Brighton has long been London’s favorite coastal escape, but this vibrant seaside gem offers so much more than just pebble beaches and fish and chips!
With its eclectic mix of Regency architecture, bohemian shops, innovative restaurants, and infectious energy, Brighton captivates visitors of all ages.
From family adventures to romantic escapes and adult-only outings, I’ve curated this guide of the most fun things to do in Brighton to help you explore the best nooks and hidden corners tailored to your travel companions.
Fun Things To Do In Brighton With Kids
1. Brighton Palace Pier
- What to expect: Classic seaside fun with arcade games, rides, and food stalls
- Perfect for: Thrill-seeking kids of all ages
- Top tip: Visit on weekday mornings to avoid the crowds
- Address: Madeira Dr, Brighton, BN2 1TW
Brighton Palace Pier is childhood nostalgia in its purest form. The historic structure stretches out into the sea, housing everything from vintage penny arcades to modern thrill rides.
The Turbo Coaster delivers breathtaking views alongside screams of delight, while the traditional carousel never fails to charm younger children.
Pack some extra coins for the arcade games – watching your children experience the same simple joys that entertained previous generations creates those core memory moments.
Grab freshly made doughnuts or cotton candy for the full sensory experience that defines British seaside traditions.
2. SEA LIFE Brighton
- What to expect: The world’s oldest operating aquarium with 5,500+ sea creatures
- Perfect for: Curious minds and marine enthusiasts
- Top tip: Book online for significant discounts and to skip the lines
- Address: Marine Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN2 1TB
Housed in stunning Victorian architecture, SEA LIFE Brighton combines history and marine conservation in one magical package.
The glass-tunnel walkway through the ocean tank creates those jaw-dropping moments as sharks and rays glide silently overhead.
The interactive rockpool experiences allow little hands to gently touch starfish and anemones, creating connections with marine life that textbooks simply can’t match.
The conservation messaging is thoughtfully crafted for young audiences, inspiring the next generation of ocean advocates without overwhelming them.
3. Brighton Toy and Model Museum
- What to expect: Over 10,000 vintage toys and models in a Victorian archway setting
- Perfect for: Nostalgic parents and imaginative kids
- Top tip: Look for the operational train sets that run throughout the day
- Address: 52-55 Trafalgar St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1 4EB
Tucked away in the Victorian arches beneath Brighton Station, this charming museum houses one of Britain’s finest collections of toys and models.
The vintage train sets capture children’s attention for surprisingly long periods, while parents often find themselves transported back to their own childhoods.
The museum strikes that perfect balance between engaging displays and historical significance, with knowledgeable volunteers who genuinely love sharing stories about the collections.
It’s an ideal rainy-day activity and provides a welcome respite from the bustling beachfront.
4. Booth Museum of Natural History
- What to expect: A Victorian natural history collection with dinosaur bones and hundreds of bird specimens
- Perfect for: Young scientists and nature lovers
- Top tip: Ask about the explorer backpacks that offer interactive elements for kids
- Address: 194 Dyke Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1 5AA
This hidden gem houses Edward Booth’s extraordinary Victorian collection of British birds alongside dinosaur bones, fossils, and butterflies.
The interactive discovery zone encourages hands-on learning, while the Victorian collecting methods provide opportunities for thoughtful discussions about how our relationship with nature has evolved.
Unlike larger museums that can overwhelm younger children, the Booth’s manageable size makes it perfect for curious minds with limited attention spans.
The staff are great at engaging with young visitors, making complex scientific concepts accessible through storytelling and interactive elements.
5. Brighton Zip
- What to expect: A 300-meter zip line along the beachfront
- Perfect for: Adventure-seeking families with older children
- Top tip: Book the dual zip line so family members can race each other
- Address: Madeira Dr, Brighton, BN2 1TB
For families of thrill-seekers, Brighton Zip delivers an unforgettable adrenaline rush with panoramic views.
The 300-meter line runs parallel to the beach, offering a seagull’s perspective of the coastline as you zoom from the 32-meter-high launch tower.
The minimum age is 8 years (with height restrictions), making this an ideal activity for families with older children looking for something beyond traditional attractions.
The professional safety briefings and equipment checks reassure anxious parents, while the post-zip certificate gives kids bragging rights long after the vacation ends.
