Map of the top Brighton activities
Table of Contents
Ultimate guide of things to do in Brighton
Heading down to ‘London by the Sea’ for a relaxing weekend with your loved one? Passing through with the kids on a road trip along the south coast? Maybe find yourself there with time to spare and nothing to do? Check out ParkingScout’s ultimate guide to things to do in Brighton.
Our carefully curated selection of premier attractions, activities, restaurants, and beyond promises to captivate every kind of individual and traveler. We offer activities for kids, adventure enthusiasts, culinary aficionados, shopping devotees, history and culture buffs, and so much more.
Scroll down to find out how you can make the most of your time in Brighton!
Things to do in Brighton with kids
Traveling with a group of young ones that need entertainment? These attractions are sure to delight and enthral children and adults alike and offer opportunities to explore, learn, and be active.
SEA LIFE Brighton
Discover the mysterious world of the oceans at the world’s oldest aquarium. With interactive exhibits, tunnel tanks, a massive array of sea life to enjoy, and a hands-on rockpool, there’s no better place to dive into your Brighton adventure.
Price: Starting at £22.50 when pre-booked
Opening Hours: 10am-4pm. Occasionally till 5pm. Check website before visiting.
Address: Marine Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1TB
Learn More: visitsealife.com/brighton/
Brighton Toy & Model Museum
Step into the whimsical world of childhood nostalgia at the Brighton Toy & Model Museum. Watch your children light up as they explore more than 10,000 models and toys that spark imagination and creativity.
Price: Adults £8; Children (4 to 15) £5; Families of up to 2 adults and 3 children £17
Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 11am-5pm; closed Sun and Mon
Address: 52-55 Trafalgar St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4EB
Learn More: brightontoymuseum.co.uk
GLOBALLS
Indoor mini golf courses based on popular movies and themes loved by all. Carnival games. ALL of it glow in the dark! How many more reasons do you need to treat your kids to a day they’ll remember for a lifetime? A one-of-a-kind experience in Brighton onlyl
Price: Starting from £8.95
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu noon-10pm; Fri noon-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 10am-10pm
Address: 1-5 The Village, The Waterfront, Brighton Marina, BN2 5WA
Learn More: globalls.co.uk/
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Fun activities for two in Brighton
If you’re on the lookout for a fun-filled day of exploring Brighton that includes a bit of everything, this itinerary is for you! It’s features tonnes of opportunities to engage in activities, luxury shopping, great dining options, and the best views of Brighton you could hope for.
Brighton Palace Pier
Explore one of Brighton’s most iconic attractions with a companion. Thrilling fairground rides, tasty treats aplenty, and stunning panoramic sea views are all part of the fun. The perfect blend of seaside exhilaration and charm.
Price: Free entry; Unlimited rides starting from £26
Opening Hours: 11am-6pm on weekdays; 10am-6pm on weekends
Address: Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1TW
Learn More: brightonpier.co.uk
The Lanes Shopping
Get lost in the meandering narrow lanes and twisting alleyways of Brighton Lanes. Discover quaint boutiques, antique shops, and unique jewellry stores. It’s the best of old-world ambience fused with contemporary retail and hidden treasures.
Price: Free entry
Opening Hours: 10am to late
Address: St. James str, Church rd, Bond str
Brighton i360
Take all of Brighton in at once! The 360-degree view from 162m in the air will take anyone’s breath away, especially when coupled with some bubbly from the Sky Bar. This is the perfect activity for partners and buddies alike.
Price: Starting from £17.95
Opening Hours: 11am-5:30pm on weekdays; 10:30am-6:30pm on weekends
Address: Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
Learn More: brightoni360.co.uk/
Adventure & sports day in Brighton
Get your heart pumping and the adrenaline flowing with this non-stop adventure day itinerary in Brighton. Challenge yourself to do all three in one day… if you dare…
Brighton Zip
Conquer your fears as you feel the rush of the wind in your hair and enjoy views of the coastline as you zip down from 30m. This is the highest zip line on the south coast, boasting vistas stretching up to Seven Sisters and beyond.
