Head south of London for some perfectly British seaside fun on a Brighton day trip. I live between London and Brighton and love to bring friends and family to Brighton to add some variety to their United Kingdom travels.
Know before you go
✈️ Closest airport: London Gatwick (LGW)
💷 Currency: Great British Pound (£) is used throughout the UK.
🕰️ Time zone: The entire UK is in one time zone, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). From late March to late October, the whole country moves an hour forward to British Summer Time (BST).
🔌 Plugging in electronics: Electric sockets in the UK are unlike those in Europe or the US. If you are visiting from outside the UK, you will likely need this universal travel adaptor.
📱 Using your smartphone: If you want to use your phone data while visiting, the easiest and cheapest solution is to purchase an e-sim for your trip.
🚘 Car rentals: Americans can rent a car in the UK with a valid US driver’s license from any state. Read my guide to renting a car in the UK before you set out!
🚊 Train booking: All major UK cities, and many other destinations in between, can be reached by train. Check train routes, ticket prices, and get your tickets directly through Trainline.
Why Spend a Day in Brighton?
Located on the southern coast of England, Brighton is a short trip from London, but feels very different. London has plenty of arts and culture, but Brighton feels more like stepping into a working artist’s studio. From the weird to the beautiful, you can find plenty of quirky fun here.
If you want to visit a quaint English countryside village, Brighton won’t be the right spot for you. Brighton is a city in its own right and doesn’t lean into the imagery many people associate with England. In fact, visiting Brighton often gives me San Francisco nostalgia as I walk down its hilly streets of terraced houses leading to the sea.
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Best Things To Do in Brighton
When I think about spending a day in Brighton, the themes are usually: art, music, boutique shopping, and seaside fun. Keeping those themes in mind, here are the top attractions for your day in Brighton.
Brighton Royal Pavilion
This whimsical pleasure palace is hard to miss. It was originally built for King George IV so he could take in the therapeutic sea air and enjoy the town’s growing fashionable popularity. Today, you can catch a glimpse of that opulent past and also learn about the palace’s use as a WWI war hospital. The gardens around the palace are beautiful and a great spot for unique pictures.
If you choose not to visit inside of the Royal Pavilion, then the free Pavilion Gardens between the Royal Pavilion and the Brighton Museum are still a lovely spot to take a short break in your day.
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Located just across the park from the entrance to the Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery gives a look into the fashion and design that has shaped Brighton over the years. The museum also hosts art from across the centuries and a vast collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts.
Special features and children’s activity trails help make this museum engaging for visitors of all ages. You can even download an activity trail before you visit to get your kids excited.
Brighton Palace Pier
The Brighton Palace Pier is a British seaside icon. It juts out into the sea with a combination of fun fair rides and vintage architecture. It’s fun to have a walk on the pier and take in the festive atmosphere even if you don’t purchase tickets for any attractions.
Note that there is now a £1 admission fee to enter the pier on weekends and during the summer. The admission goes to maintaining the pier for everyone.
Brighton Beach
The beach itself can be a strange experience if you haven’t visited many UK beaches. Brighton beach is made of pebbles, so don’t show up expecting to wiggle your toes into the sand. The waves running over the pebbles creates a really soothing sound though.
Travel Tip: The UK is also home to some absolutely gorgeous sandy beaches that look straight out of the Caribbean. Check out some of my favorites in Cornwall.
The water in Brighton is pretty cold most of the time. I’ve never actually been for a swim, though you will see some brave souls out there in the summer.
Fish and Chips
If you’ve been waiting to taste fish and chips on your UK trip, this is a great place to do it. I prefer Pier View Fish and Chips, located in the shops along the Brighton seafront. Grab a tasty bite to have there or walk right onto the pebble beach. Just keep an eye out for the seagulls – they are professional grade thieves and will have your chips gone if you blink.
Beachside Promenade Toward Hove
Take in the sea views as you walk along the promenade away from the Brighton Palace Pier toward the neighboring city of Hove. Along the way, you’ll pass by several points of interest, including:
- Upside Down House. This quirky building is home to a mind-bending set of illusions that also make for fun photos.
- i360 Viewing Deck. Not my favorite (see things to skip below), but there’s no missing this giant viewing pod offering panoramic views out to sea and back across Brighton.
- Brighton Beach Bandstand. The eye-catching Victorian bandstand is a fantastic photo spot and hosts concerts throughout the summer.
