This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2018. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
Brighton has made a name for itself as being a hotspot of alternative culture.
I’d always thought of Brighton as a popular seaside retreat, but this little city, unofficially known as the vegan capital of England, is filled with interesting and unique stores selling everything from a vast selection of cereals to antique armory.
Rob had been invited to Brighton for a work meetup, and he spent five days in the city discovering the best places to check out. He put together an itinerary to show me around (what a sweetheart!) so after I arrived in London, we spent a day exploring Brighton together before starting our UK road trip.
This Brighton itinerary can easily be done in a day at a slow pace. Here’s some recommendations for the best things to do in Brighton, plus a map I made for your reference!
Quick summary:
Only have one day in Brighton? This post covers all the highlights – from quirky shopping streets and seaside views to historic sights. Stroll the boardwalk and soak up Brighton’s creative coastal charm.
Recommended tours & tickets:
🎟️ Royal Pavilion Admission Ticket – Explore the lavish rooms and gardens of Brighton’s most iconic building.
🍩 Delicious Donut Adventure – Walk through The Lanes while sampling the city’s best donuts.
🗼 i360 Observation Tower Ticket – Ride to the top of this futuristic tower for panoramic views of Brighton and the coast.
🍸 Brighton Bar Crawl – Discover the local nightlife with an evening tour of the best bars in town.
Brighton itinerary:
1. North Laine
2. Royal Pavillion
3. The Lanes
4. Brighton Palace Pier
5. The boardwalk
6. West Pier and i360 tower
7. Queen Street
How to get from London to Brighton
There are a few different rail options that you can take to get from London to Brighton. The city is about a 1-1.5 hour train ride away.
The Gatwick Express is one of the fastest ways to get there, but when I was there, the ticketing system had just changed and I couldn’t figure out how expensive it was going to be. I ended up going with Thameslink on the the way down and Southern on the way back, as they are both valid using the same ticket (I’d recommend Thameslink both ways if you can manage it – the train is much nicer!).
You can buy paper tickets at train stations throughout London. The cost of a return ticket is only slightly more than a one way ticket, so don’t forget to purchase a return trip! Alternatively, you can book your tickets online using sites like Omio.
The best things to do in Brighton:
1. North Laine
Once you arrive in Brighton, start your walking tour in North Laine – an area not far from the train station. The streets around North Laine are lined with totally adorable shops, including boutique fashion and giftwares. We started by walking down Trafalgar Street, then continued down Sydney Street and Gardner Street.
Some of our fave stops were Pelicano Coffee Co. for an oat milk latte, Ju-Ju for some edgy and bright clothing (you might even recognise this store from the British TV series Mary Queen of Shops), and Bird and Blend. Here we had an iced matcha and smelled all the delicious tea blends before purchasing a Rhubarb and Custard Rooibos as a gift for our friends in London.
2. Royal Pavilion
Brighton’s most iconic building, the Royal Pavilion, is an extravagant palace that looks like it belongs in India rather than England, with its onion-shaped domes and ornate exterior. Originally built as a seaside retreat for King George IV, the Pavilion has served many purposes over the past 200 years – including as a royal residence, a civic building, and even a hospital for Indian soldiers during World War I.
Inside, you can explore the lavish staterooms on the ground floor, including the opulent banqueting room, music room, and the recently restored saloon. Upstairs, you’ll find rooms like Queen Victoria’s bedroom and exhibitions of royal artifacts. The surrounding gardens are free to visit and are a lovely place to relax or snap some photos.
🎟️ You can book your Royal Pavilion admission ticket in advance to skip the lines and dive straight into Brighton’s royal history.
3. The Lanes
If you continue south of North Laine, you’ll arrive at The Lanes. This area is full of narrow alleyways with tiny stores, most of them focusing on high-end jewellery. I wasn’t particularly interested in shopping throughout this area, but I did love winding my way through the cute lanes without a specific route in mind.
🍩 Got a sweet tooth? You can hop on a Brighton donut adventure which will take you through this area while stopping for donut treats along the way!
As we made our way towards the pier, we stopped in at The Pump House – a historic pub in Brighton serving real ales, then had lunch at Happy Maki – a vegan sushi burrito store with sustainable practices.
4. Brighton Palace Pier
Brighton Palace Pier is a must-see attraction in Brighton. Stretching out into the ocean from the waterfront, the pier holds an amusement park (much like Santa Monica Pier in LA) and is free to walk around. It’s fairly touristy, but also fun and has a great seaside atmosphere.
We walked all the way out to the end of the pier, which took about 10 minutes, then head back to the shore. If you feel so inclined, you can stop to play an arcade game or jump on one of the rides along the way.
5. The boardwalk
A concrete boardwalk stretches along the beach in Brighton. The term ‘beach’ isn’t quite the right word as this pebble-covered foreshore isn’t really the same as what I would normally refer to as a beach, but hey, it’s still a pleasant place to sit in the sun and watch the waves.
There are plenty of things to do as you walk along the boardwalk from the pier, such as stop for an ice cream, see the nostalgic carousel, and shop for souvenirs.
6. West Pier and i360 tower
As you walk along the boardwalk, you’ll notice the ruins of Brighton’s West Pier standing alone in the ocean. This pier was opened in 1866 and closed in 1975, before it fell into disrepair and was further destroyed by fires in the early 2000s.
🗼 At the point where this pier once met the shore, the i360 observation tower now stands. This tourist attraction is 162 metres (531 feet) tall and provides views of Brighton, the nearby city of Hove, and the surrounding coastline.
7. Queen Street
To wrap up your day in Brighton, make your way back toward the train station via Queen Street. This area is a bit quieter than the seafront but still has a fun and lively local vibe. You’ll pass by indie shops, quirky cafes, and some fantastic spots to grab a final drink or snack before you head back to London.
If you’ve got time, stop in at Twisted Lemon – a cosy alleyway cocktail bar known for its colourful drinks and laid-back atmosphere. I highly recommend the English Mojito made with gin as a perfect refreshment after a full day of exploring. If cocktails aren’t your thing, there are also plenty of pubs and casual eateries nearby to grab an early dinner or quick bite.
🍸 If you’re staying in Brighton overnight and still have energy, the fun doesn’t have to stop! You could book a spot on a Brighton bar crawl to discover the best nightlife and hidden local hangouts with a guide to show you around.
A day trip is just enough to sample the best of what Brighton has to offer, but don’t be surprised if it leaves you wanting more. From colourful street corners to seaside vibes on the pier, Brighton has a way of turning a short visit into a highlight of your UK itinerary.
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