This Brighton travel guide covers England’s liveliest seaside city, only about an hour by train from London. Brighton works as a day trip, but a weekend gives you time for the Lanes, the Royal Pavilion, the beach, a long seafront walk and a day out on the South Downs.
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Getting there and around
Direct trains run from London Victoria and London Bridge, taking roughly an hour. Brighton station is a 10–15 minute walk downhill to the sea, and most of the center is walkable. Local buses cover Hove, the Downs and nearby towns.
Brighton travel guide: things to do
- Brighton Palace Pier: classic arcades, rides and fish and chips over the sea.
- Royal Pavilion: King George IV’s extravagant Indian-style palace with Chinese-inspired interiors (history of the Royal Pavilion).
- The Lanes: narrow alleys full of jewelers, antiques and cafés.
- North Laine: independent shops, vintage stores, street art and lively cafés.
- Seafront walk to Hove: past the colorful beach huts and the old West Pier ruins.
- Brighton Museum and Art Gallery: next to the Pavilion, with fashion, design and local history.
A weekend itinerary from our Brighton travel guide
Day 1: the classic seaside
Arrive in the morning and walk down to the sea. Spend the late morning on the Palace Pier, have lunch in the Lanes, then tour the Royal Pavilion in the afternoon. Watch the sunset from the beach and have dinner in North Laine.
Day 2: walks and day trips
Take a morning walk along the seafront to Hove, or head out to the South Downs for a hike. In the afternoon, browse North Laine’s shops and finish with coffee before your train.
Day trips from Brighton
- South Downs: rolling chalk hills with walking trails just outside the city.
- Seven Sisters: dramatic white chalk cliffs along the coast to the east.
- Lewes: a pretty historic town with a castle, a short train or bus ride away.
Food and coffee in Brighton
Brighton is known for its vegetarian and vegan restaurants, fresh seafood, and a lively independent coffee scene, especially around North Laine. Take an oat flat white down to the beach, and if you want to recreate it at home, see our best milk frothers.
Brighton travel guide tips
| Topic | Tip |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | Late spring to early autumn for beach weather |
| Beach | It’s pebbles, not sand; bring sturdy sandals |
| Weekends | Busy in summer; book accommodation early |
| Weather | Windy by the sea; pack a layer even in summer |
Combining Brighton with the capital? Our London travel guide helps you plan the rest of your trip.
FAQ
Is Brighton a good day trip from London?
Yes. Trains take about an hour, so you can see the Pier, Pavilion and Lanes in a day.
Is Brighton beach sandy?
No, it’s a pebble beach. Bring comfortable shoes or sandals.
What is Brighton known for?
The Palace Pier, the Royal Pavilion, the Lanes, and a creative, independent culture.
How many days do you need in Brighton?
One day covers the highlights; a weekend lets you add the South Downs or the Seven Sisters.
