Travel to Brighton - England | Keytours Vacations

Discover Brighton's Wonders

Brighton

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Description

Formerly known as Brighthelmstone, the town used to be a simple fishing village. It was not until the late 18th century that Brighthelmstone gained much attention when a doctor began prescribing bathing in the town's seawater to his patients. From then on, it increasingly attracted visitors, including numerous royals. With the continued patronage of visitors from all over the world, tourism in Brighton flourished, and over the years, Brighton evolved from a simple fishing village into a beach getaway with hotels and commercial establishments. Among the most popular spots is the Brighton Marina, a man-made marina with a working harbour that is filled with residential and commercial establishments. The attractiveness of the city was further accentuated by the architecture of the surrounding villages. Economic growth brought about by tourism was complemented by the promotion of arts and culture. There is always something on in Brighton, from cultural performances to festivals, all of which make Brighton one of the most cultural cities in Europe. Today, Brighton is among the top holiday destinations in Europe. Tourists from all walks of life pour in not only to indulge in its innate beauty and art but also to relax and be free in a city that fosters openness, creativity and diversity.

Useful information

Population:

Brighton and Hove: 290,885

Currency:

British pounds, £1 = 100 pence

Emergency Info:

112 or 999 for police, fire or ambulance

Opening Hours:

Most establishments are usually open Mon–Sat 9am–5:30pm while some department stores open at about 10 or 11am, especially on Sundays. There are large supermarkets that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do & See

American Express Stadium

With more than 30,000 seating capacity and high-class facilities, the American Express Stadium is the brand new home of Brighton and Hove Albion FC. The stadium has different kinds of sections that vary from a family stand to a singing section to suit individual preferences, and of course, create a delightful and exciting football experience.

BK Kayaking

Make the most out of your wonderful stay in Brighton Beach, by learning the basics of sea kayaking conducted by the qualified B.C.U. coaches of B.K. Kayaking. The courses are designed for beginners or as refresher courses for those who already have experience. Just bring a towel and a pair of tight-fitting shoes, because all the equipment needed will be provided.

Booth Museum of Natural History

The Booth Museum of Natural History, named after its founder, Edward Booth, houses over half a million specimens and data about natural history that has been compiled over many centuries. There are dinosaur bones, killer whale skeletons, British bird exhibits, a wide variety of preserved insects and a lot more. Through interactive displays, hands-on activities and distinctive exhibitions, this museum never fails to bring natural history to life.

Brighton City Walks

In just an hour and a half, you can relive the colourful history of Brighton through guided walking city tours. Join Brighton City Walks and discover the secrets of Brighton and how it evolved from a humble fishing village into a fashionable tourist destination.

Brighton Fishing Museum

Curious about Brighton’s historical past? Come and visit the Brighton Fishing Museum and relive Brighton’s idyllic past as a modest fishing village and how it evolved into a contemporary beach holiday destination.

Brighton Marina

The Brighton Marina is one of the most popular spots in the city. It is one of the biggest man-made marinas in Europe and accordingly offers a complete package of fun and excitement from its fancy restaurants, boutiques, shops and service centres to its casinos, leisure and gaming areas and water activities.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

The Brighton Museum and Art Gallery features superb exhibits that depict Brighton’s history and its cultural heritage. With a lot of interactive displays, valuable artworks and interesting furniture in vibrant galleries, it is definitely worth visiting.

Brighton Pier

Formerly known as the Palace Pier, this picturesque Victorian pier has always been included in the list of holiday destinations in Brighton and venue for special events. It offers rides and attractions for the whole family, plus a lot of fancy restaurants, food kiosks and bars to choose from.

Dining

Al Duomo

Al Duomo is one of the most popular authentic Italian restaurants in Brighton. Their menu includes sumptuous Italian dishes like pizzas and pasta, and a delicious selection of wines matches the dishes perfectly.

Burger Brothers

Using only fresh and locally produced ingredients, Burger Brothers offers yummy dishes with delectable combinations on their menu. If burgers is your thing, come here for a great gastronomic experience.

Casalingo

Casalingo offers a sumptuous Italian gourmet menu in a relaxing atmosphere in the city of Brighton. With a big selection of authentic Italian dishes made from fresh ingredients to choose from, this is perfect for a simple dinner, family gathering, or romantic date.

Giggling Squid

At Giggling Squid Restaurant you can enjoy authentic Thai dishes. Located on Market Street, this restaurant serves spicy and flavourful Thai dishes made from fresh ingredients by Thai chefs.

Iydea

Iydea is a vegetarian restaurant offering delicious and healthy cuisine. Their dishes are made upon request so guests can choose the ingredients that they want to include in their meal. You can find Iydea at two locations in town.

Plateau

Plateau Restaurant serves organic, tasty but affordable wines that match their sumptuous dishes and desserts. The ambiance is rustic and relaxed and it is a perfect place both for nibbles and a glass of wine or a complete dinner with friends.

