11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES
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This post is about the top things to see and do in Brighton, England
So you’re planning a trip to Brighton and you need a little inspiration to get you started? Don’t worry - this list has you covered!
Brighton is a stone’s throw from London by train which makes it a really easy pit stop to visit whilst already in the capital. You could visit for a day or stay a few days to really soak up the Brighton atmosphere.
However long you’re staying in Brighton you’ll want to know the very best things to do in Brighton whether you want to soak up some rare English sunshine on the beach or explore some of the amazing shopping areas the city has - there is something for everyone in Brighton and I’m almost sure you’ll love it there.
In this guide I will share all the must-sees in Brighton as well as the most popular tourist sights and attractions if you have a little more time to spend in Brighton.
So, if you’re wondering what to do during your time in Brighton, keep reading!
Planning your trip? Use my favourite resources!
🏨 Accommodation : I recommend Booking.com
✈️ Flights : for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Car : I recommend Rental Cars
🛡️ Travel Insurance : for the best deals I rely on HeyMondo
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Brighton Travel Top Picks:
Experiences: A few top-rated tours in Brighton include:
See Brighton from over 150m high in the British Airways i360
Visit the incredible and unique Royal Pavilion
See the chalk sea cliffs on the English Channel coast with a Seven Sisters Boat Tour
Click here for a full list of Brighton tours
Accommodation: Find the best places to suit your style and budget here
Safety: Brighton is a pretty safe place for travel but you should still pack some travel safety essentials. A great item to take is a Personal Safety Alarm that can help scare away potential attackers. Other safety items you should consider are Hidden Pocket Scarves or Hidden Pocket Scrunchies and Clever Companion Hidden Pocket Pickpocket Proof Clothes.
Where is Brighton?
Brighton is a coastal city located in East Sussex, on the south coast of England, United Kingdom.
It is about 47 miles (76 kilometers) south of London which makes it a popular day trip for people visiting London.
The city is part of the larger Brighton and Hove urban area and is situated along the English Channel, offering a picturesque seaside setting.
Brighton is easily accessible by train, car, and bus, making it a popular destination for both day trips and longer visits.
Why is Brighton a great travel destination?
Brighton is one of the most fun places in south east England to go for a long weekend break.
It’s a really popular day trip for people visiting London but if you can I really recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Brighton to really explore the area.
There’s just so much to see and do in Brighton and you’re guaranteed to find a few spots you love whatever your interests.
Brighton is known for its diverse and inclusive atmosphere. The city has a strong arts and music scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and live music venues. The annual Brighton Festival is a celebration of arts and culture, attracting artists and performers from around the world.
Brighton has a beautiful seaside charm about it with it’s pebble beach and amazing pier.
The Brighton Palace Pier is an iconic landmark and a symbol of the city. We’ll talk more about it below so keep reading.
If you’re staying for more than one day and you want nightlife Brighton has a lively and diverse nightlife, offering a plethora of bars, pubs, clubs, and live music venues.
The shopping is amazing in Brighton as it is home to a variety of independent shops, boutiques, and quirky markets. The North Laine and The Lanes are particularly famous for their unique shopping experiences, offering everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts.
Brighton is an amazing English seaside town that has so much to offer. Let’s check out the 11 best things to do in Brighton.
Things to do in Brighton
1) 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. It’s pretty much on the sea front so it’s hard to miss.
It is an Indian-styled palace that seems completely out of place in England. But it is absolutely stunning building and a must-see when visiting Brighton.
The building was commissioned by a young Prince Regent (who became King George IV) when he first came to Brighton in 1783.
The architect was John Nash, also known for London’s Regent Street and Buckingham Palace.
In the first World War, the building served as a hospital for Indian soldiers. Today, it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions of Brighton.
The exterior of the building is magnificent and the Royal Gardens are beautiful but you can also go inside which is a popular thing to do in Brighton. Inside you can get an audio guide which gives you lots of information as you walk around the Banqueting Room, Great Kitchen where you’ll find out about George’s diet and into the Royal Bedrooms, adapted when George was overweight and ailing later in life.
Make sure to leave around two hours for your visit.
2) Palace Pier
If you’ve ever seen a photo of Brighton before there’s a good chance it’s a picture of the famous pier. It is one of the UK’s major landmarks and the Palace Pier goes out into the English Channel for half a kilometre at the bottom of the Old Steine thoroughfare.
The Victorian pier has been a part of Brighton since it opened in 1899 and for most of the 20th century was dominated by a theatre, which was, unfortunetly, demolished in the 1970s after it became structurally unsound.
Now the Palace Pier is filled with shops, arcades and places to eat. It has an amusement park over the water feeling about it with fairground rides and traditional games and the biggest soft play area in the city at four storeys high.
