The creative and diverse city of Brighton is full of character and culture. This vibrant city by the sea has a dazzling, urban vibe and is packed with the quirky and alternative. Brighton is a very inclusive city where every individual and community is celebrated with people from all walks of life come together. Brighton is the LGBTQ+ capital of the UK with the country’s biggest Pride festival taking place every August. The city is full of creative expression with events such as Brighton Festival and The Naked Bike Ride taking over the city whilst theatre and the arts are well-loved. Brighton also has a rich history with Victorian holiday-makers, Prinny’s Royal Pavillion and the Saxons. With so much culture and diversity, Brighton has something to offer absolutely everyone.
Stroll through The Lanes
Aside from the beach, the most popular area of Brighton is The Lanes. This intricate maze is full of twisting alleyways and narrow streets full of independent shops and small businesses. With everything from boutiques to antique stores, The Lanes are sure to help you discover some hidden gems. Independent restaurants and cafes are also thriving within the labyrinth with famous venues such as Choccywoccydoodah and Boho Gelato. Besides the shopping and eating, The Lanes also have a vibrant street art scene and the area is home to Banksy’s famous ‘Kissing Policemen’.
Price: Varies by establishment
Hours: Varies by establishment
Spend time at the beach
The Great British Seaside became popular with the Victorians and Brighton was a popular destination for British holiday-makers. To this day, Brighton Beach is frequented by both locals and tourists and whilst the beach is pebbled, sunbathers still flock to the coast for a day by the sea. The beach offers great views of both Brighton Palace Pier, a snapshot of the classic British seaside, and Brighton West Pier, the eery skeleton of the former Grade I Listed pier which sadly burnt down in 2003.
Price: Free
Hours: 24/7
Visit Brighton Toy and Model Museum
This extraordinary attraction is home to all of your fondest childhood memories and dreams. The Brighton Toy and Model Museum is located within Early Victorian railway arches below Brighton Railway Station and offers one of the finest collections of toys and models in the world. The museum houses over 10,000 toys and models with items from top manufacturers as well as rare, vintage finds. This treasure trove of childhood is fun and fascinating for all the family.
Price: £6.50 (adults) and £4.00 (children)
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Go to the fairground at Brighton Palace Pier
Brighton Palace Pier is the biggest attraction in the South East of England. The 1722ft-long pier is home to rides, attractions, restaurants and events. The pier features both traditional fairground favourites and the latest gaming technologies to create a modern venue which retains the classic seaside vibe. Whether you are an adrenalin junkie or prefer to take it slow, there is an attraction for you with rides for all the family as well as stomach-dropping thrills. The pier also houses The Palace of Fun, a traditional arcade, plus an incredible VR Dome. Meanwhile, classics such as Hook-A-Duck and Tin Can Alley are also available to show off your skills and win some prizes.
Price: £22.50 (over 1.2m) and £13 (under 1.2m)
Hours: Daily 11am-5pm
Experience a ghost walk
With such a rich history, many towns and cities across the UK are said to be haunted. One of the most well-known is the city of Brighton which is said to be the most haunted in England. The Brighton Ghost Walk is one of the very best haunted tours and takes place in the famous The Lanes. The master storyteller will guide you on a 70-minute tour through the deepest, darkest and creepiest areas of Brighton with interesting facts and tales about beings from the other side.
Price: £12 (adults) and £8 (under 16’s)
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30pm
Take a voyage of British Airways i360
Opened in 2016, British Airways i360 has swiftly become one of Brighton’s most popular attractions. i360 is a 162m observation tower of the seafront and was created by the designers of the London Eye. The fully-enclosed viewing pod offers incredible panoramic views over the city and sea. The i360 is also home to The Sky Bar serving sparkling wine and other drinks allowing you to raise a glass in a toast to something special whilst you’re in the sky.
Price: £14.85 (25+), £10 (16-24 year olds), £7.40 (children) and under 3’s go free
Hours: Daily 10am-8pm
Party at Brighton Pride
Brighton is the LGBTQ+ capital of the UK with a thriving community and the country’s biggest Pride celebration. The annual event promotes equality and diversity with a huge festival which takes over the city. The vibrant celebration offers a village party, extensive funfair and extravagant parade as well as incredible music, dance and performance. Brighton Pride is an incredible celebration which takes place every August and is an event you don’t want to miss.
Price: From £20
Hours: August (date and time varies by year)
Explore The Royal Pavillion
The Royal Pavillion is a spectacular palace in the heart of Brighton and the grandest palace in the UK. The Royal Pavillion is Grade I Listed and was a former Royal residence. King George IV, also known as Prinny, had this Asian-style palace built to an incredible, exotic design. The Royal Pavillion has a colourful history which can be explored during a visit to this magnificent palace. Many of the rooms can be explored including Royal bedrooms and the incredible banqueting room.
Price: £25 (adults) and £15 (children)
Hours: Daily 10am-5:15pm
Go upside down
Nestled between i360 and Brighton Beach Club sits a luxury beach house which is completely on its head. Upside Down House is a unique attraction on the seafront offering a variety of incredibly designed rooms to boggle your mind. This museum of illusions allows you to capture surreal pictures, enjoy unusual experiences and discover an inverted perspective. Upside Down House is fun for all the family and a great place to spend a rainy afternoon in Brighton.
Price: £4.50
Hours: Daily 10am-8pm
Visit the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is located within the grounds of the spectacular Royal Pavillion. The museum is home to important and eclectic collections as well as dynamic and innovative galleries. The museum features the history of fashion and style, an incredible fine art exhibit and 20th-century art and design. Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is the city’s main cultural museum and is also a must-visit for art lovers.
Price: £6.00 (adults) and £3.50 (children)
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
Attend the Brighton Festival
Brighton Festival is an incredible annual event celebrating all things artistic including music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film and debate. The festival is the largest multi-arts festival and is a three-week event jam-packed full of entertainment and programming including world premieres, incredible collaborations and international commissions. Brighton Festival is hugely celebrated across the city and is a spectacular, eclectic mix of art.
Price: Varies by event
Hours: Varies by event
Brighton is an incredible city full of diversity, culture and creation. The city has so much to discover and is fascinating to explore. Brighton hosts some of the UK’s biggest and best events as well as being home to a thriving artistic community. With so much to offer and something for all the family, Brighton is one of the UK’s most incredible cities to visit.
