Royal Pavilion
Brighton's onion-domed seaside palace, built for the Prince Regent, with Indian-style outside walls and lavish Chinese-inspired rooms within. Entry is by ticket and the building is a short walk from the Lanes and the seafront.
England (UK)
Brighton
Brighton is England's favourite seaside city, an hour south of London by train, where a Regency palace with onion domes sits a few minutes from a Victorian pier, a pebble beach and a maze of independent shops.
Beyond the seafront you can ride the glass pod of the i360 high above the Channel, wander the twisting alleys of the Lanes and North Laine, and find the world's oldest operating aquarium beside the pier. Within easy reach are the great green hills of the South Downs, the white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and the hilltop Norman castle at Lewes. Twickly's Brighton guide picks ten sights worth your time, five hotels from grand seafront landmark to central budget base, and two practical guides on planning your days and choosing where to stay.
Don't miss
Royal Pavilion
Brighton's onion-domed seaside palace, built for the Prince Regent, with Indian-style outside walls and lavish Chinese-inspired rooms within. Entry is by ticket and the building is a short walk from the Lanes and the seafront.
Seven Sisters and South Downs
The white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and the rolling hills of the South Downs, seen on a small-group day trip from Brighton with pickup, a driver-guide and several viewpoints. It is the easiest way to see the coast without a car.
Brighton i360
A glass pod that glides up a slender tower on the seafront for sweeping views of the city, the Channel and the Downs. Flights last about half an hour, with drink and evening options.
SEA LIFE Brighton
The world's oldest operating aquarium, in Victorian arches beside the pier, with thousands of sea creatures and a good wet-weather plan for families. Visits take about an hour and a half.
Things to do in Brighton
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Seven Sisters and South Downs
The white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and the rolling hills of the South Downs, seen on a small-group day trip from Brighton with pickup, a driver-guide and several viewpoints. It is the easiest way to see the coast without a car.
Brighton i360
A glass pod that glides up a slender tower on the seafront for sweeping views of the city, the Channel and the Downs. Flights last about half an hour, with drink and evening options.
SEA LIFE Brighton
The world's oldest operating aquarium, in Victorian arches beside the pier, with thousands of sea creatures and a good wet-weather plan for families. Visits take about an hour and a half.
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
The city's museum in the Pavilion Gardens, with fashion, art, local history, world cultures and Dali's famous red lips sofa. Open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays.
Independent Brighton Walking Food Tour
A three-hour walking tasting tour of Brighton's independent food makers, with seven stops, vegetarian and vegan options at each and a local guide. One of the city's most highly rated experiences.
Brighton Palace Pier
The Grade II* listed Victorian pier that has defined the Brighton seafront since 1899, with arcades, fairground rides and sea views. Rides run mainly at weekends outside the summer, so check the calendar.
Lewes Castle and Museum
A Norman castle on a hill in the county town of Lewes, with a keep you can climb for views across Sussex and a museum of local archaeology. Winter opening is Tuesday to Sunday, then weekends only after the New Year.
FreeThe Lanes and North Laine
Brighton's twisting old alleys and its bohemian shopping quarter, packed with independent shops, jewellers, cafes and pubs. A free wander that suits every kind of visitor.
1-3 hoursDetails →
FreeDevil’s Dyke
A huge dry valley on the South Downs a few miles north of Brighton, with Iron Age ramparts, a Victorian fairground site and views over the Weald. Free to explore, with paid parking.
1.5-3 hoursDetails →
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
The Grand Brighton
King’s Road Seafront
Brighton's grand Victorian seafront hotel on King's Road, with sea-facing rooms after a major refurbishment, a spa with a thermal suite, a restaurant and afternoon tea on the terrace. This is the city's splurge, with exceptional guest scores.
Check rates →
$$$Harbour Hotel Brighton
Kings Road Seafront
A stylish seafront hotel between the two piers, with nautical Art Deco rooms, a spa set in old smugglers' tunnels, a sea-view bar and kitchen and direct beach access. Guests rate the location very highly.
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$$$Hotel du Vin Brighton
The Lanes, Ship Street
A characterful boutique hotel in the heart of the Lanes on Ship Street, with a French-style bistro, an intimate bar and rooms from cosy to sea-view suites. Exterior works are under way, so ask about noise.
Check rates →Artist Residence Brighton
Regency Square
A creative, bohemian boutique hotel on Regency Square, close to the i360 and the seafront, with a bar and restaurant, cooked-to-order breakfast and a dog-friendly welcome. Guests rate it as wonderful.
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$Premier Inn Brighton City Centre North Street
North Street, City Centre
A dependable budget base on North Street, about a minute from the Lanes and half a mile from the Royal Pavilion and the station, with a restaurant and breakfast. Good value for a short central stay.
Check rates →Brighton guides
First Time in Brighton: What to Book, How to Get Around and How Many Days
A first-timer's plan for Brighton: what to book ahead, getting around on foot and by train, winter opening days and how to shape one, two or three days around the seafront, the Lanes, the Downs and Lewes.
Where to Stay in Brighton: Best Areas and Hotels
Where to stay in Brighton: five hotels across the King's Road seafront, the Lanes, Regency Square and North Street, with notes on parking, noise and who each suits.
