With a blend of modern culture and exotic architecture, sea and countryside, make Brighton your base and discover new places and experiences both inside the city and out.
Ever since royal party animal George IV fell in love with Brighton back in the 18th Century, the city has been a magnet for visitors in search of fun, frolics and fresh sea air. With its majestic Regency squares and crescents, iconic Royal Pavilion and famous piers, today Brighton & Hove is as well-known for being a welcoming and diverse city with a passion for culture, creativity and sustainability as it is for its historic landmarks.
With art, live music and entertainment on tap, plus an ever-growing abundance of independent shops, boutique hotels and award-winning restaurants, what more could a city have to offer? Quite a lot, it turns out! Apart from having eight miles of beach on its doorstep and being bang in the middle of a UNESCO World Biosphere Region, it also borders the magnificent South Downs National Park. And given that it’s a one-hour train journey from London and a half-hour train journey from London Gatwick Airport, it couldn’t be easier to get here.
Key things to see/do within the city / region
Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion is one of Brighton’s most famous landmarks, and its original owner is largely responsible for putting Brighton on the map – so to speak! The iconic eastern-influenced palace was built in the late 18th Century as a seaside resort by the Prince Regent, who later became King George IV. George loved to throw a lavish feast – with more courses than most people can manage – and you can see his fairy tale kitchen, decadent dining hall and sumptuous four-poster bed where his niece, the future Queen Victoria, slept when she came to stay.
4/5 Pavilion Buildings, BRIGHTON, East Sussex, BN1 1EE
Royal Pavilion & Garden - Visit Brighton
Brighton i360
Glide up gently to 138 metres high in the spacious glass viewing pod to enjoy 360° views of the sea, the sky, the South Downs, and the buzz of the city below.
Whatever time of day you visit, there’s so much to see and if you’re lucky enough to catch the sunset from the top of the tower, you’ll be treated to one of the best panoramas in the city.
Fancy a glass of bubbles with the view? Whatever your tipple, you’ll find a great selection of drinks and nibbles at the South Coast’s highest bar, the Nyetimber Sky Bar, inside the pod! Celebrate with a glass of Nyetimber (Sussex’s finest sparkling wine), a beer from Harvey’s Brewery or a Brighton Gin & Tonic.
Looking for a more thrilling way to experience views of the city? Challenge yourself to one of the adrenaline-fuelled Extreme 360 activities! Release your inner daredevil on Walk 360, combat the coastal aerial adventure of Drop 360 or scale new heights on Climb 360.
Lower King's Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2LN
Brighton i360 - Visit Brighton
Brighton Palace Pier
Brighton Palace Pier is a 1,722ft long Victorian pier, located in the heart of Brighton & Hove’s 8 miles of coastline. With their famous fish and chip restaurant, a range of hot food and drink concessions, fairground attractions, two arcades, plus Brighton’s biggest indoor soft play area - ‘Palace Play’ - Brighton Palace Pier makes it a day to remember! There are some great restaurants/bars - Palm Court Restaurant, Horatio's and The Sunset Garden Bar. Each venue offers its own unique experience.
Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1TW
Brighton Palace Pier - Visit Brighton
Sea Life Brighton
SEA LIFE Brighton was built in 1872 and features 5,500 mesmerising creatures including Rays, Sharks, Turtles, Terrapins, Star Fish, Seahorses and an Anaconda! At SEA LIFE Brighton you can see them all - from the curious and the rescued to the rare and the enigmatic.
The first of its kind in the UK, Day & Night offers guests the chance to experience the 24-hour wonder of a coral reef as it moves through the day in 750,000 litre display. Dance along the bio-florescent tropical shore and marvel in the beauty of coral reefs. Explore the caves of the deep and imagine yourself as a lionfish. Journey through the underwater tunnel or marvel at the floor to ceiling viewing window and wave hello to the Sharks, Rays and Tropical Fish!
Marine Parade, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1TB
SEA LIFE Brighton - Visit Brighton
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Brighton Museum houses one of the most important and eclectic collections outside national institutions. Dynamic and innovative galleries - including fashion and style, 20th century art and design, and fine art - feature exciting interactive displays appealing to all ages. In addition to the permanent galleries, there is a continuing programme of temporary exhibitions.
Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EE
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery - Visit Brighton
One Garden Brighton
One Garden Brighton is a place to connect with nature and discover something different every day. A walled garden, rediscovered, reinvented and opened to the public for the first time. Rooted in the past, it focuses on inspiration for the future. Whether for eating, meeting, pleasure or plants, One Garden Brighton is a place for everyone, with things to discover every day.
The gardens celebrate both heritage and innovation including productive traditional fruit and vegetable crops as well as 12 contemporary themed gardens designed for typical, often difficult urban conditions and smaller spaces to inspire visitors and generate ideas to take home.
Stanmer Park, Lewes Road, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, BN1 9SE
