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:
Bucket list experience:
Brighton Pier
Credit Shutterstock.com/I Wei Huang
Last updated: 04 November, 2022
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.
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Destination Guide >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
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]
A 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
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