Before I even begin to write this, I can declare with utter certainty this is the most comprehensive guide to things you need to do when you visit Brighton.
From points of interest to music venues, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything as in-depth to cater for any possible enquiry about where best to go. There’s a lot to do in Brighton, just like Disneyland; you can’t see it all in one day!
Find out about the best things to do in Brighton 2024
What’s so great about Brighton?
Brighton has all the benefits of a great seaside haven, without being entirely reliant on its status as a seaside town. Unlike Bournemouth, Blackpool or Torquay, Brighton is much more than a city by the sea. With an emphasis on self-expression and individuality, you can be whoever you want to be, without feeling out of place. There’ll always be someone else who echoes how you feel or express yourself.
Brighton has a thriving music and art scene, with a rich variety of live music. Whether you want Indie, Folk, Jazz, Metal or any style no matter how niche, there’ll be something for you to do somewhere in Brighton. One of the best places for street art, per square Mile, Brighton offers entertainment and wonder, just to those walking around. It’s rare to turn a corner and not see a grand work of satirical genius, capturing the zeitgeist of today, or a lovingly crafted homage to an inspiring figure.
If a historic, creative, accepting seaside city still doesn’t cut it for you, then perhaps its huge variety of unique independent businesses will. With hundreds perhaps even creeping into the thousands of local businesses in the Brighton and Hove area. Find things you‘d never find anywhere else and enjoy lovingly made food and drink from some of the UK’s most passionate independent eateries.
See the sights of Brighton!
We’ll start with some of the sights to see, as it’s free to use your eyes and there is much to look at in Brighton:
1. Peer Into the Lives of Royals at the Royal Pavilion
Of all the things to do in Brighton, The Royal Pavilion is perhaps Brighton’s most famous attraction. At one point home to the regent King George IV, the Pavilion attracts legions of tourists from around the world.
Designed by George IV’s favourite architect, John Nash, the Pavilions’ exterior is inspired by Indo-Islamic ‘Mughal Architecture’ with the Taj Mahal being the most famous example of this architectural movement.
Nash’s inspiration is immediately apparent from the ‘Onion Domes’ that sits atop the structure. This inspiration formed a British architectural movement, the Indo-Saracenic movement, that was prevalent during the British Raj. The Pavilion was one of the first designs of this architectural style.
If architectural history isn’t your thing, there are plenty of wild tales of the grandest of lifestyles during Georgian times. My favourite anecdote relating to the Pavillion is the reason for the network of secret tunnels underneath the palace.
While some may think of depravity, torture or a secret meeting place for a secret society, the real reason behind these tunnels existing was the king’s low Self-esteem.
King George IV, who at one point was considered quite handsome, had gotten so fat that he was ashamed to be seen in public. However, as a King, he was expected to make public appearances.
Rather than expose his new look, he ordered a series of Underground tunnels be built from the Palace to his Stables a few hundred metres away and would let an empty carriage parade through the streets, with its doors closed, so that the adoring public assumed he was simply in the royal carriage.
In reality, he would be using the fanfare and public spectacle to escape on horseback in the other direction. There are many more great tales and anecdotes, all available for your pleasure should you choose to take a tour of the Pavilion. It’s £17 for adults and £10.50 for children, Family Passes are available too for a better price.
Audio guides are extra, but there’s plenty of staff on hand to answer questions you may have about one of England’s most fascinating historical landmarks.
Book tickets here – support WeLoveBrighton.com2. Visit The West Piers Remains
Brighton, being a seaside town brings in many tourists for its beach and pier. There’s a ghost of the past that is perhaps more iconic, in plain sight. Just to the west of the current pier, lies the once smouldering ruins of the West Pier, a pier that burnt down in 2003. The former pier has become something of a tourist attraction itself, with the remains being a favourite muse for artists.
It’s a striking sight when coupled with the sun rising or setting. It’s certainly worth an evening visit for that reason, as the golden effulgence crashes unto the wooden beams, the day’s last light poking through.
3. Soar High in Brighton’s Answer to the London Eye
Of course, if you want to go even better, why not take the i360 for the best views on the South Coast? Suspended over 160 metres into the air, you can see for miles beyond Brighton and Hove, to the rolling hills that stretch back until they meet the sky. The remains of the West Pier can be seen from an exclusive i360 perspective.
If you wish there was a more adrenaline-fuelled experience of the soaring i360 views, they offer a chance to climb and even abseil the tower. Just opposite is the hotel where Margaret Thatcher was almost assassinated, The Grand Hotel. Make of that what you will.
