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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

Brighton is still, first and foremost, a seaside resort, and its famous 524m-long pier – completed in 1899 – is a charming reminder of a tradition dating back to Victorian times.

Today, the pier is home to a collection of amusement arcades, sideshows, food stalls and fairground rides: kids will love the carousel and helter-skelter, while the more adventurous can brave the Turbo Coaster coaster to experience forces of nearly 4G.

It may be kitsch and old-fashioned, but Brighton Pier remains a vital part of British seaside history.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: +
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

If you’re coming from the train station, head straight down Queen’s Road to the seafront and turn left; you can’t miss the proud boardwalk jutting out into the sea.

Take a leisurely stroll along the length of it, taking in the sea views and sampling everything from local shellfish to candy floss at the numerous food stalls along the way. Bring cash for coin-operated amusements, sweets and refreshments.

When to do it

The pier is accessible seven days a week, with slightly different times in summer and winter. Winter is quietest; summer sees big crowds. The noise and bustle are part of the experience, but July and August are particularly crowded.

Daytime is best for families, while in the evening the bars get into full swing and the pier is lit up by 62,000 bulbs.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Drakes Brighton

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]

A deliciously decadent boutique hotel right on Brighton seafront, set in a renovated Georgian townhouse. 

Official star rating:

Blanch House

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

A chic boutique hotel in buzzing Kempton, with one of the city’s coolest cocktail bars.

Official star rating:

My Brighton Hotel

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 miles]

lively, high-concept design hotel conveniently located in the heart of the North Laine area, a stone’s throw from the city’s shops and main attractions. 

Official star rating:

The Grand Brighton

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 miles]

Brighton’s iconic ‘grand dame’ hotel oozes effortless glamour from its prime, seafront location. 

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Brighton

East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)

An iconic seaside resort, Brighton oozes a unique mix of bohemian style and beachy chic, all wrapped up in an irrepressible sense of fun.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Royal Pavilion

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

Brighton’s most distinctive landmark – a domed Regency pleasure palace that looks straight out of Delhi, restored to its original splendour.

Best for ages: 10+ | £6

Sussex Wine Region

Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[9.8 miles]

This emerging wine region has similar topography to France’s Champagne area, with vineyards producing award-winning bottles and laying on tastings and tours.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Two small figures ziplining from a high white tower.
Experience

Brighton Zip

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

The south coast’s longest and fastest zip wire, Brighton Zip has two wires, meaning you can race a friend at 32m above sea level.

Best for ages: 6+ | £12 | 30 minutes

Website >
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An image of the entrance to SEA LIFE
Experience

SEA LIFE Brighton

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

The world’s oldest aquarium, Brighton’s Sea Life Centre is best for little kids, with its walk-through aquarium tunnels and touch pools of starfish and anemones. 

Best for ages: Any | £18

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Overview >
Woman with two kids cycling on the promenade
Experience

Cycle Brighton’s Promenade

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]

Pick up a BTNbike (register on the website and then pay 3p per minute) and wheel along the seafront from buzzing Brighton beach to the more genteel Hove lawns.

Best for ages: 4+ | £3 | 1-2 hours

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Overview >
A vibrant shopping street full of people on a clear day. Colourful bunting hangs from building to building.
Experience

Shopping in The Lanes

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

The tangle of narrow pedestrian lanes unfolding south of North Street is Brighton’s historic heart; old fisherman’s cottages now chock full of independent boutiques, jewellers, cafés and restaurants.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1+ hours

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Overview >