- Brighton West Pier. Disconnected from the beach, the skeletal remains are all that’s left of this once graceful beauty. It’s a bit haunting, but beautiful in its own way and is home to seasonal starlings that loop and swoop through its beams.
- Hove Beach Huts. Starting in the 1930s, beach huts became a popular shelter and storage option. The beach huts today are mostly popular for their vibrant paint colors. You’ll find them right along the promenade as you enter Hove.
It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the pier to Hove Beach (plus time for photo stops), making for a nice way to take in the scenery without too much of a workout.
The Lanes
Looking for a unique shopping district? Located in the historic fishing district, you’ll find the Lanes – a set of narrow streets just south of the Royal Pavilion. Boutique shops and restaurants are dotted throughout the winding alleys. I mostly enjoy this area as a walk through for the environment, but the tea rooms and pubs in this area also make for a nice break spot.
North Laine
Not to be confused with The Lanes, North Laine is the bohemian hub of Brighton. You’ll find this neighborhood in between the Brighton train station and the Royal Pavilion. There are tons of boutique shopping spots to draw you in – offering everything from vintage clothing to seaside candies.
North Laine is also the place to find many examples of Brighton’s street art. Walk along Trafalgar Street for several examples, but don’t be afraid to wander your way through the colorful side streets as well.
Things To Skip in Brighton
I’m not here to convince you that what you like is bad, but these are the things I tell friends and family to skip over on their Brighton day out.
British Airways i360
This viewing pod is on a needle-like structure right on the beachfront promenade, making it impossible to miss. I wouldn’t say the experience is bad, but the views are good rather than awe-inspiring. I’d put it low on your priorities list and probably not worth it at all if the weather isn’t clear.
With that said, street art fans will probably enjoy the rooftop art that becomes visible from the top. Many of those pieces can’t be spotted from the ground. Book advance admission here.
SeaLife Aquarium
The building housing this aquarium is historic, but once you’re inside it’s an aquarium that won’t be much different from any other aquarium you’ve visited. A good choice for families desperate for a way to entertain kids, and always a decent option if the weather turns on you.
When To Visit Brighton
Head to Brighton in the spring or summer (April to September) for the best chance at beachy weather. We’re still in the UK, so definitely keep an eye on the forecast and stash an umbrella or raincoat in case surprise showers roll in.
Travel Tip: Be prepared for seasonal British weather with these UK packing list guides.
School holidays in England run from late July to early September. This is when you should expect the largest tourist crowds in Brighton as families head to the coast.
How To Get to Brighton
Brighton is easy to reach from London and is a perfect day trip from city to seaside. If you are coming from other UK cities, check your travel times. Being away from the direct travel routes can add to your transport time significantly.
Trains From London to Brighton
This is the easiest and most direct way to travel. Trains depart regularly from London and drop you in Brighton in about an hour.
Plan your departure from either London Victoria or London Bridge train station. Check up-to-date departure times and buy tickets with Trainline.
Travel Tip: Flying into Gatwick Airport? Gatwick is located South of London and is on the direct train line to Brighton. If you’re arriving early (and not too jet lagged), you could detour straight from the airport to Brighton and either stay your first night at the beach or travel into London at the end of the day.
Driving to Brighton
If you aren’t starting from central London, then driving to Brighton is also pretty straightforward. There are several paid parking lots scattered around Brighton. I tend to use the lot located at the Brighton train station when I drive there. Be sure to check the pay rate signs for details on how to pay and whether you need to leave a payment receipt on your dash.
Travel Tip: Not experienced driving in the United Kingdom? Check out my guide to UK driving for Americans.
How To Get Around in Brighton
Once you arrive in Brighton, getting around on foot is pretty simple. Like most UK cities, streets are walkable and much of what you’ll want to see is located between the train station and the coast. The area inland from the ocean can get hilly, so slip into comfortable shoes for your day out.
Best Tours in Brighton
I enjoy taking tours when I travel to get an insider view and find interesting tidbits I’d probably miss on my own. These are the tours I’d recommend trying in Brighton:
Brighton Bike Tour
A great way to see the city smoothly while learning a bit about the sights as you go. This 2.5 hour ride will show you the best bits of the city and is a great way to get an overview before you head off on your own.
“Carlo was such a funny tour guide!! We had the best time on the bikes and saw lots of nice scenery. He is very helpful for beginners riding and watches out for traffic etc when riding around. Really good tour and would definitely book again if we came back to Brighton. 10/10!!”