4. Frolic on The Brighton Pier
If the main pier is your vibe though, then you won’t be disappointed. Amusements, every seaside/funfair treat you could possibly imagine, parlour games and a host of rides, it’s every child and young-at-heart adult’s dream.
It’s easy to get carried away and spend far too much time enjoying the rides and games. There’s little to say that you might not know or expect, it’s simply a great pier worth checking out.
5. Ogle at All the Inspired Street Art
If views and historicism don’t do it for you, Brighton’s aforementioned, massive variety of street art might, with breath-taking art in every nook and cranny. With so much to see, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so why not book a Street art Tour? Giving you a streamlined best-of-Brighton guide to all the must-sees.
If you’re like me however and prefer the sense of discovery and excitement of perhaps finding a lesser-known work that speaks to you, there are plenty of guides showcasing all of the recognised street art in Brighton, or perhaps you’d prefer to leave it to chance and explore the intricacies of Brighton for yourself.
6. Gaze at the Sea Atop the Cliffs
View from Seven Sisters
Lastly, with endless sea and towering cliff faces, there are some gorgeous spots to go for a nice walk and take in the sea air. The Undercliff walk is a nearby trail that offers a great place for a seaside stroll, but if you can stomach an hour-long bus ride, or a much quicker car journey, Seven Sisters offers truly magisterial views. Just make sure to bring water and sunscreen in the Summer as there is little to no shade from the sun.
7. Immerse yourself in Mod History
In the 1950s, 60’s and 70’s Brighton was synonymous with Mod culture. At one point controversial, the subculture is now celebrated in Brighton, with shops, graffiti and festivals all in the name of Mods.
It’s become a pilgrimage of sorts for those still deeply emboldened by the Mod movement to visit iconic parts of Brighton. Two popular examples come from the cult classic Quadrophenia with Quadrophenia Alley and Madeira Drive being popular among fans of the film and by extension the mod movement.
LGTBTQ+ Heaven!
Famed for its inclusivity, individuality and most importantly, pride; Brighton is easily the safest place in the UK to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Unlike other Cities with a specific ‘LGBT’ district, Brighton has events at a myriad of places across the city catered towards the LGBTQ+ community.
With Queer speed dating, Drag shows, Queer comedy clubs, even LGBT-exclusive self-defence classes, and plenty more.
8. Express yourself at Pride!
Brighton Pride is the Woodstock of the LGBTQ+ community, a huge city-wide event, unapologetic in its exuberance and there for anybody, whatever your identity and orientation. Pride is a must-see experience. It’s an explosion of individuality, identity, love and of course pride.
The streets are chocked full of easily a hundred thousand onlookers, many renting flats to cheer and support the parade from the comfort of a living room. It’s worth getting a spot early as getting around can be essentially impossible.
The scale of this event is unlike anything I have ever seen inside a city, with my only possible comparison for the size of the crowd seeing Muse at the Reading festival. So imagine that sort of crowd, but spilling out across all of Brighton. Pretty wild, and the highlight of the year for most who take part.
In addition to the main pride explosion, there is a separate Trans Pride parade the previous month. Trans people are of course represented in the main Pride, but this separate parade in Hove is a celebration purely for the Trans community.
9. Enjoy a more accepting football crowd at The Amex
With a lack of representation and often a culture of fear of being different bred among football fans, I can understand perhaps a doubtful tut at the idea of football being an LGBTQ+ activity.
The Amex, home of Brighton and Hove Albion, however, has fostered a culture of acceptance, and with the vast majority of Brighton fans living in and around Brighton, there is a safe and understanding crowd.
You can sit and cheer in without any anxiety. For any football fan, The Amex is a great stadium to watch a match, and for LGBTQ+ fans it’s a friendlier welcoming space, where you’re simply a fan, and nothing more, as it always should be.
10. Enjoy a pun-filled show, sure to be a Drag at Revenge!
Since the popularity of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Drag has exploded into the public eye with many becoming obsessed (in their own words) with drag culture.
More than just artistic expression, Drag acts are known for their quick wit, salacious attitudes, and exceptional performances. Proud Cabaret, R-Bar and The Queens Arms are all great venues that regularly host drag evenings, but there are plenty more Drag nights to be on the lookout for.
Bar Broadway hosts a bottomless Drag Brunch that starts at 8.30 pm. This includes food, bottomless cocktails for 2 hours and of course, hours of partying with the performers.