Price: £18 for a single rider, £32 for two. £4 for live video wristband
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm
Address:Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1TB
Learn More: brightonzip.com/
Brighton Marina Watersports
Spend a day on the water learning how to stand-up paddleboard, take a speedboat ride, learn the way of the jet ski, or spend time ‘learning the ropes’ on a sail boat. Go from zero to skipper as you master the waters at Brighton Marina.
Price: Starts from £50 for paddle boarding, but varies across activities. Contact for more details
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm
Address: Pontoon 6 Western Concourse, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 5UP
Learn more: brightonboating.co.uk/
Beach Cycling Trip
Wrap up a long day of adventuring with some scenic cycling down the beachfront. Push your limits on your own bike, or split the work on a tandem bike. Up the adventure by making it a scavenger hunt that takes you all over the city.
Price: Starting from £6 per hour with better rates for longer periods
Opening Hours: 10:30am-5:30pm on weekdays; 10am-6pm on weekends
Address: 250e Kings Road Arches, 250E Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 1NB
Learn More: brightonbeachbikes.co.uk/
Historical highlights in Brighton
In Brighton to learn about the history of the UK’s most loved seaside city and more? Visiting these attractions will arm you with all the knowledge you need to ace the next Brighton pub quiz.
Brighton Fishing Museum
Dive into Brighton’s maritime heritage as you take in the exhibits showcasing the city’s fishing roots and enrich your understanding of traditional coastal culture. It’s a great place to learn how Brighton grew from humble fishing start.
Price: Free admission
Opening Hours: 10am-4pm
Address: 210 Kings Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 1NB
Learn More: fishingquarter.co.uk/fishing-museum
The Old Police Cells Museum
This captivating museum, located right under the Town Hall, captures perfectly how law and order shaped the city. Explore vintage cells, discover infamous local crimes, and learn all about the historic Mods ‘n’ Rockers clashes.
Price: £5.50 per adult; £4.50 per child, £18 for a family of 3 adults and 2 children
Opening Hours: Fri 2pm-pm; Sat 10:30am-12:30pm. View by booking only
Address: Town Hall, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1JA
Learn more: oldpolicecellsmuseum.com/
Royal Pavilion Brighton
An absolute must-visit for history buffs of all interests! Learn about UK royal history, architecture, cultural interactions, and military history at this famous former royal residence originally built in the 1700s.
Price: £18 per adult; £11 per child
Opening Hours: 10:00am-4:30pm
Address: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1EE
Learn More: brightonmuseums.org.uk/visit/royal-pavilion-garden/
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Brighton culinary tour
With 27 Michelin-starred restaurants, Brighton has more than its fair share of extraordinary eateries. Check out some of the top-rated restaurants and bistros in Brighton (preferably over a couple of days) for a culinary trip you won’t soon forget.
Burnt Orange
This Michelin-starred and twice-winner of the Best Restaurant in Brighton award is an absolute must for any foodies. Located in The Lanes, their Mediterranean basin sharing menu prepared over an open fire delights every time.
Opening Hours: Mon-Wed noon-midnight; Thu-Sat noon-1am; Sun 10am-11pm
Address:59 Middle St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1AL
Learn More: burnt-orange.co.uk/
Little Fish Market
Another well-known Michelin star winner, Little Fish Market has established itself as the premier seafood restaurant in Hove. To date, they’re the most awarded restaurant in the region, with three AA Rosettes every year since 2016.
Opening Hours: Tue-Sat 7pm-10:30pm
Address:10 Upper Market St, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 1AS
Learn more: thelittlefishmarket.co.uk/
Bonsai Plant Kitchen
In only 2 years, the team at Bonsai Plant Kitchen has gone from lockdown takeaway to pub pop-up to second-place winner in the Best Restaurants in Brighton awards. Their coal-cooked southeast Asian vegan dishes are to die for!
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 5pm-9pm; Fri-Sat noon-2pm and 4pm-9pm
Address: 44-45 Baker St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4JN
Learn More: bonsaiplantkitchen.co.uk/
Brighton Nature, Parks, and Hiking
What’s more relaxing than spending some time in the great outdoors? Whether you just want to relax with a good book under a tree or don your hiking boots for something a bit more strenuous and out there, we’ve got you covered.
