Things to do in Brighton

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Brighton Beach which includes a pebble beach
Brighton featuring rugged coastline and general coastal views
Chapel Royal
Brighton which includes tranquil scenes and general coastal views
Bodiam Castle showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle
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Brighton must see attractions

1. Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is a popular seaside escape that buzzes with activity during the summer. Go for a stroll along the promenade, ride fairground attractions on a Victorian pier and revel in the lively atmosphere of the beach’s busy cafés, restaurants and clubs.
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Brighton Beach which includes general coastal views

2. Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina consists of a harbor full of boats and a maze of houses overlooking the English Channel. The 127-acre (51-hectare) labyrinth is charming in its simplicity and is home to gated communities with townhouses and apartments. Spend the afternoon browsing its various leisure centers, shops and restaurants with waterfront views.
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Brighton Marina featuring a marina, a house and boating

3. Brighton Centre

The Brighton Centre is a multipurpose arena that hosts a variety of events such as conferences, music and sports. It has an audience capacity of 4,500 and an exhibition space of 53,820 square feet (5,000 square meters). Set on the seafront, Brighton Centre has been an integral part of the city’s cultural scene since opening in 1977. It has a Brutalist architectural design that was unique in England at the time of its inauguration.
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AY7KWM Brighton seafront - the view of the Brighton Centre and the Grand Hotel, East Sussex, England. Image shot 2008. Exact date unknown.

4. Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier is the heart of the town’s seaside entertainment scene. Spend an afternoon eating cotton candy and riding thrilling roller coasters and come back in the evening for a stroll.
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Brighton Pier featuring signage

5. University of Sussex

The University of Sussex is an educational institute nestled in the shadow of the beautiful South Downs National Park. Walk alongside students and between an interesting collection of architectural landmarks. Be part of student-organized events and follow a trail around the campus’ surrounding countryside. Established in 1961, the University of Sussex counts Nobel Prize laureates among its staff and notable politicians among its alumni.
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University of Sussex

6. Preston Park

The city’s largest green area, Preston Park, has a lake, children’s playground and vast forest. The site consists of 63 acres (26 hectares) of pleasant parkland. Visit for its regular outdoor events, such as music performances, circuses and family activities. Enjoy a picnic on a lovely green patch in the shade of a tree while you watch the kids at play.
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Preston Park showing signage

7. Brighton Dome

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Brighton Dome featuring a garden

8. Brighton Royal Pavilion

Tour the former pleasure palace of a British king, the Royal Pavillion at Brighton. It started life as a seaside villa before being converted into a palatial complex with domes, towers and minarets inspired by Chinese and Indian art and architecture. Wander through opulent rooms where King George IV used to party and lead a decadent lifestyle with his mistress and courtiers.
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Brighton Royal Pavilion which includes a mosque, heritage elements and heritage architecture

9. University of Brighton

Founded in the 1850s, the University of Brighton is recognized as being one the most inclusive educational institutes in the United Kingdom today. Mingle with alumni, students and professors at campuses, gardens, galleries and theaters. Notable former students of the University of Brighton include Turner Prize winning artists, cartoonist Raymond Briggs and musician Fatboy Slim.
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University of Brighton

What to do in Brighton

Discover the most popular places to visit in Brighton

Brighton Beach which includes a city and general coastal views

Brighton Beach

4.5/5(80 reviews)

Visit this famous spot on the Sussex coast, where you can enjoy waterside activities during the day and an energetic nightlife after dark.

Brighton Beach
Brighton Marina which includes a marina and a house

Brighton Marina

4/5(17 reviews)

Take a leisurely stroll around this remarkable port, where houses and apartments stand alongside moorings for impressive ships and yachts.

Brighton Marina
Brighton Centre

Brighton Centre

4/5(41 reviews)

From rock and pop concerts to children’s entertainment and sports tournaments, this is one of the most popular live event venues in Brighton.

Brighton Centre
Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier

4/5(91 reviews)

Enjoy fun-filled hours at this Brighton attraction, home to fairground rides, amusement arcades and classic seaside snacks.

Brighton Pier
East Sussex

University of Sussex

4.5/5(11 reviews)

From a library stacked with original editions by famous authors to a performing arts venue and nature walks, there’s always something to see and do at this public research uni near Brighton.

University of Sussex
Preston Park featuring a garden

Preston Park

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Get a closer look at some of the world’s oldest elm trees at this spacious park where concerts and fairs take place.

Preston Park
Brighton Dome featuring a garden

Brighton Dome

4.5/5(17 reviews)

Watch a dramatic performance, a classical music display or a modern dance show in these historic buildings that once housed the royal family’s horses.

Brighton Dome
Brighton Royal Pavilion which includes a mosque, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Brighton Royal Pavilion

4.5/5(60 reviews)

An eye-catching mix of Asian motifs and royal grandeur, this palace is one of the most magnificent buildings in the United Kingdom.

Brighton Royal Pavilion
East Sussex

University of Brighton

3.5/5(10 reviews)

Get a glimpse into the life of Brighton’s higher education students at the lively campuses spread across one of England’s most-loved coastal destinations.

University of Brighton

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Brighton

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
Kemptown featuring a sunset and street scenes

Kemptown

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

19th-century Regency architecture defines this residential estate in Brighton, featuring Arundel Terrace, Lewes Crescent, and Sussex Square. Stroll through the Kemp Town Enclosures, a formal garden oasis.

Kemptown
Brighton

Seven Dials

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Seven Dials. You might want to make time for a stop at North Laine or Churchill Square Shopping Centre.

Seven Dials
The Lanes which includes signage

The Lanes

Explore narrow lanes filled with small shops and antique stores in Brighton's famous Lanes. Wander from Meeting House Lane to Market Street, discovering hidden gems along the way.

The Lanes
Montpelier

Montpelier

5/5(2 area reviews)

Architecturally cohesive with stucco-clad terraced housing, Montpelier boasts significant Victorian churches and landmark buildings like The Temple and Royal Alexandra Hospital. Explore residential squares such as Clifton Terrace and Powis Square.

Montpelier

Popular day trips from Brighton

Peace Statue

Hove

East Sussex

Lewes

Photo "Woodingdean" by Simon Carey (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Simon Carey (CC BY-SA)

Woodingdean

Photo by Alan Thompson

Poynings

Photo by Angela Wild

Saltdean

Frequently asked questions

Is Brighton worth visiting?
Known for its coastal beaches and nature, discovering cool things to do in Brighton is a cinch. Be sure to add Brighton i360 to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Brighton?
After you've checked off popular attractions like Brighton i360 and Brighton's Naturist Beach, spend some time experiencing the food and retail options in Brighton.
What is the top tourist attraction in Brighton?
You can't leave without checking out Brighton i360, ranked the top tourist attraction in Brighton.
Is three days enough to stay in Brighton?
Three days in Brighton is enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many guests book for two days on average. Brighton i360, Brighton's Naturist Beach and Brighton Museum and Art Gallery are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Gatwick.
Is Brighton a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Brighton, including Brighton i360 and Brighton's Naturist Beach, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.80 kilometers from central Brighton is Brighton City Centre and Seafront is 0.32 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Brighton with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Brighton with kids.

What to do in Brighton for adults?
North Laine and West Street are just a couple of the things to do in Brighton. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Brighton?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Brighton. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Brighton's Naturist Beach is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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