R-Bar Address: 5-7 Marine Parade, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1TA
Website: www.revenge.co.uk
Bar Broadway Address: 10 Steine St, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1TY
Website: barbroadway.com
Proud Cabaret Address: 83 St George’s Rd, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1EF
Website: proudcabaret.com
11. Laugh, Guffaw, Bellow, Titter at Some Queer Comedy at Komedia!
Brighton is host to many LGBTQ+ comedy nights, with the biggest and best, hosted at the Komedia on the first Sunday of every month. Headliner Zoe Lyons, (featured on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and more) introduces a rich vein of comedic talent, from household names to up-and-comers. It’s a night of hilarity at the hands of not just Brighton’s best, but Britain’s best.
Address: 44-47 Gardner St, Brighton, BN1 1UN
Website: www.komedia.co.uk/brighton
Grab the Best Fish and Chips in town!
Settling where to go for fish and chips in a seaside town can often be a nightmare. With so many different vendors, with different quality and different approaches, you could end up with an indeterminate chunk of batter the size of a child’s head, or you could find yourself with some fancy slithers of potato, with a couple of grams of panko fried fish and a zesty slaw for the low price of £40.00.
Fish and chips are unique in that the gourmet choice isn’t always better. The key is a happy middle ground, sticking to what fish and chips should be, with a little bit of creative licence, not some mad Heston Blumenthal experiment.
And don’t get me started on extortionate chains that charge £18.00 for average fish and chips. To the untrained eye, it may seem any old place will do on the seafront. Whilst most are fine, you surely want the best on offer, right?
12. Enjoy The Captain’s pick!
It’s easy to get a good pic when it’s the dead of Winter
For my money, and most of Brighton’s, It’s Captain’s Fish and Chips on the seafront. They offer great quality fish and chips, exactly what you’re craving, nothing over the top that takes away from the seaside fish and chips experience. Beating the competition, through the quality and texture of the fish, the Batter to Fish ratio and of course, its great taste. It’s a perfect visit on a sunny day.
With a large seating area outside, and cosy warm insides should British weather rear its ugly head, it’s equipped for any occasion, and others with just the right touch of class, both in its approach to food and presentation and its relaxed yet charming atmosphere.
Though, given its notoriety for great fish and chips, and its placement just next to the pier, you might have to move fast to secure a table, or food in a timely manner.
It’s impossible to miss, just next to the pier on the beach, but just in case you need help:
Address: 9-10 Lower Promenade, Brighton, BN2 1ET
Website: www.captainsbrighton.co.uk
Activities for the Family
As someone who was once a child myself (I know right?) It’s not always a kids’ idea of fun to simply sit on the beach for hours, and maybe arcades and some of the more typical seaside amusements don’t cut it.
In the fast-paced, action-orientated world of many children, a typical seaside day out may not have the same allure it once had.
Well, fear not, as some of the below activities unique to Brighton can bring some excitement back into a day by the sea, with these fun-filled attractions and activities to make some cherished childhood memories.
13. Screw Gravity! At the Upside down house
Are you sick of gravity’s one-way regime? Do you think there should be a choice between walking on the floor or the ceiling, rather than an accepted status quo of ground walkers? If either of those questions struck a nerve, then look no further than the Upside-Down House.
You can finally satiate that long-held urge to appear as if you’re effortlessly hanging from the ceiling. It’s simple, but a great chance for a memorable family photo. Simply turn the picture 180 degrees and tell everybody about the upside-down alternate reality you and your family slipped into over the weekend.
Website: upsidedownhouse.co.uk
14. Take more than just a dip, at the Hove Lagoon
For the truly active families, a minor detour into Hove could be a memorable one. Hove Lagoon is an awesome man-made water sports lagoon, offering everything fun you can do atop a body of water.
Address: Kingsway, Hove, BN3 4LX
Website: www.lagoon.co.uk
15. Test the detective in you and work together at an Escape Room
Escape rooms operate around Brighton and make for a great change to typical holiday/day-out activities. Typically, holiday activities breed competition and outdoing each other; escape rooms are competitive, but unsolvable without working as a team.
Rather than facing each other, you face the clock and the fictional antagonist as you attempt to solve clues to unlock your captor’s mystery and escape.
Escape room Websites: bewilderbox.co.uk – pierpressure.co.uk
16. Work on your short game with some Adventure Golf
It’s hard to go wrong with adventure golf. Whether a hardened adult, beaten down by years of life, or a child blessed with the virtue of innocence, adventure golf will bring out the competitive, overly dramatic side in anyone.
It’s always fun for a detour from the beach day, and with 2 separate adventure golf courses on the seafront, it’s only a short walk back to beach relaxation. For the golf purists you might even learn a thing or two, it worked for Happy Gilmore!
