If you close your eyes and think of Brighton, you will straight away see its Palace Pier and seagulls flying over the seafront in your mind. But this quirky city offers much more than that. There are many gorgeous places to visit – you will be spoilt for choice. This seaside resort has something to please everyone. It has the perfect activities for those looking for an exciting day trip. It is also an excellent option for those who want to spend a few days relaxing by the shore. Due to its close proximity to London, you can explore attractions in Brighton less than an hour after boarding a train from London Victoria station.
It is easy to see why this coastal city is one of the most popular destinations in England. The city offers a perfect combination of vibrant life and laid-back beach vibes. Because of that, a day trip here is one of the best day trips from London.
21 Must-see attractions in Brighton
Here are some of the best places to visit.
1. Sea Life aquarium
Did you know that Sea Life Brighton is the oldest operating aquarium in the world? This beautifully restored Victorian Arcade near the iconic Palace Pier is home to over 5,000 creatures, including sharks, turtles, stingrays and other local and marine life.
Did you know this aquarium has even England’s longest underwater observation tunnel? Take a walk in an underwater tunnel and see the sharks and stingrays swimming overhead. Afterwards, exploring the underwater world, float above sea creatures in a glass bottom boat. Learn about the types of fish that live in the tank. Also, do not miss the latest attraction, Day and Night, and experience a coral reef as it moves through the day into night.
Visiting Sea Life aquarium is, by all means, one of the best things to do in Brighton with kids. This family-friendly attraction is also one of the best places to visit when raining.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Sea Life Brighton is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Hence, it is well worth pre-booking your tickets.
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2. Brighton i360
The i360 tower also deserves to be on a list of the best places to visit. One of the main tourist attractions in Brighton and on the south coast has a giant glass pod moving to 138 metres (450 feet). This impressive doughnut-shaped observation deck opened in 2016 and replaced the temporary Ferris wheel.
The views from the futuristic i360 tower are pretty impressive.
Did you know that the i360 tower has become the world’s tallest moving observation tower? It is home to the highest bar on the South Coast, which means you can have a drink up in the sky. The ride lasts up to 30 minutes and offers the best views of the town and the coast. From here, spot the famous attractions, such as the West Pier and the Palace Pier. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Seven Sisters cliffs and the Isle of Wight.
Visiting the observation tower is one of the top things to do in Brighton because this seafront tower is Britain’s first ‘vertical pier’ and the first vertical cable car. If you are not scared of heights, the i360 offers a thrilling skywalk on the i360. This pulse-racing experience allows you to climb out on the roof of the viewing pod and walk above the beach. Alternatively, there are other thrill-seeking experiences, such as drop 360 (138-metre controlled descent), or you can climb to the very top of the i360 tower.
3. Palace Pier
No trip to this city would be complete without a visit to the Palace Pier. This major landmarks in the UK has both historical points of interest and is an entertainment hub. Also, this long pier pushes out into the English Channel for half a kilometre and offers some of the best city views.
The iconic Palace Pier, dating back to the Victorian era, has witnessed wild storms and beating wars. Today, it is one of the top attractions in the South-East and an unmissable stop for everyone visiting the city.
Stroll along the pier and enjoy breathtaking views of the English coastline. Buy some food in one of the traditional seaside stalls, but be careful – a hungry seagull might try to steal your delicious snack. Spend the afternoon playing games at the arcades and find a cannon from the “Chain Pier”. It is the only remnants of the previous Victorian pier, which washed away in a storm more than 125 years ago. Afterwards, get your adrenaline flowing on one of the stomach-turning fairground rides. You can find them at the end of the pier. An amusement park with fairground rides makes the Palace Pier one of the best places to visit in Brighton if you are in the city with youngsters.
GOOD TO KNOW:
If you plan to go on the rides, purchase a wristband with unlimited rides in advance and save up to 25%. Wristbands have different prices for weekdays and weekends. Hence, make sure you buy the right one.
TIP:
Find one of the deck chairs – they are free to use.
4. Upside Down House
The Upside Down House – one of the best curiosities in this coastal city.
