How to Spend the Day in Brighton, England – Itinerary Ideas + Travel Tips

If you looking for an escape from London why not spend the day in Brighton?  It’s a diverse and vibrant seaside city and a breeze to get to from London. I’ve put together this travel guide and itinerary to help you plan your time there.

Is Brighton, England worth Visiting?

I lived in Croyde, England for a total of 6 years, during which I extensively traveled the country.  I can tell you with great certainty that Brighton is one of my absolute favorite places in UK!  

You can’t get a more traditionally British seaside place than Brighton. In Victorian times it was a prime destination for British families on holiday although it still remains quite popular. Fish and chips, beach huts and the pier amusements make it an iconic location.

Modern day Brighton has more to offer. It has become an alternative place full of creatives. Everyone has their own style here, and no one looks to be conforming, because of this, there is a extensive variety of  trendy restaurants,  quirky shops, inclusive festivals, and interesting activities.

Getting to Brighton from London for the Day

Both the train and coach stations in Brighton are walkable to the city center. If you’re only going for a day to Brighton, you shouldn’t have a ton of stuff with you, so you can start your day from there!

Train

From London trains leave from multiple stations and make the hour and 20 minute journey to Brighton. You can get an open return ticket for around £40.

There is usually at least one train journey per hour so you shouldn’t have a problem coordinating a time.

Bus

The National Express runs a coach from London Victoria to Brighton and costs about £28 for an open return ticket. It takes a little longer on the bus,  around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Map of Brighton

How can I spend a day in Brighton? Best Things to Do

1. Walk the promenade and see the bandstand.

The promenade lines Brighton Beach and on a nice day is filled with walkers and bikers. It’s also a great sunset watching location as well as anywhere on pebble beach.

2. Get a bird’s eye view in the British Airways i360.

Step into a glass viewing pod, grab a glass of champagne and admire the city and pier from above as you make your revolution. I went up at night, but think it might be cooler in the day time!

3. Visit the Royal Pavillion.

You’ll definitely look twice as the Royal Pavillion.  With Chinese and Indian design influences, it’s not a site you expect in the middle of England! Once a pleasure palace for King George IV, now museums and event space.

4. Shop in the Lanes and North Laine.

Small pedestrian filled streets with vintage stores, boutiques, piercing shops cafes. Some of the most fun I’ve had shopping was here! I actually had the heels I worse for my wedding custom made at a place on these streets!

Blaker Street, Kemptown

5. Eat some fish and chips.

A must do at the British seaside! If you walk down the promenade to the Brighton pier there are a handful of takeaways to choose from or take a seat at The Regency.

6. Have a cider on the water and listen to music at Brighton Music Hall.

A fun, laid back vibe with views of the best in Brighton.

7.  Stroll on Brighton’s pebble beach to see the West Pier.

The West Pier is one of the coolest things to photograph in Brighton! Though far from a tropical island, Brighton gets some get some incredible color tones over the water at sunrise and sunset.

8. Don’t forget to visit Kemptown and take pics of the most instagrammable street in Brighton.

Kemptown seems to be the less touristy bit of Brighton. There are quirky shops and Brighton’s colorful Blaker street.

9. Walk the Seven Sisters Cliffs.

Seven Sisters cliffs are a set of chalk white cliffs on the coast. It’s an awesome walk to do, but may be a bit of a stretch if you only have one day in Brighton! Am I convincing you to stay the weekend yet with all of these options…

Pompoko, Brighton

Where to Eat and Drink: Top Restaurants and Bars

I’ve been to Brighton at least ten times so in my recent visit I decided to try out some different places, (revolving mainly around food and booze) instead of sticking to the old faithfuls (the Mesmerist, 64 degrees, Giggling Squid).

The food and drink scene is Brighton is pretty eclectic with options ranging from traditional and seafood to exotic or vegetarian.

Breakfast Club

The first new place to try was Breakfast Club in the lanes for my favourite meal, brunch. I once tried to go to the one in London, but it was queued around the block. I have tried them once at a festival, but avocado on toast isn’t much to go off of since I could make that in my sleep. Luckily, we only had a 15 minute wait. My vegetarian hash was really tasty and we bagged a m outside which was perfect for people watching.

Siam Siam

Preston Street is the ‘restaurant’ street. From French to Indian, British and Italian you’ll be bombarded with choice. It used to be more popular but seems to be making a come back. We had amazing fresh Thai food at family run Siam Siam. I mean if you give me a free shot after the meal, you’ve probably won me over !

The Regency

Although meant to be the best seafood in Brighton, it took me this long to get to The Regency. The seafood was decent and servers were friendly and efficient even though it was a super busy day. We got to sit outside facing the the sea so the location was a big draw.

The Lion and Lobster

The Lion and Lobster is a great traditional pub and one of the oldest in Brighton. It had a good selection and is set over three floors with a roof terrace. It felt comfortable and friendly in there, just how a pub should be.

Pompoko

If you’re looking for something affordable, I highly recommend Pompoko. It’s a convenient, no frills Japanese restaurant near the Brighton Pavilion. The food is nothing crazy but it’s BYOB so, happy days!

64 Degrees

One of my favorite restaurants of all time! It’s an intimate restaurant with a small plates tasting menu and an open kitchen.  It;s so cool being able to see your food being prepared and handed right to you! (if you’re sat at the high top counter)

The Giggling Squid

A Thai restaurant set in an old fisherman’s cottage in the Lanes. Tasty and well presented dishes that will delight the palate!

Red Roaster Coffee/Pike and Pine

Walking down the Kemptown high street that runs paralell with the sea, I spotted Red Roasters “Pike and Pine.” Upon entering I was greeted by an unexpected, all white decor with pops of green from hanging tropical plants. It looked like it was transplanted from somewhere like California or a lush island.

The food is fun and creative and the experimental, home made sodas quite refreshing.

The Mesmerist

Get ready for gin cocktails and jazz vibes at my fave spot to go out in Brighton! Live music and a fun crowd!

Tempest Inn

The Tempest Inn is located right on Brighton Beach and has a great disco night on a Saturday. I actually never made it inside but because it’s mostly outdoors you feel like you’re already in!

Lucky Beach Cafe

Where better to start your morning than on the sand!? well pebbles.. Local, sustainable food with an Australian flare.

Red Roasters – Pike and Pine, Brighton

Thinking of making a weekend out of it? These are the coolest Hotels in Brighton :

• Artist Residence – I’ve stayed at their hotel in Penzance as well as Brighton and loved them both!
• Malmaison Brighton
• Drakes Hotel
• Hotel Una
• Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa