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Why we love Brighton

Quirky and cool, Brighton may seem like a typical British seaside resort, but delve below the surface and you’ll discover so much more. Enjoy vintage shopping, art shows, diverse cuisine, healthy and sustainable restaurants at the forefront, with plenty of pubs for a cheeky afternoon tipple. Explore the Victorian history and modern-day delights of Brighton Palace Pier, search the boho boutiques of its quaint shopping street, The Lanes, or experience a bird’s eye perspective of the coastline from 450ft above the ground, on Brighton i360.

Dig into freshly cooked fish and chips on the sea front, or get back to nature amongst the white cliffs and ancient woodlands of the South Downs National Park. From wildlife to seaside charm, Brighton truly rocks!

Things to do in Brighton

Choosing an option from the dropdown will automatically update the map listing results to filter by your selection.

Visit this 19th-century seaside ‘pleasure palace’ in the heart of Brighton to discover its colourful history.

Find out more about Brighton’s eclectic Royal Pavilion

VisitBritain/Simon Anderson/Royal Pavilion

Brighton

Royal Pavilion at dusk, lit up in a range of vivid colours
Royal Pavilion

Shop ’til you drop at the quirky shops and boutiques inside Brighton’s Lanes.

Find shopping heaven in The Lanes

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Brighton

Crowds of people on the streets on a summer's day shopping
The Lanes, Brighton & Hove

Take flight on the world’s tallest moving observation tower, with 360-degree views of the city and coast.

Fly high at the Brighton i360

VisitBritain/i360

Brighton

Group of friends in climbing gear at the top of i360 pod overlooking the coastline in Brighton
Brighton i360

Bold, brash and oh-so proud: the Brighton and Hove Pride is the party of the year.

Make it a wild weekend at Brighton and Hove Pride

VisitBritain/Tom Nagle

Woman flying rainbow flag during Pride
Brighton and Hove Pride

Grab a deckchair and soak up the sea air – and stunning views – at Brighton’s beachfront.

Kick back on Brighton Beach

VisitBritain

Brighton

Woman standing on the beach near the pier at sunset
Brighton Beach

Whizz along Brighton’s beach on this 300m (984ft) zipline – the longest one on the South Coast.

Take a trip on Brighton Zip

Lauren Mabbett Brighton Zip

People at Brighton Zip
Brighton Zip

What could be cooler than gliding along Brighton’s breezy beachfront on your roller blades?

Book Brighton Skate Fresh

Skate Fresh

Two people rollerskating along the street in Brighton
Skatefresh

Peaceful Hove Lagoon is perfect for paddleboarding – or switch it up with a wakeboarding lesson.

Dive into Lagoon Watersports

Lagoon Watersports

A woman water skiing and holding onto a line at Lagoon Watersports in Brighton
Lagoon Watersports

Cocktails, mini golf and…dinosaurs? With its UV lights and wacky games, this nightspot is one-of-a-kind.

What’s on at Globalls

VisitBrighton

Luminescent decorations on a mini golf course at Globalls in Brighton
Globalls

A celebration of all-things Brighton, alongside artefacts and artworks from around the world.

Discover Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

VisitBritain/Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

An asian woman and teenager looking at paintings in gallery
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

This eclectic entertainment venue hosts stand-up-comedy, circus shows, classical ballet and more.

What’s on at Brighton Dome

Brighton Dome

Brighton Dome - CGI visual of studio theatre
Brighton Dome

Local graffiti artist REQ presents a walking tour of Brighton’s most colourful hidden corners.

Book a Brighton Street Art Tour with REQ

VisitBrighton

A tour guide highlighting Brighton's graffitti art on a tour
Enter Gallery Brighton Tours

Over 50 years old, Brighton Open Market is thriving with fashion, food and craft stalls, alongside special events.

Shop at Brighton Open Market

Gauthier Soho

A chef tasting prepared food in Gauthier Soho, a high-end restaurant in London
Brighton Open Market

Dine with a difference at this dazzling venue, or catch its legendary drag and burlesque brunches.

Get tickets for Proud Cabaret

Proud Cabaret

A performer on stage at Brighton's Proud Cabaret
Proud Cabaret

With top-quality comedy, brunches and club nights, there’s always something new to discover.

Step inside Komedia

Komedia

A performer on stage at Brighton's Komedia, a comedy club
Komedia

This fun-loving food market is located right on the beach, with panoramic sea views from its terrace.

Get a taste of Shelter Hall

Shelter Hall

An exterior shot of Shelter Hall in Brighton, a popular restaurant with outdoor seating
Shelter Hall

Led by local foodies, these walking tours reveal the sizzling spots you won’t find in a guidebook.

