What To Do In Brighton With Kids And Adults

Do you know about Brighton, a city on the south coast of England? As part of the cluster of towns known as Brighton and Hove, Brighton is a popular tourist destination that receives around 8 million visitors a year. The nightlife there is lively, with many pubs and restaurants offering entertainment and dining options such as the iconic fish and chips.

If you’re planning a day or a week in the city, whether you’re with kids or just exploring as an adult, there are plenty of things to do in Brighton. We’ll share some of the best things to see and do and a few tips to help you experience the city like a local.

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Best Things to See and Do in Brighton, UK

Shop Vintage Finds in North Laine

If you are a collector and lover of vintage treasures, North Laine is the perfect place. This area of Brighton is known for its vintage stores and antique markets where you can find various unique and curious products. It is also a place full of art and creativity because its streets are adorned with colorful murals that enrich the experience.

Here are some of the top vintage stores in North Laine that we recommend:

• Snoopers Paradise: Over 90 stalls with vintage items, second-hand clothing, antiques and curios.
  Address: 7/8 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL

• Beyond Retro: A specialty vintage clothing store with many unique items.
  Address: 23 Gloucester Rd, Brighton BN1 4AD

• North Laine Bazaar: An indoor market combining a garden center with stalls selling antiques, crafts and vintage clothing.
  Address: 5A Upper Gardner St, Brighton BN1 4AN

 

Learn Brighton’s History at the Museum

For art and history lovers like you, the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is a must-see. Located in the gardens of the Royal Pavilion, it is one of Brighton’s premier cultural institutions. It offers an eclectic collection that includes furniture, ceramics, silver, and glass. You can also enjoy works spanning five centuries, from the Old Masters to important 20th-century artists.

Here are some other important details about Brighton’s History at the Museum:

• Temporary exhibitions are organized. For example, the “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” exhibit runs through March 16, 2025, featuring stunning wildlife photography.
• Interactive presentations, workshops, and events attract visitors of all ages.
• It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on holidays.
• Admission is free for residents and there are reduced rates for students and family groups.

Photo by Ana Simon on Unsplash

 

Swim and Sunbathe at Brighton Beach

One of the best things to do in Brighton is to visit Brighton Beach, a major attraction in the seaside city. The beach and its promenade are a cultural center, hosting music festivals and art fairs. Its combination of water sports, pier entertainment, and active nightlife makes it an attractive destination for locals and tourists.

Here’s a summary of what Brighton Beach has to offer:

• You can go kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing.
• It is famous for its bars, restaurants, stores, and gastronomic offerings.
• Many local bars and stalls offer live music and special events, mainly during the summer months.
• Brighton Beach is known for its pebbles, which gives it a distinctive character. Walking barefoot here can be uncomfortable, so we recommend wearing water shoes.

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Watch a Show at the Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal Brighton, located downtown, is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the United Kingdom. Opened in 1807, this theater has been central to the city’s cultural development for almost two centuries. Its presentations include musicals, plays, opera, and ballet.

Find out more details about the Theatre Royal here:

• It has a capacity for 952 spectators distributed on four levels.
• It has presented plays by important playwrights such as Ibsen and Coward, and many famous actors have performed here, including Judi Dench and Ian McKellen.
• For people requiring special assistance, the theater has accessible facilities, including wheelchair spaces and infrared sound systems for the hearing impaired.

Photo by Ian Muttoo is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

 

Visit the Marine Life at Sea Life Brighton

Did you know that SEA LIFE Brighton is one of the oldest operating aquariums in the world? It was opened in 1872 and is located on the Brighton waterfront, opposite the famous Brighton Palace Pier. It has about 5,500 sea creatures of more than 100 different species, including sharks, turtles, rays, and starfish. Here you can observe these animals in aquatic habitats that simulate their natural environment.

Here are some important details you should know about SEA LIFE Brighton:

• It offers several interactive experiences such as the Glass Bottom Boat Experience, where you can watch the animals swim beneath you while learning about the species and their conservation.
• One of the most outstanding exhibits is “Day and Night,” which lets you explore a coral reef in a 750,000-liter tank that simulates changes in the marine environment.
• Open every day of the year (except December 25), with hours varying according to the season.
• Prices for adults start at $24 and children at $20; children under 2 years old are free.

Hassocks5489, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Top 5 Activities In Brighton For Both Kids And Adults

 

Visit Brighton Palace Pier

If you’re wondering what is a must-see destination in Brighton, the answer is Brighton Palace Pier. Opened in 1899, this pleasure pier is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. It is a place full of history and fun that captures the essence of British seaside leisure.

