2014-10-31

Brighton Guide

Welcome to Brighton

Enjoy the fun of the fair at Brighton Pier

Visit SEALIFE Brighton, the oldest operating aquarium in the world

Go shopping in The Lanes, full of quirky boutiques

Head to Komedia for dining & live entertainment

Sample a cocktail in one of the many stylish bars

Take in a play at the Grade II listed, Theatre Royal

SEALIFE Brighton

The oldest operating aquarium in the world with over 150 marine species and almost 60 displays. The beautiful Victorian architecture of this fine old building is complemented by high tech displays displaying all shapes and sizes of creatures, from shrimps and starfish to rays, conger eels, catfish, octopus and sharks. Sea turtles Jersey the loggerhead, and Lulu the green turtle and around 1,500 other colorful creatures feature in a jaw-dropping walkthrough ocean tank.

Find out More

Brighton Sightseeing

Tours will reveal all the things to do and places to go in Brighton.

Add to your booking

Thorpe Park

A day of thrill and excitement just over an hour's drive from Brighton.

Find out More

Travelling to Brighton

Brighton Overview

Getting to Brighton is easy! It is just under an hour from London by rail and only 45 minutes from the M25.

By Rail

From Brighton Rail Station there are regular and direct trains to both London Victoria and London Bridge which take less than an hour. Brighton is also on a direct rail link from the Eurostar Service at St Pancras

By Road

The most direct route from the North to Brighton is via the M25 London Orbital Motorway leading to the M23 which turns into the A23, going straight into the centre. From the South East and South West the centre is best reached via the A27

By Air

Gatwick Airport is just a 30 minute drive from Brighton and easily accessible via the A23/M23. There is also a direct train service from Brighton to Gatwick Airport and regular coach and bus services.

Getting Around in Brighton

Brighton Overview

Brighton is so compact, that once you’re there, you might find it easiest to explore the city on foot. But whatever you decide, travel in Brighton is easy. You should find the information in the sections below helpful.

By Bus

As well as having a convenient and reliable bus service around the centre and outskirts of the town, Brighton also has 3 Breeze up to the Downs buses. This service takes people out of the city and tours some of the beauty spots in the surrounding countryside.

By Taxi

City Cabs, City Cars and Brighton & Hove Radio Cabs are the 3 main taxi companies servicing Brighton. These cabs can be booked or found on one of the main taxi ranks at Queen’s Square, Hove Town Hall and East Street.

By Bike

With a cycle route running along the beachfront, off road tracks in the Sussex Downs, cycling is a great way to explore Brighton. There are multiple hire shops in the town or you can contact M’s Cycle Hire who will deliver a bike to your hotel in Brighton.

Hotel du Vin Brighton

A great boutique hotel situated in the famous Lanes conservation area and just a short distance from the seafront. Don’t leave without sampling the Bistro with its classic European cuisine. Chill out in the Fine Wine Bar or in your luxurious guestroom.

Find out more about Hotel du Vin Brighton

Getting to Brighton

The vibrant seaside destination of Brighton is easily accessible whether you’re travelling by rail, road or air, making it the perfect destination for your short break in the south. Brighton and London are connected by an excellent rail link meaning you can travel from one destination to the other in under an hour.

Getting to [location] by Rail

By Rail

Brighton is well connected to London via excellent rail links and you can travel from London Victoria to Brighton in just under an hour. The city is well connected to nearby airports as it is on a direct line to Gatwick and Luton Airports. The main train service providers are Southern and First Capital Connect and you can also catch trains to Brighton from Hastings, Lewes, Portsmouth and Chichester.

Getting to [location] by Rail

By Road

The principal route from London and Gatwick Airport into Brighton is the A23. The A27 runs along the coastline so it’s ideal for those who want to take the scenic route. Once you arrive in the seaside town of Brighton you will find numerous car parks in the city centre which charge approximately £1.50 per hour.

Getting to [location]by Rail

By Air

Brighton is well served by airports thanks to its close proximity to London; you can catch flights into GatwickAirport from virtually anywhere in the world. Regular coach and bus services run from Gatwick Airport into the centre of Brighton and driving between the two destinations takes roughly 30 minutes. For those who prefer to travel by rail there’s also a direct train service. 

Getting Around Brighton

Brighton & Hove is a compact city so it's easy to explore. If you’re using the public transport, Brighton’s bus systems are award winning thanks to their frequent and efficient services, and give visitors the best chance to see as much as they can during their stay. Saver bus tickets are available for those who intend to use the services often, cycle hire points are placed all around the city for anyone wanting to take on Brighton on two wheels, and for those visitors who want to enjoy Brighton at their own pace, there’s nothing better than a gentle stroll along the coast. It’s cheap and easy to get around Brighton, perfect for a seaside short break. 

