Must-Visit Attractions in Brighton, England
Be sure to pay a visit to Brighton Palace Pier, whether it be for a spell in the arcade or a hearty fish-and-chip feast | © tony french / Alamy Stock Photo
Bryony Hatherley
Known as the UK's LGBTQ Capital, Brighton prides itself on its reputation as a cultural and environmental powerhouse. Once the destination for curative sea-bathing, people have been flocking to Brighton for hundreds of years. But it's not just something in the water; the city hides a plethora of riches in its diverse streets – plentiful pubs, boutiques, cafés and a cultural quarter bursting with offbeat offerings. From the South Downs to the Channel, here's a list of must-sees for the seaside experience of a lifetime.
The Royal Pavilion
Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
© Paul Carstairs / Alamy Stock Photo
The flamboyant charm and vision of George IV is responsible for the iconic Pavilion, which is still holding court in the heart of Brighton some 230 years later. Richly eccentric, the one-time pleasure palace of a robust, gambling good-timer blends Mughal and Islamic architectural traditions with stunning results. It can be appreciated from the outside well enough, but also permits visitors to explore it and learn more about the history.
4/5 Pavilion Buildings Brighton, England, BN1 1EE, United Kingdom
Pavilion Gardens
Architectural Landmark, Music Venue
Not to be outdone by the shadows of spires and onion domes, the promenade winding through the Royal Pavilion and its neighbour the Brighton Dome is worth a stroll any day of the year, but is most resplendent in the spring and early summer. The Pavilion Gardens regularly play host to a variety of events, including small outdoor concerts and horticultural shows, and there's even a small café on the fringes, so you can enjoy a coffee in this idyllic setting.
Pavilion Gardens Brighton, England, BN1 1UZ, United Kingdom
May Festival season
Each spring, the cultured, artistic masses descend on Brighton for a stellar lineup of unique festivals; the Brighton Festival spans the month of May. The Brighton Fringe brings the weird and wonderful to venues throughout the city while The Great Escape showcases new and unsigned bands during a whirlwind month of carnivalesque proportions. There are a number of other, more specific festivals which take place during May, so it's worth checking online to see what's happening and plan your trip around what holds the most appeal.
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Art Gallery, Museum
Part of the Royal Pavilion Estate, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery hosts a considerable archival collection from early Brighton in print, as well as many personal pieces from King George IV. Historical exhibitions and new art installations rotate through the museum's schedule month to month, as well as hosting special events.
Pavilion Parade, Brighton, England, BN1 1EE, United Kingdom
The North Laine
Before heading down to the sea, amble and browse over 400 unique shops and cafés in this colourful quarter. Some of the best watering holes the city has to offer are situated here – as are some of the best venues for an evening of entertainment – the stunning, Grade II-listed Theatre Royal and Komedia.
5, 5A Upper Gardner Street, Brighton, England, BN1 4AN, United Kingdom
Architectural Landmark
© Peter Greenhalgh (UKpix.com) / Alamy Stock Photo
Small but perfectly formed, the labyrinthine Lanes guard a trove of shiny treasures – antiques, jewellery, cake and enough restaurants to fill an afternoon. The salt from the sea is nearly perceptible here – but don't rush.
The Lanes, Brighton, England, United Kingdom
The seafront
© Cultura Creative (RF) / Alamy Stock Photo
It may sound like a no brainer, but no trip to Brighton would be complete without a bumpy seat on the city's infamous pebble beach – better yet, take a ride on a candy-floss painted horse on the classic carousel before renting a striped deck chair to watch the sunset. There are numerous bars and restaurants lining the beach, so you won't be stuck for places to drop anchor, and you can even rent a kayak and hit the waves if so inclined.
Brighton Beach, Brighton, England, United Kingdom
Amusement Park, Architectural Landmark
Cheap thrills, spills and stuff-your-face fills await on this icon of a bustling seaside retreat. To the west, you can glimpse the Pier's elegant, fading sister – the West Pier – still standing regally in the distance.The Palace houses a massive arcade which you can lose hours in, as well as a boardwalk which provides one of the best viewing platforms anywhere in Brighton.
Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1TW, United Kingdom
The British Airways i360
The world's tallest moving observation tower climbs the sky, like a lone alien from an H G Wells novella. From 138 meters up, it lends panoramic views of the city, the South Downs and, on a clear day, even the Isle of Wight.
Lower Kings Road, Brighton, England, BN1 2LN, United Kingdom
It's the world's oldest operating aquarium, and a mainstay of Brighton's seafront. Their motto is Breed, Rescue, Protect, with monthly beach cleans. Key attractions include the Day & Night display, a 750,000 litre tank which can show visitors the coral cycle across a 24 hour period. You can even skim over the top of the tanks in a glass bottom boat.
Marine Parade, Brighton, England, BN2 1TB, United Kingdom
© Joe Vella / Alamy Stock Photo
One of Europe's largest marinas and a village in its own right, Brighton Marina boasts restaurants, a cinema, and even glow-in-the-dark dinosaur mini-golf. For those who want to get in the water, there are diving courses and jet ski rental – with picturesque views of the moored yachts.
Brighton Marina Brighton, England, United Kingdom
Hove Lagoon
The sea can be a scary place to try out any water sport; Hove Lagoon offers wakeboarding, kitesurfing, paddle boarding and more for novices and experts alike. Once you've got your sea legs, you might get lucky enough to be sent out into the drink for a spin.
