Brighton Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing
(Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, England, UK)
It is quite clearly the beaches of Brighton and Hove that steal the show each summer, and many of the city's most popular tourist attractions are often related to the beach or coastline. Consider joining a cruise at the Brighton Marina, taking a walk around Beachy Head, or perhaps cycling along the Undercliff Path.
For steam train rides through the countryside, head to nearby Haywards Heath, directly north of Brighton and Hove, and climb aboard the Bluebell Steam Railway, which has long been a prominent tourist attraction in East Sussex. Alternatively, the Volks Electric Railway runs along much of the seafront, between the pier and the Black Rock (close to the marina), and surprisingly remains the oldest working electric railway anywhere in the world.
Guided Bus Tours
Address: Madeira Parade starting point, Brighton, East Sussex, BN, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 540893
Open-top hop on / off guided bus tours operate throughout the day at regular intervals in the Brighton and Hove area. These tours provide a popular way of sightseeing and with daily hop on / off tickets, they are also a very useful way to travel around, allowing you to get off, have a wander and then catch the next bus. Bus tours connect all of the major points of interest, such as the Royal Pavilion, the Corn Exchange, the seafront and the pier. Guided bus tours are operated by several different companies, including Guide Friday.
Open hours: March to October, daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Walking Tours
The are a number of walking tours available in the Brighton and Hove area and these provide tourists with a real insight into some of area's most interesting and historic tourist attractions, landmarks and information. Further information on the different walking tours in Brighton is available at the Brighton Tourist Information Centre.
Brighton Scenic Pleasure Flights
Address: Main Terminal Building, Shoreham Airport, Shoreham by Sea, BN43 5FF, England
Tel: +07918 902721
Surprisingly affordable and boasting some of the best possible aerial views of the East Sussex coastline, Brighton Scenic Pleasure Flights offer personal guided tours with experienced pilots, and fly all year round (subject to the weather) over Hove, the Brighton Marina, Newhaven, the Seven Sisters, Arundel, Littlehampton and Beachyhead, amongst other destinations. Flights generally last around 25 minutes upwards, depending upon the package. Longer pleasure flights are available and transport you high above
Portsmouth and even the
Isle of Wight, where you can clearly see attractions such as the famous Needles. These popular flights are available close by Brighton, at the Shoreham Airport, which lies just over 11 km / 7 miles to the west, between Shoreham by Sea and Lancing. The small aircraft used are designed with sightseeing flights in mind, featuring high wings to enhance the coastal views and allow uninterrupted photography. Of note, Brighton Scenic is operated by Kevair, who are approved by the Civil Aviation Authority for pleasure flights. A maximum of three passengers per flight applies, and booking ahead is essential.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to dusk (15:00 during the winter months)
Admission: charge, discounts for children (no charge for glasses if you choose to bring champagne for the flight)
Brighton Marina
Address: Brighton Marina Village, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5UF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 693636
The spectacular Brighton Marina is located in the Kemp Town area and is home to an enormous amount of entertainment and attractions for tourists visiting this resort. With cafés, restaurants and bars, most of which have superb views of the harbour, together with shopping facilities, boat trips, a multi-screen cinema and tenpin bowling complex, the marina is actually one of the largest yachting harbours in the United Kingdom.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free
Kemp Town
Address: East of Brighton Pier to Brighton Marina, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2, England
Kemp Town is one of the most lively and friendly areas of Brighton and is full of interesting things to see and do. Attractions in the Kemp Town area include cafés, restaurants, bars, antique shops, unusual independent stores, a large gay seaside community and many beautiful Georgian houses.
Beachy Head
Address: Eastbourne, East Sussex , England
Tel: +44 (0)1323 728060
Beachy Head is one of the most scenic attractions in the area and is located to the east of Brighton. Attractions at this grassy cliff top include spectacular views across the seafront, a nature trail, a visitors centre and picnic areas.
The Lanes
Address: East Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1, England
The Lanes area of the city is full of fascinating Brighton history and character. With narrow streets, historic buildings, street entertainers, jewellery shops, antiques stores, cafés and restaurants, The Lanes area is also home to a number of atmospheric public houses.