It’s the perfect place to grab a deckchair (they’re lined up on the pier ready for you to grab) and enjoy some traditional fish and chips looking over the beach.
3) The Lanes
Brighton used to be a small fishing village and back then the area that is now known as The Lanes was the centre of the village.
The Lanes are the oldest part of the city and one of the best places to dine and shop. The Lanes are a network of narrow streets filled with independent boutiques and shops. You can find many really cool items here from vintage clothing, antiques and old vinyl record stores.
To add to the feel-good-vibe of The Lanes they are often filled with buskers playing their music. It’s the perfect place to stroll around and maybe even grab some food or drink.
The Lanes are a must-visit when in Brighton.
4) North Laine
Between Brighton Railway Station and the Royal Pavilion, North Laine is a hip shopping district where more than 300 shops are crammed into less than half a square mile.
Interestingly, in Medieval Times the compact grid of streets at North Laine was a network of tracks around farming plots and after these were paved over in the 19th century the area became an overcrowded slum.
In the 20th century the whole area was going to be demolished, but was rescued as a Conservation Area in the 1970s. After this time it began to flourish into what it is now, which is a bohemian district filled with vintage shops and boutiques, music stores and trendy cafes.
There’s a community of designers making a living at studios in North Laine, producing metalwork, glassware, jewellery, ceramics, sculpture and clothing.
There is a ton of cool street art around the area too which is fun to go hunting for.
5) Brighton Beach and Beachfront
You may be in for a surprise as you get to Brighton Beach (well not anymore, after you’ve read this I guess) as it is not a beautiful sandy beach as I thought it was when I first visited but a beach made from pebbles.
It’s the perfect place for a sunbathe if the trusty English weather allows. If not, it’s great to walk along the beachfront promenade instead. The beach itself is 5.4 miles long and the promenade a 4 mile stretch so you can walk a fair way!
There are lots of little shops you can peruse in as you wander and the scent of the sea mixed with fish and chips ensures you know you’re at an English seaside town.
As you walk you will see the burnt out West Pier, infront of the new British Airways i360 which was abandoned in the 1970s and was lost to a fire in 2003.
6) Olde Steine Gardens
As I mentioned before Brighton used to be a little fishing village and when it was a fishing village Old Steine Gardens was the village green with a stream running through it.
Now it’s a centrally location lovely green space in Brighton. It’s near all Brighton’s big landmarks with Palace Pier to the south, The Lanes to the west, Kempton to the east and the Royal Pavilion right next to it.
On sunny days the lawns of the gardens are full of people relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. There is a big fountain in the middle - the Victoria Fountain which was built in 1847 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne.
They are a great place to relax and people watch or maybe grab some food from a local shop to have a picnic.
7) British Airways i360
On the seafront near to where the burnt out West Pier and the promenade once met is a huge attraction that now dominates the Brighton skyline, the British Airways i360.
The British Airways i360 is a 162m tall observation tower that opened in 2016 that gives you stunning panoramic views of the beach and the whole of Brighton.
It is a 20-25-minute ride in a large pod that can hold up to 200 people at once.
If you visit on a clear day you will be able to see the cliffs at Beachy Head and the Isle of Wight 50 miles away.
There’s even a bar inside the pod where you can order a drink called the Nyetimber Sky Bar, sponsored by a brand of sparkling wine produced on the county’s chalk hills.
You can pre-book tickets to ensure you’ve got a spot. I recommend visiting on a clear, sunny day if you can as you will have a much better experience.
8) Photograph the colourful beach huts
This is a must-do in Brighton - although the beach huts are technically not in Brighton. They are actually a little walk away in Hove. The promenade stretches all the way from Brighton to Hove and it’s only a short walk to get to. If the weather’s nice it’s a pretty pleasant thing to do in Brighton.
9) Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Inside the Royal Pavilion Garden, the Brighton Art Museum and Gallery is one of the best things to do in Brighton if you want to learn about some local culture.
Interestingly the building housing the Brighton Museum was intended to be used as the Prince Regent’s tennis court.
This was never completed and instead became a cavalry barracks.
When inside make sure you check out all their various collections including decorative art, natural sciences, fine art, world art, costumes and textiles, toys, film and many more.
It’s a great thing to do in Brighton.
10) Eat fish and Chips near the beach
What’s a visit to one of the UK’s best seaside towns without having some fresh fish and chips. I don’t eat fish so I’ll just take the chips but still it’s something you absolutely must do in Brighton. I honestly don’t think you can say you’ve been to an English seaside unless you had chippy on the beach!
You can get some delicious fish and chips on Brighton Pier and it’s great to rest your tired legs, relax on a deckchair with your chippy and watch the world go by.