Address: 286 Madeira Dr, Brighton, BN2 1EN
Website: brighton.junglerumble.co.uk
17. Take some bigger swings and enjoy cliffside Pitch and Putt
In addition to crazy golf, Brighton has a great Pitch and Putt course atop the cliffs that run along the coastline. On a sunny day, with the water bouncing off the sea, and ocean wind blowing through your hair, it’s easy to forget you’re not on the PGA tour
It’s a gorgeous location, and if there were such a list, I’d wager it to be in the top 20 Pitch and Putt courses in the world.
Many have played on a dingy, wet Pitch and Putt course, sullen by leaves, the predominant colours on display being dark brown and grey. The Roedean Pitch and Putt course is a different world to that experience, and even if you find golf boring, I think it’s worth a game just for the gorgeous views.
Address: Marine Drive, Roedean, Brighton, BN2 5RL
Website: www.roedeancafeandminigolf.co.uk
18. Enjoy the only sand in Brighton at Yellow Wave
A great bit of fun for those perhaps disappointed by the sand-less beach, with sand-filled volleyball courts and a bar/café, it’s great for a family match of volleyball, and some drinks as the sun shines over your tiny tiny slice of Rio de Janeiro.
Address: 299 Madeira Dr, Brighton, BN2 1EN
Website: yellowave.co.uk
Best of the lanes
With so many shops crammed into such tight streets, the lanes can overwhelm and confuse, chances are you’ll completely pass by shops you might have loved, had you noticed it.
Whilst exploration is important, and there’s so much more to find for yourself, I’ve used my years of strolling through the lanes to provide a rundown of some of my favourite places to visit.
I’ve omitted addresses and websites from this section, as all these shops can be found in or near the lanes, and the best way to enjoy the lanes is by exploring!
19. Spend Some Time Looking Through the Snoopers Paradise
Brighton is filled with great second-hand shops, thanks to its green eco-friendly persuasion, with residents seldom throwing away clothes, accessories and old electronics, instead donating them to charity shops. A really great find in a charity shop is a moment to be savoured, as there’s little feeling like it.
You may find something from your childhood that has personal worth to you, or you might find a rare collector’s item sitting in an unassuming pile. When it comes to thrifting, Snoopers Paradise is a one-of-a-kind second-hand store.
A great winding menagerie of wares, all for bargain prices. It’s a Mecca for thrifters, and you’ll find far more than you bargained for. Be careful not to leave with too much to take back!
20. Find a Hero to Root for at Dave’s Comics
A stalwart of the lanes, Daves’ is a paragon of all things nerdy, with two shops metres apart, one with any form of written media you could need, and the other a treasure trove of collectables, toys, and merchandise.
The comic shop is extensively stocked, with a niche and varied range; you’ll find fascinating graphic novels explaining psychological concepts such as trauma, the largest selection of manga in Brighton, and a slew of classic back issues for a cheaper, quicker read.
Their team is well experienced with friendly staff that can give you great recommendations if you are looking for something new, or if you aren’t well versed in the graphic world, have great gift recommendations for those looking to get a child or loved one a present.
21. Slurp Some Brighton Boba
Boba or ‘Bubble Tea’ has exploded into popularity in Brighton with various spots to get your sweet fix. Hailing from Vietnam, Bubble Tea is a sweet cold tea drink with chewy tapioca balls, there’s a huge range of flavours, and it’s become preferred over milkshakes here in Brighton.
I was sceptical when I first tried it, but the flavours are great. If you are like me, and like your drinks completely liquid, you can opt not to have tapioca, or you can swap them out for various substitutes, like grass/fruit jelly and Aloe Vera.
22. Browse Some Vintage ‘Axes’ at MudPie
A small but charming guitar shop, the instruments on sale have been carefully curated and hand-picked by the two guitar connoisseurs at the helm of the business. With a beautiful array of vintage guitars, there’s always a hidden gem for a great price if you look hard enough.
If you want quantity and more variety, GAK is just down the road, and is a great haven for all things musical; if you want quality and real expertise, MudPie is where to go.
The owner, who often runs the till, is eccentric and fiercely passionate about providing quality guitars. So passionate that if you were interested in buying a guitar he didn’t feel was up to his high standards, he’d talk you out of it.
To say MudPie can be trusted would be an understatement, every guitar in the shop is lovingly set up and ready to play upon purchase. Despite this extra effort, you can find some unbeatable prices for unmatched quality.
23. Vinyl on Tap: Check out Brighton’s Thriving Record Shops
Vinyl is surely the most popular way to physically own an album, as we move into a digital age, with owning albums about the collection and appreciation of music. The vinyl scene has been quietly growing over the past decade, to the point where modern releases are being released as vinyl.
