Things to do in Brighton
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Top 10 attractions in Brighton
Royal Pavilion
Brighton is a famous seaside resort city in southeastern England, with a train journey from London taking approx. 1 hour. Besides the beach, the must-see attraction in Brighton is the white building with oriental elements commissioned by George IV—the Royal Pavilion. The palace has been respected and beloved by society and the people to this day, and it remains a highly important and iconic landmark in Brighton. The Royal Pavilion was originally a seaside villa, serving as the residence of George IV and his mistress when he was still the Prince of Wales. In 1815, he ordered the villa to be transformed into a luxurious oriental palace. The transformation from a modest seaside villa to the magnificent structure seen today took approximately 36 years. The exterior of this palace, which bears a striking resemblance to the "Taj Mahal," features an Indo-Chinese pagoda style, with its distinctive white onion domes adding a playful touch. The interior of the palace is extremely magnificent, with Chinese elements permeating everywhere, from the furniture to the murals, vases, and lighting. Surprisingly, it is said that the designer had never actually been to China. At that time, Chinoiserie was popular in Britain, so the designer created the entire interior decoration of the palace based on some books, albums, and their own imagination. Among the interior decorations, the grand chandelier in the banquet hall is particularly noteworthy. A large flying dragon on the ceiling grasps the top of the chandelier with its claws, while six smaller dragons below hold lotus-shaped lamp stands in their mouths. At the center of these six dragons is a circular chandelier. This massive chandelier weighs 1 ton, and the carvings of the dragons are incredibly lifelike, appearing vivid under the lighting. Photography is prohibited inside the palace, so you can only etch the breathtaking beauty of this palace in your memory. The music room in the palace can host wedding banquets in the evening, while newlyweds can also book the red drawing room for small private weddings during the day, and then come to the park to take wedding photos.Brighton · 41m from downtown
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is located in East Sussex in southeast England, United Kingdom, extending along the English Channel coastline. It is a seaside leisure area shared by the cities of Brighton and Hove. It is characterized by its pebble beach, with wide seaside promenades, benches, and various seaside facilities along the shore. The open waters and noticeable tidal changes invite visitors to walk along the coast, enjoy the sea view, and soak in the coastal scenery of southern England. It combines urban leisure facilities and seaside commercial areas, making it an important part of local daily life and tourism.Brighton · 425m from downtown
The Lanes
Brighton, now a holiday destination, has long since forgotten the label of a small fishing village, but the land still retains traces of history. The alley area to the south of the Imperial Pavilion is where the original small fishing village was located. Now there are many interesting small shops, bars and restaurants built on the original streets. The graffiti on the walls is also very literary and has a feeling of Xiamen Gulangyu Island. In addition to "Gay", "Hippie" (hippie) is also one of Brighton's iconic elements, which you will deeply experience here. This small alley is intricate and easy to get lost, but the dazzling array of small shops can make your shopping enjoyable, especially girls, who can always find their favorite small objects as souvenirs.Brighton · 263m from downtown
Seven Sisters Country Park
Seven Sisters Country Park borders the English Channel and is named after the seven connected chalk cliffs within the park. Located on the coastline of East Sussex, these cliffs are a geological feature formed by the long-term erosion of the South Downs by the sea. The cliffs are composed of chalk formed by the remains of marine micro-organisms deposited tens of millions of years ago; they are entirely white, creating a striking contrast with the emerald green grass on the cliff tops and the blue sea below. The Cuckmere Haven area within the park is one of the most recognizable views along the entire coastline. The winding stream flows through the chalk valley into the sea, and the estuary mudflats and surrounding chalk grasslands together form an important ecological habitat where various seabirds and migratory birds can be observed year-round. The Coastguard Cottages by the estuary are a classic spot for photographing the panoramic view of the seven cliffs; looking east from here, you can see the full silhouette of the cliffs arranged in sequence. The South Downs Way, which winds along the cliff tops, is a classic hiking route for experiencing the full view of the cliffs. Walking along the undulating cliff ridges, you have an unobstructed view of the English Channel on one side and open grasslands and pastures on the other. The cliffs are constantly changing shape due to continuous sea erosion, and cliff faces occasionally collapse into the sea, which means the silhouette of the cliff line you see each time you visit may be slightly different. The Seven Sisters cliffs have also appeared in many films and television shows; because the cliffs are white and free from modern architectural interference, they are often used as a stand-in for the White Cliffs of Dover. The coastal background of the Quidditch World Cup stadium in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," the final scene of "Atonement," and the opening shots of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" were all filmed here.Seaford · 21.9km from Brighton