Book Brighton Food Tours

Brighton Food Tours

A group of people drinking wine as part of a food tour in Brighton
Brighton Food Tours

For four days of big, burly fun, the BBW gets Brighton growling – with club nights, bear-a-oke and more.

Explore the Brighton Bear Weekend

Brighton Bear Weekend

A group of men attending Brighton Bear Weekend
Brighton Bear Weekend

A landmark gay venue and nightclub, having been a part of Brighton’s gay and lesbian scene for over 30 years.

Find out more about Revenge

Revenge, Brighton

Groups of people inside a club in Brighton
Revenge

A cornucopia of live theatre, music, dance and cinema, in celebration of the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

More about Brighton Festival

Visit Brighton

Brighton Festival
Brighton Festival

Brighton Fringe

4th May - 2nd June 2024

This annual festival showcases Brighton’s incredible arts scene – featuring dance, music, theatre and more.

Book Brighton Fringe

HeadFirst Acrobats: PreHysterical by DFPhotography.co.uk

An acrobatic performer on stage as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival
Brighton Fringe

At venues across Brighton, this music festival hosts a diverse array of over 500 pop and rock acts.

Book tickets for The Great Escape

Festival Republic

A band on stage at the Great Escape festival in Brighton
The Great Escape

This garden, market and café has mindfulness at its heart, and hosts wellness workshops and festivals.

Explore One Garden Brighton

VisitBrighton

Fresh flowers and produce on sale at One Market in Brighton
One Garden Brighton

This is no ordinary boat cruise: you’ll voyage out to the whirring turbines of Rampion wind farm.

Explore Rampion Wind Farm Tours

Brighton Diver

An offshore rig, used by Brighton Diver for fishing and diving trips
Brighton Diver Rampion Wind Farm Tour

Take a fresh look at the Royal Pavilion gardens, with the help of this mindfulness audio guide.

Step into The Mindful Garden

VisitBritain

People walking on stone bridge across river
The Mindful Garden

Step inside for a hot, health-enriching sauna experience – then take a cooling plunge in the sea.

Relax at Beach Box Spa

VisitBritain/Storyman

Woman holds a yoga pose at the Beach Box Sauna in Brighton
Beach Box Spa

For a scenic ride along the seafront, take this open-air train: it has been running for over 135 years.

Discover Volk’s Electric Railway

Volks Electric Railway, Brighton

Volks Electric Railway CAR NUMBER NINE IN SUMMER
Volk's Electric Railway

Don’t just learn how to catch a fish in the ocean – discover how to prepare and cook it, too.

Book Brighton Lure Boat

Brighton Lure Boat

A lure boat off the coast of Brighton, decorated with the logo of Brighton Lure Boat
Lure Boat Trips

This shopping and dining area overlooks the marina’s bobbing yachts – a trendy spot to linger in.

Get to know Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina

A row of shops and restaurants on Brighton's Marina
Brighton Marina

To the west of Brighton, this neighbourhood is known for its brightly-painted beach huts and shops.

Plan your trip to Hove

rictours/onlyinbrighton

A rainbow coloured beach hut on Brighton and Hove beach
Hove

From street art to sea views, this entertaining ride reveals Brighton’s best bits – all on two wheels.

Saddle up to Brighton Bike Tours

VisitBritain

Young man leaning over the railings on Brighton seafront next to a bicycle with Brighton Pier in the background
Brighton Bike Tours

‘Kind to the environment and good for the soul’: that’s the motto of this forward-thinking bistro.

Go green at Kindling Restaurant

Kindling Restaurant

A chef plating up food in Brighton's highly rated Kindling Restaurant
Kindling

You’ll find everything from vintage fashion to foodie temptations in this quirky retail quarter.

Explore North Laine

VisitBritain

Smiling woman in denim jacket standing between shops
North Laine

This maritime museum tells the story of Brighton’s humble roots, as a hub for sailors and traders.

More about Brighton Fishing Museum

Brighton Seafront Heritage Front

A group of singers in costume outside the Brighton Fishing Museum
Brighton Fishing Museum

Visit this 19th-century seaside ‘pleasure palace’ in the heart of Brighton to discover its colourful history.

Find out more about Brighton’s eclectic Royal Pavilion

VisitBritain/Simon Anderson/Royal Pavilion

Brighton

Royal Pavilion at dusk, lit up in a range of vivid colours
Royal Pavilion

Shop ’til you drop at the quirky shops and boutiques inside Brighton’s Lanes.

Find shopping heaven in The Lanes

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Brighton

Crowds of people on the streets on a summer's day shopping
The Lanes, Brighton & Hove

Take flight on the world’s tallest moving observation tower, with 360-degree views of the city and coast.

