Brighton Travelers Recommend

With its relaxed atmosphere, unique heritage, and scenic surroundings, seaside Brighton is an ideal base for visitors to southern England. Three days give you time to explore the town, get out into nature, steep yourself in English history and culture, and more. Here are some options.

Day 1: Right On, Brighton!

Get to know Brighton on a biking, walking, or bus tour: visit landmarks; stroll the maze-like Lanes; learn about Brighton’s LGBTQ scene. Or, just take in the views from the waterfront. Cruise tours can offer relief from the bustling mainland, as well as prime dusk vistas (sometimes with aperitifs). After dinner, join a nightlife tour for fast-track entry to the town’s liveliest bars and clubs.

Day 2: Beyond Brighton

Widen your perspective on a half-day tour of Brighton’s scenic surroundings, including natural landmarks such as the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, the Devil's Dyke valley, or South Downs National Park. Alternatively, get a taste of quintessential English culture on a full-day tour of Sussex’s rural wineries or breweries, including lunch and round-trip transportation. Thrill-seekers might opt for a helicopter tour of the area. After a full day, wind down back in Brighton with a fish and chips dinner on the beach, or try one of the many vegetarian or vegan restaurants.

Day 3: Southern England

Brighton’s efficient transport links allow for hassle-free transfer throughout the south of England. If you’re a history buff, head to ancient Bath and Stonehenge for insight into England’s Neolithic and Roman heritage, or travel to Canterbury to study the country’s religious past. For a counterpoint to bohemian Brighton, take a trip to one of England’s more traditional towns, such as Oxford or Cambridge. City lovers can make the short journey to London. After a full day of sightseeing, spend your last night unwinding at one of Brighton’s live music venues or trendy cinemas.

Considered the cultural hub of southern England, bustling Brighton offers ample entertainment and scenic surroundings, making it a top destination for tourists and locals alike. Superior transport links make it easy to venture farther afield, too. Here’s how to maximize 48 hours in this seaside town.

Day 1: An Intimate Glimpse

**Morning:**Brighton can get busy, so start your day early. See the sights before the crowds hit the streets on a comprehensive bike or hop-on hop-off bus tour.

**Afternoon:**From modern cuisine to classic dishes, Brighton’s eateries offer plenty of dining options. After lunch, gain insight into the town’s history or architecture on a walking tour. Alternatively, helicopter tours lift thrill-seekers above the streets for a unique perspective.

**Night:**Unwind with a fish and chips dinner on the beach, then embark on a boat cruise along the coast, taking in the views with a digestif in hand. If you’re not yet ready to retire for the evening, head into the maze-like Lanes for some drinks and music.

Day 2: A Wider Perspective

**Morning:**Efficient transport links make exploring beyond Brighton a breeze. Contrast urban Brighton with scenic spots such as the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and South Downs National Park, or visit Sussex’s rural wineries or breweries. Tours typically include round-trip transportation; some also include lunch.

**Afternoon:**Most day tours continue late into the afternoon, though some return a little earlier. If you have some spare time, check out Brighton’s many attractions and sports facilities, such as the family-friendly Sea Life Brighton, various outdoor watersports, and indoor climbing walls.

**Night:**Round off your visit with a night out. Kemptown, often associated with LGBTQ culture, is home to trendy bars and restaurants, and you’ll find lively clubs on the streets behind the Palace Pier. For fast-track entry to the hot spots, and the fullest experience of the town’s after-dark scene, join a nightlife tour. 

A top destination for tourists and locals alike, liberal Brighton boasts a classic British beachline, a thriving LGBTQ community, and a diverse collection of cultural and historic landmarks. Here’s how to experience the best of the resort town in just 24 hours.

Morning: City Orientation

Start your day early with a comprehensive overview of Brighton before the crowds descend. Bike tours enable hassle-free, time-efficient transfer between landmarks such as the Royal Pavilion, North Laine, and Brighton Pier, while hop-on hop-off buses let you explore at your own pace. Alternatively, immerse yourself in southern England’s cultural hub on a walking tour, and stroll the labyrinthine Lanes, where independent boutiques flourish beside trendy eateries—ideal for lunch before your afternoon adventures.

Afternoon: Culture Dive

Now that you have your bearings, take advantage of the vast array of activities available in the vibrant town. Keep kids entertained at one of the oldest working aquariums in the world, or be a big kid yourself at one of the popular climbing walls. Helicopter rides give thrill-seekers a different perspective of the bustling streets, while local-led, customizable tours reveal the town’s hidden gems. To learn about Brighton’s unofficial status as the United Kingdom’s “gay capital,” join a tour that offers insight into the town’s unique LGBTQ history.

Night: Sunset Views and Dancing Shoes

One of Brighton’s most iconic features is its shoreline, and where better to kick back after an action-packed day. For the best sunset views, take to the Channel on a cruise or speedboat ride. Brighton is also famous for its after-dark scene, so if you’re not yet ready to turn in for the evening, join a nightlife tour for fast-track entry to the happening hot spots.