  The freshly-cooked woodfire pizzas cost between £8.50-£15, perfect if you’re travelling on a budget . If you don’t head all the way to Hove, there’s a branch in the Lanes, too. Check out all the best places to eat in Hove .

14. Take a food tour

Taking food tours is one of my favourite things to do in new cities. I’ve taken them in Mexico, Vietnam, South Africa and now even back home in the UK! I like Viator for food experiences, like this secret doughnut tour !

15. Take a self-guided treasure hunt

For a final fun thing to do during a day trip to Brighton, why not take a scavenger hunt? I love how many of these are popping up in cities all over the world. You use your mobile phone to unlock clues and learn about the city. Being outdoors, they’re great for travel in 2021. Check out this Brighton treasure hunt with Viator (£25) .

Where to stay after a day in Brighton

If you choose to stay over in Brighton, use Booking.com for hotels and self-catering apartments and Hostelworld.com for hostels.

Best budget accommodation – Selina Brighton . The Selina chain is a great option all around the world so you can expect top quality standards. This venue is perfectly placed on Brighton Promenade with rooms from £50. More budget hotels – Britannia Study Hotel / The Lanes Hotel . Splash out hotel – Malmaison Brighton .

Thanks for reading my Brighton day trip itinerary!

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring this city. Whether you’re taking a Brighton day trip from London or any other UK city, there’s loads to do.

Check out some of my other England posts:

• My London archives
• How to spend a weekend in Oxford
• How to spend a weekend in Bristol
• The Manchester weekend guide
• The perfect weekend in Dorset
• How to spend a weekend in Norfolk
• Things to do in Liverpool in winter
• How to spend 2 days in the Lake District
• The ultimate Bath day trip from London
• And my guide to backpacking the UK

Visiting the UK? Guidebooks – LP always get my seal of approval. Use the latest copy of Lonely Planet England . Getting there & around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use Busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse UK tours and activities on GetYourGuide . For food tours pairing travellers with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing .

If you liked it, please share it!

See you next time for more adventures,

Ps. Liked this day out in Brighton? Pin it for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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A weekend in Brighton and Hove: travel guide, attractions and things to do

Everything you need to know for a seaside city break in East Sussex

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1. Why you should visit Brighton and Hove

2. top attractions: things to see and do, 3. hotels and accommodation: where to stay, 4. where to eat and drink, 5. transport: how to get there, 6. what the locals say….

The East Sussex seaside city of Brighton and Hove is known for being “quirky, bohemian, artsy, and very LGBTQ-friendly”, said the Nomadic Matt travel blog. Considered one of the “hippest” places in the UK, it really comes alive with festivals and events in summer, but it’s actually a fun year-round destination.

A weekend in Belfast: travel guide, attractions and things to do A weekend in Cardiff: travel guide, attractions and things to do A weekend in Glasgow: travel guide, attractions and things to do

Twenty-five years ago, Brighton merged with Hove in a move that “proved controversial at the time”, especially among some residents in Hove, said The Argus newspaper. The newly-united town then gained city status four years later in January 2001.

This “vibrant” city by the sea is where “hipsters, drag queens, hippies and families blend into a happy urban whole”, said destination expert Louise Roddon in The Telegraph . With “colour and character in droves”, it’s hard not to be “wooed” by Brighton’s “inclusive impulsive vibe”.

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It’s “without a doubt” one of the best places to visit in England – and it’s even a strong contender for the best places to visit in the UK, said the We Are Global Travellers blog. The alternative lifestyle, buzzing nightlife, shopping, fish and chips on the pier and the surrounding countryside make Brighton unique.

Whether you love “rummaging for cool vintage clothes, sipping on single-origin coffee or heading to the seaside for a family adventure”, this is the place to be, said Time Out . If you want to marvel at “glorious Regency architecture”, explore some “excellent” museums or eat at some of England’s best rated restaurants, then Brighton has got your back.

Brighton Beach

Brighton’s pebbly beach is one of the most famous in the UK, said The Beach Guide . Its four-mile promenade “buzzes with life in all seasons” and “unsurprisingly”, it can get very crowded on bank holidays, but “that’s all part of the appeal”. Although the water “can be chilly”, it’s a popular spot for swimming and watersports such as windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and wakeboarding. “They all look good from the comforts of a deckchair!”

Brighton Palace Pier

On the seafront you will find Brighton Palace Pier, an “iconic” part of the skyline, said Yasmin Syed on SussexLive . One of the city’s main tourist attractions, the Victorian pier is “the first thing most people think of when they hear Brighton – especially out-of-towners”. The ultimate tourist stop, it feels as though “us locals” rarely frequent it. “Maybe we’re missing out.”

British Airways i360

If you want spectacular views of Brighton, then you can’t beat the British Airways i360 – a 162m-tall moving observation tower on the seafront which opened in August 2016. It could have been designed to “feel less like a corporate entertainment lounge on a stick”, said Oliver Wainwright in The Guardian . “But by night, when it glows like a sword plunging down from the heavens, it is hard to resist.”

Royal Pavilion and Museum

Located in the heart of the city, the Royal Pavilion is a “most remarkable” building that’s a “delightfully over-the-top domed and pinnacled fantasy”, said Fodor’s Travel . The spectacular seaside palace of Prince Regent George IV was transformed by British architect John Nash between 1815 and 1823. Today, the Royal Pavilion is a popular museum and attraction.

Shopping in The Lanes

Brighton’s artiest district is packed with independent shops, restaurants and traditional pubs, said Time Out . Much of Brighton “oozes character and cool”, but The Lanes are definitely leading the charge. The narrow streets are home to “brilliant” independent cafés, record stores, vintage emporiums, bookshops and art spaces. “Wandering this maze of passageways” is an “excellent way” to spend an afternoon. Don’t get The Lanes confused with North Laine though, said Jennifer Barton on Insider . North Laine is “another cool shopping area brimming with independent boutiques”.

Hove: ‘seriously hip’

If you are heading to Brighton for a break, then don’t forget to visit Hove as well. It has a quieter seafront and “seriously hip” artisan shops, gin bars and niche restaurants, said Roddon in The Telegraph .

Brighton is “continuing to evolve into a chic weekend destination”, said Louise Roddon in The Times . And staying in the city “has never proved so pleasurable”. The Grand gets top billing on many lists of the best hotels in Brighton. Nicknamed the “Palace by the Sea”, it carries “stacks of history” and a third of its bedrooms boast “unbeatable sea views”.

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole review: a major makeover with added thrills

Spread over two early 19th-century townhouses in Kemptown, Paskins Town House is “charmingly quirky” and one of the first vegetarian-friendly hotels in the city, said The Telegraph . Other top places to stay include The Square Hotel, “a golden eagle amidst a flock of seagull B&Bs”, and Hotel du Vin & Bistro Brighton, which is “ideally placed for The Lanes and the city’s major attractions”.

If a boutique B&B is what you desire, then head to Hotel Una, said The Independent . With side views onto the sea and the i360, this 18-room hotel “exudes good looks”. Think “handcrafted furniture, funky pendant lamps and sparkly abstract paintings that enhance rather than mar the regency footprint”.

Embracing the city’s long and colourful legacy is the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole , which has completed an extensive £26m refurbishment that celebrates the building’s glamorous past and eye-catching period design. The refurbishment includes the hotel’s 370 rooms, as well as its public areas, lobby, restaurant and bar.

Restaurants

Brighton is a “food lover’s paradise by the sea”, said The Eat Your World Blog . On the seafront there are plenty of eateries offering traditional fish and chips wrapped in yesterday’s newspaper. But for those who “prefer their lunch on a plate”, the city is home to some excellent seafood restaurants, including The Salt Room, which offers a signature surfboard platter, and English’s Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar, whose menu is “impressively extensive, incorporating lots of British ingredients”.