Riddle & Finns

Riddle & Finns offers a variety of traditional seafood dishes made of nothing but fresh ingredients. You can also enjoy the open kitchen and watch your food being prepared. They have two restaurants, so choose between the original Brighton Lanes Oyster Bar or the other one on the beach with a beautiful sea view.

Terre a Terre

With a great location close to the beach, Terre a Terre is considered to be one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the UK. It offers tasty vegetarian dishes and organic wines, which even meat lovers will enjoy.

Cafés

Billie's

Billie's is a popular café famous for its delicious breakfast served all day with oversized hash browns and pancakes. Be sure to come hungry!

Boho Gelato

Boho Gelato offers unique and flavourful traditional Italian ice cream in Brighton. The special and delicious array of ice cream flavours includes non-dairy alternatives. They also offer great-tasting coffee and waffles in their small café, perfect to enjoy during a cold and rainy day.

Bread & Milk

Bread & Milk is a café that serves homemade cakes and pastries along with a cup of fresh coffee or tea as well as other dishes. The friendly and relaxing atmosphere together with their delicious meals makes you want to come back for more.

Cafe Coho

Cafe Coho is an independent espresso bar and café, conveniently located just a two-minute walk from the famous Brighton Beach. Inside, the café exudes an industrial charm with exposed bricks, Victorian church seating, and reclaimed wood, accompanied by cool background music, providing a unique and inviting setting for visitors to unwind and enjoy breakfast, savoury snacks, and cakes.

Coffee At 33

Coffee At 33 is the perfect place to take a quick break. Come here to enjoy a cup of great-tasting coffee, luscious cakes and desserts in a relaxed atmosphere, served by their friendly staff.

LoveFit Cafe

LoveFit Café offers sumptuous food that everyone can enjoy without feeling guilty. Everything on their menu is made only from fresh and healthy ingredients and they offer bigger servings with less fat and fewer calories. Perfect for everyone working out or just looking for a healthy option.

Lucky Beach

Lucky Beach is a popular café located on Brighton Beach. They serve savoury burgers and other dishes that can be enjoyed with tasty drinks while enjoying the breathtaking sea view.

Marmalade

A morning in Kemptown can easily be spent eating a luscious breakfast at Café Marmalade. They serve hot and aromatic coffee, along with a variety of sandwiches and cakes.

Bars & Nightlife

Bohemia

Bohemia is a popular and award-winning cocktail bar that serves nothing but fresh and home-made modern European dishes, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and they also have terrific cocktails and spirits served by its skilled barmen.

Concorde 2

Concorde 2 is an esteemed live music venue and night club that features state of the art music and lighting system. This is a very popular venue in Brighton because of its professional value, friendly approach and great live music, including some of the world’s best international performers.

Lucky Voice Brighton

Lucky Voice Brighton is a great venue for those who want to sing their hearts out. They provide private karaoke rooms and outstanding cocktails that are perfect for chilling with friends, parties and other celebrations. They also have a cocktail bar for those who simply want to relax and drink.

Maggie Mae's Bar

This is a classy lounge bar that serves a wide range of cocktails and liquors in a sophisticated way, but at reasonable prices. Make your selection from their long drink list and enjoy a fun night with your friends, any day of the week. Their cocktail classes are particularly popular.

Medusa Bar

Medusa Bar is a cosy and relaxed bar that offers a great selection of liquors, tasty cocktails as well as refreshing drinks served by top notch bartenders. Come here for a fun but relaxed night with your friends and listen to the vibrant live music or enjoy one of their comedy nights.

Merkaba Brighton

Merkaba Bar states that "great cocktails create memorable moments" and this is a good place to prove it. The elegant interior, the exciting cocktail list and the vibrant atmosphere all contribute to an awesome and unforgettable experience.

Proud Cabaret Brighton

Named after the founder of the Proud Group, this former Brighton Ballroom has evolved into retro supper club and a burlesque restaurant. They offer appetizing 3 course meals, a wide array of cocktails and wines, cabaret and burlesque performances and a dance floor for an awesome nightlife experience.

Pub du Vin

In the award winning Hotel du Vin you find this traditional British pub. Pub du Vin is a bar and bistro that serves traditional and famous ales, house beers as well fancy wines to perfectly match the battered fish and chips and other delectable dishes.

Shopping

Brighton Marina

Brighton Square

Wondering where to start your shopping experience in Brighton? Head to the bustling Brighton Square with its more than 20 different shops, restaurants, cafés and leisure areas, which provide a pleasurable experience to its shoppers. While Brighton Square does have some shops, including fashion boutiques, gift shops, and speciality stores, its main appeal lies in its proximity to other major shopping areas such as North Laine and the Lanes. The North Laine is famous for its independent shops, vintage stores, and eclectic boutiques, while the Lanes offer a mix of high-end shops, antique stores, and artisanal boutiques nestled in narrow, picturesque alleyways.

