Fun things to do on a day trip to Brighton

Planning a day trip to Brighton? We’ve got you covered!

We’ve just returned from a fun-filled adventure and can’t wait to share the best Brighton attractions, hidden gems, and must-see spots we discovered along the way.  Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or with teens in tow, there are countless things to do in Brighton that make it a perfect seaside escape.

Located in East Sussex, Brighton is one of the most vibrant and popular seaside destinations in the UK.  Just an hour by train from London, it’s an ideal getaway for anyone craving fresh sea air, quirky culture, and classic coastal charm.  Whether you arrive by car or rail, this iconic city is super easy to reach.

Last week, with a serious case of wanderlust and a need for a change of scenery, I planned the ultimate day trip to Brighton, packed with cool experiences, tasty eats, and some of the best places to see in Brighton.  Read on for our top tips, a one-day itinerary, and everything you need to make your own Brighton adventure unforgettable.

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We kicked off our day trip to Brighton with a stroll to the colourful beach huts along the seafront.  Technically located in Hove, these cheerful wooden huts are just a relaxed 10-minute walk from central Brighton along the promenade.

Painted in a rainbow of bright, summery shades, the huts add a joyful splash of colour to the coast and are easily one of the most instagrammable Brighton attractions.

As you head towards the heart of the city, the wide promenade offers plenty to take in.  It’s a favourite with joggers, cyclists, roller skaters, and families with buggies.  Along the way, you’ll pass the ornate Brighton Bandstand and elegant Regency-era townhouses—just a few of the charming places to see in Brighton before you’ve even reached the pier.

Once you reach central Brighton, one of the first quirky Brighton attractions you’ll spot is the bright blue Upside Down House, perched right next to the i360 tower.

As the name suggests, everything inside is completely topsy-turvy—furniture is fixed to the ceiling, and nothing is quite as it seems.

From crawling across kitchen cupboards to bouncing off the ceiling or playing a gravity-defying game of chess, there’s no end to the fun photo ops.  Naturally, the kids’ highlight was diving headfirst into an upside-down toilet!

• Time spent at attraction:  15 minutes
• Admission costs:  Upside Down House

After our trip to the Upside Down House, we made an impromptu stop at the Rampion Visitor Centre.  This wasn’t originally on our day out in Brighton itinerary but turned out to be a great way to pass some time (and warm up!) before our ride on the i360. Even better, admission was completely free.

The centre is home to a series of interactive exhibits that explain the story behind Brighton’s offshore wind farm.  It’s an educational and engaging space where visitors can learn how the turbines were installed and how they generate renewable energy.  One of the highlights is the Virtual Reality experience, which takes you on a simulated journey right out to the wind farm itself, without ever leaving dry land.

• Time spent at attraction:  15 minutes
• Admission:  free
• Click here for Rampion Visitor Centre website

One of the most striking Brighton attractions along the seafront is the impressive BA i360 tower.  Standing at 162 metres tall, it’s the highest viewpoint on the South Coast and a must-visit for anyone seeking the best panoramic views in Brighton.  Designed by the same architects behind the London Eye, the i360 offers a futuristic twist, a sleek, moving glass pod that slowly glides up the tower, offering 360° views as it rises.

Inside, there’s plenty of room to walk around and take in the view from every angle.  And for a little added indulgence, there’s even a Sky Bar, which is perfect for sipping a glass of bubbly while soaking up the sights.  All in all, the Brighton i360 is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Brighton.

• Time spent at attraction:  25 minutes
• Admission:  Opening times and tickets at the BAi360

Of course, no day trip to Brighton would be complete without a wander along the iconic Brighton Palace Pier.

Built in 1899, this famous seaside landmark has been welcoming visitors since the Victorian era!  Today, it’s everything you’d expect from a classic English pier, arcade games, candy floss stalls, and fairground rides, all set against the backdrop of the sea.

Whether you’re in it for a nostalgic stroll, a few cheeky goes on the amusement machines, or the thrill of the rollercoaster at the end, the pier is one of those must-visit places to see in Brighton.

• Time spent at attraction:  20 minutes
• Admission cost:  free

If you’re looking for a fun and active way to explore the coastline, one of the best things to do in Brighton is to hop on a bike and cycle to Rottingdean.  We rented ours from Brighton Beach Bikes, located under the arches by the pier.

The route follows a flat, traffic-free path along the seafront, making it perfect for all ages and cycling abilities.  In just about an hour, we made the round trip from Brighton to Rottingdean and back, taking in some stunning views along the way.

Highlights include passing through Brighton Marina and catching sight of the dramatic white chalk cliffs.  If you’re feeling peckish, there are a couple of cafés along the route for a quick coffee or snack.  And if you’ve got a little more time to spare, why not continue on to Saltdean?  There you can cool off with a swim at the lido.

It’s a brilliant way to see a different side of the city and a great option for your day trip to Brighton.