Brighton i360
The world's tallest mobile observation tower, British Airwaysi360, opened to the public on August 4, 2017. The project was designed by Marks Barfield Architects, the firm that designed the iconic London Eye. The i360 observation tower can transport 200 tourists at the same time to a height of 138 meters to enjoy the views of Brighton city and the Sussex coast of the English Channel. With a height to width ratio of 40:1, the tower is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's tallest tower.Brighton and Hove · 973m from Brighton
Beachy Head
Beachy Head is a chalk headland on the coast of Sussex in southern England, adjacent to Eastbourne, located to the east of the Seven Sisters cliffs and within the South Downs National Park. Its name actually has nothing to do with a beach, as it is a corruption of the French for "beautiful headland." The clifftop rises approx. 160m above sea level, making it the highest chalk sea cliff in the United Kingdom, with cliffs that drop almost vertically into the English Channel. On clear days, you can see the straight coastline towards Dungeness to the east, and the silhouette of the Isle of Wight to the west. A red and white striped lighthouse stands in the sea, built in 1902, and the image of it framed against the snow-white cliffs is an iconic view of this coastline.Eastbourne · 27.7km from Brighton
London Eye
Take a ride on the incredible 135-metre London Eye and enjoy a panoramic view of London's stunning skyline, packed with iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and more. Ride during the day, at night, at sunset, or at dusk—which will you choose? The London Eye has a total of 32 air-conditioned, fully enclosed cabins, each of which can accommodate approximately 25 people. It takes about half an hour to complete a full rotation. The cabins are equipped with explanations of various sights in London, which play when they rotate to the corresponding angle. In addition, touch-sensitive information panels are also available.London · 75.7km from Brighton
The British Museum
The British Museum is one of the largest and most renowned museums in the world. The British Museum houses over 8 million cultural relics and treasures from around the globe, with its vast quantity and diversity of collections being rare among museums worldwide. Rich collection of treasures Due to its vast collection, The British Museum can nearly showcase the entire course of world civilization. Despite spatial limitations, it still displays approx. 50,000 items simultaneously. The main collections date from the medieval period, with particular renown for ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman artifacts, alongside a wealth of precious cultural relics from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Many cultural treasures from around the world can only be seen in their authentic form here. Ancient Greek-style main building The main building emulates ancient Greek architecture, featuring a grand entrance with a tall colonnade flanked by eight thick and towering Roman-style columns on each side, topped by a pediment roof adorned with reliefs. Entering through the main door leads to the great court, which is connected to over 100 galleries of various sizes surrounding it. Inspired by the Louvre Pyramid, the great court is bright, spacious, and elegantly minimalist. Bright central atrium The great court was originally part of the British Library. After the library moved out, it was transformed into a covered square with a white color scheme. The square's massive semi-transparent roof is composed of many uniquely shaped glass panels, combined with white stone, ensuring excellent lighting even on gloomy days in London. The sculptures displayed in the court are genuine treasures, such as the marble lion and Easter Island statues. Additionally, artists from around the world occasionally perform here, adding a relaxed atmosphere to the solemn museum. At the center of the grand atrium is the reading room, displaying art literature and books open to the public, where travelers can admire the dome and quaint circular bookshelves up close. The entrance of the reading room is marked with the names of notable figures to commemorate their time spent reading here. Cafés and restaurants are located on both sides and above the grand atrium, offering dining options with a view overlooking the entire space. Along the outer edge of the reading room lies the museum shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs after their tour. Three iconic treasures The Rosetta Stone: Originally from Egypt, this stone bears three different script versions of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh's decree. Through comparing these scripts, archaeologists gradually unlocked the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian civilization. However, the Rosetta Stone displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a replica. Admonitions scroll: The scroll consists of 12 paintings in total, with The British Museum housing 9 Tang dynasty replica versions. The Admonitions scroll ranks 39th in BBC's "A History of the World in 100 Objects," highlighting its immense cultural and historical value. Throughout history, the scroll has been collected by numerous emperors and high-ranking officials. The Elgin Marbles: These are sculptural fragments from the Parthenon, with a history of over 2,500 years. They have been housed in the museum for over 200 years since the British royal family purchased them at great expense. Specialty exhibition halls Asian pavilions: Halls 33 and 95. Hall 33 features artifacts from China, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, including collections from countries like India. Hall 33B is dedicated to Chinese jade artifacts, while Hall 95 showcases Chinese ceramics. The British Museum is one of the museums with the largest collections of lost Chinese artifacts, housing over 25,000 pieces, with approx. 