Brighton and Hove

Travel Guide
Brighton Royal Pavilion featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and chateau or palace
Visit the U.K.’s most popular seaside destination, a city whose royal heritage and iconic beachfront attractions draw lovers of English history, street paintings and bohemian culture alike. 

Brighton combines rich heritage with a relaxed seaside atmosphere next to the English Channel. Spend time along the city's beachfront and soak up the sun on its family-friendly pier. Venture into its labyrinthine districts to find royal architectural landmarks, artisanal craft stores and interesting street art. 

Brighton's history dates back before 1086, when the settlement was known as "Brighthelmstone." After it was noticed by the Prince Regent as a pleasant coastal getaway in 1783, the city began to attract London day-trippers in droves. Visit today to find a flourishing community of over 250,000 residents that includes Hove, a neighboring town which amalgamated with Brighton to become one city in 2000.

Start your adventure with a ride on the Brighton Wheel. This iconic beachside Ferris wheel provides a bird’s-eye view of Brighton's major landmarks, pointed out by on-board commentary. 

Back on the ground, visit the splendid Royal Pavilion. This former home of the Prince Regent features a delightful mix of Indian and Oriental styles. Learn about local history at the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, which hosts exhibits of Brighton's art, fashion and furniture from throughout the ages.

After some history, find jewelry shops and fashion boutiques tucked away in The Lanes, a network of twisting alleys. Enjoy street drummers performing while you sip coffee in the bohemian North Laine or admire genteel Regency architecture in the streets of Hove.

Experience good food, fine furniture and flair at Kemp Town, an LGBT community district known for its delis and antique stores. Afterwards, see a music, dance or theater performance at Brighton Dome. 

In summer, head to Brighton's beachfront, where swimmers and surfers enjoy the sun-drenched coast. In cooler afternoons, take long walks through the surrounding countryside. Adventurists may enjoy cycling these trails or taking flight with a skydiving experience. 

Brighton is an hour's drive south from London or 30 miles (48 kilometres) from International Gatwick Airport. Get around town using public buses or rented bikes. 

As the sun sets, head to Brighton Pier and order fish and chips. Relax in a deck chair or find a spot along the promenade lined with colorful beach huts and enjoy your meal with a view of this enchanting seaside city.

Where to stay in Brighton and Hove

Brighton showing heritage architecture

Brighton City Centre

4.5/5(108 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Brighton City Centre. Make a stop by North Laine or Brighton Lanes while you're exploring the area.

Brighton City Centre
Brighton Beach featuring general coastal views

Seafront

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Kings Road Arches and Brighton Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Seafront. Travelers also love the stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife, and popular shops.

Seafront
Brighton Wheel showing a sunset and street scenes

Kemptown

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

Kemptown is known for its breathtaking beach views, and you can see some sights in the area like Brighton Beach and SEA LIFE Brighton.

Kemptown
The Lanes which includes signage

The Lanes

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in The Lanes. You might want to make time for a stop at Chapel Royal or Friends Meeting House.

The Lanes
Montpelier

Montpelier

5/5(2 area reviews)

Get to know Montpelier by checking out its beaches, cafes, and shopping. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Churchill Square Shopping Centre or Regency Square during your time in the area.

Montpelier
Leonardo Hotel Brighton - Formerly Jurys Inn
Leonardo Hotel Brighton - Formerly Jurys Inn
4 out of 5
101 Stroudley Road, Brighton, England
The price is ¥16,102 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥16,102
per night
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Brighton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Reception and lobby area are the best bits. Clean and staff are friendly. Rooms are ok, bathrooms are a bit basic but were ok."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Leonardo Hotel Brighton - Formerly Jurys Inn
The Grand Brighton
The Grand Brighton
4 out of 5
97-99 King's Road, Brighton, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥17,070 per night from May 6 to May 7
¥17,070
per night
May 6 - May 7
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Brighton. Enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and valet parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,559 reviews)
"Great experience all round"

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

The Grand Brighton
Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront
Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront
4 out of 5
Kings Road Brighton, Brighton, England
The price is ¥19,696 per night from May 2 to May 3
¥19,696
per night
May 2 - May 3
Stay at this beach hotel in Brighton. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,236 reviews)
"Excellent stay here, location is perfect with the back door leading to the lanes and the front door leading to the beach. Ken the concierge was very welcoming and friendly!"

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels
Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels
4 out of 5
11 Queen Square, Brighton, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brighton. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions British Airways i360 and Brighton ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (151 reviews)
Great apartments
"Great place in an excellent location. Modern and clean with very friendly staff. Shame about the road works with their early morning starts and the 6.30 Sunday morning bin lorry - not the hotels fault."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels
City Heart Brighton
City Heart Brighton
3 out of 5
64 East St, Brighton, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Brighton. Enjoy free WiFi, 15 beach bars, and beach volleyball on site. Popular attractions Brighton Pier and British Airways ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
"Great location and nice appartment. A little noisy from outside but it didn’t spoil it for us."

Reviewed on Apr 7, 2024

City Heart Brighton
Upper Rock Brighton
Upper Rock Brighton
3 out of 5
3 Upper Rock Gardens, Brighton, England
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Brighton. Enjoy free WiFi, a Smart TV, and a sitting area. Popular attractions Brighton Pier and Brighton Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Lovely little place close to lots of eatery’s and seafront"

Reviewed on Apr 8, 2024

Upper Rock Brighton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Brighton and Hove