There may be no Michelin-starred restaurants in Brighton and Hove, but there are some otherwise notable entries worth celebrating, said RestaurantsBrighton.co.uk . Three restaurants – Cin Cin (Italian), Chilli Pickle (Indian), and Burnt Orange (Mediterranean) – have been awarded Michelin ’s Bib Gourmand.

Also worthy of attention is the excellent Isaac At . The restaurant offers “sublime food from an inspiring – and very young – team,” said The Argus . And it is true – head chef Caspian Armani is only 22, while the award-winning sommelier, Alex Preston, is the oldest member of the team at just 27. The restaurant offers a set menu, with plenty of exceptional dishes on offer, including (on the night The Week went along) a bit of cheffy wizardry to start off – a BLT turned into broth. This was followed by nine excellent courses, the stars of which were the delicious plaice with herbs foraged from the local seaside; the homemade sourdough; a selection of cheeses from across Sussex; and a palate-cleansing Pimm’s sorbet to finish. All accompanied by a good selection of English wines, sourced from vineyards across the south of the UK.

According to readers of The Argus , The Regency Tavern topped the list of the best pubs in Brighton. This is a “wonderful” pub, said Green councillor Tom Druitt. “The decor, the colours, the piano, the atmosphere, the bar staff, the ale selection and the punters... it’s a real gem.” Other highly regarded pubs include the Ancient Mariner and The Exchange, both in Hove.

Brighton Station, the city’s main railway station, is about a 20-minute walk to and from the seafront and pier. Some train services take less than an hour from London Victoria, making Brighton an easy day trip from the capital.

The nearest major airport to Brighton is London Gatwick, which is 23 miles away. Trains take an average 39 minutes from Gatwick to Brighton with services operated by Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Southern.

The beach is not the only place to lounge in Brighton, said Rosie Fluskey on The Travel Hack . “You will find fantastic parks throughout the city, as well as the South Downs National Park that backs it”. If you like “cute little museums that are utterly niche”, then Brighton has some wonderful choices, including The Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton Toy and Model Museum, and the Brighton Fishing Museum.

In her local’s guide on Insider , Jennifer Barton offers some tips for foodies. If you’re new to English chips, “make like a local” and order them topped with peas or beans. Also, if you’re “tempted by the junk food on offer”, Brighton rock – a colourful, stick-shaped boiled sugar candy – is a “local specialty”.

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Mike Starling is the digital features editor at The Week, where he writes content and edits the Arts & Life and Sport website sections and the Food & Drink and Travel newsletters. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon. 

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Girl about the Globe

Making solo travel easier.

Solo Travel in Brighton

Brighton,  England is a fantastic place for solo travellers. It is quite small so it is very easy to get around. You can walk to most places and it feels quite safe. If you want to meet others there are lots of bars and cafes or you can just hang out by the beach and start chatting to locals. If you are planning on traveling to Brighton, discover places to go in Brighton as a solo, where to stay and things to do in Brighton at night with our short Brighton guide. 

N.b. By booking through this page you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping.

• Taking a Solo Trip to Brighton

About Brighton

• 48 Hours in Brighton

Top Things To See in Brighton

Brighton sightseeing, brighton activities for all solos, brighton tours, where to meet others, things to do in the evening in brighton.

• Where To Eat in Brighton

Accommodation in Brighton

Getting around brighton, how to get to brighton.

Brighton Pier and beach

Taking a Solo Trip To Brighton

Is Brighton safe for solos? Yes, but as anywhere you do need to be careful at night. Avoid the lower promenade in the evening when by yourself.  Choose accommodation as close as you can to the Lanes and North Laines, one of the famous places in Brighton. This is the area where you will most likely be in the evening so make sure it is easy to get back to where you are staying and that any walking will be done in a busy area.

Stay For: Is Brighton worth visiting? Yes, stay for 2 or 3 nights if you would like to explore the South Downs and/or do some of the more adventurous activities listed in the guide. Brighton is a perfect day trip from London. Plan to arrive at about 10:00  and leave around 16:00

Did You Know?  That Brighton is the unofficial LGBTQ capital of the UK? It holds one of the biggest Pride festivals in the UK, often attracting more than 160,000 people.

Situated in East Sussex, Brighton in the United Kingdom is the quintessential English seaside town. It is only one hour by train from central London making it one of the easiest and loveliest day trips you can take from London. The city centres around the seafront and the shopping and dining area known as The Lanes and North Laine. Brighton is known for its slightly alternative and innovative independent restaurants and shops.

Brighton and nearby Hove merged to become one city in 2000. Hove is one of the places to visit near Brighton and is Brighton’s slightly quieter neighbour. It is here that you will see the famous beach huts and the best collection of Regency Architecture. Nearby Rottingdean is also worth a visit.

The city is quite compact and can easily be explored on foot. The key tourism sights of the Brighton Pavilion, Brighton Pier and the British Airways i360 are an easy stroll from each other. You will also find fish and chips restaurants at least every 500 metres as well as extremely appealing bakeries!

There are many activities available for those seeking something more active. From the many local yoga studios to sea kayaking to walking the lovely South Downs you can work off the calories of those delicious meals during the day!

You can get through the main sights in Brighton in a day trip from London. But to explore a bit more and experience the real Brighton look to stay 1-2 nights – you won’t regret it!  Brighton has a great tourism website that is well worth checking out before you go.

48 hours in Brighton

If you're looking for a Brighton one day itinerary, I have covered a 48 hour Brighton itinerary here. Just choose which day you prefer for 24 hours in Brighton. Hop on a train down to Brighton out of London Victoria. Once you arrive head to Grow 40 for a late morning coffee and some brunch.

Wander over to the stunning Royal Pavilion and marvel at the eastern style stunning architecture in this typical British seaside town. Enjoy the garden in front of the main entrance, which is great in the foreground of photos! Make sure you walk around the back of the Pavilion as well for some different styles of photographs, at one of the most popular attractions at Brighton UK. 

Once you have had your fill head to the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery which is conveniently located nearly next door to the Pavilion. After exploring the museum and its great gift shop walk down to the seafront and grab some fish and chips at The Regency for a late lunch.

Walk off your fish and chips by strolling down the seafront to Hove and checking out the famous beach huts and some of the Regency architecture on Brunswick Square.

Walk back to Brighton Pier. Wander down the pier and try your hand at some of the amusement parlours and get some old fashioned photos, one of the Brighton fun things to do. If you have any room grab some cotton candy. Discover Brighton Pier history here

If you are only in Brighton for the day, head to the nearby Tempest Inn to watch the sunset with a drink. Grab an Indian after at the modern Indian Summer restaurant in the Lanes.

The Following Day

The next morning head to The Flour Pot for some great coffee and breakfast. Then spend the next couple of hours exploring the Lanes and North Laines. Don’t miss Snoopers Paradise for every type of vintage article you could imagine. Combine this with checking out some of Brighton’s street art – most of which is located in the Lanes.

There are lots of places to visit in Brighton, but there are activities near Brighton too! Hire a bike and cycle down to Rottingdean. Have a wander around Rudyard Kipling’s home town then grab some authentic fish and chips at Smuggler’s and eat it sitting on the beach. Cycle back to Brighton and hire a stripy deck chair and have a well-earned rest in the sun whilst contemplating your Brighton visit. 

Once rested join a Brighton Bar Crawl or head to one of Brighton’s wine bars for a tasting. If you’re not much of a drinker finish off with a lovely dinner sitting outside at Brighton’s newest restaurant Pascere. If it is a big night I’ll leave you to find some late-night snacks in the Lanes!

