Looking to plan the perfect day trip to Brighton from London? You’re in the right place. Here’s how to spend some time in one of London’s best day trip destinations — Brighton!
Although London is one of the greatest cities in the world (biasedly speaking, of course) all the hustle and bustle can leave you in need of a break. To Brighton, perhaps?
This seaside town is less than an hour’s train from London, making it the perfect day or weekend trip destination from London.
From me to you, here’s how to spend a fabulous few days in Brighton from London.
How to Do a Day Trip to Brighton from London
How to get from London to Brighton: Trains from London to Brighton
The best way to get from London to Brighton is by train.
Simply go to Victoria or London Bridge station and you’ll be in the lovely Brighton in just under an hour’s time.
To get your train tickets from London to Brighton I suggest booking via Trainline as they’ll aggregate all train ticket prices to show you the cheapest ones.
How much do train tickets from London to Brighton cost?
As little as £6! But the average train ticket from London to Brighton can set you back about £14 – £21.50 each way.
To get the best price, I suggest booking your return tickets in advance.
P.S. – If you prefer to drive you can take the M25 or A23 from London to Brighton. Just beware, traffic can cause your journey to take up to 2 hours by car (+ parking in Brighton) vs 1 hour on the train.
Where to Stay in Brighton
If you’re looking to make your London to Brighton day trip an overnight affair or stay the weekend, then you’ll need someplace to call home for the evening.
Our stay in Brighton was made extra special by staying at none other than the Artist Residence Brighton.
The unique, stylish, and cosy property is located in the heart of the city facing one of Brighton’s most iconic sights — the West Pier.
Outside of enjoying spectacular views of the sea and pier from your room or sipping on yummy cocktails from their in-house bar, you’ll also be prived to beautiful art pieces throughout the residence.
With 25 individually decorated rooms featuring free WiFi, en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, comfy beds, and tea & coffee galore, you’re sure to feel at home here.
Not to mention the award-winning breakfast, served daily.
Things to Do for a Day Trip to Brighton from London
Brighton Beach
If you’re doing a trip from London to Brighton, you’re probably keen for some beach time. Welcome to Brighton Beach.
Although it’s a pebble-stoned beach, Brighton Beach is still the perfect seaside escape.
If the weather allows, you can take up a swim or watersports like kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. Or play classic beach sports like volleyball or frisbee.
Then again, a good book on the beach is always tempting. Or looking at the colourful Hove Beach Huts. Perhaps with some icecream…
If you’re looking for more entertainment, Brighton has various live music venues by the beach (like the Brighton Music Hall, the WaterBear Venue, The Arch Brighton, or Concorde 2 ) to catch some tunes.
For something on the quirkier side, check out the Upside Down House and of course, The Doughnut Statue. Just beware of the seagulls!
Brighton Palace Pier
A walk on Brighton Beach will lead you lovingly to Brighton Palace Pier.
The 1,722 foot long Victorian pleasure pier is a lovely place to keep entertained on your trip from London to Brighton.
From amusement rides, to arcade games and all the fairground food you could ever wish for (hot doughnuts and cotton candy anyone?) spending some hours here is sure to leave you with a much needed smile on your face.
P.S. – If you’d like a proper meal on the pier visit Palm Court Restaurant, Horatio’s or Victoria’s!
Royal Pavilion & Garden
If you’ve seen any pictures of Brighton, you’ll no doubt have come across a shot of the Royal Pavilion & Garden.
The beautiful landmark is a wonderful mix of history, culture, and regal grandeur and a must-visit for your trip to Brighton from London (even just to look on the outside).
Whilst here you can take a stroll in the beautifully landscaped gardens or walk in the footsteps of royalty by exploring its many preserved rooms filled with stunning artifacts from King George IV’s reign.
Inside, be sure to check out the lavish staterooms on the ground floor – like the banqueting room, music room, and saloon — recently restored to their former glory.
Along with some fascinating stories of the building’s role in World War I, when it served as a military hospital for Indian and Sikh soldiers.
The best part? All proceeds from the Royal Pavilion & Garden go towards preserving this unique site and providing educational programs that help keep its story alive. So not only will you have an amazing day out, but you’ll also be helping to ensure this incredible piece of history continues to attract visitors for years to come!