2,000 on long-term display. The exhibition is meticulously designed, organizing Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes along a chronological sequence, displaying artifacts from the Shang and Zhou, Qin and Han, to the Republican era. The major kilns of porcelain are divided into different curated sections by Ru, Ge, Jun, Ding, and Guan styles, presented professionally and systematically. Recommended artifacts to admire include large Tang tri-color ceramics, the Song Cizhou kiln "circus pillow," the Yuan blue-and-white fish and algae pattern large plate, Ming Xuande cloisonné, and Dunhuang mural Buddha statues. Ancient Egypt exhibition hall: halls 4, 61-66. One of the popular spots in the museum. The exhibits include mummies. The ancient Egypt hall is also one of the most visited exhibition halls, and almost all visitors to The British Museum make it a must-see. Ancient Greek and Roman galleries: rooms 11-23, 69-73, 77, 78, 82-85. The entire Parthenon is truly awe-inspiring, along with numerous ancient Greek marble sculptures and exquisite artifacts like vases. Don't miss the Portland Vase in room 70. Some exhibits are not suitable for long-term display and are only open during specific periods each year (including the mentioned Admonitions scroll). If you plan to visit, check the schedule on the official website in advance.London · 77.5km from Brighton
Coastguard Cottages
Located in East Sussex in southern England, Coastguard Cottages are a group of picturesque historic buildings situated on the edge of the cliffs at Seven Sisters Country Park, overlooking the English Channel. Built in the 19th century, these cottages were once used to house the coastguard to assist with maritime rescue and prevent smuggling. Today, these cottages have become a popular destination for tourists and photography enthusiasts due to their unique location and historical significance. The architectural style of Coastguard Cottages is elegant yet rustic, and their white walls create a striking contrast with the surrounding green grass and deep blue sea. It not only offers excellent photo opportunities but also allows visitors to soak in a rich historical atmosphere. Visitors can hike on nearby trails to enjoy the magnificent views of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and, on clear days, look out toward the coast of France. In addition to the natural beauty, the area around Coastguard Cottages offers a wealth of outdoor activity options, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking. For visitors who wish to learn more about the local history and culture, nearby museums and exhibitions also provide a wealth of information and exhibits. Whether for a short sightseeing trip or a leisurely vacation, Coastguard Cottages can provide an ideal retreat for visitors, combining natural beauty with historical charm.Seaford · 21.1km from Brighton
Buckingham Palace
Explore the nineteen magnificent state rooms at Buckingham Palace, where the royal family hosts state activities and grand ceremonies. You will stroll through the white drawing room, music room, state room, and blue drawing room, culminating in the highlight of the tour—the throne room. The arch and canopy were designed by architect John Nash. The pair of thrones in the room were used consecutively for the coronations of Elizabeth II and Charles III. The king's official portrait after his coronation was photographed here and is now permanently displayed alongside the queen's portrait. △ In the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, a guard detachment replaces another to become the king's guard, marching from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace accompanied by music. △ At Buckingham Palace's King's Gallery, travelers can view constantly updated exhibitions of the royal collection, including works by old masters, rare furniture, decorative art, and a vast array of photographs. △ The royal mews is one of the world's prestigious still-operating mews, and also houses the collection of royal carriages, Windsor greys, and Cleveland bays. To this day, the mews remains responsible for the transportation of His Majesty the King and other members.London · 75.5km from Brighton
Experiences you can't miss in Brighton
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Free things to do in Brighton
Royal Pavilion
Brighton · 41m from downtownImmediate access, Book now for todayBrighton Beach
Brighton · 425m from downtownThe Lanes
Brighton · 263m from downtownSeven Sisters Country Park
Seaford · 21.9km from BrightonBrighton i360
Brighton and Hove · 973m from BrightonBeachy Head
Eastbourne · 27.7km from BrightonLondon Eye
London · 75.7km from BrightonImmediate access, Book now for todayThe British Museum
London · 77.5km from BrightonCoastguard Cottages
Seaford · 21.1km from BrightonBuckingham Palace
London · 75.5km from Brighton
More ways to travel from Brighton
Private Tours in Brighton
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What travellers say about Brighton
M75***0223 July 2025
5.0
It is worth a visit. The palace is very luxurious and exquisite not only at that time but also now. The Chinese elements are very shocking. Among the many castles and palaces in Europe, the Chinese elements are the main ones. You can also see the wallpaper, furniture and porcelain customized in Guangzhou, China at that time.