If you are more interested in visiting unusual attractions, it’s worth popping into the Upside Down House. Yes, you are quite right to think that everything in this house is upside down. Prepare yourself for an out-of-this-world experience where you can walk on the ceiling and perform a headstand in the toilet bowl. The Upside Down House is a fun attraction not only for kids but adults also.
5. Brighton Beach
You might not be surprised to learn that Brighton is a popular city beach break destination in England. It’s seafront is legendary – there are numerous beaches, which have different types of attractions for the whole family to enjoy. It’s beach is one of the top attractions because it is one of the most famous beaches in the UK. What’s more, it has certified Blue Flag waters and a 4-mile promenade. This beautiful beach is famous as London’s beach because many people flock here from London.
Even though all beaches consist solely of pebbles, they are very popular with sunbathers and those who enjoy water sports. Relax on the beach, swim or try water sports, such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or windsurfing. Alternatively, grab your sunscreen, rent a striped deck chair and watch the sunset.
There are numerous bars and restaurants lining the beach where you can grab a refreshing drink or a snack. You will also find some traditional seaside shops, artist studios and places where you can rent a kayak or paddleboard. In the evening, bars and clubs keep the waterfront alive after dark. The club scene is famous here – clubs and bars on the seafront attract visitors from far and wide.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Expect crowds on Bank Holidays and on the warm weekend during the summer.
6. Brighton promenade
One of the first things to do in Brighton has to be strolling its promenade. The promenade, located just next to the beach at the road level, is one of the best places to visit and for good reasons. It gives the city its unique identity, it stretches for the entire length of the city’s waterfront and provides uninterrupted views of the English Channel. Here you can spot the famous attractions, such as i360, the Palace pier or the Brighton Zip. Don’t miss the skeleton of the West Pier and the Upside Down House. If you decide to walk all the way to Hove, you can also see colourful Beach Huts.
7. Undercliff Walk
Many tourists who visit the city want to see only the top attractions, such as the famous pier and the promenade. However, this rainbow city offers much more. After exploring the city’s highlights, find time for the Undercliff Walk.
The Undercliff Walk is one of the off-the-beaten-path attractions – popular among the locals. According to TripAdvisor, it is the seventh-best attraction in the city. It is perfect if you are looking for an escape to nature. The Undercliff Walk hugs the base of the cliffs and offers beautiful views of the English Chanel. The lucky ones may spot some coast wildlife, such as seals and seagulls.
This flat promenade traces its way from Brighton Marina to Saltdean. It is a part of the city’s coast defences, which protect the cliffs from erosion. The Undercliff Walk is just over 5 km long and is ideal for walking, cycling and wheelchair users.
8. The Royal Pavilion
You cannot visit Brighton without seeing the Royal Pavilion. Why, you may ask? The Royal Pavilion is one of the city’s most famous attractions because this extravagant palace is eye-catching. This palace with ornate roof domes and minarets has an oriental feel. Some even call it the Taj Mahal of Brighton.
FUN FACT:
Some say that Adolf Hitler gave his bombers instructions not to bomb it. He planned to use it as his holiday home after World War 2.
This Indian-inspired seaside palace was once a holiday home for the Prince of Wales in the 18th century. Today the Royal Pavilion is one of the best places to visit. This grade I listed building, with an oriental appearance, is one of the most exotic buildings in the UK. On a guided tour, visit the Banqueting Room, the Royal Bedrooms and the Great kitchen. Find out more about George’s diet, visit restored gardens and Royal Collection items from Buckingham Palace.
TIP:
The Royal Pavilion has a secret tunnel which links it with Brighton Dome – it was once King George’s IV riding stable. Special tours of the tunnel and a basement run on certain days (not part of the standard tour).
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find the Royal Pavilion not far from the seafront.
9. Beach Box Spa
If you are looking for unusual attractions, then Beach Box Spa might be for you. Beach Box Spa are three mobile wood-fired saunas – they replicate the traditional Scandinavian-style sauna experience. You can find them on a secluded stretch of the beach.
