Brighton is one of the most vibrant, colourful, and creative cities in Europe. Cosmopolitan, compact, energetic, unique, historic, young, and free-spirited, it's a city like no other. Discover the best attractions in Brighton with us. Nestling between the South Downs & the sea on the stunning south coast, Brighton offers everything from Regency heritage to beachfront cool. A fantastic mix of iconic attractions, famed nightlife, award winning restaurants, funky arts, culture and year-round festivals and events Brighton really does have it all.
THE SEALIFE CENTRE
The Sea Life Centre in Brighton is the world's oldest Aquarium with over 140 years of marine discovery. The 1872 building offers all sorts of cool things to do in Brighton. Watch the changes in a coral reef as day fades into night, thanks to a £2.7 million refurbishment, see the stingrays in the Lagoon, and touch sea anemones and starfish in the interactive rock pool.
I360 VIEWING TOWER
Visit the i360 Viewing Tower for stunning, panoramic views of the City's famous landmarks and coastline. Travel up the world’s first vertical cable car to a height of 453 feet, and then steel your nerves with a cup of tea in the tearoom when you’re back on terra firma. If you’re not afraid of heights, you’ll definitely want to add the viewing tower to your list of must-do Brighton attractions.
THE ROYAL PAVILLION
Built for the Prince Regent, later King George IV, in stages between 1787 and 1823, the Royal Pavilion is remarkable for its exotic oriental appearance both inside and out. This magnificent royal pleasure palace was revered by fashionable Regency society and is still a distinctive landmark for vibrant Brighton & Hove today. The Royal Pavilion is also home to some of the finest collections and examples of the chinoiserie style in Britain. The Pavilion boasts a secret tunnel that links it to the nearby Brighton Dome. You can’t explore the tunnel on a standard tour, but special basement and tunnel tours run on selected dates. Make sure you check out listings of what’s on in Brighton if you’d like to take a walk through the tunnel.
THE BRIGHTON PALACE PIER
Since 1899, locals and visitors have flocked to the Brighton Palace Pier for a few hours of fun. Stroll along the Grade II-listed pier and stop for a drink in one of the bars, a cheap and cheerful snack at one of the restaurants (or chippy vans), return to your childhood years by playing a few arcade games, and have a whale of a time on the fairground rides. You’ll leave fully understanding why the pier remains one of the most popular attractions in Brighton.
THE LANES AND NORTH LAINE
If you’re happy to add a spot of exploration and shopping to your list of cool things to do in Brighton, head down to the Lanes. Once the centre of Brighthelmstone, the fishing village that later grew into the city of Brighton and Hove, these bustling, narrow alleyways are lined with quaint 17th-century cottages that now are antique shops, boutiques, cafes, and galleries. Nearby North Laine is an arts-inspired shopping area that also features places of entertainment among its shops, galleries, and cafes.
THE BLUEBELL RAILWAY
Are you a trainspotter or do you have a love of the romantic era of steam trains? If so, you’ll love the Bluebell Railway, which is undoubtedly of the best things to do in Hove or nearby. The world’s first preserved steam train to operate a public service, the Bluebell Railway operates between East Grinstead and Sheffield Park. Most of the engines, carriages, and wagons are pre-1939, and the best way to enjoy the experience of travelling on the train is to go on a themed ride. You can choose from afternoon teas, fine dining, murder mystery nights, and child-friendly Thomas the Tank Engine excursions. Make your visit to the city a memorable one with these top-rated attractions in Brighton.