1. Royal Pavilion  

This stunning building looks like someone went to Istanbul and cut and pasted one of its buildings into Brighton! If you're wondering ‘what is Brighton famous for?' Architect John Nash turned this seaside palace into one of Britains’ most famous buildings. There are furnishings and works of art inside – as well as some lovely tea rooms. However, the building itself is the star so this is one place you could save some money on (eg don’t go inside) and still capture the essence of the experience. The Royal Pavilion is a Brighton must-see. 

Cost = Entry fee – £13 – 10% reduction if purchased online ahead of time.

Time = 2 hours

2. The Lanes and North Laine

Things to do in the Lanes Brighton – These lovely little streets are the heart of Brighton. They are populated with shops, galleries, markets, pop-ups, restaurants, bars, vintage shops etc. They do tend towards more independent owners in the heart of the Lanes which makes for lots of interesting shops and food experiences.

Cost =  Free.

Time = 2-3 hours depending on how much of a shopper you are!

3. Brighton Palace Pier

You cannot leave Brighton without having a walk down the iconic Brighton Pier! Every sense will be assaulted by the smell of the sea, the sound of the fair, the many amusements – all served at high volume! Have a game of Dolphin Derby and/or try one of the rides. Don’t forget to get a photo where you stick your head through one of the classic beachside frames. If you're wondering what to do in Brighton on a rainy day, you can take cover at the pier, one of the attractions at Brighton. 

Cost = Free.

Time = depending on whether or not you purchase amusements! 1 -2 hours.

4. Clifftop walk between Brighton pier and Rottingdean

There are two options on how to walk along this beautiful path. You can take the clifftop walk for more spectacular scenery or you can walk along the beachfront to savour the smells and sounds of the sea and the Brighton beaches. The white cliffs are very photogenic and one of the things to do in Brighton England if you love hiking.

Time = 90 minutes to walk o r hire a bike and cycle there in 30 minutes.

5. Brighton Beach

Having said you cannot leave Brighton without walking down the pier, one of the best things to do in Brighton beach.  I am going to have to add in the same for the Beach! The first thing to know about Brighton Beach is that even though it is called a beach it does not have any sand; it has pebbles so you definitely want shoes! It also means there is a booming business in renting out deck chairs etc as lying on pebbles is not a comfortable experience!

You can either walk along the beach – there is an easy path that is dotted with bars, museums and restaurants – or stop and enjoy the beach.

Cost = Free to enjoy, Item hire starts at £2.50.

Time = Minimum is 30 minutes if you’re in a rush – could be all afternoon if it’s a nice day!

Escape the crowds –  by visiting Brighton mid-week or by spending some time in nearby Hove. Head towards Church Road for shopping and some great cafes and restaurants in Hove.

Lose yourself  – in the Lanes and North Laine. These lovely streets can be explored for hours and are one of the Brighton places to see. Or once you’ve visited the Pavilion and the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery have a wander and a relax in the beautifully tended Royal Pavilion Gardens.

Get a Great View

• On the clifftop walk between Brighton Pier and Rottingdean
• Visit one of the pubs along the seafront for sunset views over the Pier and the burnt down Pier. The aptly named The Setting Sun is a good option! 
• Head up the British Airways i360 for amazing views over Brighton and the English Channel 
• Rottingdean Hill provides great views of the Brighton CityScape.

Interact with the locals  – by having a drink! Head to one of the many wine bars in the Lanes – locals and tourists alike all frequent the many restaurants and bars in the area.

Places to enjoy the sun –  Brighton Beach and a deck chair is the most obvious option. However, it does get crowded so jump on a bike or have a big walk and head to Rottingdean or to Hove for some more beach room.

Pubs line the seafront, particularly near Brighton Pier. Most have outdoor drinking areas that are perfect for enjoying the sun.

Solo Tips: As a solo traveller you could easily give Brighton Marina a miss. It has a lot of restaurants but they are all chain restaurants you could find anywhere in the UK. There isn’t a lot there. It is probably a good spot if you have kids but as a solo traveller I would spend my time around the Laines.

The Volks Railway is a small railway that runs along the seafront from Brighton Pier to Rottingdean.

Adventure GatG

• Try some sea kayaking and/or canoeing with BK Kayaking from 40 pounds   
• Enjoy the beach with some beach volleyball. Yellowave beach sports has 6 courts and a café! Prices start with a one hour lesson for £5.50.       
• Or why not try some stand-up paddleboarding with Brighton water sports? 
• Brighton UK is a fantastic spot for the arty GatG! Let’s start with its vibrant Street Art scene. You can do a guided tour – but why not use the fantastic guide that Brighton Tourism has done to find the best street art and explore Brighton at the same time?    
• Galleries are everywhere in Brighton – particularly in The Lanes and North Laine and along the seafront. 
• Visit the Brighton Dome, the city's arts venue. Inside is a theatre, a concert hall and the Corn Exchange.
• The Brighton Museum and Art Gallery cover an eclectic mix of art.
• The Booth Museum of Natural History is for museum lovers with more than half a million specimens under its roof.
• For photographers head down to the Hove beach hut for some shots.

Budget GatG

Things to do in Brighton for free:

• Brighton Pier is free to stroll.
• Walk from Brighton Pier to Rottingdean
• Wander the Lanes
• Visit the Street Art using the Brighton Tourism guide.

Cultural GatG

Brighton is famous for its wonderful examples of Regency Architecture. The streets around Brunswick Square, Hove have some of the best examples as does the Royal Crescent in Brighton.

Check out the Duke of York Picture House, an art-house cinema where you can enjoy a glass of wine with your movie in a beautiful art deco style building. It lays claim to being the oldest continuously running cinema in Britain. The cinema is in the Lanes and easy to spot as it has a pair of Can-Can legs jutting out from the building!

The Theatre Royal in the Lanes has many big theatrical productions. Many west end shows have a run down here. Make sure you check online ahead of your trip to get the best tickets and deals.

Brighton at night

Festival GatG

Brighton loves a festival! Here are some of the key ones:

• Brighton Festival – 3 weeks in May.
• Brighton Fringe – May.
• Kemp Town Carnival – June and free.
• St Ann’s Well Gardens Spring Festival – May and free.
• Brighton Naked Bike Ride!
• The Beach of the zombie's zombie march – October.
• Gay Pride – August.

History GatG

• The Royal Pavilion is the key history must-see in Brighton. Brighton also has other historic buildings such as Preston Manor , a typical Edwardian Country House where collections are on show
• A little further from Brighton in distance is the Bloomsbury style home Charleston . The house also has a permanent collection as well as hosting exhibitions relevant to the era 
• Brighton also has several churches with St Joseph’s being perhaps the most impressive from an architectural point of view.

Nature GatG

South Downs National Park is a bus ride away and one of the popular days out in Brighton. This beautiful area is perfect for a long walk or off-road cycling. For solo GATGs local company So Sussex runs guided activities in the countryside. You can do anything from fishing to cycling to walking – all of which can be combined with some delicious local food! 

If you’re after something a bit different why not give Mackerel Fishing a shot? 

Shopping GatG

The Lanes and North Laines are a shopper’s paradise! They are particularly good if you like to find new and interesting independent shops.

Snoopers Paradise is a treasure trove of vintage goodies. You could get lost in here! It is quite a big store so take a watch as you could easily lose all track of time!   https://snoopers-paradise.com/

Or try one of the UK’s last standing fragrance houses the wonderfully named Pecksniffs Fragrance House. https://www.pecksniffs.com/brighton-boutique

The area is also known for its selection of adult shops! She Said Erotic Boutique is on the more female end of the spectrum here. https://www.shesaidboutique.com/

Finally, Brighton has such a sweet tooth and some fantastic store that are all about treats. The two best to try are Roly’s Fudge Pantry and the fabulously named ChoccyWoccyDoodah.

Wellness GatG

There are many yoga studios in Brighton and most allow drop-ins. Wander the lanes and you will come across loads of them – and you won’t go wrong with Yoga Haven . 

