Brighton has fast become the UK’s hippest beachside city with its blend of modern culture, majestic Regency architecture (a testament to its royal past), as well as the sea and nearby countryside.
About an hour’s train journey from London or just a half-hour train journey from Gatwick Airport, Brighton is well known for being a welcoming and diverse city with a passion for culture and creativity.
Here are some of the things you could do in Brighton
Royal Pavilion
For a glimpse of how the other half lived, visit the Royal Pavilion located in the centre of Brighton. The palace was built over 200 years ago as a seaside pleasure retreat for King George IV, whose extravagance and passion for fashion and architecture can be seen all through the building.
Brighton Museum
Why not combine your visit to the palace with the museum found within its gardens. It boasts dynamic and innovative galleries and has fashion, style, 20th-century art and design, as well as fine art. And beyond all that, it features exciting and interactive displays that will keep everyone entertained.
Royal Pavilion Gardens
Give yourself a break from all that culture by immersing in this oasis of tranquillity and relaxation. The garden’s carefully maintained plants have attracted a variety of butterflies, birds and bees, and can be enjoyed throughout the year. What’s more, entry is free.
Toy and Model Museum
Indulge the child in you by visiting this nostalgic collection of over 10,000 items from an era gone by. Located in a cellar under the Brighton main railway station, it’s believed to have the country’s biggest collection of model railways.
Undercliff Walk
With chalk cliffs rising on one side and waves crashing beneath on the other, this five-kilometre path offers uninterrupted sea views and is perfect for a bicycle ride or a walk. Don’t worry about the distance though; it has easy access points with good public transport.
Sea Life Brighton
It’s only fitting that you should see marine life at the seaside, and this aquarium doesn’t disappoint. The oldest aquarium in the world, Sea Life Brighton has over 5,500 sea creatures that can be observed through a floor-to-ceiling window. The Day and Night offer allows you to experience the wonders of a coral reef as it moves throughout the day. Book a Glass Bottom Boat Ride that allows you to have the unique experience of getting up close and personal with inquisitive turtles and sharks as you glide over the water.
Volke Railway
Exhausted from all that activity but still want to see more of the seafront? Then this is just the ticket. The world’s oldest continuously running electric railway, it has three stations along the way where you can board as you wish. Tickets are pretty affordable, and no advance booking is required. For a history of the train and timetables, go to the official website.
British Airways i360
Views don’t get better than from this observation tower located on the seafront. It offers 360-degree vistas across Brighton, the South Downs and the English Channel. The Golden Spirals (24 cast-iron columns that were part of the substructure of the West Pier) are transformed into something spectacular from this vantage point at night. Tickets are reasonable and include various concessions.
Devils Dyke
Located only 5 miles northwest of Brighton, the Devils Dyke is one of the UK’s largest ‘dry valleys’, perfect for walks and a family day out. It offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset. Don’t miss out on Saddlescombe Farm, a hamlet nestled in the downs that offers historic exhibitions and has a charming outdoor tearoom.
Brighton Zip wire
If adrenaline is more your thing, then look no further. Climb up an impressive staircase to heights of 17 metres, 32 metres above sea level, where you will be rewarded by incredible views of the Brighton seafront. Don’t worry about the journey back; you will be zipped down in no time via a 300-metre-long zip wire, the longest on the South Coast. Another unmissable experience. For tickets and information on what to expect, check out more info here.
Open Market
Feeling artistic? Why not head over to one of the most eclectic and vibrant areas in Brighton. Located on a historic site at the heart of London Road, you will find over a dozen artist studios that offer workshops. Browse through independent boutiques and traditional market stalls offering healthy local produce, or kick back with a cup of coffee at the Flying Saucer café and enjoy the live music on offer. For upcoming events, visit their official website.
The Lanes
If, however, you are in search of a gem for that special person or just want some retail therapy, then head to The Lanes. Nestled between the North Laine and the seafront, this lively historic quarter with narrow paved alleyways is famous for quaint tea rooms, fantastic restaurants and traditional pubs. A ten-minute walk from Brighton Station, the Lanes are easy to get to and perfect for watching the world go by. See if you can spot Banksy’s ‘Kissing Policeman’.
Department Flee Market
Now, for anyone who loves vintage clothing or antiques, this is just the place. This Aladdin’s cave, spread over two floors, has everything from clothing, homeware, vinyl, memorabilia, and every bit of bric-a-brac you could dream of.
Brighton Centre
It would be remiss to come all this way and not catch a gig in a city renowned for giving up-and-coming performers a break – and where better to do so than here. Located on the seafront, this is the place to go for big-name comedy, music or theatre; The Jam and even Bing Crosby have performed here.
Brighton Beach
Or, why not just stroll along one of the UK’s most famous beaches – including a nude section, the first of it’s kind in the UK. On its four-mile-long promenade that buzzes with life all year round, grab an ice cream and enjoy the street performers from a deckchair or take part in the water sports available. There’s even a free paddling pool for kids. Brighton Beach is within walking distance of the town, but there is a car park nearby (fees apply) and a regular bus service.
Brighton Palace Pier
Finally, the British seaside experience isn’t complete without eating fresh Fish & Chips. Located right on the beach, Palace Pier is one of the oldest and most impressive in the UK. It boasts a waterfront theme park with rides, hot food and drink outlets, two arcades and Brighton’s biggest indoor soft play area. Paid parking is available, but plenty of public transport is also available.
Starling Murmuration
If you happen to visit between October and February, you might just witness one of nature’s wonders taking place at the seafront. Thousands of starlings swoop and swirl as if in a choreographed dance before settling into roosts beneath the burnt-out West and the Palace Piers. It really is a spectacle worth catching.
Rockwater
In the mood for cocktails? There’s no better way to indulge than at Brighton and Hove’s newest beach bar. Even though it’s open all day, there’s no better way to wind down on a hot summer’s day than sipping some freshly made cocktails on the roof terrace; the views are unforgettable.
Shuffle
Shuffle is an excellent example of why Brighton’s nightlife is unique. With its extensive wine and cocktail list, it offers an evening out with a difference. Here, you’re given the option to select your own playlist for the evening from their jukebox through your smartphone. Although booking isn’t necessary, walk-ins are subject to a small deposit on Fridays and Saturdays.
