Brighton

Brighton & Hove, one of Britain's liveliest cities, with a passion for creativity, with a bohemian, artistic, eccentric atmosphere that can't be found anywhere else in the UK. Full of elegant Regency architecture, museums and galleries, a glittering nightlife, and a rich arts and theatre scene. A city by the sea that's just a short hop from the capital, made for exploring, soaking up the vibe, and enjoying all the fun of the seaside.

Things to do in Brighton

Brighton offers a fantastic family day out with all the fun of the fair on the Victorian Brighton Palace Pier with its whirling Waltzers, fish & chips and candy floss. Stroll along the vibrant Brighton beach with its lively cafés and bars, pubs and clubs, Artists' and Fishing Quarters, beach volleyball court, children's play area and dramatic sculptures framing the sea views. Take to the sky on board the Brighton i360 viewing tower and glide up to 450ft for the best views in Brighton or head to the iconic ruins of the West Pier, one of Brighton’s most Instagrammable spots. Dive in with a visit to the oldest operating aquarium in the world at Brighton Sea Life Centre full of original Victorian architecture or hop on the world’s oldest working electric railway from the Aquarium Station stop near Brighton Pier to the Marina. At the Marina discover your competitive side at Globalls a 12-hole indoor golf course all in stunning UV, enjoy lunch and dinner alfresco style and enjoy a wander around the designer discount outlets located with Brighton Marina.

Shopping in Brighton

Brighton a city made for walking, head out and explore the narrow 17th century Lanes, an area nestling between North Laine and the seafront. Stretching between East Street, Ship Street, and North Street, Brighton Lanes are just a ten-minute walk from Brighton Station and a five-minute walk to Brighton Palace Pier. Discover the maze of narrow alleyways cramped full of independent shops selling antiques, jewellery, and designer clothes. Explore hidden squares, full of cafes, bars, and restaurants that stretch onto the pavements, creating a cosmopolitan vibe, and a labyrinth full of unusual and eccentric shops, alongside your favourite high street names at the award-winning Churchill Square shopping mall.

Attractions in Brighton

Don't miss the stunning Royal Pavilion on your visit - King George IV's seaside fantasy palace with its Indian domes and oriental interiors, an icon of the city, and one of Europe's most extraordinary royal palaces. Experience a different side of the Palace with the guided tunnel and basement tour (May to August 24) and discover life below the intricate interiors. The city's museums are treasure houses of inspiring objects from all eras and cultures. Brighton Museum and Art Gallery has dynamic and innovative galleries with regularly changing exhibitions, that feature exciting interactive displays appealing to all ages. Pop along to enjoy the ABBA: One Week in Brighton exhibition to understand how their visit capitulated the group to fame (on until August).  

A regular visitor to Brighton and looking for somewhere new to try? Head to Preston Manor and enjoy the sweeping lawns and fragrant gardens, discover rare vintage train collections and toys at Brighton Toy and Model Museum, or escape from the hustle and bustle of the city at Stanmer Park which stretches from the outskirts of Brighton to the South Downs National Park.

Arts and Entertainment in Brighton

The arts play a major part in Brighton city life, especially in May when the Brighton Festival takes place. This is England's largest international arts festival and attracts thousands of visitors to experience hundreds of events over 3 weeks. You can see pre and post-West End shows at the Theatre Royal, arts and comedy at Komedia, classical concerts at the Brighton Dome, and pop stars at the Brighton Centre. The festival returns from 3rd - 25th May in 2025.

Brighton's nightlife is relaxed and fun-fuelled, with stylish bars, traditional pubs, and the biggest selection of restaurants outside London - over 400 serving mouth-watering cuisine from around the world.  Scroll to the bottom of the page to discover places to eat and drink in Brighton.  There's live music nearly every night of the week and a host of evening venues to experience, plus an events calendar that is busy all year round including Brighton Marathon, Brighton Pride, London to Brighton Car Rally, Burning the Clocks and more. 

Hove is a district of Brighton, located to the west of Brighton, it with its own character and identity. Full of quaint squares, sweeping crescents, independent shops, and eateries galore, it's easy to wander into Hove on a stroll along the seafront and not even realise you are there!

London to Brighton by Train

Brighton is situated on the South Coast of England, in the county of East Sussex. The city sits between Worthing and Eastbourne and nestles on the edge of the South Downs National Park. It takes just over an hour to reach Brighton from London, with direct trains running from London Bridge and London Victoria. This mainline commuter route means trains are regular and plentiful. Brighton is served by South Western Railway, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, Southern, Great Western Railway trains.

Places to stay in Brighton

The Grand Brighton is an iconic Victorian property steeped in British history and stands centre stage on Brighton’s famous seafront. From the stunning sweeping spiral staircase and traditional period design to the beautiful sea view rooms and the new contemporary brand-new restaurant Cyan, the Grand experience is treating yourself to the best.

Amsterdam Hotel rooms offer stunning views over Brighton's famous Pier, beach and seafront and are fitted with multi-channel digital LCD flat screen TVs. Most of the hotel rooms have large en-suite walk in showers or wet rooms, all with large double or twin single beds, TV and Tea & Coffee making facilities.

Whether you are looking for accommodation by the beach or an escape to the South Downs, you'll be spoilt for choice with the selection on offer.

Things to do in Brighton this weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend, take a look below for some weekend inspiration in and around Brighton. From things to do and places to stay and eat, you’ll find plenty of things to fill your weekend away, day trip or holiday in Sussex.