Fly high at the Brighton i360

VisitBritain/i360

Brighton

Group of friends in climbing gear at the top of i360 pod overlooking the coastline in Brighton
Brighton i360

Bold, brash and oh-so proud: the Brighton and Hove Pride is the party of the year.

Make it a wild weekend at Brighton and Hove Pride

VisitBritain/Tom Nagle

Woman flying rainbow flag during Pride
Brighton and Hove Pride

Grab a deckchair and soak up the sea air – and stunning views – at Brighton’s beachfront.

Kick back on Brighton Beach

VisitBritain

Brighton

Woman standing on the beach near the pier at sunset
Brighton Beach

Whizz along Brighton’s beach on this 300m (984ft) zipline – the longest one on the South Coast.

Take a trip on Brighton Zip

Lauren Mabbett Brighton Zip

People at Brighton Zip
Brighton Zip

What could be cooler than gliding along Brighton’s breezy beachfront on your roller blades?

Book Brighton Skate Fresh

Skate Fresh

Two people rollerskating along the street in Brighton
Skatefresh

Peaceful Hove Lagoon is perfect for paddleboarding – or switch it up with a wakeboarding lesson.

Dive into Lagoon Watersports

Lagoon Watersports

A woman water skiing and holding onto a line at Lagoon Watersports in Brighton
Lagoon Watersports

Cocktails, mini golf and…dinosaurs? With its UV lights and wacky games, this nightspot is one-of-a-kind.

What’s on at Globalls

VisitBrighton

Luminescent decorations on a mini golf course at Globalls in Brighton
Globalls

A celebration of all-things Brighton, alongside artefacts and artworks from around the world.

Discover Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

VisitBritain/Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

An asian woman and teenager looking at paintings in gallery
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

This eclectic entertainment venue hosts stand-up-comedy, circus shows, classical ballet and more.

What’s on at Brighton Dome

Brighton Dome

Brighton Dome - CGI visual of studio theatre
Brighton Dome

Local graffiti artist REQ presents a walking tour of Brighton’s most colourful hidden corners.

Book a Brighton Street Art Tour with REQ

VisitBrighton

A tour guide highlighting Brighton's graffitti art on a tour
Enter Gallery Brighton Tours

Over 50 years old, Brighton Open Market is thriving with fashion, food and craft stalls, alongside special events.

Shop at Brighton Open Market

Gauthier Soho

A chef tasting prepared food in Gauthier Soho, a high-end restaurant in London
Brighton Open Market

Dine with a difference at this dazzling venue, or catch its legendary drag and burlesque brunches.

Get tickets for Proud Cabaret

Proud Cabaret

A performer on stage at Brighton's Proud Cabaret
Proud Cabaret

With top-quality comedy, brunches and club nights, there’s always something new to discover.

Step inside Komedia

Komedia

A performer on stage at Brighton's Komedia, a comedy club
Komedia

This fun-loving food market is located right on the beach, with panoramic sea views from its terrace.

Get a taste of Shelter Hall

Shelter Hall

An exterior shot of Shelter Hall in Brighton, a popular restaurant with outdoor seating
Shelter Hall

Led by local foodies, these walking tours reveal the sizzling spots you won’t find in a guidebook.

Book Brighton Food Tours

Brighton Food Tours

A group of people drinking wine as part of a food tour in Brighton
Brighton Food Tours

For four days of big, burly fun, the BBW gets Brighton growling – with club nights, bear-a-oke and more.

Explore the Brighton Bear Weekend

Brighton Bear Weekend

A group of men attending Brighton Bear Weekend
Brighton Bear Weekend

A landmark gay venue and nightclub, having been a part of Brighton’s gay and lesbian scene for over 30 years.

Find out more about Revenge

Revenge, Brighton

Groups of people inside a club in Brighton
Revenge

A cornucopia of live theatre, music, dance and cinema, in celebration of the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

More about Brighton Festival

Visit Brighton

Brighton Festival
Brighton Festival

Brighton Fringe

4th May - 2nd June 2024

This annual festival showcases Brighton’s incredible arts scene – featuring dance, music, theatre and more.

Book Brighton Fringe

HeadFirst Acrobats: PreHysterical by DFPhotography.co.uk

An acrobatic performer on stage as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival
Brighton Fringe

At venues across Brighton, this music festival hosts a diverse array of over 500 pop and rock acts.

Book tickets for The Great Escape

Festival Republic

A band on stage at the Great Escape festival in Brighton
The Great Escape

This garden, market and café has mindfulness at its heart, and hosts wellness workshops and festivals.