• Time spent:  1 hour
• Costs:  Brighton Beach Bikes

No day trip to Brighton would be complete without a visit to the spectacular Royal Pavilion.

Once the seaside retreat of King George IV, this extraordinary palace began as a modest lodging before the King transformed it into a lavish statement of style and power.  Inspired by the opulence of Indian and Chinese architecture, the Royal Pavilion is now a visual masterpiece, with its striking domes, minarets, and onion-shaped towers that make it one of the most distinctive places to see in Brighton.

Inside the palace, each room is adorned with extravagant furnishings, intricate details, and jaw-dropping chandeliers.  Don’t forget to look up—the ceilings alone are worth the visit.

To make the most of your experience, download the free audio guide.  It offers fascinating insights into King George’s indulgent lifestyle and the palace’s transformation over time, bringing the history vividly to life.

If you have a little extra time, pop into the Brighton Art Gallery, located within the Pavilion Gardens.

• Time spent:  1 hour
• Costs:  Brighton Royal Pavilion

From the Royal Pavilion, we wandered over to North Laine, one of Brighton’s most vibrant and eclectic shopping areas.  Just a short stroll from the Pavilion (and not to be confused with the historic Lanes nearby), North Laine is a treasure trove of independent boutiques, vintage fashion, quirky gift shops, and all kinds of creative finds.

The area buzzes with character and colour, making it one of the most enjoyable places to see in Brighton, especially if you’re after something a little offbeat.

When hunger struck, we made a beeline for Cloud 9, a cosy independent café tucked at the end of Kensington Gardens.  Known for having some of the best cakes and ice creams in Brighton, Cloud 9 didn’t disappoint—we can personally vouch for the Oreo milkshake, which was every bit as indulgent as it sounds!

Brighton has some incredible street art scattered throughout the city, much of which is bold, vibrant, and impossible to miss.  We stumbled upon a stunning giant mural of Alice in Wonderland on the side of a café in Hanningtons Lane.

This eye-catching artwork was created by local street artist Eelus, known for his large-scale murals that bring a pop of colour and whimsy to Brighton’s streets.

Of course, no Brighton itinerary would be complete without a visit to the beach.  While Brighton’s beach is known for its pebbly shore rather than soft sand, it has its own distinctive charm and it is one of the most popular beaches on the South Coast.

Although you can’t build sandcastles, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy on Brighton beach.  Whether you’re up for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just chilling, there’s something for everyone.  It’s a fantastic spot for a picnic with stunning sea views and with all those pebbles, it’s ideal for skimming stones!

One of the most breathtaking places to see in Brighton at sunset is by the remains of Brighton’s West Pier.  Unlike the bustling Brighton Palace Pier, all that’s left of this once-grand structure is a skeletal frame.

The West Pier was the work of renowned Victorian engineer Eugenius Birch and first opened to the public in 1866.  For over a century, it was one of Brighton’s most popular attractions, welcoming millions of visitors.  Sadly, a devastating fire in 2003 reduced it to the ruins we see today.

At dusk you can sometimes see Brighton’s famous starling murmurations that gather above the old pier.  However, we were not in luck.

Getting to Brighton is super straightforward by car.  Simply follow the M25, then the M23, which merges into the A23 and takes you straight into the city centre.

That said, parking in Brighton can be pricey, especially near the seafront.  To save money, it’s worth parking a little outside the city centre and walking in.  We opted for Norton Road Car Park in Hove, which offered great value for a full day’s parking and is just a short stroll from the beach.

Other good options include parking near Brighton train station or at Oxford Court Car Park, both of which tend to offer more reasonable rates than the central seafront spots.

There are regular trains from London Victoria station to Brighton, which only take an hour.  Alternatively, you could leave from London Blackfriars.  Brighton station is in the town centre, so you can easily walk from here.

Brighton is a wonderfully walkable city, and one of the best ways to explore it is simply on foot.  Walking lets you take in the vibrant atmosphere, discover hidden backstreets, and stumble upon the kind of quirky little shops and cafés you might otherwise miss.

If walking’s not your thing, Brighton has a bike share scheme that’s both easy and affordable.  The pay-as-you-go option costs just 3p per minute, and with plenty of docking stations along the seafront and around the city, it’s a great way to get around while soaking up the coastal views.

Alternatively, hop aboard an open-top bus tour as part of Brighton’s Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing service.  It’s a relaxed way to see the city’s key landmarks, and perfect if you want to cover more ground without too much effort.

If you want to stay longer than a day in Brighton, there’s plenty of accommodation to suit all budgets.

Some of the fanciest hotels in Brighton can be found right near the beach.  Check out The Southern Belle with its own cocktail lounge, or Hotel Una with its spa facilities.  Or you could try a self-catering holiday home, such as Bird Sisters Cottage, near the station.

For cheaper accommodation in Brighton, you could consider Kemp Town or an area away from the beach.  You can click on Booking.com for availability and prices.

What are your best things to do on a day trip to Brighton?  We’d love to hear your comments below.

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