Getting to [location]by Rail

By Bus

Because Brighton is so compact, travelling around by bus is a great option if there are a few things you want to see in one day. Hop on one of the many bus routes and buy a Saver ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day which only cost £3.20pp and weekly savers are also available if you’re staying a little longer, only costing £15. If you want to stay out a little later on a night time, the N7 and N25 night buses only cost £3.00. 

Getting to [location] by Rail

By Bike

A beautiful, traditional seaside town, Brighton is a wonderful place to visit. Hiring a bike is a great way to get around as the city lots of wide, cycle lanes across the seafront and even out into the South Downs countryside meaning you can enjoy as much of the picturesque views as possible. Take your own bike along or hire one from any of the many hire shops dotted around Brighton for around £10 a day.

Getting to [location] by Rail

On Foot

Just like cycling, walking around the streets of Brighton means you don’t miss any of the wonderful highlights that this city has to offer. The majority of the attractions and locations to visit are around the centre, meaning exploring on foot is easy and doesn’t cost a penny. The brisk seaside air is also worth the stroll along the promenade. 

Shopping in Brighton

If you love shopping, you’ll love a short break in Brighton. Funky fashion stores, chic boutiques, exclusive antiques, tempting jewellery, inspirational art and much more awaits you for some brilliant retail therapy. From the lifestyle shops of The Lanes to the unique shops of Hove, the retro chic of the North Lane to the big-name stores of Churchill Square and Brighton Marina, shopping in Brighton really is retail paradise. Brighton’s hidden gem is the She Said Lingerie store, filled with stunning corsets, hosiery, shoes, books, art and gifts, it’s great place to treat yourself to something fancy. 

Top 5 Boutique Shops in Brighton

Shopping in [location]
1

Papillon, 8 Union St

Papillon is a relaxed Parisian style boutique selling an eclectic range of home ware and gifts from around the world. 

2

Frames in the Lanes, 12c Meeting House Lane

Frames in the Lanes boutique opticians offer a fabulous range of glasses and sunglasses for those who are fashion minded.

3

Gresham Blake, 20 Bond Street

Gresham Blake is a contemporary designer-tailor, specialising in bespoke, made to measure and ready to wear suits for men & women. 

4

The Big Bead Boutique, 12 Dyke Road  Brighton

The Big Bead Boutique a theatrical vintage emporium of unusual beads, unique handmade jewellery, wedding accessories and beautiful up-cycled furniture. 

5

Abode, 32 Kensington Gardens

Abode is a stylish mix of contemporary and vintage home furnishings, quirky, design-led home accessories and gifts perfect for a Brighton souvenir in your home.

Top 5 Specialist Shops in Brighton

Shopping in [location]
1

Baroque, 9 Union Street

Baroque has a team of bespoke jewellers creating unique one-off pieces and high end affordable chic in platinum, palladium, 18ct gold and silver. 

2

La Cave a Fromage, 34-35 Western Road

La Cave a Fromage offers a magnificent selection of mainly French and English cheeses for you to taste and buy.

3

Revamp, 11 Sydney Street

Revamp fancy dress shop which has been in the North Laine since 1986. Full of interesting and unique costumes it has everything you could possibly need. 

4

Farm market, Diplocks Market  73 North Road

Farm Market Founded by the owners of Farm Cafe this is a colourful, lively covered food market full or fresh produce and traditional wares.

5

Dolly Dagger, 6 Brighton Place

Dolly Dagger is a treasure-trove of vintage style dresses and accessories, perfect for your inner starlet

Eating Out in Brighton

Consistently topping awards at the Observer Food Awards, whether you’re after award winning cuisine, veggie treats, a tasty beachfront brunch or delicious cheap eats, Brighton is bursting at the seams with every type of international cuisine on the menu. From popular chain restaurants to unique, one-off eateries, whatever your taste in food Brighton is guaranteed to have something you’ll love. One restaurant not to miss is Terre a Terre, an award winning gourmet vegetarian restaurant in The Lanes. A culinary experience like no other, with intense flavours, sublime textures and a combination of ingredients that few have the imagination or daring to put together, this restaurant should definitely be on your ‘to-do’ list whilst in the city.

Top 5 Restaurants for a Special Occasion

Shopping in [location]
1

Arch 139, Brighton Beach

Arch 139 has spectacular views of the beachfront and 80% of the food is sourced from within a 35 mile radius

2

Giraffe, 15 North Road

Giraffe lets guests enjoy a food safari and sample some of the most popular dishes from around the world.

