Brighton

A vibrant seaside city famous for its pebble beach, iconic Victorian pier, and bohemian culture. Brighton offers excellent restaurants, galleries, LGBTQ+ nightlife, and the historic Royal Pavilion with its distinctive Indo-Gothic architecture.

Things to do

• Brighton Pier — Stroll the iconic Victorian pier with its amusement arcades, fish and chips stalls, and sea views dating back to 1899.
• Royal Pavilion — Explore the stunning Indo-Gothic palace built for King George IV with ornate interiors and manicured gardens.
• Brighton Beach — Walk or swim on the famous pebble beach that stretches for miles along the seafront.
• The Lanes — Wander through this network of narrow shopping streets filled with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and quirky cafés.
• Brighton Museum & Art Gallery — Visit this free museum housed in the Royal Pavilion's grounds showcasing fine art, design, and local history.
• Volk's Electric Railway — Ride the world's oldest working electric railway along the seafront for charming vintage transport and coastal views.
• West Pier — Explore the atmospheric ruins of this historic pier, a haunting skeleton of Victorian architecture and a haven for wildlife.

Food to try

• Brighton Rock Candy — The classic seaside sweet stick of hard candy, traditionally pink and white striped, a nostalgic Brighton institution.
• Seafood at The Laines — Fresh locally-caught fish and seafood dishes served in the independent restaurants and fishmongers throughout the historic shopping area.
• Sunday Roast — A traditional British roast with meat, Yorkshire pudding, and seasonal vegetables served in Brighton's numerous gastropubs.
• Ice Cream from local vendors — Hand-scooped ice cream from established seafront shops, popular flavours include salted caramel and local seasonal fruit varieties.
• Fish and Chips on the Pier — The quintessential seaside experience of eating battered fish with thick-cut chips from pier-side takeaways while watching the sea.
• International cuisine in North Laines — An eclectic mix of world cuisines including Thai, Lebanese, Italian, and vegan options reflecting Brighton's cosmopolitan character.

Local customs & good to know

• LGBTQ+ Friendly Destination — Brighton is one of the UK's most welcoming cities for LGBTQ+ travellers with vibrant nightlife, Pride celebrations, and inclusive communities throughout.
• Bohemian Dress Code — Visitors will notice locals embrace creative, alternative fashion; dress quirky and colourful without concern as individuality is celebrated here.
• Pebbles Not Sand — The beach is covered entirely in smooth pebbles rather than sand, so wear water shoes and bring a cushion or beach mat for comfort.
• Seafront Promenade Etiquette — The seafront is busy year-round; respect designated swimming areas during summer and be aware that the shingle beach can become crowded on sunny weekends.

Nearby

• Tunbridge Wells — 39 km
• Hastings — 46 km
• Rye — 61 km
• Kew Gardens — 70 km