For spas try:  Little Jasmine,  The Treatment Rooms  or  Relaxstation     

Wine snug at Grow 40 Restaurant and Bar

The 2 best wine bars in town are: Ten Green Bottles and   Fourth and Church .  Both hold regular wine tastings and are another great way to meet people. There are also several wineries near Brighton:  Court Garden ,  Albourne Estate ,    Rathfinny wine estates,  Bluebell Vineyard estates,  Ridgeview Wine estates       

Have a Tourist Moment   – on the British Airways i360 to get some great photos. It's one of the best Brighton attractions. Or visit the Brighton Toy and Model Museum, one of the World's best toy museums. There are plenty of tourist attractions in Brighton to see.

Don’t have much time? Head to the beach and see Brighton Pier, one of the fun things to do in Brighton UK, walk to the Pavilion and circle it but don’t go inside and then grab a quick bite in the Lanes. The Brighton Pier attractions are open from 11:00 to 17:00 between October to March, and 10:00 to 22:00 April to October. 

Where to wear your heels – Brighton doesn’t have many occasions where you need to wear your heels. You could pretty much wear flip flops anywhere! But heading to a nice wine bar in the Lanes or to one of Brighton’s top restaurants will let you justify packing them!

From heritage & culture tours Brighton Blue Badge Guides is a good option for a walking tour in Brighton. They conform to a national standard and offer different tours. For something more relaxed try one of the many Brighton Walking Tours on Offer. Check out the Secrets of the Lanes walking tour.

Day Tours – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated Brighton activities and Brighton tours. Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are several to book as a solo. Choose from an admission ticket to the Royal Pavillion Brighton, a visit to the British Airways i360, or a Grand Brighton bike tour. They also offer full-day tours from Brighton UK to Stonehenge and Bath, Cambridge, and London, or you could book a Brighton to Seven Sisters tour including the South Downs. 

* Check all tours, prices and availability for Brighton  

Brighton is filled with opportunities to meet others! Here are a few options:

• Head to the St James pub which runs the Brighton Rum Club. They hold tastings which are a great way to meet people. And they have a Thai restaurant on the premises!
• The Office has 40 different gins to try and a pub quiz.
• If you’re looking to combine wellness and meeting people Brighton has its own wellness meet up group.
• Take one of the walking or cycling tours mentioned above – a great way to meet other tourists and even locals sometimes!

Sunset/Drinks

• Enjoy some nightlife in Brighton with cocktails at The Shuffle Bar . Not only can you get a fantastic cocktail here you can also play your own music! You can access the Shuffle jukebox through your smartphone. 
• Head down to the beach and hit a couple of pubs where you can watch the sunset. The Tempest Inn and the Fortune of War are next to each other bar a fish and chip shop in the middle! Both have great views of the seafront and channel. For solo travellers, The Tempest Inn is the nicer option of the two and probably the best place to start.
• Surprisingly Brighton does not have many rooftop bars! If you’re after that kind of view then head to Bohemia.
• If you are after somewhere Quirkier try Dead Wax Social .
• Or for something a bit more upmarket for your Brighton night out, try out a wine tasting at the wonderfully named Ten Green Bottles.

If you're a party solo, places to go in Brighton are night are the Green Door Store under the train station. This late-night venue features live music so check and book ahead. 

Try the On the Rocks Bar crawl if you are looking for a big night out and to meet other people. You’ll go to 5 bars and get 5 shots. The crawl runs Friday and Saturday nights. Pre-book online for the best deal – only 10 pounds.   

Where to Eat in Brighton

Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch:

Most of the accommodation options in the area will have breakfast included in their overnight price. But you may need a top-up and you will definitely need a spot of lunch!

The Lanes and North Laine are heavens for cute coffee and cake shops. So many great looking places! Here are 3 of my favourites:

1. Pelicano – the cakes are AMAZING! Oozing salted caramel and so many good things going on. They don’t do any savoury items on the menu so this is a cake and coffee specific location! 

2. Grow 40 – a fantastic breakfast and in my view the best coffee in Brighton! I highly recommend the sausage sandwich! They also do lunch and dinner and the restaurant is very atmospheric – there is even a wine snug upstairs which could be a good solo spot! 

3. Flour Pot Bakery – another super cute spot for breakfast, lunch and cake.  

Vegetarian Restaurants

For great vegetarian food head into the Lanes and Terre a Terre . Next to Terre a Terre is a fabulous Indian restaurant Indian Summer. Indian Summer does fantastic meal deals for lunch and early dinner that are worth checking out.

Treat yourself at:

The Sunday roast is another British classic and food and Brighton is a fantastic place to tuck in to one! Two of the best pubs for a great roast dinner are the Earth and Stars and Lion and Lobster. Make sure you ask for a Yorkshire pudding – they are often served only with roast beef which I completely don’t understand as I believe they go with absolutely everything!

Fish and Chips

You can't holiday in Brighton without eating fish and chips! It is quite hard to have a bad fish and chip experience in Brighton – a bit like bad pizza in Italy – it just doesn’t happen! Whilst there are several options in the Lanes and North Laines they really are best enjoyed sitting on the pebbly beach and purchased from one of the many fish and chip shops on Brighton seafront.

The classic and best option is The Regency which has been open since the 1930s. It also has a fantastic location which provides views of the i360, the burnt down pier (West Pier), and the English Channel.

For something a bit different if you choose to head to Rottingdean pop into Smugglers for the classic English chippy experience! You can purchase and take them down to the beach or eat in if it is a bad day. The servings are huge and I highly recommend the haddock and chips. However, perhaps bring your own wine or give it a miss as this does not seem to be their speciality!

In terms of Brighton accommodation there is a huge variety to choose from – upmarket youth hostels, typical British bed & breakfasts, a Brighton boutique hotel, rock n roll hotels or a traditional Brighton hotel. You can also find a nice cosy guest house, or if you prefer self-catering, you could book a Brighton apartment. You name it Brighton has it!

Plus there’s Airbnb which offers rooms in Brighton with a local, and rental accommodation in Brighton on a short-term basis. You can stay in a private room in a local's house or rent their whole apartment. Save $20 off your first stay with this Airbnb link . 

All of the accommodation below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement. 

* Check prices or availability for all accommodation in Brighton

Kipps Backpackers

Kipps Backpackers is a consistently well-reviewed more upmarket youth hostel with a fantastic location near Brighton town centre. There is a mix of rooms from private to dormitories and all are quite attractive.

This is a great place to stay if you are keen to meet people or a great one if you are in need of a bit of privacy but don’t want to have to pay a lot for it. There is a lounge, a kitchen for self-catering, an outside terrace and even a licensed bar plus free WiFi. Prices range from £15 to £44. 

Home Backpackers

If you can’t get into Kipps give Home Brighton a shot. It is a similar set up of everything from private rooms to dormitories and has a shared kitchen etc. It also offers pancakes for breakfast which is always a good thing! Prices begin at £18 per person per night

The Oriental

The Oriental is one of the original boutique hotels in Brighton and is a bit more upmarket than a hostel. This quirky hotel in Brighton offers the opposite of a chain hotel experience and is in a great location. Prices start from £55 a night.

Hotel Pelirocco 

Brighton loves a themed hotel! From the hotel itself to each of the rooms you can have a very personalized accommodation experience. Treat yourself at Pelirocco Hotel. Hotel Pelirocco contends that it is Brighton’s sauciest boutique hotel! And it’s a Rock and Roll hotel too. Some big claims! There are 19 themed rooms to choose between – from Dolly Wood to Modrophenia! Prices from £159 per night.

For a little less you can try Seaspray, one of the theme hotels in Brighton. They have 15 different themed rooms from Elvis to Venice and also offer an insider’s guide to Brighton once you have made a booking. Prices from £125 per night. 

