Brighton is one of the most fun and pretty cool places in the south of England to go for a long weekend break. It’s the kind of city that’s got so much to see and do, and you’re almost guaranteed to find a few spots you’ll love. Honestly, there are just so many incredible and best things to do in Brighton that you’ll be spoilt for choice and probably end up staying longer. Ha!
Better still, Brighton is a stone’s throw from the central areas of London by train (around 1 hour), making it a really easy pit stop to visit whilst already in the capital. This is exactly why I wanted to share my very best things to do in Brighton on your next trip.
It doesn’t matter if you want to soak up some of that (not quite) elusive British sun, gorge at some of the freshest restaurants or explore some of the amazing festivals the city hosts… I’m almost sure you’ll love Brighton.
Best things to do in Brighton
With that in mind, take a look below at the best things to do in Brighton once you arrive. Have the best trip.
1.) Explore Brighton Pier
Now, no trip to Brighton would be complete without a little jaunt along the Brighton Pier. Arguably one of the best-known piers in the south of England, strolling the pier is easily one of the best things to do in Brighton on a hot summer day.
Admittedly, it gets busy at certain times, but that’s also part of the fun. Stroll out to see over the wooden decking, buy yourself a few sticks of rock (candy) and head on board some of the fairground rides at the end of the pier.
We absolutely love Galaxia and the waltzers, which are so much fun. Though, make sure you don’t ride them on a full tummy. You will get queasy on the waltzers.
If you’re staying for a night out, there is a small-ish live music venue, Patterns, just across the road. Plus, you’ve got famous spots like Revenge Nightclub. It’s over three floors and brings the biggest pop tunes that will have you dancing all night and tends to draw a younger crowd.
Alternatively, you can pop into Brighton Beach House, which is great if you already have a membership to Soho House.
Read more: Best things to do in the south of England
2.) Visit the Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is probably one of the most iconic buildings in the city of Brighton and Hove and a spot you can’t miss. Better still, it’s only a short stroll from the seafront and so easy to find.
Built way back in the 18th Century, this former royal residence was built as a way for Royalty to enjoy the south coast and Brighton itself.
A few hundred years ago, Brighton started to become fashionable for royalty to visit, which, in turn, made everyone else want to go.
Built in an Indo-Saracenic style, seeing the Royal Pavilion is easily one of the best things to do in Brighton when you visit the city. It’s so beautiful and eye-catching. Just make sure to visit the stunning Pavilion Gardens too.
3.) Stroll around ‘The Lanes’
The Lanes has become one of the coolest shopping areas in Brighton, filled with every type of shop and restaurant you can imagine.
Now, over 400 shops crammed into a dense network of small alleys will keep you occupied for hours, even if you’re looking for something specific or just browsing. Essentially, if you can’t find it there, you won’t find it anywhere—except perhaps at the Brighton Flea Market.
It’s certainly one of Brighton’s best things to do if you fancy a little shop.
Afterwards, head across to Preston Street, just shy of the Brighton’s i360 attraction.
Here, you’ll find lots of local restaurants and cafes which are great to visit on a weekend. Make sure to try Halisco which serves some of the best tacos and ceviche in the city. We loved it, though you need to book a table in advance; it’s a small restaurant and fills up fast.
4.) Go to Brighton Pride
Every year, Brighton hosts Pride, a celebration of all things LGBTQ+. It’s easily one of the biggest Pride Festivals in the UK.
Happening yearly, on a weekend in August (typically), Brighton Pride takes over the city and puts on one of the best festivals.
It’s so much fun and one of the best things to do in Brighton if you want to experience what the city is all about. Brighton is a liberal, fun, and exciting city, which is why it is so incredible.
5.) Gorge on Fish and Chips
Okay, I know you can gorge on fish and chips almost anywhere in the UK, but something makes it even tastier by the seaside. Once in Brighton, head for a bag (or plate) of fish and chips with lashings of vinegar.
For some of the best places, check out the Regency Restaurant (where you can sit in), Bardsley’s, or Bankers, which all serve freshly fried portions.
Read more: Best things to do in the south of England
6.) Visit the Dukes at Komedia
If the weather is going full-on British for you, there’s no better place to treat yourself to a movie and some popcorn than the Dukes at Komedia. It’s the perfect place to escape a little drizzle and they often show some more artsy films that are amazing to see.
That being said, if cinemas aren’t your thing, you might wanna give this spot a miss.
Afterwards, head for dinner at the Coal Shed Brighton. They have some of the tastiest steaks in the whole city, and they even age them within the ageing rooms, just shy of the sitting area. We loved it and totally devoured the Wagyu beef steak.
7.) See the Seven Sisters
Now, if you fancy a little jaunt out of Brighton, head over to the Seven Sisters that call this coastline home. Perched about 40 minutes from the centre of Brighton, it’s one of the best things to do if you fancy a little break from city life.
Visit the area around Seven Sisters Country Park and head around the country paths that follow the cliffs themselves. Just one word of caution: always be cautious and sensible when near the tops of these paths. It’s never worth risking going to the edge, especially as the cliffs are soft and often fall.
That said, it’s still one of the best things to do in Brighton when you want to escape the city.
8.) Explore the Brighton Art Museum and Gallery
Perched with the Royal Pavilion Garden, the Brighton Art Museum and Gallery is one of the best things to do in Brighton if you fancy dipping into a little culture.
Once inside, make sure to visit their fine art galleries, queer galleries and all the art. It’s so great to see.
Also, check into the Brighton Grand right on the seafront for a great place to stay.
For a lovely dinner, make sure to visit Burnt Orange. Their menu focuses on small plates, all made fresh to order. We went for lunch, and their fresh seabream, hummus, and grilled aubergine were so tasty.
9.) Head up the Brighton i360
One of the newer but still best things to do in Brighton, the i360 observation deck is well worth a little gander if you love a view. You can book these tickets in advance, so you don’t have to wait ages for a ride at peak times. Which, trust me, it happens in the height of summer.
For instance, you can even book tickets for a Pride silent disco or even yoga sessions high in the sky.
Afterwards, pop over to the Wolfox Roastary on Preston Street. They roast all their beans in-house, and it’s a great place for brunch, too. We loved their egg on toast, which was so yummy.
10.) Find Beacon Mill, Rottingdean
Just outside of the city itself, Beacon Mill is a smock mill that’s pretty iconic and dates back over 200 years. It’s pretty easy to find and right in the centre of Rottingdean near the coastline itself.
Afterwards, head over to Bom-Bane’s for an intimate meal in the city. Just make sure to reserve a table. Spaces fill up fast.
11.) Enjoy the beach
Of course, you can’t forget a little time on the beach in Brighton, especially on a sunny day! Grab the sunscreen, rent a deck chair and gorge on all the ice cream you can. Just make sure you get a flake in it!
It’s one of the best things to do in Brighton if you want to experience a more chilled-out vibe when visiting the city.
Also, book a sauna at Beach Box Spa if you stay on the beach all day. It’s right on the beach, and they have converted trailers with cosy saunas and cold baths, which are so much fun as the sunset hits the shores of Brighton.
Again, with most things in the city, book this before arriving – tickets sell out fast.
Read more: Best things to do in the south of England
Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!
