With a major city less than an hour’s train ride away from a beach, it’s no wonder that Brighton became a popular getaway from the hustle and bustle of London.
Having had a very athletic and busy visit to the UK, my relaxing weekend visit to Brighton become the very epitome of “going to the seaside for my health”.
How to Get To Brighton From London
There are a few different ways to reach Brighton from London, but the most popular option is to travel by train.
I recommend traveling by Thameslink, which operates twice an hour and takes about an hour to travel between London Bridge and Brighton. I purchased a ticket for a specific time, but I was told that it would have been valid on any departure that day.
Although the train got crowded, it didn’t sell out, despite the fact that it was a holiday weekend, so I suspect that last minute tickets are perfectly fine to purchase.
This train lets off at the Brighton train station, which is just a short downhill walk to the beach. Since my hotel was just a few steps away from the beach, it seemed easiest to walk, but taxis were available if needed.
Buses are available, but take nearly twice as long. I wouldn’t recommend traveling by car as the Brighton is crowded and parking is very limited.
What to See
Brighton Beach
The wide pebble beach of Brighton is popular regardless of the season. Although the waves were far too rough for swimming during my visit, there were still plenty of visitors lounging along the seashore. There are even a few beachfront restaurants to enjoy a meal and a drink while watching the waves- though you do pay a premium for the location.
Brighton Palace Pier
One of the main draws to Brighton is the Palace Pier. Open daily, the pier is filled with amusement rides and arcade games for children and adults alike. There is a €1 fee to enter, but it’s well worth it. (I think it’s mostly a way to count the number of visitors to the pier).
There are a few food and souvenir vendors, but I was most interested in the rides.
Visitors can purchase a wristband for unlimited number of rides all day, or they could purchase a plastic card to load with a limited amount of money. The price varies slightly, but is typically between €4-€7 per ride. There is no fee for the card itself, so I was able to load exactly €10 for exactly two rides.
Keep an eye on your personal belongings- the pier is always crowded and a popular spot for pickpockets! Also watch out for the seagulls, who wont hesitate to take your snacks.
West Pier
From Palace Pier, you should be able to make out the ruins of the old West Pier. This pier has been closed to the public since the 70s, and became increasingly derelict until multiple storms and fires lead it to be deemed ruined beyond repair.
The Lanes
Looking for shopping opportunities or a bite to eat? The Lanes are the place to be! A warren of tangled streets whose paths originate from Brighton’s early fishing village.
The streets are populated with everything from cafes and bars to jewelers and second hand shops- plus the occasional busker. You never know what you’ll find, but it’s always fun exploring!
Some highlights include Snooper’s Paradise, a particularly popular antique shop that’s definitely worth a peek, and Brass Monkey Ice Cream for some unique flavors!
Royal Pavilion
A former Royal Residence, the Royal Pavilion stands out dramatically due to its Indo-Islamic exterior. It feels startlingly like tripping into India for a few moments.
The Royal seaside Residence has since been moved to a more traditional regency-style building, leaving this Pavilion open to the public.
It’s common to find visitors picnicking on the grassy gardens surrounding the building, admiring the architecture and fine weather. In the winter, these gardens house an ice skating rink!
Admission tickets to explore the interior of the Pavilion will run about €19 per adult.
Volk’s Electric Railway
Both a tourist attraction and a genuine means of transportation, Volk’s Electric Railway is the oldest working electric railway in the world! The 12 minute ride runs along the mile-long coastal line in preserved train cars.
Trains run every 15 minutes for €5 per adult, though it is closed during the winter.
i360
Looking for the best view of Brighton? Look no further than Brighton’s i360. The 531 ft observation tower abruptly dominates the skyline from its location in front of the West Pier.
The viewing pod is fully enclosed, so visitors wont have to worry about weather as they take in the views across Brighton, the English Channel and the South Downs.
(This attraction has been closed since December 2024)
Museums and Galleries
Brighton has a vibrant arts culture to explore, both in museums and out and about on the streets. Banksy’s famous “Kissing Coppers” piece was even originally painted on the wall of The Prince Albert pub.
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is a small but pleasant museum located just next to the Royal Pavilion, and a good way to escape inclement weather.
Originally opened in 1872, Sea Life Brighton is the oldest continuously operating aquarium in the world! It uses its close proximity to the sea to its advantage and regularly feeds its seawater tanks with seawater right from the ocean. With over 35,000 sea creatures, there’s a ton to see, and the aquarium’s unique glass-bottomed boat exhibit is certainly a unique experience!
Brighton Fishing Museum is a great museum to explore the history of the area- Brighton did start as a fishing museum, after all!
The Booth Museum of Natural History is another great option. It’s a little out of the way, but hosts a great collection of Victorian taxidermy, including a “Fiji mermaid”- the top of a monkey attached to the body of a fish. Plus, it’s free to visit.
The Nightlife
Since this is both a tourist town and English, there are no shortage of pubs and clubs to explore.
The Price Albert is a popular stop. Though the original Kissing Copper’s Banksy piece has been removed, a replica remains- and the remaining artwork on the side of the building is worth checking out.
I also really liked The Basketmaker’s Arms with its cozy old school vibes, and the quirky Black Dove with its fancy cocktails and basement DJ.
LGBT Culture
Brighton is known for being particularly LGBT+ friendly- it’s affectionately known as the “gay capital of England”. There’s a reason those Kissing Coppers are both men! These days Brighton hosts the biggest Pride celebration in the UK and is welcoming to all- I passed a Bear Pride flag and a group of drag queens on the one Sunday night I was in the city, and there were rainbow flags everywhere!
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