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, made for exploring, stoking up the vibe and enjoying all the fun of the seaside.

Things to do 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. Hidden squares, full of cafes, bars and restaurants stretching onto the pavements, creating a cosmopolitan vibe. A labyrinth full of unusual and eccentric shops, alongside your favourite high street names at the award-winning Churchill Square shopping mall or the designer discount outlets at Brighton Marina.

Don't miss the chance to visit the Royal Pavilion, King George IV's seaside fantasy palace with its Indian domes and oriental interiors - Europe's most extraordinary royal palace.

The city's museums are treasure houses of inspiring objects from all eras and cultures. Brighton Museum and Art Gallery has dynamic and innovative new galleries, which feature exciting interactive displays appealing to all ages, while a visit to Preston Manor gives a glimpse into the life of a prosperous Edwardian family and their servants.

The arts play a major part in city life especially in May when the Brighton Festival, England's largest international arts festival, attracts thousands of people to hundreds of events for 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.

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. There's live music nearly every night of the week and a host of evening venues to experience including Globalls a 12-hole indoor golf course all in stunning UV. Try an outdoor style escape room book from Mystery Guides Treasure Hunt Adventures, a great way to explore the city as a family, or with friends.

Brighton on the beach Enjoy 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 beachfront 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! The iconic ruins of the West Pier can be seen right here, one of Brighton’s most Instagrammable spots.

Discover Brighton's origins at the Fishing Museum and its development at the 1820's Regency Town House, 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.

And there's always something happening on the seafront and in the streets - classic car rallies and cycle races, fun runs, parties, and processions. A year-round events calendar means there’s plenty of things to do and events to enjoy whatever time of the year you decide to visit.

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.

YHA Brighton is ideally located in Brighton, just a short stroll from the pier, the world famous 'Lanes' and the heart of Brighton.

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.

London to Brighton by Train

Brighton is situated on the South Coast of England, in the county of East Sussex. The city sites 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.

Hove is a district of Brighton, located to the west of Brighton, it with its own character and identify. The Holiday inn Brighton Seafront and Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel, The Norfolk Hotel both sit on the cusp of Hove, Brighton’s slightly more genteel half. Full of quaint squares, sweeping crescents, independent shops and eateries galore, its easy to wander into Hove on a stroll along the seafront and not even realise you are there!

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.