Things To Do In Brighton For Adults
6. North Laine
- What to expect: A bohemian shopping district with over 300 unique independent shops
- Perfect for: Treasure hunters and style seekers
- Top tip: Start early on Saturdays when the atmosphere is at its best
North Laine represents Brighton’s creative soul—a maze of narrow streets housing everything from vintage clothing stores to artisan jewelers and record shops.
Unlike characterless shopping malls, every store here tells a story through carefully curated collections that you simply won’t find elsewhere.
Snoopers Paradise on Kensington Gardens is the crown jewel—an antique emporium where hours disappear as you sift through retro treasures.
Between shopping stops, refuel at one of the independent coffee shops or grab something from the street food vendors that add to the area’s sensory appeal.
7. Brighton Pavilion
- What to expect: An exotic royal palace with stunning Asian-inspired architecture
- Perfect for: Design lovers and history buffs
- Top tip: The basement kitchen tour offers fascinating insights into royal life
- Address: The Royal Pavilion Brighton, BN1 1FN
The Royal Pavilion defies architectural categorization—a fantasy blend of Indian and Chinese styles created as King George IV’s seaside pleasure palace.
The exterior alone stops first-time visitors in their tracks, but it’s the restored interiors that truly astonish.
The music room, with its cocoon of gilded dragons and thousand-arm chandeliers, creates genuine moments of awe, while the great kitchen offers fascinating glimpses into historic royal dining.
The audio guide enhances the experience considerably, revealing the scandals and excesses that make this palace so much more than just a pretty facade.
8. Brighton Gin Distillery Tour
- What to expect: Behind-the-scenes look at craft gin production with generous tastings
- Perfect for: Spirit enthusiasts seeking local flavors
- Top tip: The Masterclass option lets you create your own gin to take home
- Address: 35a Vale Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN41 1GD
Brighton Gin has become emblematic of the city’s craft revival, and their distillery tours offer both education and indulgence.
The passionate guides explain the botanical selection process and distillation techniques before guiding you through a tasting flight that showcases their award-winning spirits.
The signature pale blue bottles make perfect souvenirs, especially as they’re made with locally sourced ingredients and sustainability principles.
The location in an unassuming building near Hove adds to the authentic, non-commercial feel of the experience.
9. Devil’s Dyke
- What to expect: Stunning natural valley with panoramic views just outside the city
- Perfect for: Hikers and nature lovers seeking tranquility
- Top tip: The viewpoint car park gets busy; take the open-top bus from Brighton instead
Just 5 miles from central Brighton, Devil’s Dyke offers a complete change of pace—a breathtaking natural valley in the South Downs with views stretching for miles.
Legend claims the devil dug this massive valley to flood the churches of the Weald, adding mythical intrigue to your hike.
The moderate walking trails cater to different fitness levels, while the Devil’s Dyke pub provides perfect post-hike refreshment.
This excursion showcases how Brighton offers both urban energy and natural beauty within easy reach—something few British cities can claim.
10. Secret Of The Lanes Cocktail Tour
- What to expect: Guided exploration of hidden bars and speakeasies with craft cocktails
- Perfect for: Nightlife enthusiasts seeking local insights
- Top tip: Book a private tour for a more personalized experience
- Address: Palace Pier, Brighton, BN2 1TW
Brighton’s historic Lanes transform after dark into a cocktail lover’s playground, with tucked-away bars requiring local knowledge to discover.
These guided tours take you beyond the tourist traps to spaces where mixologists craft exceptional drinks with theatrical flair.
Between venues, guides share fascinating stories about the Lanes’ smuggling history and architectural quirks.
The small group format encourages connections with fellow travelers, often leading to continued exploration long after the official tour ends—exactly the kind of spontaneous social experience that makes travel memorable.
Things To Do In Brighton For Couples
11. Sunset Beach Walk to Hove
- What to expect: Romantic seafront stroll passing colorful beach huts and seaside art
- Perfect for: Relaxed couples seeking simple pleasures
- Top tip: Time your walk to catch sunset at Hove’s beach huts for perfect photo opportunities
The seafront promenade connecting Brighton to neighboring Hove offers that rare combination of accessibility and romance.
As you leave central Brighton behind, the atmosphere transforms from carnival-esque energy to peaceful seaside charm.
The row of pastel-colored beach huts in Hove creates an iconic backdrop for sunset photos, while the artisan cafés along the route provide perfect pitstops.