Beach Box Spa is one of the unusual attractions – it is perfect if you need some relaxation. This beautiful healing sanctuary offers not only a standard sauna experience but also full-body salt scrubs and massage leaf whisks. You can cool down in the sea between the sauna sessions or pre-order ice baths.
10. Museum and Art Gallery
Those who want to learn more about Brighton’s history and culture should stop at the nearby Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. It lies within the Royal Pavilion estate in the Royal Pavilion Garden.
It is hard to believe that this building with beautiful arches and minaret was planned to be the Prince Regent’s tennis court. Today it is home to the museum – it houses a collection of decorative arts and various exhibits ranging from ancient artefacts to fine art, film and fashion. You can also see many personal pieces from King George IV.
11. The Lanes
The Lanes – Brighton’s maze of narrow alleyways.
A short walk from the seafront is the Lanes – the bohemian district that will keep you occupied for hours. Exploring the Lanes is one of the best things to do in this city because they have something to please everyone. Plus, the Lanes are one of the oldest parts of the city – some parts of the Lanes date back to the late 16th century when this city was a small fishing town.
The Lanes are famous for a labyrinth of narrow streets and hidden squares with small independent shops, trendy cafes and legendary jewellers. The Lanes are also one of the best places to dine. The twisting lanes house vintage boutiques, record stores and also bookshops.
Don’t miss the North Laine – it is a shopping area which offers the largest selection of independent shops on the South Coast. The North Laine covers less than half a square mile, and you can find more than 300 shops in this shopping district. You can find it between the railway station and the Royal Pavilion.
12. Brighton Marina
Did you know that the Brighton Marina is the largest marina in the UK? Yes, that is right, this man-made harbour is also one of the largest marinas in Europe. It lies in the east of the city and is the leading lifestyle destination in this coastal city.
Thousands of boats come to dock here because this marina has easy access to open water. It is also a perfect starting point for exploring the South Coast of England. The marina is not only a working harbour but also has a large resident population and a variety of leisure. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around the harbour where you can watch the yachts sail by. The marina is also home to a multiscreen cinema, a bowling alley, a casino and a glow-in-the-dark indoor golf course. Outdoor enthusiasts can rent a jet ski or go on a boat trip to see Brighton attractions from different angles.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Volks Electric Railway runs between Brighton seafront and Black Rock Station near the marina from March to October.
13. Volk’s Electric Railway
Another iconic thing you cannot miss is Volk’s Electric Railway. Volk’s Electric Railway is one of the unique attractions because it is the oldest operational electric railway in the world. The historic train with small carriages runs up and down the coast and offers beautiful views of the English Channel. The route runs for one mile along the seafront and has three stations. The train line runs between the Aquarium station (near the Palace Pier), Paston Place and Black Pool, which is not far from the marina. And the best is that you do not need to book – just turn up and ride.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Trains run from March until October.
14. West Pier
Unlike other cities, Brighton is home to not one pier but two. Even though the West Pier is now in ruins, it is still one of the best attractions in Brighton. Did you know this pier was the second of Brighton’s three piers? It is older than the Palace Pier but younger than collapsed Chain Pier. It is hard to believe that this Grade I listed building had a concert hall and theatre, which could seat more than 1000 people. Today you can only admire the remains of the burned West Pier, which fell into despair and burned down. All you can see is just a skeleton of the remaining metal structure offshore, which gets torn away during storms.
Although the West Pier is now in ruins, it is one of the most photographed buildings in the city.
15. Fishing Museum
Also, stop at the Fishing Museum, which you can find at the waterfront directly south of the Old Ship Hotel. Even though the museum is small, it has great importance to the city. The Brighton Fishing Museum has a rich heritage and character. The exhibition includes boats, fishing artefacts, colourful signs and historic photos from decades ago. Admission is free, but you can make a small donation at the door.
TIP:
Buy locally caught fish from working fishermen.