Brighton is one of the few places in England where record shops survived through the age of the dreaded compact disc, with some now thriving. Resident is a fine purveyor of records, with an eclectic selection of genres and artists to peruse.
It’s easy to get a little lost in nostalgia, with a guarantee to find a few iconic albums from your youth. Best of all, is their swift supply of new releases, with Resident selling predominantly new untouched albums, rather than simply being a second-hand shop.
If you are a Soul, Funk, Reggae or Jazz fan, Rarekind Records is surely the place for you, with a focus on those aforementioned genres, you’ll find an extensive selection, from classics to little-known oddities.
24. Grab a light bite at The Flour Pot Bakery
Is one of my favourite places to grab some food to break up the hustle and bustle of the packed lanes. A quaint café/bakery, you won’t find a better Pain Au Chocolate on this side of the channel. If you like grilled cheese, they make hands down the best I’ve ever had.
With gorgeous sourdough bread, mozzarella, fresh tomato, pesto and just a dash of balsamic vinegar, it may sound simple, but I can’t stop eating them. They have some great coffee on offer, perfect to keep you from flagging in the afternoon after a hectic morning drive.
25. Sate your sweet Tooth
Brighton’s most famous sweet shop, Caramella has been supplying a sweet fix to Brightonians since 1988. Worth a visit whether accompanied by kids or not, there are sweets inspired by confectionery from the late 80s and there are modern staples we all know and love.
Their towering aisles of sweets know no bounds. Highly regarded, Caramella lends credence to that feeling of being a kid in the proverbial ‘candy store’ by re-creating that overwhelming excitement at the sheer magnitude of choice.
26. Shop for Clothes without the Highstreet Guilt
Not in the lanes, but a cute clothes and anime shop by the beach that I only just discovered
For independent and upcycled clothes you should simply look around and go wherever your fancy takes you. With so many great second-hand, or independent clothes shops throughout Brighton, it’s best to enjoy looking for the shop that speaks to you personally. As they say, the chase is better than the catch!
No need to worry about carbon footprints or who makes the clothes, with so many great independent outlets to peruse!
No matter your style there will be something seemingly tailor-made for you. As if you didn’t already have enough to do in Brighton, simply chasing that great deal, or finding the perfect top can be a difference maker for your mood and enjoyment. Just don’t string about those uninterested for too long!
Venues
Is the family beach holiday vibe a bit naff for your tests? Or maybe your kids are, by their own standards, too ‘old’ for beach fun? As mentioned earlier Brighton has a bustling music scene, with underground unknown gems, rising stars, and world-renowned talent all frequently performing in and around Brighton.
27. Check out the Underground Music scene at the Green Door Store
Hard to find, particularly in the daytime. Many people will have walked past this secret venue/bar in the daytime and been none the wiser.
Even with a map, it was hard to find the first time I went. Should you manage to locate the iconic green doors, you’ll be met with a great underground live music experience, perfect for an impromptu gig with a mate. Or, if you’re with your kids and they are drinking age, a great way to make lasting memories and show them you’re still cool.
Address: 2,3, 4 Trafalgar Arches, Brighton, BN1 4FQ (Good luck)
Website: thegreendoorstore.co.uk
28. Enjoy Some Big Names at Chalk
Chalk is usually a nightclub, but routinely hosts a wide variety of performers spanning many genres, with established big names, and smaller up-and-comers taking centre stage.
Household names such as Yungblud, Arlo Parks to Snow Patrol, overseas comedy legends such as the face behind countless internet memes, Tim Heidecker of ‘Tim and Eric’ fame.
They have some great lesser-known acts, with my recommendations for the next few months being Billy Nomates and Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (or Pigs x7 for short)
Address: 13 Pool Valley, Brighton, BN1 1NJ
Website: chalkvenue.com
29. Book a Show for The Family at The Dome
Originally built as a stable Block by Prince George IV, 200 years ago, The Brighton Dome is Brighton’s biggest concert Venue. Another wide range of acts, with The Dome being best for comedy.
There’s always something on at the Dome, with events spanning from One time Superstar Carly Rae Jepsen to GCSE study lectures, Dick and Dom live to classic stand-up shows, such as the upcoming Sara Pascoe and Jon Richardson shows. It’s a beautiful building with a swanky interior, well suited for events of any type or stature.
Address: Church St, Brighton, BN1 1UE
Website: brightondome.org
And finally…….
30. Check our site for Seasonal Events
As is the case with any happening place, much changes around the year in Brighton. Pop-up festivals, carnivals, markets, and of course huge city-wide celebrations such as Pride. We cover almost all events happening near and in Brighton. Stay tuned for updates throughout the year on WeLoveBrighton for the latest happenings to get excited about!
