Discover Your Brighton
Welcome to Brighton.co.uk. Proud to be Brighton’s Independent guide since 1995.
The Best of Brighton & Hove
We shine a spotlight on our city’s buzzing independent scene, hidden gems, and community spirit.
Whether you’re a Brightonian born and bred or planning a weekend trip to Brighton, you’ll find everything you need to fall in love (or stay in love!) with one of the most incredible cities in the world.
Written by locals, experience the real Brighton: the hidden cafés, independent shops and businesses, inclusive spaces, wellbeing festivals, and a glimpse into the vibrant community that brings the city to life.
Not to mention, the most famous part of Brighton…the seagulls. Whatever you do, don’t drop your chips!
Experience Brighton Like a Local...
Discover Things to Do in Brighton
Whether you’re searching for the best things to do in Brighton, wondering what to do in Brighton on your first visit, or looking to revisit your favourite attractions in Brighton and Hove – we’ve got you covered!
Palace Pier & The Beach
Chill out on Brighton’s iconic stripy deckchairs, ice cream in hand and sea breeze in your hair. Challenge your mates to a game of beach volleyball, then head to the Palace Pier for hours of arcade fun.
Family Adventures
Fly down Brighton’s Zip Line, explore the wonders of SEA LIFE Brighton, or make the most of the city’s many free kid-friendly activities.
Events & Entertainment
Enjoy the very best and quirky entertainment venues. Live music at Brighton Dome, the latest Brighton Centre events, to who’s playing this weekend at Brighton & Hove Albion.
THiS WeEK in Brighton
Arts & Culture
Royal Pavilion, indie galleries, pop-up art fairs, open-mic nights, boutique galleries, street murals; the creative energy never stops.
Wellbeing Activities
Puppy yoga on Hove lawns (right opposite Hove beach huts), basketball with your mates, paddleboarding at sunset, park runs and mindful workshops. Find an activity that will feed your soul and bring you closer to your community.
Join the Brighton Community
Got a Local Gem We Have to Know About?
Share your favourite Brighton independent and we’ll feature them in our Brighton Business Spotlight.
If you are that hidden gem, claim your space and get seenby the city that loves to shop local.
Where to Eat, Drink & Shop
Brighton’s Best Places to Eat
Looking for the best places to eat in Brighton or where to go shopping in Brighton? Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for fish and chips Brighton-style, or scouting out the coolest cafés, we’ve got the lowdown.
Foodies, coffee-lovers, and shopaholics – rejoice! Whether it’s global flavours, craft beers or a unique gift, Brighton delivers every time:
- Indie Cafés & Eateries: From vegan feasts to fish and chips by the sea. Where your latte art is next level and the best spots for people watching and a chance to soak in the city.
- Hidden Gem Restaurants: Serving global flavours with independent flair.
- Brighton Bars: Rooftop cocktails, quirky pubs, and safe LGBTQIA+ spaces. Cosy pubs to lively open mic nights.
- The Lanes: Meander through the North Laine & South Lane – packed with vintage shopping finds, artisan markets, sustainable stores and independent treasures.
Staying in Brighton
Fancy waking up to sea views, or sleeping above a vegan café in the heart of The Lanes? Brighton has it all, from boutique or traditional Brighton hotels, vibrant Airbnbs and quirky guesthouses to beachfront stays and dog-friendly hotel hideouts.
Whether you’re here for a festival, a conference, or just a cheeky weekend escape, there’s a Brighton hotel with your name on it.
Why People Love Brighton & Hove
Where else can you swim at sunrise, catch a drag show by night, and still bump into a man walking his komodo dragons down Kemp Town the next day?
- Buzzing All Year: Brighton Pride, summer festivals, art fairs, Fringe, Brighton has major energy. Brighton never sleeps. Keep up with what’s going on, on the iconic Brighton seafront.
- Easy to Reach: Hop on a train from London and be here in just over an hour. Step out at Brighton Station and feel the sea breeze, hop on our famous Beryl Bikes or catch a bus that drops you at the beach.
- Inclusive & Proud: From LGBTQIA+ meetups, Brighton Pride, to everyday queer joy – there’s space here for everyone.
- Local Legends: Our tips come straight from the baristas, artists and families who live here. Our recommendations come with resident wisdom – the friendly barista, the proud independent business owner, the artist with a story.
Wait, We’ve Got More…
Whether you’re planning your weekend, searching for things to do in Hove, or wandering The Lanes in Brighton for inspiration – this is where your adventure begins:
- Check our LGBTQIA+ page for queer events, support spaces, and queer meet-ups and club nights.
- Heading here for work or conferences? Find accommodation and event tips, local eats, and itinerary guides.
- Moving to Brighton for a new job or to study? Try our living in Brighton section (coming soon) for schools, parks, and student life scoops.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about the quirks, facts, and essentials of Brighton life? Here’s everything you wanted to ask – and maybe a few you didn’t.
Is Brighton a City or a Town?
Oh yeah! Brighton officially became a city in 2001, when Brighton and Hove joined forces and were granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II. So yep, we’re proudly flying the Brighton city flag (and still rocking that seaside charm).
Where Is Brighton Located in the UK?
Brighton is on the south coast of England, in East Sussex. Just over an hour from London by train! It’s just over an hour from London – easy peasy by train, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch the Gatwick Express.
What Is Brighton Famous For?
Brighton is known for doing things a bit differently – and proudly so. From the candy-striped charm of Brighton Pier to the royal flair of the Pavilion, our city’s got history, heart and heaps of personality.
The Lanes and North Laine are packed with indie treasures, while our arts scene is always buzzing, bold and brilliantly weird. Add in our world-famous LGBTQIA+ community with the most talented queer artists and performers with more drag brunches than you can shake a feather boa at – and you’ve got yourself the UK’s most iconic seaside escape. Brighton’s not just famous – it’s iconic.
What’s the Weather Like in Brighton?
Weather in Brighton keeps you on your toes – and we kinda love it. Expect breezy beach days, moody sunsets, and surprise showers!
The hottest month is August, with average highs of around 21 °C and plenty of seafront action. We’ve all seen those ‘Brighton beach on the hottest day of the year’ pics – it’s a full-blown seaside party.
The chilliest? That’s January, where temperatures dip to an average of 5 °C – perfect for hot chocolate and pub snug season.
What’s the Population of Brighton and Hove?
The Brighton population (including Hove) is home to just under 300,000 people – and a few hundred Brighton seagulls.
What Postcode Area is Brighton in?
Brighton postcode falls under the BN area, from BN1 (central) to BN3 (Hove and coasty corners).
What Festivals Are Happening in Brighton This Year?
Lots of annual festivals in Brighton, including Brighton Pride, Brighton Fringe, The Great Escape, foodie fests, and more. Check our What’s On page for the full lowdown of Brighton, UK events.
What Are Some Fun Things to Do in Brighton Today or This Weekend?
From live music at Brighton Dome, belly laughs at Komedia, and massive acts lighting up the Brighton Centre – your weekend’s looking anything but quiet. Check out our What’s On page for the latest gigs, festivals and events.
How Can I Get Around Brighton and Hove?
Easy! Jump on the iconic Brighton and Hove buses, rent a Beryl Bike, or walk the whole city along the prom. It’s compact, charming and super wanderable.