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
The Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is a public museum and art gallery boasting one of the most impressive collections in East Sussex.
From fashion and style to 20th-century art and design, you’ll find something here for everyone. Plus, there’s a rotating programme of temporary exhibitions so you can return again and again on your London to Brighton trips.
It’s also inside the Royal Pavilion Gardens, so great to see after the Royal Pavilion.
Tickets are £9 and can be booked online.
P.S. – Online bookings for the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery must be made within one day in advance of your visit.
Vintage Shopping
No trip from London to Brighton is complete without some retail therapy.
The retail scene (especially vintage shops) is extremely affordable here compared to the capital, so be sure to check out a few of these shops:
- Junk – a cash-only antique store with every kind of bric-a-brac and vintage good you can think of. I got a dress, tableware, and 2 quality coats here for £30!
- Snoopers Paradise – a pleasure hub of vintage clothes, books, vinyls, and everything inbetween
- Waiste Vintage – two floors of vintage goods, especially rock n’ roll fashion from the 1960s and 70s
- Dirty Harry – one of Brighton’s most well-known shops specialising in upcycled pop clothing and urban cowboys and cowgirl wear
- To Be Worn Again – a funky wholesale shop with lots of retro fashion to choose from
P.S. – Make sure you pack some shopping bags with you for your trip!
Explore North Laine
There’s no better place to experience the culture of Brighton than North Laine.
This quaint but mighty district is a great place for both locals and tourists alike; full of unique shops, restaurants, street art, and an undeniable creative buzz.
Whether you’re looking for a night out during your trip or just want to explore the area, there’s something for everyone in North Laine.
Plus, it’s filled with local traders, so you’ll be supporting the Brighton community just by paying a visit!
Have Some Iconic Fish & Chips
Any seaside destination is sure to be known for its seafood, but this rings especially true in Brighton.
While here be sure to leave room for a lovely fish and chip sit-down at one of the below:
- Little Jack Fullers
- Bardsleys
- RYBKA (The Fish Likes To Swim)
- Bankers Fish and Chips
- Captains Fish and Chips
Each is extremely highly rated and known within the Brighton community, so just choose what’s closest to you on the day!
P.S. – The seagulls in Brighton are vicious! Make sure you’re eating your fish & chips indoors or away from the seaside, unless you want to have your chips quite literally stolen off your plate (speaking from experience…)
+ Grab a Pizza (& wine) at Fatto a Mano
Another Brighton foodie staple is pizza, specifically Fatto a Mano.
The Neapolitan-style pizza is made piping hot in a wood-fired oven from fresh and local ingredients, and is hands down one of the best pizzas I’ve had in the UK.
For the OG experience, make sure to go to their flagship location in North Laine.
P.S. – During our visit, almost all the staff was speaking in Italian to each other. It’s the real deal!
Get Your Pride On
Brighton is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places in the UK, so of course, it’s a great place to get your pride on.
From attending Brighton Pride to visiting the best gay bars in the area — you’re sure to leave with a good time!
Brighton i360
The Brighton i360 is Brighton’s top attraction, sitting front and centre in the West Pier.
This 162m moving observation tower offers stunning 360-degree views across the city, the South Downs and the English Channel, including a fully enclosed viewing pod to take it all in.
Full disclaimer that most Brighton locals wouldn’t recommend this as a thing to do and see it as super touristy.
However I’ve done it once and enjoyed it, but think you can equally have as good a time in Brighton on the ground!
If you do decide to go, make sure you book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Map of the Best Things to do in Brighton
Final Tips for Taking a Day Trip to Brighton from London
- While eating any food in Brighton, beware of the seagulls! They can get a bit aggressive and you don’t want them to mistake your finger for a chip…
- If you’re visiting Brighton from May to June, make sure to check out the Brighton Fringe. It’s one of the UK’s biggest summer music festivals and a great add to your London to Brighton itinerary.
- Although Brighton is a seaside destination, you’ll often find most people simply enjoy the pier here over swimming. This is because the UK oceans can be cold year-round. If you’re looking to go for a swim, consider bringing a wetsuit — especially during colder months.
For more information on visiting Brighton be sure to visit the official Brighton tourism website!
Thanks for reading my London to Brighton Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
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Happy travels,