You don't really need to take any public transport in Brighton as Brighton city centre is walkable. Most of the key areas such as the Lanes, the Pavilion and the seafront are all very short walks. You can also hire a bike to get to the slightly further distances of Rottingdean.

There are local buses that can take you around Brighton and Hove and to areas such as the South Downs. The actual buses are often named after some of the city’s most famous residents! And of course, you can use Uber and local taxis.

You can drive but parking is not easy and not cheap. If you do decide to go for car hire, Brighton does have a park and ride but the train in and out is definitely the best option for a day trip to Brighton. 

If you are travelling to Brighton, Brighton is located quite close to Gatwick Airport, about 45 minutes in a car. Heathrow is about 90 minutes away.

How to Travel From London to Brighton – The easiest way to get to Brighton from London is on the train. You can pick up a train to Brighton from Kings Cross Station, Victoria Station or Clapham Junction station depending on where you are based in London. Clapham Junction station is the closest to Brighton. If you book in advance you can sometimes get cheap train fares from London to Brighton. * Check train times and prices here  

How far is Brighton from London? Getting to Brighton from Kings Cross will take about 90 minutes and about 65 minutes from Clapham Junction. The train to London from Brighton runs regularly.

For those who prefer the freedom of the open road consider hiring a motorhome and driving yourself around the UK stopping in Brighton on the way. As a solo traveller, you’ll have plenty of space for your accommodation as well as cooking gear and a fridge/freezer to prepare your meals. Spaceship Rentals offers a Voyager campervan from £50 per day. * Book a campervan with Spaceship Rentals

About the Author 

Amanda O’Brien runs the travel blog www.theboutiqueadventurer.com . After 20 years in marketing and visiting over 80 countries in her 5 weeks off each year she decided to combine her skills with what she loved and start a travel blog. The blog focuses on adventurous activities and destinations but usually ends up in a hotel with a high thread count on the sheets. The blog is designed for travellers who are over 35 and is often focused on solo travel.

Follow Amanda on Facebook , Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Google Plus .

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Home » Europe » England » Brighton

Travel blogs, photos and stories from Brighton, England – a gay travel hotspot on the seaside, just a short (and convenient) ride from London

Brighton Travel Guide

Your guide to the best things to do and see in brighton.

Known by some as ‘London by the Sea,’ Brighton is an alternative and gay capital in England, and definitely worth a visit. Though a small seaside town, there are plenty of things to see and do in one of England’s best cities.  Start here with my basic Brighton travel tips, or jump down below to read my latest Brighton travel blogs .

When to Visit

The weather in Brighton is pretty mild all year round, with not much in the way of extreme temperatures. Nonetheless, summers are no doubt the nicest time of year to visit in order to be able to enjoy the seafront to the full extent, but it may still rain at any time! #england

Top Things To Do

Visit the Royal Pavillion – This former royal residence along the Brighton seafront is a unique and unusual example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. While it used to be a seaside retreat for the royal family, nowadays it’s a museum exhibiting items related to British royalty.

Cupcake decorating – I highly recommend taking an afternoon class in cupcake decorating (and eating, of course!) at Angel Food Bakery ! So much fun, and such a decadent way to spend some time in this cool city. From the bakery, you can also easily reach the North Laines—arguably the most hipster spot in Brighton with tons of other affordable eateries/restaurants and alternative shops. You’re bound to find some cute or quirky souvenir or gift here!

Explore the gay nightlife – Brighton is one of the U.K.’s most LGBTQ-friendly cities and the gay nightlife is unlike anywhere else. While it’s a small gay neighborhood, there are still plenty of different bars and venues for every type of interest. Check out the Marlborough Pub and Theatre for cool alternative LGBTQ events and parties.

Brighton Tours

Although it’s a relatively small city, taking a tour around Brighton will save you time and get you in to some areas of the city you might otherwise overlook, so it’s definitely worth you time to consider one. Take a look at this selection of Brighton tours.

Recommended: Piers and Queers Brighton Tour – Run by the small, independent tour operator Only in Brighton , this tour is a walking history of Brighton’s queer past. A tour of the city’s legendary gay hotspots and the people who’ve made the city iconic.

LGBTQ – Gay Brighton Travel Guide

Probably the gayest city in England, Brighton has a rich and well-known gay scene with a lot going on. These are a few of the best things you should know about visiting gay Brighton.

Brighton Pride – The biggest gay pride event in the UK, Brighton’s pride takes place on the first weekend of August and takes over the city with a massive street party and outdoor music festival. Not to be missed!

Kemptown & St James Street – Though the city is overwhelmingly LGBTQ-friendly, most of the gay nightlife is in the area nearest Kemptown and St. James Street, at the end of the Brighton Pier. Charles Street Tap is a long-running gay bar with pub nights and pop music blasting on the TV screens; The Queens Arms is a small, indie gay cabaret; Bar Broadway plays showtunes; and Subline is a dark, underground, grungy dive famous for its fetish nights. Most big gay nights out in Brighton will find yourself at Club Revenge —a late-night pop club.

More gay travel resources here.

Brighton Hotel Deals

Brighton has plenty of cool and quirky hotels, as well as all the big chains you’d expect. They’ll likely get full when there’s a conference or special event in town, so definitely consider booking in advance. I’ve found that using Booking.com, Agoda.com or Hotels Combined can be really useful for finding last-minute deals.

There are also many small independent hotels. In the gay neighborhood, you’ll find the affordable New Steine Hotel . With a location that can’t be beat, it’s right in the heart of Brighton’s nightlife and even offers fine French dining in their on-site bistro.

Follow @ travelsofadam on Instagram for more travel tips!

Brighton Travel Blogs

A Gay Guy’s Weekend Guide to Brighton

The unofficial “gay capital” of England, Brighton has always been an LGBTQ hotspot. Its funky city flair, the gay bars and clubs, friendly attitude and fun festivals make it a gay hotspot

Chinoiserie architecture around Europe

Barcelona, Potsdam and Brighton are all home to some important and extensive Orientalism & Chinoiserie architecture around Europe.

Hotel Pelirocco: rock & roll hotel in Brighton

On my trip to Brighton I didn’t stay at the Hotel Pelirocco but I did go to the bar one evening to enjoy a cocktail (or two). The stylish boutique hotel isn’t located in the main drag near all the gay clubs, but it’s not too far that you can’t walk. The boutique hotel’s most …

Cupcake decorating in Brighton

One of the things I didn’t get to do much of last year while traveling was baking and cooking. I don’t spend much time in the kitchen, but on my recent trip to Brighton, I had the opportunity to do a bit of cupcake eating (oh, and decorating!) Brighton is generally known as a quirky …

From Berlin to Brighton for the weekend

Last weekend I had the chance to escape Berlin and visit Brighton for the first time. The last time I was in England was already over 5 years ago, so I was long overdue for a visit. And even though I’d spent 5 months living in London, I never visited Brighton—not to mention any other …

The Best Brighton Bloggers

Brighton is known for its casual lifestyle, its stony beach and pier and as one of the top tourist destinations here in the UK. What is probably less well known is that Brighton is one of the digital hubs of Europe, hosting a hefty amount of conferences and events.

Whoever you speak to, they seem to have a project in place, a life plan on how to become a personal brand and a blog as a central hub for it all. It seems like half of the UK’s most successful vloggers all seem to come from this seaside town. I have therefore written down my list of the most impressive bloggers who are either based in or around Brighton and Hove.

Spaghetti Traveller

Hey, you can’t blame me for sneaking my blog onto the list! I have run my travel blog for over a decade, exploring the world, but also trying to create regular Brighton and Sussex based content to offer a shout out to all the amazing local things to do.

From things to do in Brighton , to free alternative options and also Brighton Marina trips, I’m trying to share my best moments after more than 15 years in this city.

