Lively, youthful, and home to a thriving LGBTQ community, Brighton’s seaside attractions, alternative spirit, and fierce pride make it one of England’s most distinctive beach destinations. In addition to the nostalgic delights of Brighton Pier and the rarefied scenery of the Royal Pavilion—both top things to do in Brighton—younger visitors flock to the Brighton Lanes, where boutiques and secondhand shops jostle with bijou bars and hipster-filled restaurants. While you can take in the sea air on its pebbly beach, walks to the chalky heights of the Seven Sisters are a worthy challenge for experienced ramblers.
After cold and rainy winters, Brighton’s weather redeems itself the rest of the year with some of England’s mildest and sunniest climes, drawing big seaside crowds as a result. Spring sees locals and visitors come out to play at the multi-arts Brighton Festival, while summer heralds the highest temperatures (and prices), as well as animated Pride celebrations and beach dance parties. Despite Brighton’s somewhat inclement winters, the twinkly Lanes, Christmas Market, and outdoor Royal Pavilion Ice Rink keep the city’s carnival vibe alive.
Driving around Brighton is notoriously difficult due to its narrow roads and pricey parking. Fortunately, the city’s frequent buses are handy for exploring the major sights and cliff-fringed coast to the east. Walking is also popular: Brighton’s center and village-like neighborhoods such as Kemptown, Seven Dials, and the North Laine all lie within a roughly 30-minute stroll from the seafront. If walking or buses aren’t your thing, cabs, ride-hailing apps, and bike rentals are alternatives.
For a breather from central Brighton, catch the #12 bus for a 15-minute ride to Roedean Café, perched on a clifftop outside the city. This old-school café is famous for its hearty English breakfasts and pies, all served with a side of magnificent sea views. Work up an appetite by playing a round of mini-golf on the café’s very own 16-hole course.
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Alex, a freelance writer, studied and worked in Brighton. Along with the city’s happy diversity and laid-back seaside charm, she loves the nonstop fun for which Brighton is famous.
get orientated quickly as the city is spread out. Work out The Lanes—the pedestrianized alleyways that meander from the North Laine to the seafront—along with areas such as Kemp Town and Hove.
Tourist it up with a stroll through the North Laine where street art, eccentric folk, and independent shops abound. Queue for fish and chips at the seafront, and eat them on Brighton Beach where both tourists and locals hang out.
Brighton Palace Pier — it’s touristy, it’s tacky, but it’s a beloved part of Brighton. Skip the arcades, and wander the length of the pier with a doughnut in hand.
experience the nightlife. Kemp Town, with its famous LGBT bars, is where you’ll experience the diverse, welcoming face of the city—the nightclubs are legendary here, along with the clubs that dot the seafront.
see the bustle of the beach from Brighton Palace Pier, or go skywards in a capsule pod on the British Airways i360 Viewing Tower. Views stretch out to sea, and inland to the South Downs National Park.
is thinking that Brighton is a balmy seaside spot. Sunny summer days aside, the winds can really whip you here as the brisk sea air blows straight in from the open coast.
Seaside Brighton is famed for its raffish vibe—fueled, perhaps by the louche George IV, who commissioned its best-known attraction, the multi-domed Royal Pavilion in 1815. Other attractions include its Regency squares, amusement-packed Palace Pier, cobbled Lanes and North Laine enclaves, and Kemptown, the spiritual home of Brighton’s big LGBTQ community.
...MoreVisitors love exploring the Royal Pavilion, taking seafront walks, and ascending the i360 tower. Also popular are Palace Pier’s rides, and the quirky shops and eateries of The Lanes, North Laine, and Kemptown. Brighton’s hedonistic nightspots, comedy clubs, and camp cabarets also draw visitors, as does May’s arty Brighton Festival.
...MoreNo, Brighton doesn’t have a zoo. However, one of its top attractions is Brighton SEA LIFE®—the world’s oldest continuously operating aquarium, which is set under seafront Victorian arches and houses a huge array of marine creatures. The nearest classic-style zoo is Drusillas Park, a children’s zoo-park in nearby Alfriston.
...MoreBrighton is awash in entertainment. Enjoy family-oriented attractions like its aquarium, i360 observation tower, and Palace Pier. Catch horse racing at Brighton Racecourse or soccer at the American Express Community Stadium. At night, the city buzzes with theater, comedy, and drag shows, along with live music spots and dance clubs.
...MoreApproximately 53 miles (86 kilometers) south of London, Brighton makes a great day or weekend trip. Going by car or bus—the latter from London Victoria Coach Station—takes around 1.5 hours. Many travelers use the frequent trains from London Victoria (1 hour) and St. Pancras (1.5 hours).
...MoreYes, Brighton makes a fun, convenient day trip. Its key attractions are close to its train station. Explore the shop-filled North Laine, savor lunch in colorful Kemptown or the Lanes, and hit the Royal Pavilion, Palace Pier, and i360 tower before sunset meals and drinks at a trendy seafront spot.
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