Fun things to do on a day trip to Brighton

Planning a day trip to Brighton? This easy seaside escape has more than enough to fill a day.  From well-know Brighton attractions to simple coastal walks and independent shops, this city is compact, walkable and full of things to do.  I’ve visited plenty of times, but this trip was all about letting the kids discover the best things to do in Brighton for themselves.

Whether you’re visiting from London or having a weekend break, this guide beings together the highlights of our trip and all the best places to visit in Brighton.

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We started our Brighton itinerary with a relaxed walk along the seafront to the colourful beach huts in Hove.  They’re only about 10 minutes from central Brighton and make an easy, scenic first stop.

From here you can walk to the heart of the city.  The promenade is always lively and is a favourite with joggers, cyclists, roller skaters, and families with buggies.  You’ll pass the lovely Brighton Bandstand and Regency-era townhouses along the way.

Right next to the i360 tower, the Upside Down House is one of the more quirky things to do in Brighton.

As the name suggests, everything inside is completely topsy-turvy.  All the furniture is fixed to the ceiling, so you can take fun, gravity-defying photos.  It’s a quick stop (around 15 minutes) and great if you’re visiting Brighton with kids.  They will love diving headfirst into an upside-down toilet!

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

This free visitor centre explains how Brighton’s offshore wind farm works through interactive exhibits and and a VR experience.  It’s a good indoor option and an easy addition to your Brighton day trip.

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

The BA i360 tower is one of the most recognisable Brighton attractions.  Standing at 162 metres tall, it’s the highest viewpoint on the South Coast and a must-visit for anyone seeking the most panoramic views in Brighton.

Once inside, there’s plenty of space to walk around and even a Sky Bar if you want a drink while you take in the views.

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

A visit to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without a walk along the 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.

It’s an easy, nostalgic stop and one of the most popular places to visit 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, rent some bikes from Brighton Beach Bikes and follow the coastal path to Rottingdean.

The rental shop is located under the arches by the pier.   From here, 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.

There are several cafés along the way if you want a quick stop.  It’s a great way to see more of the coastline beyond the city centre.

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

The Royal Pavilion is one of the most iconic Brighton landmarks.  Once the seaside retreat of King George IV, the Pavilion started as a modest lodging before the King transformed it into a lavish palace.

It looks fantastic from the outside, but is worth looking inside too.  The interiors are ornate (especially the ceilings) and the free audio guide will give you some context about the history and design.

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

From the Royal Pavilion, we took a short stroll to North Laine.

North Laine is full of independent shops, vintage stores, and cafés.  It’s one of the best places in Brighton for browsing and people-watching.

Whilst there, we stopped at Cloud 9, an independent café at the end of Kensington Gardens.  Known for having some of the best cakes and ice creams in Brighton, Cloud 9 didn’t disappoint!

Brighton has a strong street art scene, and you’ll find murals throughout the city.

One standout is the giant Alice in Wonderland mural in Hanningtons Lane by local artist Eulus.

Brighton Beach may be pebbly, but it’s still a great place to sit, skim stones, or try paddleboarding or kayaking.  It’s also a good picnic spot with wide sea views.

End your day out in Brighton at the remains of West Pier, one of the most atmospheric places in Brighton.  The skeletal structure is striking at sunset, and if you’re lucky, you might see the starling murmurations.

The West Pier was the work of 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, but a devastating fire in 2003 reduced it to the ruins we see today.

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

However, 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.

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