I will try my best to post about the best places to eat, attractions to see and experiences to try, but if you think I’m missing anything, please do reach out!

Fizzy Peaches – Lyndsay Joanne

Lindsay writes about travel, fashion, food and pretty much everything to do with Sussex. Her photography for each and every post is incredibly impressive. Make sure to keep an eye out for Robbie, their gorgeous dog! Website – Instagram

Ellie & Co

Ellie launched her travel blog in 2016, exploring all the best places to eat and to visit in Brighton, while she has also written a guidebook on the city, so her knowledge of the area is second to none. Ellie also runs a brilliant ‘neighbourhood guide’ series, highlighting some of the best independent restaurants and bars in the area.

Website  – Instagram

Alright, this might be another I have setup (I’m becoming a bit of a blogging addict) but I’ve now ventured into the world of CBD oil. Brighton is definitely a great hub for CBD based products, with the first cbd-infused restaurant in the UK opening up here in 2018 (where many of the bloggers above attended). The blog was setup in order to offer a little more transparency on the industry, as well as offer up-to-date information, as well as product reviews.

Website – Instagram

Foodie Bloggers

Brighton food boy.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat out in Brighton then look no further than Gary’s Instagram account, just make sure not to do it on an empty stomach as you’ll feel the hunger pangs!

The photography is always stunning, but it’s his rich detail on each meal, from the good to the bad, what to look out for and details on new restaurant openings that has me sifting through his account around lunch time. The posts are enough to make me contemplate why I didn’t start a food blog instead of travel!

The Graphic Foodie

Fran Villani has been grilling restaurants all over Sussex since 2008, dishing out the good and bad for us Brightonites, so we know exactly where to eat (ignore all my puns). She also writes some scrumptious recipes for meals she has made herself, which I definitely recommend taking a look through.

The Third Place

I first met Sammy at a Nando’s launch event in Brighton and the blog has grown massively since that date. An avid Potter fan (time for a game of quidditch me thinks), the Third Place is Sammy’s clever creation considering the third location we hang out in other than work and home. Whether it’s heading to a restaurant, hanging out in a coffee shop with friends or going to watch a movie, Sammy shares and reviews the best spots in Brighton.

Cate In The Kitchen

Cate loves her food, tries to avoid meat, is pretty healthy and most importantly, loves cake! The blog also has a podcast, something I’ve always wanted to do but never got around to (ah where is the time going). Never have I been more tempted to embrace the veggie life than going through the glorious pictures on this blog.

Jenny In Brighton

Jenny combines her love for travel, baking and cocktails. I only just got into gin around 9 months ago and now I feel like I have a million questions to ask. If you want to find some great reviews of gin, I’d strongly recommend visiting her blog.

Fashion & Beauty

Suit your look.

The team at Hen Heaven all teamed up to setup their own fashion magazine, mixing beauty, fashion tips, fitness, nutrition and recipe ideas. Already receiving celebrity endorsements, this will certainly be one to watch!

Ola Johnson

Predominantly a vlogger (check out her amazing YouTube channel to be wowed by her great fashion tips), Ola is devilishly funny and not afraid to be herself in any situation. A proud feminist and sass queen, Ola has now passed over 100,000 views on her YouTube channel and is continuing to increase her power as a social influencer.

Golly Miss Holly

Holly is relatively a veteran of the blogger scene, starting out at around the same time I did and has seen her site grow exponentially. Look out for her cute cat Bear making a number of appearances, both on social and on the blog. A combination of beauty, travel and lifestyle, Holly mixes it all up to offer you the best content, not to mention the occasional post around Harry Potter.

The Halcyon Years

Formerly Ettie and Me, The Halcyon Years combines Emma and Stu’s adventure into family life, along with their travel experiences, renovating the home and shopping trips. Her stories with her little one will always leave a smile on your face, while it’s also worth checking out her great shots on Instagram.

Interior & Decoration

Maxine brady.

Maxine is an award winning interior stylist and can help you to add the hottest home trends to your humble abode with all of her amazing tips packed into Maxine Brady’s blog (used to be WeLoveHomeBlog). Formerly the Style Editor for an interior magazine, Maxine is the expert on style and decoration tips, how to find a great bargain and secret styling tips. I’d recommend having a watch of her amazing YouTube video’s!

Fifi has an unbelievable eye for interior design, with her stunning photography helping her to build a pinterest fanbase of over 34,000. Plus she writes about Farrow & Ball a lot, a weakness of mine as I used to handle their marketing.

Charlotte Nichole

Charlotte shares her stories of taking on a new build home and adapting it to be her Forever Home. This really appeals to me as I’m in the process of buying a house and I’ve become obsessed with everything around housing (you’ll find me watching Location Location Location in the evening nowadays, I’m getting old).

Kitty Wheeler Shaw

Kitty is a Brighton based wedding photographer with an impressive talent (I wish I was that good at photography). The blog walks through some of her wedding shots, as well as tips and advice on wedding inspiration.

So are there any more bloggers and vloggers you think should have made the list? Let me know, as I’d love to add them and make this a comprehensive list of the best this beautiful seaside town has to offer.

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I will visit all the blogs you mentioned. I am travelling back to the UK next month and I’m hoping to visit Brighton 😀

Hey tom. Would you consider adding my blog – welovehomeblog.com its a lifestyle + interiors blog (I’ve won awards!) and I’m a Brighton girl through and through.

great blogs, for anyone that likes writing experiences, you can share how is like to live in Brighton or any city in the world in http://www.gocommunity.co/en

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BRIGHTON TRAVEL GUIDE

Brighton Travel Guide

Brighton is a popular seaside resort in the South of England, shining with diversity and design, this makes a great day trip from London, especially during the summer months.

There are lots of things to do in Brighton; check out the beach, and Brighton Pier, and browse the vintage shops and tasty eateries in The Lanes. Head to Brighton during a festival to really get a full flavor of this wonderfully eccentric city.

Typical costs

Accommodation

Budget:  Dorm beds can be found between £6 – £20 whilst private rooms start at £40.

Midrange:  £60 – £100 depending on location.

Luxury:  Nice hotels on the seafront cost around £120.

Transport: The great thing about Brighton is that everything is in walking distance.

If you do want to get a taxi, you are looking at a £10-£15 cost depending on the time of day whilst buses cost around £2.40-£3 depending on the distance.

If you decide to stay in Brighton, cheap train tickets to other coastal areas such as Eastbourne and Hastings are also available from around £11.

The average cost of food:

Lots of food chains can be found across Brighton, ideal for those looking to save some cash.

Fish and chips can cost between £6 – £11 per person whilst lunch meals cost around the same.

Dinners can cost upwards of £15 per head but check out the pub foods; the Wetherspoon pub chain offer great meal deals for excellent prices.

Best time to visit Brighton

The UK has temperamental weather; it rains far too often and Brighton is not fun when you get caught outside during a rain storm. 

The best time to visit Brighton is May to September when the weather is warm and there is less chance of rain. However, this is England, you always need to have a raincoat or umbrella with you, just in case. 

August is the hottest time of the year and visiting Brighton at this time is essential if you plan on swimming in the sea. However, be warned that this is the summer holidays and Brighton becomes very busy at this time. 

Where to stay in Brighton

Hostelpoint Brighton is a great spot for a night or two, located near all the popular attractions and right near the beach, dorm beds start at £8.99 whilst private ensuite rooms are £40.

Smart Brighton Beach is another popular hotel and again centrally located on the beach and near attractions, dorms start at £6.50 whilst private ensuite rooms cost £40.

The Square Hotel is a modern and stylish spot, offering a great restaurant and sophisticated bar, with rooms starting at £90. Just a short walk from the seafront, YHA Brighton offers bright ensuite rooms starting at £69.

