5-Day Fun-Filled Adventure in Brighton, UK
Experience the vibrant seaside charm of Brighton, UK.
22 April 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
Brighton is a charming seaside city in the United Kingdom, renowned for its vibrant arts scene, pebbly beach, and historic pier. Visitors can explore the quaint streets of the Lanes, take in the breathtaking views from the top of the British Airways i360 observation tower, and relax on the beach with a bag of fish and chips. With a range of museums, galleries, and cultural events, there's always something new to discover in this lively city.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the Artist Residence, a funky boutique hotel with whimsical decor and a great location
- Stroll through the Lanes, a maze of narrow streets lined with quirky shops and cafes
- Visit the Royal Pavilion, a stunning palace built for a king in the early 19th century, with lavish interiors and impressive gardens
- Relax on Brighton Beach, with its colorful umbrellas and pier stretching into the sea
- Have dinner at The Set, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning restaurant that combines local ingredients with international flavors
- Take a hike up to Devil's Dyke, a dramatic chalk valley with panoramic views of the South Downs
- Visit the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, with its eclectic collection ranging from Ancient Egypt to contemporary art
- Have lunch at Six, a vegetarian cafe with inventive dishes and a top-notch bakery
- Walk along the seafront to Hove, a charming neighborhood with elegant Regency houses and trendy cafes
- Enjoy live music and local beers at The Hope & Ruin, a cozy pub with a lively atmosphere
- Start the day with a visit to the British Airways i360, a futuristic observation tower offering 360-degree views of the coast and the city
- Take a walk (or a ride) along Brighton Pier, with its classic arcade games, fairground rides, and fish & chips stands
- Explore Sea Life Brighton, a colorful aquarium with over 3,500 sea creatures
- Have lunch at The Coal Shed, a stylish steakhouse with a focus on sustainable sourcing
- Go shopping at Churchill Square, a modern mall with more than 90 stores
- Take a day trip to Lewes, a historic town with a medieval castle, a 15th-century church, and picturesque streets
- Visit the Charleston Farmhouse, the former home of the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of artists and writers in the early 20th century
- Have lunch at The Juggs, a cozy pub serving hearty British fare and local ales
- Explore the Brighton Open Air Theatre, a unique venue for outdoor performances
- Have dinner at Plateau, a contemporary brasserie with a stunning rooftop terrace
- Book a food tour with Brighton Food Tours, and discover the city's culinary treasures from a local perspective
- Start with breakfast at The Flour Pot Bakery, a cozy spot for artisanal breads and pastries
- Taste some craft beers at The Brighton Bierhaus, a microbrewery with a cool vibe
- Have lunch at Curry Leaf Cafe, a popular Indian restaurant with a street-food feel
- Go for an ice cream at Boho Gelato, a family-run gelateria with inventive flavors
- End the day with dinner at Isaac At, a contemporary restaurant with a tasting menu showcasing local and seasonal ingredients
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The easiest and quickest way to get to Brighton by plane is to fly into London Gatwick Airport, which is about 30 kilometers away from Brighton. There are regular train and bus services that connect the airport to Brighton. Flying into London Heathrow Airport is also an option, however, it is further away and requires a longer journey by train or bus.
Car
The best way to get to Brighton by car is to take the M23 motorway from London and follow the signs to Brighton. It takes about an hour to drive from London to Brighton, depending on traffic. There are several car parks in Brighton, including the NCP car park on Russell Road and the Regency Square car park.
Train
Brighton is well connected by train to London and other major cities in the UK. The best way to get to Brighton by train is to take a high-speed train from London, such as the Thameslink or Southern Railways services. These trains run regularly throughout the day and take about an hour from London Victoria station to Brighton.
Boat
There are no direct boat services to Brighton, but it is possible to get a ferry from Dieppe in France to Newhaven, which is about 12 kilometers away from Brighton. From Newhaven, there are regular bus and train services to Brighton. However, this option may not be the quickest or most convenient way to get to Brighton, as it involves multiple modes of transport.
Bus
There are several bus companies that run services to Brighton from other cities in the UK, such as National Express and Megabus. The best way to get to Brighton by bus is to book a direct service, as this will be quicker and more convenient. The bus station in Brighton is located in Pool Valley, which is in the city centre.