Preston Park
As the biggest park in Brighton, Preston Park offers the ideal location for a picnic, walkaround, or place to just chill. It regularly hosts fun and popular events and is also home to tonnes of sports facilities, cafes, and points of interest.
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 24/7
Address: Preston Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 6SD
Learn More: brighton-hove.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-arts/parks-and-green-spaces/preston-park
Wild Park Nature Reserve
Wild Park Nature Reserve, just north of Brighton, is the biggest local nature reserve in the area and a great place to get away from the city. It’s easily accessible by public transport and features rich, bio-diverse grasslands and a fort to explore.
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 24/7
Address: North of Brighton
Learn more: brighton-hove.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-arts/parks-and-green-spaces/wild-parkthelittlefishmarket.co.uk/
The Kipling Roedean and Rottingdean Circular Trail
This 7.4km hiking trail takes you all the way to Rottingdean and back. It’s a popular train on a mix of surfaces, with plenty to see and do along the way. You’re welcome to take your dog on the 2h trail, but make sure it’s leashed.
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 24/7
Address: Route starts at 50.81214966447349, -0.08883616419875331. See link below for full route details (free sign-in required)
Learn More: alltrails.com
Biggest and Best Brighton Festivals
Prior to your upcoming visit to Brighton, take a peek at their festival schedule. The city boasts a wide array of festivals with diverse themes, ensuring something to cater to every preference. There’s never a dull moment in Brighton!
Brighton Fringe
Since 1967, the Brighton Fringe Festival has been attracting the top UK performance artists to wow and delight crowds. With comedy, theatre, dance, music, and visual arts extravaganzas set in a festive atmosphere, this annual month-long festival never fails to be a hit.
Price: Varies by show
Festival dates: 3 May to 2 June 2024
Address: Theatres, bars & pubs, public spaces, pop-up venues, and galleries around Brighton
Learn More: brightonfringe.org/
The Great Escape Brighton
The Great Escape music festival is widely regarded as one of the best places to see new and emerging music talent from around the world. The whole city becomes one big party zone as music in every genre imaginable fills the streets. Find your next favourite artist at The Great Escape.
Price: Varies by show
Festival dates: 15-18 May 2024
Address: Theatres, bars & pubs, public spaces, and pop-up venues around Brighton
Learn more: greatescapefestival.com/
Brighton Pride
The Brighton and Hove annual pride festival is one of the biggest of its kind in the world, attracting over 400,000 visitors from around the world. With parades, camps, live performances, film showings, and even a dog show, there’s something for every flavour.
Price: Varies by show/event
Festival dates: 2 – 5 August 2024
Address: Various venues around the city. The pride parade goes past many popular attractions.
Learn More: brighton-pride.org/
Day Trips from Brighton
Using Brighton as your base while exploring the south coast? Really not a bad idea! With lots of interesting and fun attractions within a short drive of Brighton, make a day of seeing what’s around.
Seven Sisters
A mere 20 miles from Brighton, the Seven Sisters Country Park features stunning white chalk cliffs surrounded by meandering rivers and open chalk grassland. Home to grazing livestock, migrating birds, and rare plants, it’s a great place to escape the city for a day.
Price: Free entry
Opening hours: Car park 7am-9pm; visitor centre 10am-5pm
Address:Eastbourne BN20 0AB
Learn More: sevensisters.org.uk/
South Downs National Park
Offering some of the best hiking and cycling trails in the south, South Downs National Park is 1600km² of pure lowland bliss. With all kinds of flora and fauna to discover and plenty of hidden country pubs to take a break in, this option is a photographer’s dream.
Price: £10 per adult, £8per child, £20 per family of up to 2 adults and 3 children
Opening hours: Car park 7am-6pm; visitor centre 10am-4pm
Learn more: southdowns.gov.uk/
Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle stands as a captivating day trip from Brighton, combining history, architecture, and stunning gardens wrapped up in an Instagram-worthy dream. Enjoy interactive exhibits showcasing mediaeval life, or time your visit for a real-life jousting competition.
Price: Starting at £27 per adult, £11 per child, and £61 per family
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10am-5pm
Address: Arundel BN18 9AB
Learn More: arundelcastle.org/
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