In a great location, the Brighton House Bed and Breakfast has been rated as a luxurious, immaculate hotel with rooms starting at £121, this is a top pick for me.

Overlooking the seafront, Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront is a top choice for couples, with modern 4-star rooms starting at £126 a night.

Save money in Brighton

The UK is an expensive destination to visit in Europe but there are many ways you can save money in Brighton

• Stay in chains – Chain hotels such as Travelodge or Premier Inn can be in many neighborhoods, with rooms costing as little as £60 when booking in advance. Hostels can be found for around £20 and can even include breakfast. 
• Cheap food – Head to a takeaway shop or street vendor for lunches for £5 whilst dinners will cost upwards of £10. Budget chain restaurants you should consider are Nandos, Pizza Express, Wagamamas and the Gourmet Burger Kitchen. 
• The Seafront – Do not eat or sit on the seafront. Prices here are higher than elsewhere and you can either be charged for just sitting in the restaurant or cafe. 
• Walk – Brighton is a walkable destination so plan your days out and get your comfortable shoes on. 
• Book tickets in advance – When heading to the paid attractions (such as the Sealife center), book your tickets in advance to save money. Also, check Groupon for discounted prices and restaurant deals.  There are plenty of things to do in Brighton with kids but avoid spending all of your budgets on entrance tickets.
• Pub food – Typically speaking, eating food in a pub is a lot cheaper than a normal restaurant. Wetherspoons is a great choice for those on a tight budget, with meal and drink deals starting at £6. 
• Visit off-season – The summer is when Brighton comes to life but visiting from October to April will save you money. 
• Visit the parks – Brighton is home to many parks so unwind and relax in these beautiful gardens, especially during the summertime. For a unique walk with great views, enjoy the Seven Sisters Walk , with options for all fitness levels.
• Use the bus – If you intend on using the public buses to get around, you can pick up a Discover Ticker for £9. 
• Free Walking Tours – You can take a free talking tour in Brighton, which lasts a few hours and takes you to the historic sites in the city.  Head to Strawberry Tours, Real Brighton Tours or Visit Brighton Greeters for free tours. 

Best things to do in Brighton

• Brighton Pier
• Royal Pavilion
• British Airways i360 Tower
• Sea Life Brighton
• Walking Tour
• Devil’s Dyke
• Brighton Marina
• Brighton Toy and Model Museum
• Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
• Snoopers Paradise
• The World’s End
• Brighton Dome
• Upside Down House

How to get to Brighton

Bus – Buses are available from Arundel, Chichester, Eastbourne and London Victoria, costing around £8 from London but taking around 2 hours.

Train – For £24 you can get a train from London Victoria or London St Pancras to Brighton, taking just an hour. Nearby popular spots are also accessible by train, including Eastbourne, Chichester, Hastings and Portsmouth.

Drive – Many drive to Brighton, but be aware that parking is incredibly pricey in Brighton centre, with some car parks costing up to £7 for two hours.

Not too far from Brighton is Eastbourne where you can find the popular Beachy Head .

How to get around Brighton

A day bus ticket around Brighton costs £4.60 but the best way to experience Brighton is to walk and wander, get lost down the lanes and discover hidden gems all over this diamond city.

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Welcome to Brighton!

An inclusive, free-thinking city in the heart of Sussex. With a blend of modern culture and exotic architecture, sea and countryside, make Brighton your base and discover new places and experiences both inside the city and out.

What’s Brighton like in a nutshell?

Ever since royal party animal George IV fell in love with Brighton back in the 18th Century, the city has been a magnet for visitors in search of fun, frolics and fresh sea air. With its majestic Regency squares and crescents, iconic Royal Pavilion and famous piers, today Brighton is as well-known for being a welcoming and diverse city with a passion for culture, creativity and sustainability as it is for its historic landmarks.

With art, live music and entertainment on tap, plus an ever-growing abundance of independent shops, boutique hotels and award-winning restaurants, what more could a city have to offer? Quite a lot, it turns out! Apart from having eight miles of beach on its doorstep and being bang in the middle of a UNESCO World Biosphere Region, it also borders the magnificent South Downs National Park , which is itself an International Dark Sky Reserve. And given that it’s a one-hour train journey from London and a half-hour train journey from London Gatwick Airport, it couldn’t be easier to get here.

So here at VisitBrighton HQ, we’ve gathered together everything we know about our fabulous city that could be of interest to you and organised it into handy sections to help you plan your trip. You’ll find information on things to do , what’s on , where to stay , and where to eat, drink, shop . We also have a helpful plan your visit section and a meetings and conferences section .

Are you ready to

be inspired!

Inspiration.

Marta escapes the city for dinner at one of Sussex's finest country pubs - The Sloop Inn.

• 18 May 2024 19 May 2024

We have so much happening

all year round

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10 Things To Do On A Brighton Day Trip from London By Train!

Categories England , London , U.K

Brighton is such a cool place to visit and thanks to its location and good train links, a Brighton day trip from London is very easy, and who wouldn’t want to get out of the big smoke for one day and go to the beach!

Brighton is very walkable and therefore you can do all the best things to do in Brighton on a Brighton day trip and especially on a London to Brighton Day Trip.

We know that the weather isn’t always good and you may think you can only visit Brighton on a sunny day but you can visit Brighton from London all year round, so in this Brighton travel guide, let me show you how!

Brighton Day Trip From London!

How to get to Brighton from London!

For your Day Trip to Brighton from London, the best way to get to Brighton from London is by train!

London to Brighton by Train

On my recent day trip to Brighton, I took the London Thameslink as it was closer to me, it goes through many central London stations like St Pancras, Farringdon, Blackfriars and London Bridge directly into Brighton Train Station.

Alternatively, you can take a Southern Railway Train from London Victoria .

To get the cheapest London to Brighton train tickets , book a return ticket, book your tickets a few weeks in advance if possible or as far out as you can, avoid commuting times if going on a weekday!

Things To Do in Brighton!

The problem of course with day trips in the UK is the weather! There are plenty of things to do in Brighton and I have noted the top things to do in Brighton below in this Brighton travel blog.

Keeping the British weather in mind, I have given you ideas of things that will be good things to do in Brighton on a rainy day  as good things to do in Brighton in the summer .

This means that if you already had your Brighton day trip from London booked it and it turns out to be wet weather, you can still enjoy your Brighton day trip!

1. Brighton Pier

You can't do a Brighton day trip and not walk along Brighton Pier!

Brighton Pier is a pretty typical British Seaside pier, it's full of stalls selling ice creams, doughnuts and candy floss perfect for your London to Brighton day trip.

There are fairground rides at the end for the brave people amongst us, it has deck chairs on it to enjoy the views from, and on that point, it does have awesome views of the beach, the i360, and even some white coastal cliffs (more on those later). Brighton Pier even has some arcade games inside the Palace of Fun.

If it ends up raining on your trip to Brighton day trip from London, you could easily pass an hour playing old-school seaside arcade games inside the arcade.

2. Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach isn't the best beach in the UK and a lot of non-British people don't like it because it's not sand!

However it is a huge beach and the best thing about it, in my opinion, is that it has a huge promenade that goes all the way to the nearby town of Hove.

It also has a promenade walkway right on the beach and if you get on it by the pier it takes you past so many bars, pubs, shops, restaurants and cafes that are all based underneath the main, top promenade.

On a nice day, this area is full of people sitting outside enjoying their food and drink in the sunshine. I really recommend doing this walk on your Brighton Day Trip from London.

If the weathers nice you can sunbathe on the beach and get in the ocean if you're brave enough! If the weather isn't good you can walk alongside the beach and take in the views. Just remember to wear warm clothes in the winter as the sea breeze is cold!

The fact that you can go to the beach within the city of Brighton is a big reason as to why it's often named as one of the best cities in England  to visit!