3

Indian Summer, 69 East Street

Indian Summer is an exceptional, authentic Indian restaurant in the heart of the Lanes, great for a special occasion meal.

4

Seattle, Brighton Marina

The Seattle Restaurant is situated on the waterfront with stunning views across Brighton Marina. With seafood and local produce it’s a very popular eatery.

5

Moshi Moshi Bartholomew Square

Moshi Moshi is well-known for its fresh, handmade sushi and hot Japanese dishes that have grown in popularity across the city.

Top 5 Family Restaurants

Shopping in [location]
1

Buon Appetito, 81 Western Road

Buon Appetito is a family run Italian restaurant just off Palmeira Square, with great flavours and real authenticity.

2

Pinocchio, 22 New Road

Pinocchio is an Italian restaurant in the Cultural Quarter, ideal spot for a pre-theatre dinner or a late evening meal. 

3

The Hove Kitchen, 102-105 Western Road

The Hove Kitchen provides home cooked, fresh, modern, European style, locally sourced food in a family friendly restaurant.

4

Food For Friends, 17-18 Prince Albert Street

Food for Friends is one of Brighton’s oldest and most established vegetarian restaurants serving delicious meat-free cuisine in vibrant surroundings. 

5

Terraces Bar and Grill, Unit 8-9, The Terraces

The Terraces Bar and Grill is right on the seafront serving the best of British with Mediterranean influences, with friendly staff and an authentic atmosphere.

Nightlife in Brighton

Brighton has always been known as a musical city, which has influenced everyone from the Who to the Kooks. Landmark moments in pop history have taken place here including Abba winning the Eurovision Song Contest, and with some of the coolest clubs on the south coast, the nightlife in Brighton offers everything from bubble-gum pop to Latin beats. From West End plays and top notch comedies to musicals and spectacular Christmas pantos, Brighton’s theatre scene offers the best theatrical line-up along the south coast. The arts are also really popular in Brighton, with its unique and diverse population of artists, photographers, dancers and actors, it’s one of the most creative cities in the UK. Whatever you like to do in your evenings, there are plenty of options in Brighton. 

Top 10 Nightlife Hotspots in Brighton 

1

Brighton Dome, 112 Church Street

Brighton Dome is part of the refurbished historic Pavilion Estate and hosts a packed, year round programme of live music, dance, theatre, comedy and family events. .

2

Brighton Centre, King's Road, Brighton

Brighton Centre hits thirty years this year in the purpose built entertainment and conference centre, which still attracts the big stars including Ricky Gervais and the Killers.

3

Komedia, 44-47 Gardner Street

Every year there are around 700 performances of music, comedy, cabaret and theatre and most nights of the week there are at least two shows to choose from at this hilarious venue.

4

Duke of York’s Cinema,  Preston Circus

The Duke of York’s Cinema is the oldest continuously operating cinema in Britain. This Grade II listed building shows a mixture of classic, contemporary, independent and foreign language films.

5

Theatre Royal, New Road  Brighton

The Theatre Royal, Brighton is 200 years old but you can still see the biggest stars before they hit the West-End in dramas, comedies and musicals.

6

The Old Market, 11A Upper Market Street

Recently renovated, the Old Market is a dynamic cultural venue just outside the city centre, showcasing everything from rock bands to exciting new theatre or cabaret.

7

Lucky Voice, 8 Black Lion Street

Lucky Voice is labelled as ’the most liberating, heart-racing, life-affirming singing experience on earth’. With seven private karaoke rooms over three floors, it can make for a wonderfully fun night out..

8

Grosvenor G Casino,  9 Grand Junction Road

Great bars, delicious food and some of the best live gaming experiences in the UK and open 24 hours a day.

9

Brighton Ballroom, 83 Saint George's Road

Proud Brighton Ballroom is an historic venue offering decadent supper-club dining, with burlesque and cabaret entertainment to entertain all the family. 

10

The Nightingale, 9-30 Surrey Street

Winner of Best Venue at Brighton Fringe 2011, The Nightingale is a small, perfectly formed multi-art form theatre presenting great performances across dance, theatre, film and spoken word.

Bars in Brighton

Whether its pre-show drinks or cocktail hour, wine bar chic or real ale revelry, if you visited a Brighton pub every day for a year, you'd still have some Brighton pubs to spare. Vibrant and trendy, laid back and cosy, there are some great pubs and bars in Brighton and Hove. From the uber funky to the more traditional, bars and pubs in Brighton are bursting with designer décor, fine wines, real ales, hearty pub food and live music.