Explore One Garden Brighton

VisitBrighton

Fresh flowers and produce on sale at One Market in Brighton
One Garden Brighton

This is no ordinary boat cruise: you’ll voyage out to the whirring turbines of Rampion wind farm.

Explore Rampion Wind Farm Tours

Brighton Diver

An offshore rig, used by Brighton Diver for fishing and diving trips
Brighton Diver Rampion Wind Farm Tour

Take a fresh look at the Royal Pavilion gardens, with the help of this mindfulness audio guide.

Step into The Mindful Garden

VisitBritain

People walking on stone bridge across river
The Mindful Garden

Step inside for a hot, health-enriching sauna experience – then take a cooling plunge in the sea.

Relax at Beach Box Spa

VisitBritain/Storyman

Woman holds a yoga pose at the Beach Box Sauna in Brighton
Beach Box Spa

For a scenic ride along the seafront, take this open-air train: it has been running for over 135 years.

Discover Volk’s Electric Railway

Volks Electric Railway, Brighton

Volks Electric Railway CAR NUMBER NINE IN SUMMER
Volk's Electric Railway

Don’t just learn how to catch a fish in the ocean – discover how to prepare and cook it, too.

Book Brighton Lure Boat

Brighton Lure Boat

A lure boat off the coast of Brighton, decorated with the logo of Brighton Lure Boat
Lure Boat Trips

This shopping and dining area overlooks the marina’s bobbing yachts – a trendy spot to linger in.

Get to know Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina

A row of shops and restaurants on Brighton's Marina
Brighton Marina

To the west of Brighton, this neighbourhood is known for its brightly-painted beach huts and shops.

Plan your trip to Hove

rictours/onlyinbrighton

A rainbow coloured beach hut on Brighton and Hove beach
Hove

From street art to sea views, this entertaining ride reveals Brighton’s best bits – all on two wheels.

Saddle up to Brighton Bike Tours

VisitBritain

Young man leaning over the railings on Brighton seafront next to a bicycle with Brighton Pier in the background
Brighton Bike Tours

‘Kind to the environment and good for the soul’: that’s the motto of this forward-thinking bistro.

Go green at Kindling Restaurant

Kindling Restaurant

A chef plating up food in Brighton's highly rated Kindling Restaurant
Kindling

You’ll find everything from vintage fashion to foodie temptations in this quirky retail quarter.

Explore North Laine

VisitBritain

Smiling woman in denim jacket standing between shops
North Laine

This maritime museum tells the story of Brighton’s humble roots, as a hub for sailors and traders.

More about Brighton Fishing Museum

Brighton Seafront Heritage Front

A group of singers in costume outside the Brighton Fishing Museum
Brighton Fishing Museum

Places to stay in Brighton

Kemptown

East of the city is this neighbourhood known for its artists, and today is home to one of Britain’s largest LGBTQ communities. It has great bistros, wine bars and you’ll find all things organic and chic here.

Hanover

Hip and happening Hanover is where a lot of Brighton folk choose to live. You’ll recognise it by its colourfully painted houses and buildings and rammed with restaurants, cafés and bars - which all come as a reward after a very steep hill you have to get up first.

Hove

Once a separate part of Brighton, now in a happy marriage. It has lovely regal houses, squares and places to stay. Quieter and more elegant than Brighton itself, with a more laid-back approach to life.

Explore nearby

Discover epic trails, rivers to kayak, castles to conquer and wild woods to explore.

VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two men on mountain bikes cycling at Devil's Dyke. Sunrise

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Picadilly Circus underground station

Getting to Brighton

London Gatwick is the closest international airport to Brighton, taking around 30 minutes by train with various rail companies; see National Rail to play a journey.

With regular trains from London, Portsmouth and Southampton, as well as the Eurostar from King’s Cross St Pancras, it’s quick and easy to get to Brighton from destinations across the south east.

National Express offer a coach from London to Brighton taking around two hours. It’s also well connected to elsewhere in Britain by train or coach.

Getting around

Brighton’s compact size makes it easy to explore by foot, bike or bus once there. Brighton and Hove’s award-winning buses are regular, cost-effective and eco-friendly – making them the ideal way to journey further afield.

By train

Check train times to Brighton from destinations across the south east, including Gatwick and find out more about times, fares and discounts.

By foot

Brighton’s best explored on foot, so grab one of VisitBrighton’s downloadable maps, and chuck on your trainers and hit the streets.

By bike

Get on your bike and head out on Brighton’s coastal route, for gorgeous sea views and access to the South Downs Way and National Park.

Want to know more?

For insider tips and top places to visit, hit up Visit Brighton.