Visit Brighton Low 230
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Once you’ve arrived in Newhaven by ferry, it’s very easy to get to Brighton. If you’re travelling without a car, the railway station is just a few minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal: trains and buses run regularly to Brighton.
⛴️ Dieppe → Newhaven
Approx. 4-hour crossing
🚆 Newhaven → Brighton
Approx. 30 minutes by train or car
📅 How long should you allow?
A day or a weekend
From the Royal Pavilion to the colourful beach huts along the seafront, Brighton has no shortage of iconic landmarks. But its charm also lies in its atmosphere, its neighbourhoods full of character and that touch of quirkiness that sets it apart from other English seaside resorts. Here are our must-see attractions for a first visit.
With its domes and minarets, the Royal Pavilion is hard to miss. Once the seaside residence of King George IV, this palace, withits spectacular architecture, still holds many surprises inside, with interiors richly inspired by Asia.
Make the most of your visit by strolling through the Pavilion Gardens, right in the heart of the city.
© Experience Sussex
Slot machines, fairground rides, tasty treats and views of the English Channel: the Brighton Palace Pier encapsulates everything that comes to mind when you think of British seaside resorts.
Walk to the end of the pier, soak up the atmosphere and, why not, treat yourself to the unmissable fish and chips whilst looking out over the sea.
© Charlotte Barrow
This is probably one of the best ways to get a feel for Brighton. In The Lanes, the narrow streets ofthe old fishing district are home to jewellers, independent shops, cafés and hidden courtyards.
A few streets further on, North Laine reveals a more alternative and colourful side to Brighton: second-hand clothes shops, record shops, street art, bookshops, cafés and independent boutiques… Here, a leisurely stroll is part of the experience.
© Chris Harrison
Brighton is also a place where you can feel the sea right at your feet. Take a stroll along its famous pebble beach, sit out on a terrace, cycle along the promenade, or simply wait for the sun to set.
Out at sea, the silhouette of the West Pier – now little more than a ruin – has become one of Brighton’s most iconic sights.
© Chris Harrison
You simply cannot miss this stunning tower rising up facing the sea. From its glass-walled cabin, the Brighton i360 takes you up to a height of 138 metres to enjoy a panoramic view of Brighton, the coastline and, on a clear day, the South Downs. A different way to explore the town… from above.
© James Ratchford
Brighton is also a city best discovered through its food! Independent cafés, street food, world cuisine, great vegetarian and vegan spots, fish and seafood… there’s something for everyone.
As you wander around, treat yourself to a bite to eat in North Laine or The Lanes, or head down to the seafront to sample the unmissable fish and chips. A gourmet break that’s an integral part of the experience!
Brighton is very easy to explore on foot, and the main attractions and neighbourhoods in the centre are quite close to one another. So, if you arrive by train from Newhaven, you can set off straight away to explore the town.
Don’t feel you have to see everything! Independent shops, cafés, street art, the seafront… In Brighton, much of the fun comes from what you stumble upon as you wander.
On the outskirts of Brighton lies the South Downs National Park, with its green hills, villages and wide open spaces. It’s a great way to experience a change of scenery and discover another side of Sussex.
Shelter Hall, Brighton, 24 May 2003, James Ratchford, Sussex, 49 1
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The Royal Pavilion, Brighton – Visitbrighton – James Ratchford
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A Visit to the Colourful North Laine Shop in Brighton by James Ratchford
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The North Laine neighbourhood in Brighton Visitbrighton James Ratchford
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Independent Shops in the North Laine Neighbourhood in Brighton Visitbrighton James Ratchford
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Starlings Over Brighton Palace Pier Visitbrighton James Ratchford
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Brighton is buzzing all year round! Festivals, cultural events and major popular gatherings can also be a good reason to choose the dates for your getaway.
In May, the city comes alive with culture thanks to the Brighton Festival and the Brighton Fringe. Theatre, music, dance, comedy, performances and shows take over venues and some of the city’s most unexpected locations.
Every summer, Brighton & Hove Pride brings colour to the city during a long weekend of celebrations, featuring a parade, concerts and entertainment. It is one of Brighton’s major events, attracting large crowds every year.
Autumn is a lovely time of year to explore Brighton in a more peaceful atmosphere. Why not take the opportunity to stroll through its neighbourhoods, visit its museums or pop into its galleries?
As Christmas approaches, Burning the Clocks lights up the streets of Brighton. This lantern procession ends on the seafront with a large bonfire and a fireworks display: a unique local tradition to celebrate the winter solstice.
Fancy finding out more? Find all the information you need to plan your break, discover other ideas for things to see and do, top spots and activities on the official VisitBrighton website.
