13 BEST Things You Can Do In Brighton England
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Brighton England is the wonderful English retreat you have been looking for. If the bustling London life is a bit too much, then the calm and laid-back town of Brighton is a delightful change of pace. Ease your way through all of the best things to do in Brighton, as the picturesque white Cliffs of Dover make for a stunning backdrop.
This quiet seaside hipster town is packed with all sorts of fun activities like the palace pier, the royal pavilion, the i360, and many others. Not to mention avoiding all the dense crowds London attracts. Only a short train ride from London and many English countryside towns, there’s no excuse not to check out one of the best hidden gems in England.
1.) Royal Pavilion Garden
Located in the city center is a calm and welcome change of pace compared to the streets of Brighton. Full of colorful exotic plants, tall sprawling trees, and grassy spots to sit and relax. This gorgeous park is a great place to breathe in some fresh air, read a book, or enjoy the musical street performers that can be found here.
Pro Tip- Check out the Royal Pavilion Museum to see some extravagant decor.
2.) Brighton Palace Pier
Of course any stop in Brighton wouldn’t be complete without going to the main attraction, the world famous pier. Located right between the aquarium and the boardwalk while being just a simple stroll from the city center, this pier is the main attraction in Brighton, and for good reason. Stuffed with roller coasters and ice cream stands, plus two giant arcades make this pier full of fair fun for the whole family!
Pro Tip- Evening is the best time to go so you can see all the flashing colorful lights.
3.) One Of The Best Restaurant Hubs In England
Everywhere you look, there are exciting eateries and tons of places to hang out and enjoy some unbelievable food! Out of this world vegan spots, dessert shops serving some of the best desserts you will ever have, to fine dining with plates petitely prepared. In Brighton there truly is something for everyone, no matter what you’re craving.
Pro Tip- Click here to see all of the top spots in Brighton! 👍
4.) Explore The Streets And Alleyways
Even something as simple as walking around the city of Brighton can be a fun adventure. Being one of the best spots in England for handcrafted artwork and second-hand stores, you’re sure to find one of a kind items and hidden gems! From the shops and cafes of The Lanes to the murals scattered throughout the city, you’re bound to find something interesting.
Pro Tip- Stop by the North Laine for another shopping hotspot.
5.) Walk Along The Brighton Boardwalk
Positioned right along the pebble beaches, the seaside walk is the perfect place to spend the evening. Showcasing artistic creations with about a dozen shops selling paintings, pictures, and statues all beautifully handcrafted right there on the boardwalk. If you’re looking for something more active, you can find a volleyball court, basketball court, ping pong tables, and a mini children’s water park. The boardwalk is the place to go to see the best of Brighton.
Pro Tip- Try to make it for the exciting Pride Parades!
6.) Sealife Aquarium
Sitting a couple of steps from the pier, the Sealife Aquarium is another great spot to check out. Built in 1872, it is the oldest aquarium in the world. You can see the history by walking through the century old architecture that houses dozens of old exhibits.
Pro Tip- It can fill up quickly, so try to get there early.
7.) i360
What may be the biggest (figuratively and literally) can’t miss thing to do in Brighton the i360. Sit back and relax on the comfortable couches or at the bar while you’re lifted over 500ft in the air. Once at the top, you’re awarded with views stretching for miles and miles covering all of Brighton and beyond. On a clear day you can even see the football stadium and the gorgeous white cliffs of Dover.
Pro Tip- Book tickets online to avoid the lines.
8.) Best Coffee In The UK
You may be surprised, but Brighton is considered by many to have the best coffee in all of the UK. Seemingly on every corner there’s a world class cafe ready to serve you some of the best drinks you will ever have. Even if you don’t like coffee, after having some in Brighton, it might be your new favorite drink.
Pro Tip- Click here to see the best coffee shop in the city!
9.) Brighton Beach Huts
While walking along the boardwalk you might stumble upon these odd colorful huts sitting along the coastline. These vibrant miniature sheds were built in the 1860s for beachgoers to change before diving into the waters. Now, they are used as storage or can even be rented out if you’re looking for a nice spot to sit by the beach. They also make some fun and unique pictures. 😀
Pro Tip- Get there at sunset for a one-of-a-kind view.
10.) Check Out A Football Match
When in England it’s almost mandatory to see a football match and luckily Brighton & Hove Albion FC is a fantastic place to watch a game. A beautiful modern stadium donned in dark blue and with their seagull mascot scattered throughout the stands. No need to worry about having to get a close seat as there isn’t a bad seat in the whole stadium. Don’t forget the energetic crowd chanting/singing the entire game while you watch some great football.
Pro Tip- Don’t worry about having to find a ride after the game all buses leaving the stadium are free on match day.
11.) Brighton Flea Market
Stuffed wall to wall with forgotten treasures there’s no shortage of unique pieces. Displaying a plethora of items from collectibles like 1st edition books and old records or random oddities such as luxury canes and old sea captain hats. If you’re looking for an interesting item to remember your trip, you will undoubtedly find one here.
12.) Open Market
North of the city center, this farmers market is the place to go for fresh foods. You might not be hungry when you walk in, but after seeing the sorted variety of handpicked fruits/vegetables and smelling the sweet, inviting scents from the freshly baked breads and pastries, your appetite will grow quite quickly lol.
13.) Enjoy The West Pier Sunset
Built in 1866 as one of the original crown jewels of Brighton, the pier (after a destructive fire in 2003) now serves as a small glimpse of what Brighton used to be. Watching the waves gently kiss the dock as the sun sets on the charred wooden remains sets a scene you won’t soon forget.
Pro Tip- The benches along the upper boardwalk make the perfect place to relax and take in the views.
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