Churchill Square Shopping Centre

Just a few minutes off the beach, you will find the great Churchill Square Shopping Centre with over 80 shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants in one place. Some of the major chains represented here are Debenhams, River Island, H&M, Zara and many more.

Fair

Fair is an award-winning boutique on Queens Street, specialising in fair trade and ethical fashion. They sell world-class brands, made only of sustainable and organic materials, with the latest designs in mind.

Julian Stephens Goldsmith

Considered to be one of the most trusted jewellers in Brighton, Julian Stephens Goldsmith offers a great collection of inimitable and elegant jewellery. Here you will find everything from meaningful rings to exquisite bangles, necklaces and earrings made of platinum and 18-carat gold, plus handmade charms.

Lavender Room

The Lavender Room is a lovely fashion, gift, and lifestyle boutique situated in Brighton's vibrant North Laine area. It offers a curated selection of treasures to delight shoppers—from simple silver jewelry to vintage-style homeware and limited edition prints.

Papillon

Papillon is located in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine. It offers a wide array of unique and fabulous housewares and interior items from different countries. Here you will find high-quality products at affordable prices.

Royal Pavilion Shop & Brighton Museum Shop

If you are in need of souvenirs you can buy gifts and keepsakes in the Royal Pavilion Shop. They sell posters, postcards, greeting cards, stationery and books of various genres, as well as t-shirts with prints of Brighton attractions. The Brighton Museum Shop has also a wide array of Brighton products for sale. From the creative masterpieces created by the local artists and craft makers to home furnishings, jewellery and accessories, the Brighton Museum shop has it all. What is even better about this shop is that the proceeds from the sales are used to restore and maintain the museum.

Tourist Information

Passport & Visa

For travel to the UK, citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland (except Irish citizens) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). However, those planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. Additionally, residents of nine other countries — including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States — can also visit the UK for up to six months without a visa, but they will still need an ETA. To ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to consult the UK government website for any specific visa requirements or regulations.

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Gatwick Airport is the nearest international airport. It takes about 35-60 minutes to get to Brighton. From the railway station at the south terminal, you can catch the train, which takes only 30-40 minutes and leaves several times a day. The National Express bus takes one hour and is slightly cheaper.

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Heathrow Airport, the largest of the six international airports serving London and its surroundings, is located approximately two hours away from Brighton. The airport is accessible by coach, taxi and train. Coaches from Heathrow to Brighton take from 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes. If you choose to take the train, the best option is to get to London and from there, catch the train to Brighton. There are also taxis available at the airport that can go directly from Heathrow to Brighton.

Public Transport

Several bus lines run through the city and you can find lots of stops in the centre. You can buy the ticket either on-board the bus, at a newsagent or online, and you can choose between tickets valid for only one journey to different kinds of day passes. Fare discounts are given to children, students and senior citizens.

Taxi

There are plenty of taxis in Brighton and they can either be hailed from the street, found at a taxi rank or pre-booked. If you choose to hail one from the street look for the white and aqua-coloured cars with a sign saying 'Taxi' or 'For Hire.' Brighton & Hove Radio Cabs Ltd is one of the licensed taxi companies you will find.

Electricity

The United Kingdom uses the Type G electric plug, which is one with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. And it operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Pharmacy

In Brighton, some of the main pharmacy chains include Boots, and Superdrug.

Post

There are several postal services all over Brighton and they are generally open from 9am to 5:30pm on weekdays and from 9am to 12:30pm on Saturdays. The main post office in Brighton can be found in the Churchill Square Shopping Centre. Stamps can be bought from post offices, newsstands and supermarkets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Brighton?

The best time to visit Brighton is during the late spring to early autumn months, from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for enjoying the beach and outdoor activities.

What are the must-see attractions in Brighton?

Brighton is famous for the Royal Pavilion, a stunning former royal residence, and the iconic Brighton Pier. Don't miss the vibrant North Laine area for shopping and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery for cultural insights.

How can I get to Brighton from London?

Brighton is easily accessible from London by train, with regular services departing from London Victoria and London Bridge stations. The journey takes about an hour, making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway.

What local dishes should I try in Brighton?

While in Brighton, try traditional fish and chips by the seaside, savor a Sussex cream tea, and explore the city's diverse culinary scene with its many vegetarian and vegan options.

How many days should I spend in Brighton?

A two to three-day visit is ideal to explore Brighton's main attractions, enjoy the beach, and experience the lively nightlife and dining scene. This allows for a relaxed pace and time to soak in the local atmosphere.

What is the best way to get around Brighton?

Brighton is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, the local bus network is efficient, and cycling is popular with dedicated bike lanes throughout the city.

Are there any interesting day trips from Brighton?

Consider visiting the nearby South Downs National Park for hiking and stunning landscapes, or explore the historic town of Lewes, known for its charming streets and medieval castle.

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