There’s plently of seagulls around though so watch out they don’t try to pinch you’re food - some of them are very cheeky!
READ MORE : Traditional British foods to try
11) See the Seven Sisters
If you fancy heading out of Brighton slightly I highly recommend a visit to the coastline where the Seven Sisters are. They are about a 40 minute drive from the centre of Brighton and are one of the best things to do if you want to get out of the city for a bit.
Head to Seven Sisters Country Park and walk along the country paths that go along the cliffs. A word of caution - the cliffs can be pretty dangerous so don’t go too near the edge as it’s easy to slip and fall. The rocks around the cliffs themselves can be quick soft sometimes and quite often bits fall off to the sea below - you don’t want to be anywhere near the edge if that happens!
Visiting the Seven Sisters is one of the best things to do in Brighton when you want to escape the city. You can prebook a tour to Seven Sisters and South Downs if you want some guidance as you explore this area of the country or if you fancy a boat trip to Seven Sisters you can prebook that.
Plan Your Trip to Brighton
Best Brighton and UK Travel Guides
Brighton Tours and Attractions
What are the best tours in Brighton?
The best tours in Brighton are:
What are the best inexpensive tours in Brighton?
These are the best activities when you are visiting Brighton on a budget:
Brighton FAQs
What can you do in Brighton for free?
Visiting Brighton doesn’t have to be expensive. There are a lot of free things to do, including the Brighton Pier, relaxing on the beach, Brighton’s fishing museum, and the Brighton Marina.
When is the best time to visit Brighton?
Brighton is a year-round destination, but the summer months (June to August) are particularly popular due to warmer weather and various events. However, the city has a vibrant atmosphere throughout the year.
How do I get to Brighton?
Brighton is easily accessible by train, car, and bus. The city has a mainline train station, and it's well-connected to London and other major cities. The A23 road provides access by car, and National Express coaches also serve the area.
Is parking available in Brighton?
Yes, there are several car parks and on-street parking options in Brighton. However, parking spaces can fill up quickly, especially during peak times, so it's advisable to plan ahead.
What are the must-visit attractions in Brighton?
Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Beach, the Lanes (for shopping), and the British Airways i360 are popular attractions. The city also has a vibrant arts and music scene. Read the above post for more information about what to do in Brighton.
How many days do you need in Brighton?
While spending a day in Brighton gives you enough time to see all the highlights, I recommend going for two or three days. This way, you can visit all the sights but also have some time to enjoy the beach.
What is the weather like in Brighton?
The weather in Brighton is pretty mild. Summers are generally warm and winters are cool. It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip.
Are there affordable accommodation options in Brighton?
Yes, Brighton has a range of accommodation options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and hostels. Prices may vary depending on the season and location. Find the perfect hotel in Brighton for you on Booking.com
How do I spend the day in Brighton?
In the morning, visit the Brighton Royal Pavilion and Brighton Pier. After that, enjoy a panoramic view of the city in the BA i360, walk the promenade towards the Hove beach huts. End your afternoon by shopping in the Lanes, and finish the day with some fresh fish and chips near the water.
More Information about the UK
If you’re struggling to decide other places to visit in the UK read Best Cities to Visit in the UK
I also have many other UK city guides and which you can read by clicking on the links.
ENGLAND: How to visit Liverpool from London, visit best beaches near Liverpool and find out the best things to do in Liverpool, must sees in Manchester, make the most of your time in Brighton. Visit the Roman city of Chester or head to the stunning Lake District.
SCOTLAND: Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh
WALES: Llangollen
Information About London
LONDON ITINERARY: In our article The Perfect 2 Days in London you’ll find a detailed itinerary for exploring London. If you only have one day in London you can find out the most important things to fit into your day in this 1 Day London Itinerary.
LONDON TRAVEL ADVICE: Here are the important things to know if it will be your first time in London. Included in this article are all my best hints and tips for visiting London for the first time. The Best 49 Things to do in London article will help you plan your London itinerary. If you’re wondering what foods you should try when in London read this Best British Foods You Have to Try.
WHERE TO STAY: If you’re unsure on the different areas in London and where would be best to stay make sure you read this Best Places to Stay in London article.
PACKING FOR LONDON: If you’re wondering what you should pack when visiting London read this Packing for London and the Rest of the UK Guide.
LONDON AT CHRISTMAS: For an overview of the best things to do in London at Christmas here are 15 things to do in London at Christmas. I also have guides to the best Christmas lights, best London Christmas window displays and best Christmas markets in London. Learn how to put it all together in this great London Christmas Itinerary.
Read all of my articles about England in the United Kingdom Travel Guide.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in world.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for wherever you’re going to and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfers from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com.
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions on your travels on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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