Lydia from United Kingdom (see more reviews)
Hop-on / Hop-off Bus Tour
If you aren’t able to get around all day on foot, then this open-top sightseeing bus will help you get to all the highlights with minimal walking.
Seven Sisters Boat Tour
Heard of the chalk cliffs framing England’s southeast coast? Between Dover and Brighton stretch the gorgeous Seven Sisters – chalk cliffs that stand dramatically over the ocean. This tour will take you out of Brighton for a one-of-a-kind view of this place of natural beauty. Learn about the smuggler history as you travel and take an optional dip in the sea if the weather agrees. Departs from Newhaven harbor, so expect a taxi or bus ride from Brighton to reach the meeting point.
“Such a fun activity to do! We had an amazing time and would highly recommend doing this if your budget and time allows. You get a fabulous view of the seven sisters and so much more. Sarah was a great Captain 👍”
Joan from United Kingdom (see more reviews)
One Day Brighton Itinerary
Looking for more detailed plans? Here’s how I’d spend the day in Brighton with you.
Arrive and Caffeinate at Brighton Train Station
Take in the dramatic Victorian arches that cover the station as you get ready to set off. If you’re like me, it’s time for a coffee to power the day. Blend & Brew is just outside the station and will have you set.
Meander Through North Laine
We’re heading toward the Royal Pavilion, but take your time exploring the colorful street art and shops in North Laine.
Visit The Royal Pavilion
Tour inside the palace and stroll the enclosed gardens. Expect to spend about an hour here – longer if you want to take in every detail.
Wander The Lanes
Check out a few more shops and peer down the twisting alleys as you explore the Lanes. Stop in one of the restaurants in this area for lunch, or hold out for fish and chips by the pier.
View Brighton Pier
It’s time to hit the beach – or at least the beach boardwalk. Take some photos of the iconic pier, and take a wander around if you’re feeling inspired. If you don’t head onto the pier and regret missing the rides, there’s a cute little carousel right on the beach nearby.
Walk On The Promenade Toward Hove
Let your energy level and remaining time dictate how far you go. Keep an eye out for ice cream vans to snag a sweet treat. A single with a flake is the best way to boost your motivation.
Head Back Toward the Train or an Evening Event
Enjoy a leisurely dinner while still in Brighton, or head back early to dine in London. Brighton is also home to some great event spaces, like the Brighton Dome. Plan ahead and you could see a concert or comedy show to complete your evening.
Brighton Itinerary Map
Can You Do Brighton in One Day?
Brighton is an ideal day trip from London thanks to how walkable the city is and how close many of the attractions are to each other and to the main train station. You can reach Brighton from London in about an hour, so you won’t lose your day to travel time.
More Day Trips from London
Looking for more day trip ideas from London? These are a few of my favorites.
Bath
One perfect day in Bath – From how the Ancient Roman spent their spa days to places that inspired Jane Austen, Bath is a gorgeous and historic city worth a visit.
Oxford
Visit the City of Dreaming Spires – See one of the world’s most famous universities and learn how this town has impacted literature and politics for centuries.
Castles Near London
Three castles you can reach from London without driving – I love a castle day out. This guide shows you the three easiest to reach from London without the need for a car. It also includes details on more castles you can visit with a bit more work.
FAQs
Is Brighton safe?
Yes. Brighton is a generally safe place to visit. I feel comfortable walking around in the city on my own or with just my daughter for company. As with most cities, you need to keep a close eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets. You should also be aware that late evening drunks are not uncommon as people make their way home from the pubs and bars.
What can I do in Brighton for free?
You can have a great day in Brighton without spending anything beyond food costs. Check out street art, see the Royal Pavilion fantastical exterior, and walk the promenade to take in the beach vibes for free. This is also a great place for shop browsing with no purchase required.
Is Brighton kid friendly?
Yes. Brighton is a summer destination for many British families. The city has plenty to offer children, from fun and treats on the pier to activity trails through the Brighton Museum.
What is the most visited place in Brighton?
The Royal Pavilion is the most famous place in Brighton. Everyone visiting Brighton should at least take time to marvel at the curving palace turrets on a day trip. The next most visited spot is likely the Brighton Palace Pier – a gorgeous blend of Victorian beauty and modern fun stretching out over the sea.