Royal Pavilion
JamesHall22 September 2024
4.0
I went here back last year in September with some friends for an extended weekend, Brighton certainly has a lot of nice nightlife and sights to see.
Brighton Beach
Mrs LBA16 October 2019
5.0
more like a downtown touristy place with many cafes and cosmetic shops. very easy to get lost while looking for some place on maps. almost did when i was lookong for Mac cosmetics...you will find Jo Malone, Bobby Brown and Mac cosmetics all in one small area. and coffee shops too. on my second attempt i was looking for pizza express and i almost missed it. hehehh the lanes is one place that gets you wondering what exactly is going on with your maps application. definately recomend you to not miss it while in brighton. on your way to lanes you will meet Tmax the famous brand discount shop and boy, you will thank me then.
The Lanes
Travelwithblueeyes13 November 2023
5.0
7 sisters came here by bus nice views off the cliffs vibes are amazing so many adventurous exploring friendly people about definitely worth going to remember very windy bring a jacket
Seven Sisters Country Park
Sad 0419 August 2024
4.0
loved the view from the top but the whole experience finishes kind of quick.
Brighton i360
long_distance_adventures11 October 2026
5.0
This summer, my partner and I embarked on a coastal road trip around the south of England, and one stop that stole our hearts entirely was the iconic Seven Sisters. To say the views here are breathtaking would be putting it mildly. The sheer, precipitous scale of the white chalk cliffs plunging into the sea, the narrow footpath hugging the rugged coastline, and that striking red-and-white lighthouse standing solitary in the clear, turquoise water—it truly is travel perfection personified. If you ever visit, be sure to carve out plenty of time to simply sit back and drink in the views.
Beachy Head
Catherine Kwong14 October 2026
5.0
Wonderful experience, very nice view and lovely weather in early Aug
London Eye
Chelsea小星10 October 2026
5.0
I visited the British Columbia University 10 years ago and found it quite challenging. This time, I decided to opt for a guided tour, and the experience was immediately different. The guide was very knowledgeable, providing excellent depth and breadth in their explanations, and answered my questions very well.
The British Museum
lilianna03093 September 2026
5.0
After visiting Windsor Castle and Chatsworth House (Darcy Estate), we then visited Buckingham Palace.
If you could only visit one palace in the UK, it would have to be Buckingham Palace.
Photography is not allowed inside the royal palaces, as is the case with Windsor Castle, so we could focus on the guided tour.
The gift shop after the Buckingham Palace tour has some limited-edition items available only there, making great souvenirs.
I bought a Buckingham Palace + Royal Horse Stables combo ticket. The product page stated that visiting the Royal Horse Stables allowed direct entry to Buckingham Palace, but this wasn't actually the case.
The State Rooms and the Royal Horse Stables are exchanged at two separate locations, not far apart. However, the ticket exchange and verification are handled by different people, and the verification personnel strictly adhere to the reserved time.
The Royal Horse Stables houses the Golden Carriage used exclusively for coronation ceremonies, which is worth seeing; there are also carriages for tourists to ride in and take photos.
Buckingham Palace