Devil's Dyke
Address: Devil's Dyke Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN6 9DY, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 834830
Devil's Dyke, on the north side of the city, is owned and managed by the National Trust. With superb panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the Devil's Dyke is a deep valley and attractions include large areas of grassland ideal for sunbathing, sports, kite-flying, hang-gliding and picnics.
Undercliff Path
Address: Brighton Marina, Brighton, East Sussex, BN, England
The Undercliff Path is a popular walking trail and stretches for around 5 km / 3 miles from Brighton Marina to Saltdean. This scenic pathway has many spectacular views along the way and has been used for over 80 years and is also suitable for cycling.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free
Bluebell Steam Railway
Address: Sheffield Park Station, Haywards Heath, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, England
Tel: +44 (0)1825 720800
The Bluebell Steam Railway, on the outskirts of the resort, is one of the most popular attractions in this area of Brighton and Hove. Featuring lovingly restored steam locomotives, the Bluebell Steam Railway travels between three different train stations and other attractions include a museum, stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a public house, serving snacks.
Open hours: daily - 11:00 to 17:30, trains are less frequent during the winter months
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, seniors and families, children three years old and under are free
Volks Electric Railway (VER)
Address: 285 Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EN, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 292718
With regular trains travelling from Brighton Pier along the seafront to Black Rock, the Volks Electric Railway provides one of the area's most historic things to do. Dating back to the late 19th century, the Volks Railway is actually the oldest electric railway in the United Kingdom.
Open hours: April to September, daily - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors
Brighton Corn Exchange
Address: 29 New Road, North Laine, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UG, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 674357
Located in the North Laine region, the Corn Exchange is one of the most important tourist attractions in the area. Home to regular theatrical events, concerts, sporting contests and conferences, the Corn Exchange hosts many of the city's popular festivals and is located close to the train station.
Theatres
This resort city is home to a number of excellent theatres, that regularly host local theatrical productions, dramas, comedies, concerts, operas, workshops and exhibitions. Popular theatres in the Brighton and Hove area include:
- Little Theatre
Address: 9 Clarence Gardens, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2EG, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 205000
- Marlborough Theatre
Address: 4 Princes Street, Kemp Town, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1RD, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 570028
- Pavilion Theatre
Address: 29 New Road, North Laine, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UG, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 709709
- Theatre Royal
Address: New Road, North Laine, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1SD, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 328488
- New Venture Theatre
Address: Bedford Place, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2TP, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 746118
- Ray Tindle Theatre Centre
Address: Upper Gardner Street, North Laine, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4AN, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 692151
- Sallis Benney Theatre
Address: University of Brighton, 58-64 Grand Parade, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 2JY, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 643010
- Tower Theatre
Address: Pelham Tower, Pelham Street, North Laine, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4FA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 667788
- Akademia
Address: 14 Manchester Street, Kemp Town, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1TF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 622633
- Gardner Arts Centre
Address: University of Sussex, Lewes Road, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 9RA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 685861
- Komedia
Address: Gardner Street, North Laine, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UN, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 647100
Naturist Beach
Address: Black Rock, Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2, England
The Naturist Beach is located in the Kemp Town area of this resort. This secluded, short-stretch of beach is the only naturist beach in the Brighton and Hove area and is a popular spot for those wanting an all-over suntan.
Brighton Centre
Address: Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FL, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 290131
The Brighton Centre is located in the heart of the city centre and hosts many of the city's most important concerts, conferences and festivals. With a vast auditorium, accommodating more than 5,000 people, the centre also has two smaller halls, which are often used for exhibitions and more intimate gigs.
Open hours: box office - 10:00 to 17:30
Body Shop Tour
Address: The Body Shop International Limited, Watersmead, Littlehampton, East Sussex, BN17 6LS, England
Tel: +44 (0)800 960809
One of the city's numerous claims to fame is that it is home to the original Body Shop. Now highly branded and known throughout the world, Body Shop celebrates it origin by offering regular guided tours which run every 20 minutes. Other attractions include a factory shop and bar area.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 15:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, children and families, children five years old and under are free
British Engineerium
Address: Nevill Road, Hove, Brighton, East Sussex, BN3 7QA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 559583
The British Engineerium, in the Hove area, is amongst the main places of interest here. Dating back to the late 19th century, attractions at this restored water pumping station include important steam engines, a historic fire engine, historic motorbikes and a large boiler house.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge