Things to do in Brighton

things to do in brighton

Looking for things to do in Brighton today, this week or during the holidays?  Great news, you are in the right place as we have all of the best attractions and events to keep you and your family entertained.

The guide is broken down into easy to use sections which provide useful information and links to pages with more details or direct to attractions and event websites for easy booking.

So sit back, grab your favourite drink and lets find something new for you to enjoy with or without the kids!

Things to do in Brighton

The City of Brighton and Hove is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and modern seaside city, located approximately 60 miles due south of London, between the Sussex Coast and the stunning South Downs

Brighton has long been one of the UK’s biggest and most fashionable seaside towns and is a popular tourist resort with many hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities together with a considerable business conference industry.

Originally known as the modest fishing village of Brighthelmstone, this city has strong connections with the past with the Royal Pavilion, Victorian Sea Life Centre, regency architecture and of course Brighton Pier.  After 1825 when Dr Richard Russell had told the world of the benefits of bathing in, Brighton was finally born as the fashionable seaside resort that we know and love today.

What to do in Brighton

Today, Brighton is a diverse, contemporary city with a great range of shopping at Western Road, Churchill Square, bohemian North Lanes, St James Street, George Street, London Road, The Lanes and Church Street. There is a new state of the art Library, restaurants, bars and clubs to suit every taste, theatres, cinemas, 10-pin bowling and casinos. In addition there are 2 universities, and a wide variety of sporting activities, including successful cricket, and football teams, and even a racecourse and greyhound stadium.

A truly unique attraction that you will want to see is Volks Railway which is the oldest operating electric railway in the world. Design by Magnus Volk and built in 1883 the 1 mile of railway track links Brighton Marina with the Aquarium and Pier and has a stop half way between the two, near the children’s playground.

Brighton has continued its fight for clean beaches with the award of its first ever Blue Flag for the beaches at West Street and Hove Lawns. The Blue Flag is only awarded to beaches which have clean swimming water and are free from litter.  For those so inclined and brave enough to fully take on the British weather, Dukes Mound near Brighton Marina has a very discreet nudist beach!

After a visit to Brighton Pier what better way to continue than with a stroll along the beachfront and down to the boardwalk. Here you can find the artists’ quarter and fishing museum. There is a traditional carrousel and various bars, clubs and restaurants under these historic arches. Further along the seafront you will discover a children’s playground, paddling pool and volleyball court.

What’s on in Brighton

From here you come face to face with the remaining wreck of the West Pier. This was originally built in 1866, has been lying derelict since 1975, and was destroyed by arson attacks in 2002. Although certain pieces from this Grade I listed building were removed and have been kept in storage.

However, the exciting news is that work is due to commence at the end of July on this site for the groundbreaking Brighton Eye. To be built at the shore end of the wrecked pier, the i360 (as it is also known) will have a 172 meter high needle tower, with an ascending and descending circular viewing platform with a capacity for 125 people. It will be Britain’s highest observation tower with breathtaking views along the coast, across the South Downs and across the Channel. Completion of this exciting and innovative construction is scheduled for 2009.