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  4. Brighton

Brighton

Brighton Pier bathed in the light of a vivid sunset Brighton, East Sussex

Brighton

Bohemian, hedonistic and colourful, Brighton is a city that has it all, from laid-back beach living to the UK’s biggest gay scene.

Brighton at a glance

  • Brighton is bursting with attractions: an outlandish Royal Palace, interesting museums, a beautiful beach, Brighton University, superb shopping and late-night pubs.

  • Stretching out into the sea is the iconic, neon-lit Brighton Pier. Expect amusements, rides and invigorating ocean views.

  • In the heart of the city, you’ll find an extravagant pleasure palace fit for a king. Brighton Pavilion was built for King George IV, who had architect John Nash reimagine it into the domed Indian style palace you can see today.

  • Brighton’s colourful network of shopping streets known as The Lanes are awash with vintage gear, antiques and quaint cafes.

  • Did you know? Brighton is a great base for exploring the South Downs National Park, home to the dramatic Seven Sisters cliffs and some of southern England’s most charming villages.

  • Visit Brighton has lots of great information to help you plan your trip.

  • Brighton is less than 1 hour from London by train.
The Brighton Pavilion, an 18th century Indo-Saracenic palace building designed by John Nash, with domes and minarets.
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Cute and quirky, Brighton may seem like a typical British seaside resort, but delve below the surface and you’ll discover vintage shopping, mouth-watering cuisine and plenty of pubs for an afternoon tipple. Explore the Victorian history and modern-day delights of Brighton Palace Pier, get your shop on in the winding streets and boho boutiques of The Lanes, or experience a bird’s eye perspective of the coastline from 450ft above the ground, on British Airways i360. Dig in to freshly cooked fish and chips, or get back to nature amongst the white cliffs and ancient woodlands of the South Downs National Park. From wildlife to seaside charm, Brighton rocks!

How to discover another side of Brighton

Things to do in Brighton

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Where is Brighton?

Nestled on the coast of East Sussex, Brighton it located around an hour from central London by train. London Gatwick is the nearest airport, with direct trains taking just 30 minutes to the seaside hot spot.

Getting around Brighton

With regular trains from London, Portsmouth and Southampton, as well as the Eurostar from King’s Cross St Pancras, it’s quick and easy to get to Brighton from destinations across the south east, while its compact size make it easy to explore by foot, bike or bus once there. Note that face coverings must be worn on public transport.

  • Stretch your legs and breathe in the salty sea air as you explore Brighton by foot, the cheapest, easiest and most enjoyable way to get around
  • Brighton & Hove’s award-winning buses are regular, cost-effective and eco-friendly, making them the ideal way to journey further afield
  • Part of the National Cycle Network, Brighton is a delight when explored by bike

BY TRAIN

Check trains to Brighton from destinations across the south east, including Gatwick, and find out more about times, fares and discounts.

BY FOOT

Brighton’s best explored on foot, so grab one of VisitBrighton’s downloadable maps, chuck on your trainers and hit the streets.

BY BIKE

Get on your bike and head out on Brighton’s coastal route, for gorgeous sea views and access to the South Downs Way and National Park.