Hove Lagoon Kingsway, Hove, England, BN3 4LX, United Kingdom
Park, Skate Park
There are plenty of notable green spaces in the city, but following a recent revamp, The Level – hailed as Brighton's Central Park – now boasts a busy skate park, well used by locals. There's also Pétanque and plenty of space to share a picnic.
Union Road, Brighton, England, BN1 4ZN, United Kingdom
Tags and murals line the back streets of the city, creating an ever-changing backdrop of colour. It could take days to find your favourite. Streets like Orange Row and Regent Street are a wash of colour, and you can even spot the work of some famous artists if you know where to look, including a replica of Banksy's Kissing Policemen (the original has sadly since been covered up).
Orange Row, Brighton, England, United Kingdom
Preston Park Rockery
© Hugh Threlfall / Alamy Stock Photo
The elegantly terraced space – Britain's largest municipal rock garden – was recently voted England's Best Park during the Fields in Trust awards. A woodland oasis, the Rockery is a space for exploration, as well as a haven for the bees and birds.
A23, Brighton, England, BN1 6DQ, United Kingdom
This striking red brick building dates back to 1874, the project of the relatively unknown architect Edmund Scott. Rising up behind London Road, it is visible throughout the city, but its great height is most impressive from within.
Ann Street, Brighton, England, BN1 4GP, United Kingdom
© Slawek Staszczuk Photo / Alamy Stock Photo
A viridescent carpet drifting towards the top of the world, this enormous sweep of hills, thickets and chalk cliffs spilling to the sea offer spectacular vistas. Encompassing the Seven Sisters, Devil's Dyke and Ditchling Beacon, the air up there, it seems, is just a bit sweeter too.
North Street, Midhurst, England, GU29 9DH, United Kingdom
Earthship Brighton
Building, Park
The Low Carbon Trust's pioneering project culminated in the country's first Earthship, a sustainable, low-impact community centre designed to educate and inspire climate-friendly lifestyles. Tours of this special space explore clean energy initiatives and the ingenious building methods that went into this trailblazing build.
Lewes Road, Stanmer, Brighton, England, BN1 9PZ, United Kingdom
The AmEx Stadium
With imminent promotion, the home of Brighton and Hove Albion is worth a visit. If you can't get a ticket, it's best viewed from the South Downs, mimicking the sweep of the lush surrounding landscape.
Village Way, Brighton, England, BN1 9BL, United Kingdom
Yellowave
A sea of sand in an otherwise shingled landscape, Yellowave is the UK's first beach-sport centre of its kind. Catch a beach volleyball tournament on the weekends, while those who don't fancy jumping around can stop in for a cuppa and a cake.
299 Madeira Drive, Brighton, England, BN2 1EN, United Kingdom
Upside Down House
© Simon Dack News / Alamy Stock Photo
If you casually walk along the beachfront between the i360 and the Beach Club, you might notice something peculiar – a house that has literally been flipped on its head. In reality, the Upside Down House is one of Brighton's best curiosities. Venture inside and you'll find a gallery of optical illusions and topsy-turvy furniture. Few attractions are better fodder for the 'gram than the Upside Down House.
42-43, Kings Road Arches Brighton, England, BN1 2LN, United Kingdom
Why simply walk the streets and beaches of Brighton when you can see everything from the air? A helicopter tour is an exciting, comprehensive way to experience a city, and this is particularly true of Brighton. Using the HeliFly company, you can book a ride over the city, seeing the divide between older historical areas and newer ones, or if a tour isn't your thing, helicopter your way to a nearby country manor house for a classy lunch.
Airport, Shoreham-by-Sea, England, BN43 5FF, United Kingdom
Brighton Zip
Another way to get an elevated view of Brighton is the beach's signature 300-metre twin ziplines. Easily mixed into a day of exploration, the zipline ride takes mere seconds, but offers a unique thrill and a change to take in the sea views from a higher vantage point.
Madeira Drive, Brighton, England, BN2 1TB, United Kingdom
Court Garden Vineyard
Sitting on the outer fringes of Brighton, closer to the village of Ditchling, Court Garden has become one of the most renowned vineyards in the UK since its establishment in 2005. Tours are given regularly, enabling visitors to walk the fields, learn more about the process and sample some of the wine the vineyard produces. You have to venture just out of Brighton to reach it, but it's worth the journey.
Orchard Lane, Ditchling, England, BN6 8TH, United Kingdom
Brighton Toy and Model Museum
Museum, Train Station
During the late 19th and early 20th century, the UK went into a golden age of toy production – model trains, dolls' houses and just about everything else you'd find in a haunted attic. All of it can be seen and enjoyed in a kind of living diorama across 1,000 square feet of Victorian cellar space. The museum features more than 10,000 pieces and donations mean that it is always growing.
52-55 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, England, BN1 4EB, United Kingdom
Brighton Open Market
With a 50-year pedigree, Brighton Open Market is the only open air marketplace in the city, and has become a mainstay for local vendors and shoppers alike. Many shops around the city have a stall there, as well as artists and even a radio station. Unlike many similar markets, the OM is open seven days a week, and even plays host to special events throughout the year.
Marshalls Row, Brighton, England, BN1 4JU, United Kingdom
Additional reporting by Callum Davies
These recommendations were updated on September 11, 2020 to keep your travel plans fresh.