A Brighton travel guide – vibrant seaside, edgy shopping and exuberant nightlife.

There’s more to a Brighton city break than the beach – although the pebbly shore is hard to beat. Shop for bohemian fashions and after the sun goes down or enjoy fine dining and cocktails in medieval twittens (alleyways). Book a Brighton hotel to get into the spirit of this quirky city-resort.

Family fun

Outside your Brighton hotel vast Brighton beach stretches left and right. Collect colorful pebbles or dip your toes in the sea. Braver kids love the watersports including jetskiing and kayaking. There’s also beach volleyball at the Beach Sports centre. The Victorian Brighton Pier is a feast of fairground attractions, and fish and chips fill hungry tummies. The mini Volk’s Railway drops visitors at the huge Sea Life Centre to see sharks from underwater viewing tunnels.

Nightlife

On your Brighton city break, enjoy a pint in tucked-away bars around the North Laines, or a decadent cocktail further west in adjoining Hove. Music events fill the year, from festivals on the bandstand to major acts at Brighton Dome. Komedia puts on classy jazz and quirky cabaret. In summer, Brighton beach is a hub of late-night bars and clubs spilling out on to the boardwalk. 

Sassy shopping

Shoppers throng the narrow twisting twittens of The Lanes for antique jewellery and hidden boutiques. For a more bohemian edge, pedestrianised North Laine brims with edgy fashions and accessories and New Age paraphernalia. Kensington Gardens’ outside stalls are the place to find favourite old vinyl or books. Brighton Marina’s outlet stores are full of bargains including Calvin Klein, and second-hand furniture lures shoppers to Kemptown. 

Dine and unwind

Down-to-earth cafes offer decadent late-morning breakfasts along Kensington Gardens and there are numerous restaurants with a wide range of global dining around The Lanes. Fresh seafood fills the menu at English’s Oyster Bar and top vegetarian delights are available at Terre á Terre. Along the Brighton Beach seafront, eateries along the boardwalk tempt with burgers and pizza.