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Bucket list destination:

Last updated: 19 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

From the Prince Regent to the Mods and Rockers of 1960s counter-culture, everyone falls in love with Brighton.

Unashamedly hedonistic, this seaside city is all about fun, from the glittering lights at the end of the pier to the cutely cluttered vintage shops around North Laine, and the bar-lined streets that ring with the sound of hen parties every weekend.

Not that it’s all raucous pleasures: Brighton has reinvented itself in the last decade, with restaurants worth travelling for, and charismatic boutique hotels to stay in. But the sea remains its greatest draw; with kayaking, SUP, kite-surfing and sailing all on offer, alongside a good old-fashioned paddle.

Tours, tickets & transfers

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

The Brighton story - walking tour

Brighton

The Brighton story - walking tour
Tripadvisor award winning 90 minute walking tour with friendly, experienced, local tour guide. Perfect for visitors to the city including students and overseas travellers. Explores historic old town as well as discovering new attractions and shops. This popular tour visits all main attractions including fascinating seafront, Old Steine, “Kissing wall”, “Quadrophenia passage”, Martha Gunn’s cottage, City hall, Hidden cottages, Hippodrome theatre, famous Lanes and Royal Pavilion area. Tour is available most days of the week and starts at MAIN ENTRANCE to Brighton pier under the clock.

Price: £15

Min age: 0

Rating 4.78 / 5 [161 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Brighton Coastal Tour

Brighton

Brighton Coastal Tour
From the vibrant heart of Brighton's city centre we travel out along the coast, via busy seaside throng around the pier and amusements to the calm of the stunning white cliffs and coastline where the South Downs meets the English Channel. Our destination, the historic and charming village of Rottingdean. Distance: 15km (9 miles)

Price: £35

Min age: 16

Rating 4.98 / 5 [112 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Brighton with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

Brighton

Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Brighton with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems
A fun and different way to see Brighton! Solve satisfying clues and follow beautiful maps sent to your phones. Spot things other people take for granted! You’ll learn interesting facts and stories. Everything is outdoors and you can do social distancing.

Price: £24

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [104 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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City Tour of Brighton by bike

Brighton

City Tour of Brighton by bike
Brighton is always an exuberant blend of color, culture, and trend-setting vibes, and has long been known as the London by the Sea. Submerge yourself in its quirky, chilled out style by taking a guided bike tour around the city. View Brighton’s most iconic landmarks from a totally fun new angle, enjoy a smooth cycle ride between destinations. Take a refreshment break at the gorgeous Royal Pavilion Garden Café for tea and cake. Who could want for more? Learn about the often eccentric history of this bohemian city on an enjoyable and smooth 2.5-hour guided ride.

Price: £35

Min age: 12

Rating 4.90 / 5 [99 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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City Sightseeing Brighton Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Brighton

City Sightseeing Brighton Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Choose from a 1 day or 2 day ticket and embark on a fabulous sightseeing adventure through Brighton! This seaside resort town boasts many attractions, which passengers on-board a City Sightseeing bus tour will have great access too. Passengers will be able to hop-on and hop-off at any of the conveniently placed tour stops along the route to explore the sights at their own leisure, including Brighton Marina, Brighton Pier, Old Steine, Imperial Arcade and many more! Enjoy panoramic views of the city as you travel, including breathtaking sea views along certain parts of the route – as well as access to the bus’ on-board English tour commentary!

Price: £17

Min age: 0

Rating 4.30 / 5 [66 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Travel advice

When to go

Brighton is busy whenever the sun shines, but July and August can be unbearable, as the town fills up with thousands of partygoers and families heading for the beach. Bright, crisp autumn (September to November) and early spring days (March to May) are the best time, when the beach belongs to the locals and its historic shopping quarter, the Lanes, remains unclogged by tourists.

These are also the months when you can browse the fab shops in peace, and get a table in the top restaurants without having to book in advance. The Brighton Festival – a nationally-recognised art and cultural event – takes place every May.

Getting there and away

Brighton is about a 1.5-hour drive from London, and there are excellent rail connections from London’s Victoria or London Bridge terminals, with a journey time of about an hour. Gatwick Airport is a 30-minute drive away, too (20 minutes by train).

Getting around

Eminently walkable, the station is at the north end of town, with Queen’s Road leading you directly to the beach. On the left, North Laine is a clutch of streets home to small cafés and vintage shops, while further south are the famous ‘Lanes’, a lattice of alleyways dotted with funky boutiques and coffee houses.

At the seafront, head east to Kemptown – Brighton’s vibrant gay village – or west to the Regency streets and squares of Hove.

Where to stay

Brighton is a party town, so your location really depends on how much sleep you want to get. Kemptown is where most of the serious partying goes on, while the further west you get towards Hove, the quieter things become. Many of the bigger hotels are actually on the seafront, and although they offer wonderful views, they overlook the busy main road that runs along the prom.

Many of the best hotels are squirrelled  away in the Regency squares and streets between Brighton and Hove – still an easy walk to where the action is, but far enough removed to feel peaceful.

Where to shop

Most tourists head to the Lanes to shop and eat, but the North Laine area is the locals’ choice; a lattice of streets dotted with boutiques, ethnic shops and vegan restaurants and a classic Brighton vibe.