16. Old Police Cells Museum
It is easy to see why the Old Police Cells Museum is one of the unique attractions. Here’s a juicy part: as the name suggests, this quirky museum is set in the old police cells. The Old Police Cells Museum offers an educational and entertaining insight into the history of policing from 1830 in Sussex. Once inside, you can learn about crime and punishment in the Victorian era. Hear about some of the most famous criminal cases and see graffiti in some of the old cells. Don’t miss the policeman’s washrooms and uniform store areas and learn more about the IRA bombing of the nearby Grand Hotel in 1984. Even though the museum is small, it is well worth a visit if you want to learn more about the city’s criminal past. Former police officers run guided tours.
The Old Police Cells Museum is one of the unique places to visit because it shows the evolution of policing in Sussex. Moreover, you can wander through the cells that used to hold the criminals.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find the Old Police Cells Museum in the basement of Brighton Town Hall in the heart of the city centre. Right now, tours are only on Saturdays 10.30 am – 12.30 pm (£3).
17. Brighton Pride
Did you know that this city has one of the largest LGBT communities in the United Kingdom? Yes, that is right, this seaside resort on the south coast of England is, according to many, the unofficial gay capital of the UK. The LGBT history in this city dates back to the early 19th century, and today it is one of the best rainbow cities in the UK. The city is world-famous for Brighton Pride – it is the largest pride festival in the UK. Visiting the pride festival is one of the best attractions because this summer festival promotes equality and diversity and eliminates discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community. The incredible atmosphere and unusual costumes with rainbows and glitter everywhere are just some of the reasons why it’s so famous.
Thousands of people celebrate this summer festival during the first week of August. This annual event is a three-day celebration, and many consider it one of the best Pride festivals in the world. While a parade through the city centre is free, you need to purchase a ticket for the rest of the festival.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Kemptown area (St James Street and the roads around it) is where you can find the most of city’s gay bars, gay shops and gay clubs. This area is officially known as Brighton’s gay village.
18. Devil’s Dyke
If you prefer hiking, then take time to explore Brighton’s nearby rolling hills. Just a few miles out of the city, you can find Devil’s Dyke. Devil’s Dyke is one of the popular places to visit because this natural sight is perfect for hiking. What makes Devil’s Dyke unique is that the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest dry valley in the UK. This famous beauty spot in the South Downs National Park is also ideal for a dog walk. It also offers beautiful views of the English countryside.
19. Seven Sisters Country Park
Whatever you do, do not leave without visiting the Seven Sisters Country Park. Why are the Seven Sisters one of the best attractions? It is because these white chalk sea cliffs are one of England’s great natural wonders. Seven towering seaside cliffs are a part of the South Downs National Park. This magnificent stretch of coastline between Seaford and Eastbourne is famous for many hiking trails and incredible wildlife. Moreover, the Seven Sister’s Country Park offers breathtaking views of the English Channel and the surrounding countryside. Birling Gap, Beachy Head, Cuckmere Haven and Seaford Head are some of the best places to visit.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Those who arrive by train can hop on a Seven Sisters cliff tour from the city centre.
20. A Day trip Worthing
Would you like to see the world’s only replica of the Sistine Chapel? Then head to nearby Worthing, which you can find just a short drive away from the city. Brighton’s less fashionable neighbour is considerably smaller, but it offers an excellent day trip. Worthing is one of the largest seaside towns on the South Coast. It has award-winning beaches, one of the oldest cinemas in Britain, and a beautiful pier. You can find here one of the largest Iron Age hill forts in Britain and also the only replica of the Sistine Chapel in the world.
READ MORE:
The best things to do in Worthing
21. Booth Museum of Natural History
If you prefer to explore another museum, you can pop into the Booth Museum of Natural History. As the name suggests, this museum displays a collection of animals and birds. In fact, the Booth Museum of Natural History has one of the largest collections of stuffed animals in Britain. Here you can also see fossils, minerals and a collection of insects and skeletons. You can even see a fossilized Dodo bird in the museum. The Booth Museum of Natural History is free to visit.
Now you know what the best attractions in Brighton are!
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Last updated: 30/08/2024