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The number of things to do in Brighton is as eclectic as the city itself. Think street art alleys, drag brunches, rooftop bars, and vintage finds around every corner. Brighton is a place where creativity thrives and tradition gets a playful twist. Locals love it, and visitors quickly find themselves falling under its spell. Whether you’re here for a day trip or a full weekend escape, this seaside city is full of fun, flavour, and unexpected delights. Let’s explore what makes Brighton one of the UK’s most beloved getaways.
Top 10 Things To Do In Brighton
Here are the top ten things to do in Brighton to enjoy the trip to the fullest, from iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path delights.
1. Brighton Palace Pier
Photo: Marcel Hergaarden / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Your trip to Brighton Palace Pier. This iconic structure has been entertaining visitors since 1899 with its fairground rides, arcade games, and classic fish and chips stalls. Whether you’re there for the thrill of the rides or just want to enjoy sea views with a cone of ice cream, the pier is quintessentially Brighton and the perfect starting point to soak in the city’s seaside spirit.
Location: Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1TW, United Kingdom
Nearest Airport: London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Nearest Railway Station: Brighton Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: May to September
2. Explore The North Laine
Photo: Antiquary / Wikimedia Commons
The shabby, colourful North Laine is the place to head for cracking coffee, pastries and incredible second-hand shopping, whereas the more tranquil, historical Lanes (to the south) are home to lovely restaurants, bars and artsy little boutiques. Get lost on purpose! The Lanes offer an experience that’s both relaxing and rich. Once you’ve rummaged through all the vintage clothes and quirky jewellery, cop a spot at The Basketmakers and get comfy.
Location: located in the heart of Brighton, East Sussex, England
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Nearest Railway Station: Brighton Station
Best Time To Visit: May to September
3. Visit The Royal Pavilion
Photo: Qmin / Wikimedia Commons
Indo-Islamic architecture, like that of the Taj Mahal, inspired John Nash, the architect who was in charge of the Royal Pavilion’s final extension. It’s a remarkable mish-mash of artistic and architectural inspiration. This exotic-looking palace was once the seaside getaway of King George IV and now serves as one of Brighton’s most iconic attractions. Inside, you’ll find lavishly decorated rooms, opulent chandeliers.
Location: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE, United Kingdom
Nearest Airport: London Gatwick Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Brighton Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: May to September
4. Visiting Sea Lanes
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
Once a derelict brownfield site, now the UK’s first open-water swimming centre, complete with cafés, bars, and a sauna. It is also home to a number of local fitness, well-being, food, and beverage businesses. Funded by local Brighton businesses, the site is made up of 23 carbon-neutral units, reminiscent of shipping containers. Sea Lanes opened in June 2023, with the aim of bringing swimming provisions to the city.
Location: Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1EN
Nearest Airport: London Gatwick Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Brighton Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: May to September
5. Enjoy The South Downs National Park
Photo: John Wallace / Wikimedia Commons
It is thrilling for nature lovers to know that Brighton is just a stone’s throw away from the South Downs National Park. Lace up your walking shoes and explore rolling green hills, chalk cliffs, and picture-perfect villages. The Seven Sisters cliffs are particularly breathtaking, offering dramatic coastal views that are popular with hikers and photographers. It’s a peaceful retreat from the city without straying too far.
Location: Southeastern England, covering Sussex and Hampshire
Nearest Airport: London Gatwick Airport.
Nearest Railway Station: Brighton, Lewes, Chichester
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October
6. Visit The Brighton Toy And Model Museum
Photo: Eric Baird / Wikimedia Commons
Located under the arches of Brighton Station, this museum exhibits toys dating back 100 years. You will see how people used to play in different eras, along with a fascinating collection of vintage toys, model trains, puppets, and more. Whether you’re a train spotter, history buff, or just curious, the level of detail in the exhibits is sure to delight. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.
Location: 52-55 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, BN1 4EB, UK
Nearest Airport: London Gatwick Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Brighton Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
7. Ride The Brighton i360
Photo: Hassocks5489 / Wikimedia Commons
Take your sightseeing to a new height, with a ride on the Brighton i360. This futuristic observation tower lifts you 138 meters into the air, offering panoramic views of the city, coastline, and even the South Downs on a clear day. The glass pod is spacious and smooth, and there’s even a Sky Bar on board if you fancy a drink with a view. It’s a must-do for photographers and view-chasers alike.
Location: Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FL, United Kingdom
Nearest Airport: London Gatwick Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Brighton Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: April to September
8. Visit The Booth Museum Of Natural History
Photo: Hzh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Booth Museum is a fascinating Victorian natural history museum. This museum opened in 1874 with the taxidermy birds collection of Edward Thomas Booth. It houses over half a million specimens, including birds, butterflies, fossils, and bones. It also has fossils of dinosaurs discovered in Sussex. The taxidermy displays are a curious mix of eerie and educational. It’s free to enter and provides a unique glimpse into the natural world.
Location: 194 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 5AA, United Kingdom
Nearest Airport: London Gatwick Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Brighton Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
9. Relax On Brighton Beach
Photo: Arnas Goldberg / Wikimedia Commons
Sometimes the best things to do in Brighton are the simplest, like stretching out on the city’s famous pebble beach. Grab a deck chair, listen to the soothing waves, and watch the seagulls soar above the coastline. On sunny days, locals and visitors alike flock to the beach for picnics, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. As the sun sets, it becomes a romantic spot to wind down with a chilled drink in hand.
Location: Brighton, East Sussex, UK
Nearest Airport: London Gatwick Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Brighton Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: May to September
10. Relax At Brighton Marina
Photo: Barbara van Cleve / Wikimedia Commons
Brighton Marina centres on the busy yacht harbour, where sailboats moor at the quay. A short walk or bus ride from the city centre can bring you there. Enjoy a boat tour, try your hand at mini-golf, or just wander around the marina watching yachts come and go. There are plenty of restaurants with sea views where you can enjoy fresh seafood or sip a glass of wine while watching the sunset.
Location: Brighton, East Sussex, UK
Nearest Airport: London Gatwick Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Brighton Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: April to October
The mix of seaside fun, artsy flair, and local charm creates an endless list of things to do in Brighton that’ll keep you smiling long after your trip ends. Brighton has a vibe that surpasses any normal city life. It’s a place where you can lose yourself and find inspiration at the same time. Brighton offers experiences, emotions, and stories that linger long after you leave. Plan a trip with TripXL today!
Cover Photo: Darren Coleshill / Unsplash
