The 18 best things to do in Brighton

Brighton Palace Pier is a tough old bird. Having stood for well over a century now, this Grade II-listed pier has survived two world wars, constant battering by storms (one of which almost destroyed it before it opened in 1899) and millions of visitors every year. Join the masses in a pilgrimage to the arcade games, fairground rides and chippy vans.

Much of Brighton oozes character and cool, but The Lanes are definitely leading the charge. These narrow streets brim with brilliant independent cafés, record stores, vintage emporiums, bookshops and art spaces – all housed in pretty 16th-century buildings. Wandering this maze of passageways is an excellent way to spend an afternoon.

The Royal Pavilion looks like it should be perched on the banks of the Yamuna in India. This ornate, Grade I-listed structure was designed by John Nash in the early 19th century – in the Indo-Saracenic Revival style, FYI – and was once a holiday home for George, Prince of Wales (later George IV). Today it’s frequented by visitors after a glimpse inside its quaint replica rooms, art galleries and very impressive grounds.

The Sea Life centre in Brighton is in the world’s oldest operating aquarium. It was built in 1872 and as you enter it’s hard not to be taken aback by the striking original Gothic arches. We particularly like the Lagoon, populated with beautiful sting rays, and the interactive rock pool where you can touch a starfish or sea anemone. 

Rainbow flags fly proudly in Brighton, arguably the LGBTQ+ capital of the UK. If you’ve ever wondered how Brighton became the town it is today, a walking tour from a local expert is a pretty good place to start. Walks take you through 200 years of history to chart the progress from bravery and achievement in very different times to the more progressive attitudes of today. Plus you’ll get to see some of Brighton’s best sights, from the grandeur of the seafront, through The Lanes, to the ‘gay village’ of Kemptown.

Some might see it as a bit of an eyesore, sticking out like a tent pole on the seafront, but the views from this 150-metre-high observation tower are pretty impressive. Here you can gawp at pretty much all of Brighton, out across the South Downs and over the Channel – including, if you’re lucky, the Isle of Wight. Plus, you can pair your tickets with afternoon tea, should you wish to be terribly sophisticated (or are in desperate need of cake).

Every self-respecting Brightonian considers themselves a Grubbs aficionado. This Sussex burger chain has no website or Facebook page – but bloody hell, their menu’s good. Get down to Lewes Road, St. James’s Street, York Place or Western Road to sample some of the tastiest patties in town.

Talking of sophisticated, how about setting sail on the open seas off the coast of Brighton as the sun sets? You’ll be with a qualified RYA (Royal Yachting Association) instructor, so you can relax with a glass of bubbly and take as many cheesy photos as you like. If you’re feeling brave, your knowledgeable sailor will show you the ropes and let you take the helm of the yacht as part of the two-hour trip. Pack swimwear.

This seafront exhibition centre and performance venue may not be much of a looker (unless you’re a fan of brutalist architecture) but it’s the place to go in Brighton for big-name comedy, music and theatre. Many of the UK’s highest-profile tours head here, presumably undeterred by the venue’s history of hosting final gigs – both Bing Crosby and The Jam performed their last concerts here.

Just a few miles out of town, Devil’s Dyke is a timeless beauty spot on the sprawling South Downs. The largest ’dry valley’ in the UK, this place makes the perfect location for a dog walk or simply an aimless ramble as the sun sets. The Dyke has been a major tourist draw since the 19th century, and it’s very easy to see why.

Because who doesn’t enjoy a hit of childhood nostalgia? This wonderfully kitsch homage to the last 100 years of toys and models displays more than 10,000 items – everything from Dinky cars and Meccano kits to vintage penny arcade games, puppet theatres and one of the country’s best collections of model railways, including a 1930s three-rail O-gauge layout (which is apparently pretty rare).

Celebrating this seaside town’s reputation for ‘kiss me quick’ hats, saucy postcards and wicked weekends away, the Brighton Quickie helicopter ride offers a personalised 20-minute flight over Brighton and Hove. The tour can be booked for any day of the week and your party (a maximum of three) will have sole use of the chopper. Well, there is a pilot, but they should be fairly busy. 

Part of the Royal Pavilion, this city-centre museum and gallery is free for locals, while visitors are charged £5.20. And that’s actually good value, given the treasures on show – from fine art and ancient Egyptian treasure to 20th-century design fashion to exhibitions from contemporary artists. And if insects are your thing, make a beeline for the Natural Sciences collections, where you can meet half a million of the little critters.

Another big performance venue, the Dome is the Brighton Centre’s slightly more refined sibling. That means you can expect a programme of classical music, dance, theatre and poetry rather than big-hitting UK music and comedy tours. It’s actually three venues (Concert Hall, Corn Exchange, Studio Theatre) and the whole complex is connected to the Royal Pavilion by an underground tunnel, apparently built so the overweight George IV could visit the royal stables unseen.