Blending seaside charm and a vibrant cultural scene, this south coast city is home to one of Britain’s most recognisable landmarks.
Tucked away on the scenic south coast of England, Brighton draws visitors from far and near with its bohemian seaside vibe. Sparkling with vibrancy, the city combines stunning Regency architecture, iconic pebble beaches, quirky shops and a friendly and welcoming character.
Visit Brightonin May when the city offers a feast of cultural events over three weeks for the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe. In between music, comedy, theatre and dance acts, take a guided or themed tour to learn even more about this quirky city.
Things to do in Brighton
Brighton’s most famous landmark is the Brighton Pier, jutting out into the English Channel. Spend the day enjoying amusement rides, arcade games and indulgent treats from the various food stalls. With its classic fairground rides and thrilling roller coaster, the pier is a family favourite.
From here, visit the Brighton Marina for its maritime charm. Shop, dine and enjoy lively entertainment as you walk along the waterfront or try your hand at fishing. Consider a boat trip from the marina to explore the coastline from the sea.
Move on to the neighbourhoods of The Lanes and North Laine. The Lanes offers an eclectic mix of quaint shops, antique stores and jewellers, all tucked along narrow, winding streets. In North Laine, explore bohemian boutiques, vintage shops and artistic cafes, finding treasures from handmade crafts to retro fashion items. You can’t miss the colourful street art adorning the walls of the neighbourhood lanes, a testament to North Laine’s creative spirit.
Brighton’s history and culture
See how King George IV lived in the early 19th century at the Royal Pavilion. Built as the king’s seaside retreat, the opulent palace is a fusion of Indian and Chinese architectural styles and lavishly appointed with exquisite furnishings and accoutrements. Don’t miss the tranquil Pavilion Gardens.
Dive into Brighton culture at the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of art and historical artefacts. Discover taxidermy specimens and displays at the Booth Museum of Natural History and pop over to the Brighton Toy and Model Museum for its delightful collection of playthings from different eras. Check the calendar at the Brighton Centre, Theatre Royal Brighton or Komedia Brighton while you’re in town for an exhibition, concert or event featuring big-name artists and performers.
Dining and nightlife in Brighton
Grab picnic items from the Brighton Open Market or The Lanes Market, where you’ll find locally produced foods while shopping alongside local residents. A diverse range of stalls at the markets also offers the chance to shop for crafts, vintage clothing and antiques.
For sit-down dining options, Brighton offers a number of beachfront seafood restaurants and international cuisine in the city centre. The city is also known for its café culture, with numerous coffee shops and tea houses. Don’t leave town with trying the fresh-from-the-sea fish and chips, and Brighton Rock, a beloved striped candy.
Come evening, try out Brighton’s lively nightlife and thriving music scene. Visit one of the many pubs, bars and live music venues catering to all tastes and genres. As well as the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe, the city hosts a variety of musical festivals throughout the year, attracting both local and international talent.
Getting around Brighton
Fly into London Gatwick Airport to access Brighton. The airport is 22.8 miles (36.6 kilometres) from Brighton. Trains also run from London to Brighton. The ride is about an hour and trains generally leave every 15 minutes. Once you’re in Brighton, the best way to get about is on foot or via public transportation.
