Brighton is a vibrant city located on the southern coast of England, just an hour by train from London. It is known for its beautiful beaches, unique architecture, and lively nightlife. The city has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, when it was a fashionable seaside resort for the wealthy. Today it is a popular tourist destination for people of all ages and backgrounds.
- The 10 most important things to do in Brighton
- 1. Explore the Royal Pavilion
- 2. Visit the Brighton Palace Pier
- 3. Walk along Brighton Marina
- 4. Relax on Brighton Beach
- 5. View from the British Airways i360
- 6. The Artists’ Quarter
- 7. Brighton Sea Life Aquarium
- 8. Shopping in The Lanes, Brighton
- 9. Where to eat and drink in Brighton
- 10. Where to stay in Brighton
Brighton first became a landmark destination in the mid-18th century, when English doctors began prescribing sea dips and sips as a remedy for all kinds of ailments. Over time, this charming seaside resort became the preferred place for the wealthy to bathe and relax in wellness. The completion of the Brighton railway in 1840 sealed the deal: with Brighton now a possible day trip from London, it soon became the most attractive tourist magnet.
Now, Brighton’s beaches may no longer be the go-to place for sun-hungry English people to tan, bathe, and heal (thanks to cheap RyanAir and easyJet flights to Spain and Portugal) but Brighton has much more than just a pebble beach. Today Brighton is considered an epicenter of the UK’s LGBTQ+ scene, as well as one of the UK’s most dynamic and fun destinations.
If you’re wondering what to do in Brighton, follow this article. From a stunning palace to all the strangest seaside attractions, here are the best things to do in Brighton, England.
The 10 most important things to do in Brighton
Without a doubt one of the most unusual and beautiful things to do in Brighton is to visit the dazzling Royal Pavilion. This Grade I listed 19th-century structure was built in the Indo-Saracenic revival style as a holiday home for George, Prince of Wales (later George IV). The Royal Pavilion is a splendid example of Regency architecture and is one of Brighton’s most famous landmarks. Today visitors can explore the lavish interiors and learn about the building’s history. Most of Brighton features a mix of Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture, so this fabulous palace with onion domes and pretty minarets is quite unusual to see with extraordinarily opulent interiors and gardens to happily stroll through.
Rain or shine, be sure to book a ticket to see the interior, you can book in advance here.
One of Brighton’s most iconic landmarks is the Palace Pier, a Victorian-era pier that extends out into the sea. The pier hosts a range of attractions, including an amusement park, arcade games, and traditional seafood stalls. Visitors can also stroll along the pier and enjoy the beautiful sea views.
This Grade II listed leisure pier dates back to 1899 and has been synonymous with seaside fun for decades. More than four million people visit the pier each year as it is lined with arcade games, rides, restaurants, and cafes.
It is very crowded in summer, but if you don’t like crowds, you might visit when the weather is cooler. Regardless of the time of year, don’t forget to have some fish and chips! Since you are so close to the sea, it would be a shame not to.
Brighton Marina is a modern development that hosts a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can stroll along the marina and admire yachts and luxury boats. There is also a cinema and a bowling alley, making it the perfect place to spend a rainy day.
Brighton is known for its beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing in the sun or taking a dip in the sea. The most popular beach is Brighton Beach, which is full of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Visitors can also take a walk along the famous promenade, which offers beautiful views of the sea and city.
Even when the weather is not ideal for swimming, there is plenty to explore on and around the promenade, so taking a walk on the beach is definitely one of the best things to do in Brighton.
Most of the major beach attractions are located on the west side of Brighton Palace Pier, to the left if you are facing the water. If you head along the beach from this side, you’ll see Brighton attractions such as the beautiful restored Victorian bandstand and the Peace Angel statue.
The British Airways i360 is a 162-meter-tall observation tower that offers breathtaking views of the city and sea. Visitors can ride to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The tower also has a champagne bar and a restaurant, making it the ideal spot for a romantic evening.
Forget Ferris wheels, the best way to see Brighton from the sky is on British Airways’ i360! This 162-meter-high observation tower features a circular viewing platform that slowly rises and falls along the main “needle” in the center, offering stunning 360-degree views of Brighton. When the weather is clear, you can often see all the way out to the English Channel and wave to the Isle of Wight!
There are regularly fun events held inside the observation capsule, from yoga to special meals, but it’s also super romantic at sunset.
If you love thrills, you can even walk on top by buying the ticket in advance to skip the line.
Next to Brighton Pier (on the left/west side) there are a number of art galleries and artist studios right on the seafront, beneath the main road.
These underground “lofts” are known as Brighton’s Artists’ Quarter, where you can find paintings, sculptures, photographs, jewelry, and more to buy as souvenirs or gifts. Walking around and chatting with local artists is one of the best things to do in Brighton for art lovers, with most studios opening around noon and closing at sunset.
Additionally, there are a number of nice restaurants and bars to explore after indulging in art, so be sure to add this place to your Brighton to-do list.
Brighton Sea Life Aquarium houses a variety of marine creatures, including sharks, turtles, and seahorses. Visitors can explore the different exhibits and learn about the various species that live in the sea. There is also a glass-bottom boat tour available that offers a unique perspective of the aquarium.
Starting next door to the Royal Pavilion is the winding district known as The Lanes, rich in an exciting assortment of antique shops, tearooms, record shops, restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
The Lanes is a maze of narrow streets and alleys housing a variety of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts, vintage clothing, and artisanal food. Visitors can spend hours wandering the lanes, discovering hidden gems along the way.
Most of the buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when the district was the center of the fishing town. It’s a charming area to stroll or shop, often with street performers entertaining during the summer months.
Make sure to try some of the unusual ice cream flavors at Brass Monkey in The Lanes!
Brighton is famous for its vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars to choose from. Among the most popular places to eat and drink in Brighton are Chilli Pickle, offering delicious Indian cuisine, and the Mesmerist, an eccentric cocktail bar.
10. Where to stay in Brighton
Brighton offers a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Among Brighton’s most popular spots are the Grand Brighton, a stunning Victorian-era hotel located on the seafront, and the Artist Residence, an eccentric boutique hotel located in the heart of The Lanes.
Brighton is a vibrant and exciting city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply relaxing on the beach, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Brighton. Why not plan a trip to this charming seaside city and discover all it has to offer?
