Image Ideas: A shot of Brighton Pier with the sea, beach, and a bright blue sky.
Brighton is the place to be if you’re craving a quick seaside escape from London. Just an hour away by train, this lively seaside town blends history, culture, and classic British seaside charm.
It’s perfect for a spontaneous day out, whether you’re a local looking for a change of scenery or a traveller squeezing the most out of your UK trip. Trust me—you’ll leave with a happy heart and sandy shoes!
How long is the journey from London to Brighton?
The journey from London to Brighton covers about 54 miles (87 km) and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic and the route you take.
Things to know
- Passes: Consider Brighton Explorer Pass for multiple attractions discounts. You can purchase it online at Visit Brighton or the Brighton Visitor Information Centre.
- Getting Around: Brighton is walkable; rent a bike for a seaside ride
How to get to Brighton from London
- By Train (Recommended): Take a morning direct train from London Victoria or London Blackfriars, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. Round-trip tickets cost between £12 and £30.
You can book tickets via Trainline. The first train starts around 5:00 AM.
- By Car: Drive from London via the M23 and A23, which takes approximately 2 hours. For parking, you can use the Brighton Centre Car Park, which charges £16 per day.
You can check parking availability at NCP Brighton.
What to do and see in Brighton
Explore the Royal Pavilion
Media credit: brighton_museums
Address: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE
Contact: +44 300 029 0900
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:10 PM
Pricing: ££
The Royal Pavilion is Brighton’s most iconic landmark—and honestly, it’s like nothing you’d expect from a British Palace!
From the outside, its domes and towers look straight out of India. Inside, you’ll be wowed by lavish rooms with rich colours and Chinese-inspired décor.
The grand banqueting hall is especially over-the-top, and it’s easy to imagine the extravagant feasts that took place there.
You can even peek into the royal bedrooms and stroll through the beautiful gardens. It’s a stunning blend of history, art, and pure extravagance—definitely one for your camera roll!
Pro tip:
Head to the gardens behind the Pavilion for a peaceful spot where locals love to picnic—it’s free and perfect for photos!
Enjoy Brighton Palace Pier
(@brightonpalacepier)Media credit: brightonpalacepier
Address: Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1TW
Contact: +44 1273 821218
Hours: 10:00 AM – Late
Pricing: Free entry; Rides £3–£5 each
Brighton Palace Pier makes me instantly feel like a kid again! I couldn’t resist the arcade—I spent way too many coins trying to win a plush toy from the claw machines, but that’s all part of the fun.
Then came the rides. The Turbo Coaster was a wild rush, twisting and flipping with the sea stretching out beside me, while the Horror Hotel gave me a good laugh with its spooky surprises.
Pro tip:
If you’re not keen on spending money on pricey rides, head to the far end for stunning sea views and a cheeky bag of hot doughnuts—best enjoyed with the salty sea breeze.
Relax on Brighton Beach
Media credit: brightonpalacepier
Address: Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1TW
Contact: +44 1273 821218
Hours: 10:00 AM – Late
Pricing: Free entry; Rides £3–£5 each
Brighton Beach is the perfect spot to chill out and enjoy the fresh sea air.
There’s plenty to do—dip your toes in the water, play beach volleyball, or grab an ice cream from one of the nearby kiosks.
You can even try paddleboarding or a ride on the historic Volk’s Electic Railway. It’s a great place to soak up the sun and enjoy Brighton’s iconic seafront.
Pro tip:
Grab an ice cream from Boho Gelato or a classic 99 Flake from a beachside stall.
Ascend the Brighton i360 Observation Tower
Media credit: brightoni360official
Address: Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
Contact: +44 333 772 0360
Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Riding the Brighton i360 is a fun experience that offers panoramic views of the city and coastline. As the pod gently rose, I watched as the ground slowly disappeared beneath me until I was 138 metres up into the sky.
From the top, I could see the rolling hills of the South Downs, the vast stretch of the English Channel, and even the Isle of Wight! It was a peaceful moment, and the sweeping views made for some amazing photo opportunities.
Pro tip:
You can also grab a drink from the Nyetimber Sky Bar and toast to the view.
Discover marine life at SEA LIFE Brighton
Media credit: sealifebrighton
Address: Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TB
Contact: +44 1273 604234
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
Pricing: ££
SEA LIFE Brighton is like stepping into another world. This is the world’s oldest aquarium, offering a fascinating underwater adventure with over 5,000 marine creatures.
Watching sharks and rays glide past just inches away was surreal, but the real highlight for me was seeing the giant green sea turtles up close—they’re even bigger than I expected!
Pro tip:
Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and free rescheduling if your plans change! Plus, visit during weekday mornings for a quieter, more magical experience with marine life.