Learn more about the highlights here:

• Enjoy with children or friends, attractions such as roller coasters, bumper cars, a classic carousel, or a series of arcade games. These are some of the things to do at Brighton Palace Pier.
• The pier has several restaurants and kiosks that offer typical beach food, such as fish and chips, ice cream, and other delicacies.
• Admission to the pier is a nominal fee of about $1, with an additional tariff for attractions.
• The Brighton Palace Pier has been featured in numerous movies and television shows, including the film adaptation of Brighton Rock and The Who’s concept album Quadrophenia.

Photo by Ben Guerin on Unsplash

 

Walk the Brighton Beachfront Promenade

Enjoy a lovely promenade such as the Brighton Beachfront Promenade. It stretches along Brighton’s coastline and offers spectacular views of the English Channel and access to attractions and activities. It is an essential part of the Brighton seaside experience, ideal for walks, bike rides, or outdoor activities with children.

Here are some other important facts:

• The promenade stretches more than 10 miles along the coast and is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.
• Hove Lawns and Western Lawns are adjacent green areas, perfect for picnics, outdoor games, and relaxation. The gardens offer a tranquil space to enjoy the sun and sea views.
• The Brighton Beachfront Promenade is easily accessible by public transport, with several bus routes connecting to the city center.

 

Explore the Royal Pavilion and Gardens

Another of Brighton’s most iconic attractions that you can’t miss is the Royal Pavilion and Gardens. This impressive palace stands out for its Indian-Saracenic style architecture, which combines oriental design with elements of British architecture.

Here are some other highlights:

• The Royal Pavilion is famous for its exotic exterior and opulent interiors. The rooms are decorated with Chinese and Indian influences, including wallpaper and Chinese export furniture.
• The palace receives about 400,000 visitors annually.
• You can explore the palace’s luxurious rooms, including the Great Hall and Queen Victoria’s bedroom.
• It is designed to be accessible to all visitors. However, some areas are only accessible on the first floor.

Photo by Swati Kedia on Unsplash

 

Join a Ride on the Brighton i360

Take in the best views of the city from the Brighton i360, an impressive observation tower located on the waterfront. Opened in 2016, this 162-meter structure gives 360-degree panoramic views of the city, the English Channel, and the South Downs. The tower has a distinctive shape like a glass doughnut and the observation pod can carry up to 200 people.

Here are some features you should know about:

• “Flights” in the capsule last approximately 25 minutes.
• You can enjoy drinks at the Nyetimber Sky Bar inside the capsule, with a selection of local sparkling wines and cocktails.

Photo by Harry Winter on Unsplash

 

Explore the Brighton Toy and Model Museum

Bring out your inner child at the Brighton Toy and Model Museum, where you’ll find one of the most comprehensive collections of toys in the world. Founded in 1991, the museum occupies several Victorian arches beneath Brighton’s train station. It offers a unique space to explore the history of toys. It has more than 10,000 exhibits that include toys produced primarily in the United Kingdom and Europe through the mid-20th century. Collections range from toy trains and Victorian dolls to diecast vehicles like Dinky and Corgi.

Here are some other highlights:

• The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with adapted entrances and restrooms.
• Free admission is allowed to the reception area, where visitors can get tourist information about Brighton.
• It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Rates are affordable, with prices varying by category:
  Adult: 10 USD
  Child/Student: 6 USD
  Family (2 adults + up to 3 children): 21 USD
  Disabled persons + one companion: 7 USD

 

Expert Tips for Visitors in Brighton, UK

Brighton is an attractive and entertaining city that offers many activities and attractions for children and adults. However, it is important to keep a few things in mind to make the most of your stay. Here are some essential tips that can help you:

• Although Brighton can be visited any time of the year, summer is the best season to enjoy festivals, outdoor events, and a more festive atmosphere.

• If you only have one day, prioritize the main attractions such as the Royal Pavilion or Brighton Palace Pier.

• Brighton has a great gastronomic offer that includes everything from gourmet restaurants to more casual options on the seafront. Don’t hesitate to try the local food at one of the many restaurants offering fresh seafood.

• Brighton is easy to get around on foot, but you can also use public transportation or rent bikes to explore a little further afield, such as Brighton Marina or Hove.

• If you have the opportunity, attend one of the local festivals held during the summer, such as the Brighton Festival or Pride, very popular with various cultural activities.

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