This walk requires nothing but comfortable shoes and good company—a reminder that sometimes the simplest activities create the most lasting memories.
12. Bluebell Railway
- What to expect: Heritage steam train journey through the picturesque Sussex countryside
- Perfect for: Nostalgic couples seeking old-world charm
- Top tip: The Premier Dining experience with a multi-course meal in restored Pullman carriages elevates the journey
Just a short drive from Brighton, the Bluebell Railway offers a step back in time aboard meticulously restored steam trains.
The route winds through countryside that seems unchanged for centuries, creating a peaceful shared experience away from digital distractions.
The beautifully preserved Victorian stations feature in numerous films and TV shows, adding a touch of cinematic romance to your journey.
The experience manages to be both exciting and peaceful—that rare combination that makes for perfect shared memories.
13. Bewilder Box Escape Room
- What to expect: Sci-fi themed immersive escape experiences with cutting-edge tech and storytelling
- Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and fans of narrative-driven challenges
- Top tip: For something totally unexpected, check if their mobile “T.U.R.D.I.S.” experience is in town—a hilarious 15-minute escape challenge inside a portable toilet complete with disco ball
- Address: The Brunswick, 1 Holland Road, Brighton & Hove, BN3 1JF
The award-winning Bewilder Box has elevated the escape room concept into something truly extraordinary.
Forget padlocks and combination safes—these rooms integrate advanced technology, theatrical elements, and compelling storytelling that make you the protagonist in your own sci-fi adventure.
Founded by comedy writers and performers, the rooms feature genuinely funny dialogue and characters that add layers of entertainment beyond the puzzles themselves. The attention to detail in the set design creates total immersion from the moment you enter.
What’s cool is that the challenges require different types of intelligence, making them perfect for groups with diverse skills. The varying difficulty levels mean there’s something for both first-timers and experienced escape artists, while the sci-fi themes create memorable experiences that you’ll be talking about long after you’ve solved the final puzzle.
14. Twilight at the i360
- What to expect: A glass viewing pod that glides 450 feet above Brighton with a champagne bar
- Perfect for: View-seeking couples looking for that special occasion moment
- Top tip: Book the last ascent of the day to catch both sunset and the town lighting up below
- Address: Lower Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2LN
There’s something undeniably romantic about rising slowly above a cityscape as day transitions to night.
The Brighton i360, formally known as the British Airways i360, offers exactly this experience—a futuristic glass pod that elevates you high above Brighton’s rooftops for breathtaking 360-degree views of the coastline, South Downs, and on clear days, all the way to the Isle of Wight.
While some write it off as merely a tourist attraction, booking the final “twilight flight” transforms it into a genuinely romantic experience.
The changing light creates a magical atmosphere as the coastline turns golden, then dusky blue, before Brighton’s lights begin to twinkle below. The champagne bar inside the pod means you can toast the view (and each other) at the perfect moment.
For an extra-special occasion, you can even book private pods for proposals or anniversaries.
15. Royal Pavilion Basement and Tunnel Tours
- What to expect: Exploration of hidden smugglers’ tunnels beneath historic Brighton
- Perfect for: History-loving couples seeking unusual experiences
- Top tip: Evening tours create a more atmospheric experience
Few visitors realize that beneath Brighton’s streets lies a network of smugglers’ tunnels dating back centuries.
These guided tours beneath the Royal Pavilion reveal Brighton’s shadowy past, when contraband moved secretly between shore and city.
The intimate group sizes and atmospheric lighting create natural opportunities for hand-holding and shared moments of discovery.
The stories of romance and intrigue from Brighton’s smuggling heyday add a touch of historical passion to the experience, making this far more engaging than standard historical tours.
Before You Visit Brighton
Brighton’s popularity means accommodation books up quickly, especially during summer months and festival weekends. Plan at least 2-3 months ahead for peak season visits, especially if you want seafront hotels.
The city is extremely walkable, so comfortable shoes are essential for making the most of your stay. The train station is centrally located, making Brighton perfect for car-free travel—a blessing given the notorious parking challenges.
Most importantly, Brighton embraces spontaneity and serendipitous discoveries. Leave room in your itinerary for wandering, for following interesting-looking alleyways, and for the unexpected street performances that make this city so magical.
The best Brighton experiences often happen when you least expect them!