Ride Volk’s Electric Railway
Media credit: shoreham_life
Address: Aquarium Station, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1EN
Contact: +44 1273 292718
Hours: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Open seasonally from April to October)
Pricing: £
Seeing Brighton’s seaside by riding Volk’s Electric Railway was fun and different. I loved how open and airy it was when I got into one of the Victorian carriages.
It was great for catching a breeze from the sea. There were no bumps or rough spots on the ride, and the views of the beach were beautiful the whole time.
Although the trip is only about a mile long, it’s a great way to unwind and enjoy the beach. It was even more special to know that it was the world’s oldest electric railway that was still in use.
Pro tip:
If you’re travelling with kids, stop at Halfway Station for a break—the nearby beach and playground make it a great spot to stretch your legs before continuing the ride!
Stroll through Preston Park’s green space
Media credit: ralph.verdu
Address: Preston Road, Brighton BN1 6SD
Contact: +44 1273 290000
Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: FREE
Preston Park is Brighton’s largest and most popular park, so there’s always a perfect spot to move around. I’ve spent afternoons watching cricket games in the area while wandering through the flower fields.
There are always a lot of kids on the playground, and the tennis courts are a great place to play for fun.
Pro tip:
Head to the Rock Garden early in the morning for a peaceful walk—it’s a hidden gem where locals go to enjoy some quiet time surrounded by nature.
Where to eat and drink in Brighton
The Flour Pot Bakery
Media credit: theflourpotbakerybrighton
Address: 40 Sydney Street, Brighton BN1 4EP
Contact: +44 1273 958777
Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
The Flour Pot Bakery is hands down one of my favourite spots to start the day in Brighton. The smell of fresh bread fills the air, and their sourdough toasties are just the thing to set the mood in the morning.
The bakery has a warm, laid-back vibe—great for sitting in or grabbing something to go for a seaside wander.
Pro tip:
Don’t leave without trying their famous cinnamon buns—they’re seriously good! It’s a local favorite, and once you’ve been, you’ll see why.
Riddle & Finns
(@riddleandfinnsbrighton)Media credit: riddleandfinnsbrighton
Address: 139 Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 2FN
Contact: +44 1273 821218
Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: £££
As a seafood lover, I find Riddle & Finns to be a must-visit. It serves up fresh oysters, champagne, and some of Brighton’s best seafood dishes.
Their seafood platters are a feast—stacked with prawns, mussels, and crab. The chowder is packed with tender seafood and just the right amount of creaminess.
Sitting there with a glass of wine while you are right by the beach it’s perfect for a seaside lunch with a view.
Alternative Option:
If you prefer something more casual, Brighton Shellfish & Oyster Bar serves takeaway seafood right by the beach!
The Tempest Inn
Media credit: tempestbrighton
Address: 159-161 Kings Rd Arches, Brighton BN1 1NB
Contact: +44 1273 770505
Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: £
The Tempest Inn is the perfect spot to wind down with a drink and catch Brighton’s famous sunset. It’s got a super cool cave-like interior, but on a warm evening, I always head straight for the seafront terrace.
Order a pint or a cocktail, sit back, and watch the sky turn golden over the waves. It’s relaxed, friendly, and a local favourite—great for soaking up those last seaside vibes before heading back home.
Pro tip:
Grab a seat outside on the pebbles—locals know it’s the best spot to catch the sunset, and you can hear the waves crashing while you sip your drink.
Where to shop in Brighton
The Lanes
Media credit: kingsbrighton
Address: The Lanes, Brighton BN1
Pricing: £
The Lanes is a maze of narrow and cobbled streets filled with small shops, cafés, and street performers.
You’ll find all kinds of treasures—vintage clothes, handmade jewellery, and tasty treats from local bakeries.
There’s music in the air from buskers, and you might even spot a hidden courtyard or two. It’s easy to get lost, but that’s part of the fun!
The Lanes are full of Brighton’s creative spirit, so take your time and enjoy every little surprise you find.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye out for Choccywoccydoodah (a famous chocolate shop) and Roly’s Fudge (handmade in-store).
Churchill Square Shopping Centre
Address: Western Road, Brighton
Contact: +44 1273 327428
Hours:
- Mon–Wed: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thur–Sat: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sun: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
If you’re after well-known brands and a more traditional shopping experience, Churchill Square is the place to go.
This large indoor shopping centre features major high-street retailers like Zara, Apple, and Urban Outfitters, plus plenty of dining options.
It’s great for picking up essentials or indulging in some retail therapy.
Pro tip:
If you’re driving, use the multi-storey car park. It has plenty of space and offers direct access to the shopping centre for a convenient visit.