3. Hove Beach Huts

You've probably seen photos of colourful beach huts in Brighton, these are well worth a visit if you are wondering what to do in Brighton especially if you've never seen any before or you just want a nice photo.

If you are thinking 'where are the colourful huts in Brighton?' The colourful beach huts are in fact in Hove and not Brighton.

However, Hove is just a 20-30 minute and 2km walk down the promenade from the centre of Brighton. When you get to them, you'll know! They can't be missed.

Another advantage of walking down to Hove is that the beach is a lot less busy there so if you did want to lie on the beach for a while on your day trip to Brighton from London and feel like it's too busy by the pier then head towards Hove!

4. Brighton Bike Tour

For activities in Brighton, something a bit different and for a unique way to see Brighton is taking a Bike Tour.

These bike tours of Brighton take you to all the popular places in Brighton like  North Laines, the Royal Pavilion, the Beachfront and the pier. Depending on the tour they also take you to some unique places in Brighton like the Fishing Quarter, Brunswick Square and Preston Manor .

Not only is a bike tour a quick and easy way to see the city, especially if it's cold and you don't fancy walking, but having a tour guide will give you a much better understanding of the City, its history, its architecture and some interesting facts!

I'd recommend booking a tour in advance for your Brighton Day Trip from London and I recommend checking out the tours that Get Your Guide offer as they offer a really high quality of service, the tours they offer are:

5. Brighton i360

The i360 is a fairly quite a new addition to Brighton's skyline and it has been a pretty big hit. It gives incredible view s over the ocean, the coastline, the countryside and of course, Brighton and Hove.

I would recommend booking a ticket in advance here for £16.50 pp so you can enjoy a smooth ride up 138 meters in a futuristic glass viewing pod while on your Brighton day trip!

6. Brighton Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion, also known as Brighton Pavilion is a must-visit place on your Brighton day trip from London because it's totally unique and not what you expect to see in Brighton.

The building is incredibly beautiful, it was first built in 1787 but it was built in three stages as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales. It's really nice to see it from the outside and if it's nice weather there's lots of greenery around it and people are always lying on the grass as it's a nice relaxing part of Brighton.

It does have a museum and you can also go into the Pavilion when you purchase a ticket.

7. Hop-on Hop-off Brighton Bus

Another Brighton activity if the weather is terrible on your trip to Brighton, you don't fancy walking or you're on a tight on time whilst on your Brighton day trip from London is a hop-on, hop-off bus!

The Brighton hop-on hop-off bus actually visits so many places that you probably wouldn't walk to meaning you'll get to see a lot of Brighton on it.

The other benefit is, of course, having a commentary whilst travelling around to get a better understanding of Brighton and the local area.

For example one of the routes stops at: Palace Pier, British Airways i360, Grand Avenue, Sussex County Cricket, Hove, Palmeira Square, St Anns Well Gardens, Brighton Station, Imperial Arcade, Brighton Pavilion/Old Steine, Royal Crescent/Bedford Street, Brighton Marina/Seattle Hotel and Maderia Terrace.

Check our routes and book tickets for the Hop On Hop Off Bus here.

8. Brighton's White Cliffs

England's Southern coastline is popular for its White Cliffs and like me, you may have heard of the White Cliffs of Dover or the Seven Sisters Cliffs,

(BTW if you want to visit these at some point, check out my post on how to visit the White Cliffs of Dover from London!  & how to visit the Seven Sister Cliffs from London ),

But did you know that Brighton has White Cliffs too and they are one of the popular places to visit near Brighton??

To get to the Brighton White cliffs you can take a  bike tour from Brighton which I think sounds really cool, you can look out for tours once on your Brighton day trip or hire a bike yourself to see them!

Or, if you happen to drive to Brighton which you may do as Brighton is one of the popular places to visit on a  Southern England road trip , be sure to jump back in the car and drive to them as they seem to be a local spot that not too many tourists go to in Brighton!

9. Boho Gelato for Ice Cream

No trip to the seaside is complete without ice cream right?

Boho Gelato has been in Brighton for a few years now, it has 2 stores and it's popular due to its many unique flavours so you have to visit Boho Gelato for on your Brighton day trip from London!

It's also popular because Zoella and Alfie Days who live in Brighton go there a lot!

Think Jam Donut, Cheesecake, Gin and Tonic, Lager and Lime etc. Their flavours change on a daily basis and they have Vegan options!

Rain or Shine, get your ice cream fix from Boho Gelato in Brighton!

10. Explore Brighton Lanes & Brighton North Laine

Finally, another one of the top Brighton attractions to finish off your Brighton day trip are its Laneways,  they are a must-visit on a trip to Brighton.

Brighton is home to 'The Lanes' and 'North Laine' which are in fact different things although they are quite close together.

The Lanes are a collection of narrow laneways located in the Historic Quarter of Brighton . The Brighton Lanes are full of independent shops like antiques and jewellery shops alongside designer boutique fashion shops.

Brighton North Laine , however, has a slightly different feel to it. It's located in the Cultural Quarter and the streets are wider. It's home to independent shops as well but shops that are more exotic and funky. Think vintage fashion, vegetarian-friendly shoes, locally made jewellery!

There are also plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants in this area of the city so you can get some food and drink before finishing your Brighton day trip from London and getting back on the train to London!

Best Train Tickets from London to Brighton

Don't forget to prebook your train from Brighton to London , if you don't you might be in for a nasty expensive train ride back! It's always best to book a return ticket for your day trips from London by train .

So make sure you get onto The Train Line and book as soon as you know when you'll go as the further out you book, the cheaper the London to Brighton train tickets will be!

If you are worried about the fact that you'll have all your bags on you when you are in London and don't want to take them to Brighton with you for the day, look into where you can  store your luggage near London Victoria before you get on the train and you can pick them up when you return!

FAQ About Day Trips to Brighton from London

How can i spend a day in brighton.

Head down to the beach and Brighton pier first and this is what is so great about Brighton, after that walk up to Hove and the colourful beach huts. Then explore the city by visiting Brighton Pavilion and the quirky Brighton Lanes for shopping and window shopping. Don't forget to stop at a cool cafe and bar in Brighton too!

Is Brighton expensive to visit?

Brighton is one of the more expensive cities in the UK due to its South and Coastal location and proximity to London, however when visiting Brighton on a day trip you will not see a huge increase in prices, in fact, if you are coming from London, Brighton should seem cheaper than London on a day trip!

How many days do you need to visit Brighton?

Whilst you can easily spend 2-3 days exploring Brighton, 1 day in Brighton is enough to see and experience a lot of the city as the city is very walkable.

What can you do on a Brighton day trip?

There are a lot of things to do in Brighton on a day trip because the city is so walkable and easy to get around. Head down to the beach and Brighton pier first and this is what is so great about Brighton, after that walk up to Hove and the colourful beach huts. Then explore the city by visiting Brighton Pavilion and the quirky Brighton Lanes for shopping and window shopping. Don't forget to stop at a cool cafe and bar in Brighton too!

I hope this post helps plan your day trip to Brighton from London and gives you ideas of things to do in Brighton in 1 day!

• Related London Day Trip Posts:
• Visiting the Seven Sisters Cliffs on a Day Trip from London!
• Spending the Day in Margate on a Day Trip From London. My True Thoughts!
• Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover on a Day Trip from London!
• 10 Things Not To Miss When Visiting Oxford on a Day Trip From London!
• 10 Things To Do in Bath on a Day Trip from London!
• A Day Trip to Stonehenge & Bath from London!

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Friday 17th of August 2018

I love Brighton - my sister has lived there for over 15 years since she moved to go to Sussex uni. I have visited and stayed many times, even living there for a year. The Pavillion is amazing isn't it and I love Hove too - nicer beach than Brighton I think!