What to Do in Brighton, England

With streets enlivened by rainbow flags and a bohemian crowd, the English destination of Brighton exudes an offbeat cool that few other locales can match. Yet many U.K. tours miss out on this gem, favoring the major northern cities or the undeniable beauty of the southwest. But just 75 minutes from Central London by train — or 35 minutes from Gatwick Airport — Brighton is ideal as an extension to a London trip or as a standalone vacation. 

Here’s our insider travel guide to this can’t-miss seaside resort.

What to Do: Brighton i360, Food Tours and More

Book first-time visitors onto the Brighton i360, a seaside viewing tower from which they can admire the whole city and a vast stretch of the south coast from 450 feet high. The standard experience is a genteel affair, with riders making their ascent in a large donut-shape glass pod. But more adventurous travelers can consider Drop 360, a rappelling-style thrill done from a nerve-jangling height.

For a culinary caper, there’s The V.I.B Tour (Very Independent Brighton) from Brighton Food Tours, an award-winning discovery of seven local indie food outlets and stalls. Clients can also book private experiences with the operator, which can be tailored for groups ranging from eight people to more than 200. 

When it’s time to escape the city, direct clients to the nearby English winelands. Ridgeview, producers of award-winning sparkling wine, run the Classic Tour & Tasting, which includes a walk through the beautiful wine estate in South Downs National Park, followed by a guided tasting with views over chardonnay vines.

Where to Stay: The Grand, The Square Townhouse, Hotel Pelirocco and One Broad Street

There are endless hotels and classic bed-and-breakfast spots in Brighton, which can make choosing the right place for your client difficult. However, you can’t go wrong with The Grand, a time-tested seafront hotel opened in 1864 with the first elevators outside London. There are now 201 luxurious yet traditional rooms, a lauded classic British restaurant and a suitably decadent bar and lounge serving signature cocktails.

Alternatively, in the trendy Kemptown neighborhood, there’s The Square Townhouse, which occupies two Grade II-listed buildings (meaning the building has particular historic and/or architectural significance). There’s sultry, sexy decor throughout, seaview rooms and a cocktail-lounge bar. Try to book the Bubble Rooftop Suite & Terrace, which has views over the city from a private porch. 

For clients who want to experience the full quirky side of Brighton, book Hotel Pelirocco, billed as “England’s most rock ’n’ roll hotel.” There are 19 extravagantly themed rooms, each as offbeat as the next. There’s little to tie the themes together, which is part of the fun; music fans will love the Rebel Rebel room — a homage to David Bowie — while sci-fi aficionados will prefer the Star Wars vibe of Lord Vader’s Quarters. 

Finally, there’s One Broad Street, a more classic boutique. Rooms are styled like an industrial loft with bare-brick walls, open closets and, in some, faux living walls. A location right by The Lanes historic quarter and the seafront doesn’t hurt, either. 

Where to Eat: Terre a Terre, Kindling and The Set

The culinary scene in Brighton hits everything from traditional fish and chips (a classic British seaside experience) to boundary-pushing outlets. Terre a Terre can certainly be considered the latter, serving a daring, aesthetically pleasing collection of meat-free meals. Launched in 1993, it’s now considered one of the top vegetarian-vegan restaurants in the U.K.

Just as exciting is Michelin-recommended Kindling, which dishes out an innovative take on modern British fare. Sustainability plays a vital role in its appeal, meaning minimum waste and local produce, as does the flavor-maximizing grill (fueled by natural charcoal).

Finally, there’s The Set, which only serves up to 16 guests per evening. Each diner receives a menu between 14 and 20 courses; dishes are formed of heritage slow-grown fruit and vegetables, British rare-breed meats and sustainable fish. The whole exquisite experience can take up to three hours — though it will leave clients wishing dinner would never end.

When to Go: Summer and Christmas

Summer, summer, summer: The coastline comes to life when the weather improves, with seemingly the whole city heading to the seaside bars for a cold pint soundtracked by live singers, DJs and buskers. Brighton Pride, the largest LGBTQ festival in the U.K., takes place annually on the first weekend of August with a joyous parade and a star-studded concert.

Winter in Brighton isn’t without charm, though. The holiday season brings the annual Christmas market, where vendors sell handicrafts and mulled wine from wooden chalets, while starling murmurations — one of the greatest animal spectacles in the U.K. — dance over the area’s two piers around sunset.