Brighton, famous for it’s artsy vibe and it’s seaside charm, is one of the best and easiest day trips to take from London. There are lots of hidden gems and unique places to visit whilst on your city escape. This vibrant seaside town has something for everyone to be able to enjoy and this guide will give you all you need to know for your next visit to Brighton & Hove!
Looking for a weekend away check out Our Best Romantic Weekend Breaks from London: UK Getaways by Car or Train
Contents:
How to get to Brighton?
From London, trains to Brighton run very regularly making it one of the easiest day trips to take from London. To get to Brighton trains runs from stations such as Clapham Junction, London Victoria and Finsbury Park. The journey from central London to Brighton will take around an hour and all your train tickets can be booked through Trainline.
If you decide to drive from London to Brighton, it will take you around 2 hours plus depending on traffic. Parking in Brighton during peak times can become very congested and may also take some time to find. Be aware that all parking in Brighton is now paid for through parking apps, to find out places to park check out Brighton & Hove Council Car Parking Spaces here.
When to visit Brighton?
As Brighton is one of the most accessible seaside towns from London it can become very busy as soon as the weather is nice. As this is the case we would recommend heading there at off peak times if possible which include non-school holidays or bank holiday weekends and shoulder season (May/June and September/October). By heading to Brighton during off peak times you will also save yourself on train tickets as well as accommodation costs.
What to do in Brighton?
Brighton Palace Pier
If you’re looking for some fun and somewhere to be able to entertain everyone then you should definitely check out Brighton Palace Pier. Coming from Australia the thought of having a sea side amusement centre was a very weird concept however it is slowly growing on us. This one in Brighton is so far the biggest one we have been to. They have an abundance of arcades, rides, a soft play and places to eat (however we wouldn’t recommend any of these, there are much better food choices elsewhere in town).
Brighton i360
Want a panoramic view of Brighton? Then take the journey 138 meters up to view the Sussex Coastline from Brightons i360. Tickets can be purchased through GetYourGuide here.
The Lanes
These small winding alleyways are a great place to get lost on your next trip down to Brighton. The Lanes are full of many different shops including antiques and jewellery stores. You never know what you will find when wondering through the Lanes.
Coastal walks
If you’re looking to take a walk to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the seaside air then you can take a short walk from Brighton to Hove. The path along the seafront is beautiful, whether you decide to go along on foot or you prefer to ride or roller-skate then this path has the perfect space. Once you reach Hove you will then be greeted by the colourful beach huts that line the boardwalk.
If you’re looking for a day hike from Brighton why not head to The Seven Sisters Cliffs
Upside Down House
Looking for something different to do that’s fun for all ages? Then why not check out the Upside Down House located on Brighton Seafront. Each Upside Down House has been designed using artwork from local artists as well as styling the house based on its location. Depending when you visit the house you may also see the houses decorated in the particular season style. Tickets can be found through their website here.
Art Galleries
Brighton has a very well established art scene and you will find galleries galore on your wonders around the city. If you’re in the market for some new artwork or perhaps you are just window shopping make sure to check out all of Brighton’s independent galleries. Some of our favourites were:
- Enter Gallery
- They Made This
- Paxton + Glew
Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion is a Grade 1 listed royal residence in the middle of Brighton. The Pavilion and its garden have been bought from the royal family and is now owned by Brighton as a tourist attract for you to be able to visit. Tickets can be purchased through GetYourGuide here.
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
If you’re looking for something to do to find out more on Brighton and its local history then you should check out Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. To explore the Museum you will need to purchase a ticket however once purchased are valid for a year.
What’s on in Brighton?
Brighton Pride
One of the most well known events that happens in Brighton has to be Brighton Pride. It is on every year on the first week of August. The city organises an abundance of events including a Pride Parade, Pride in the Park and many other events around the city.
Naked Bike Ride
Every year since 2006 over 1,000 cyclists ride through the streets of Brighton & Hove area to celebrate cyclists and their bodies. This charity ride is put on to raise awareness to cyclist vulnerability on the roads.
Brighton Fringe
From May and June each year Brighton hosts its own Fringe festival. With lots of different act held throughout the city which include acts from Cabaret to Comedy and family friendly events too. They also host regular snippets from shows to help you decide what to see at the festival at their Fringe City stage.
Brighton Festival
Over 3 weeks in May Brighton hosts it Brighton Festival.The festival includes music, theatre, dance, art, film and much more. It is hosted every year to inspire creativity through the arts as well as allowing the arts to be accessible to everyone.
Where to eat in Brighton?
Stoney Point
Coffee
Coffee at 33
Coffee
Little Jack Fullers
Fish & chips
Twisted Lemon
Cocktails & tapas
Market Restaurant
Spanish tapas
Where to stay in Brighton & Hove?
Brighton
The Grand
£££
Artists Residence
££
Selina
£
Hove
The Ginger Pig
££
Heading to London as well check out Our Ultimate London Guide: 3 Days in London Itinerary – Things to do in London
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3 Comments
A perfect list! I visited Brighton years ago and hope to go back at some point this summer. Can’t wait to experience all this fun and beauty again😊
A cool Summers day getaway, Brighton has much to offer. Including some interesting local events, that I was unaware of.
This is a great post. I am planning to visit London next year and Brighton is on my checklist. I would love to check out Upside Down House and Brighton Palace Pier fr sure.