Top 10 Bars in Brighton

1

Latest Music Bar, 14-17 Manchester Street

Settled just off the seafront, Latest Music Bar has seen performances from top acts like Amy Winehouse and the Maccabees and continues to programme exciting new music every night of the week.

2

Marlborough Pub, 4 Prince's St

Marlborough Pub & Theatre is located in one of the city’s oldest public houses dating back to 1794. The intimate 60-seater theatre has a cosy atmosphere and traditional bar.

3

Pub du Vin, 2 Ship Street

The Pub du Vin comes from the award-winning Hotel du Vin serving local ales and wine as well as delicious food.

4

Lola Lo, Unit 2  75-79 East Street

Lola Lo is the new, quirky and intimate bar and nightclub which transports you to a tropical oasis of authentic Polynesian vibe

5

Merkaba, 17 Jubilee Street

Merkaba is a beautifully crafted bar with curved walls and gliding pewter surfaces, which reflects the warm and spacious cocoon of a contemporary bar.

6

Riddle and Finns, 12b Meeting House

A great bad and seafood restaurant, this place is a very popular pre-show destination and late evening escape. 

7

Preston Park Tavern, 88 Havelock Road

With a concise yet diverse wine list that offers over 20 wines and champagne by the glass as well as the bottle, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

8

Northern Lights, 6 Little East Street

This Scandinavian-style bar is a locally owned and run free house with a flavour of real cosmopolitan Brighton. In a historic cottage building with outside sheltered terrace away from traffic, it’s a true cosy hideaway.

9

TOMS’s Bar, The Old Market

This inviting wooden-featured bar has become a lively cultural space, hosting its own events as well as supporting those of TOM's Main House next door with live music, DJ sets and acoustic sessions.

10

KOBA, 135 Western Road

With an extensive wine list and impressive cocktail bar, this place is a real hit with cosmopolitan visitors from the big city. 

Attractions in Brighton

Brighton is overflowing with places to visit, and being such a compact city, most places to visit in Brighton and Hove are walkable too. Experience the heritage of the Royal Pavilion, indulge in the seaside fun of Brighton Pier and the Sea Life Centre or don your cultural hat for a visit to Brighton and Hove Museums. And if you fancy wandering out of the city centre, Brighton Marina is only a short walk or bus ride away. A unique mix of heritage, culture and cosmopolitan fun, Brighton attractions cater for all tastes and budgets.

Top 10 Attractions in Brighton

1

The Royal Pavillion

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is one of the most dazzling and exotic buildings in the British Isles, great for those souvenir photographs. 

2

The Lanes

The Lanes and North Laine are ideal for a spot of retail therapy ranging from the designer boutiques to bohemian quirkiness.

3

Brighton Wheel

Brighton Wheel gives visitors a bird's eye view of the city, taking you 50 metres about sea level so you can enjoy the beauty below. 

4

Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier has a huge choice of bars and rides, as well as the traditional fish ‘n’ chips restaurant for the perfect seaside short break.

5

Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina is one of Europe's largest marinas and also has a long line of shops, bars, restaurants and a cinema.

6

Brighton Museum

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is a state-of-the-art visitor attraction with dynamic and innovative galleries you can enjoy, even if art isn’t really your thing. 

7

Volks Railway

Volks Railway was the first public electric railway in the world and it’s still going. Head over and discover why it’s so special. 

8

Brighton Sea Life Centre

The Sea Life Centre has over 150 species, 57 displays and an underwater tunnel. The ideal destination for a great family day out.

9

Theatre Royal

Theatre Royal Brighton is 200 years old and still bringing top West End entertainment to the city, with some of the biggest names on the stage.

10

The Beachfront

The Beachfront has a quirky mix of traditional seaside shops and artists’ studios for you to peruse and enjoy. 

Search Hotels

More than 5?

Room 1

 

For group bookings of 5 or more rooms, please contact our Groups Department

There are loads of great events & reasons to visit Brighton and here are just a few!

  • 1

    22 Sep - 14 April - Biba & Beyond

    This major fashion exhibition celebrates the innovative, unique and distinctive creative flair of Barbara Hulanicki 

  • 2

    Brighton Science Festival - 1 Feb 2013 – 29 Feb 2013

    Brighton Science Festival is the best way to discover where we came from, where we are and debate where we might go in the future

  • 3

    Chocolate Festival - 17 March 2013 – 18 March 2013

    Two days of chocolate-fuelled festivities when it returns to Brighton as part of the annual Brighton Food & Drink Festival

  • 4

    Brighton Marathon - 15 April 2013

    One of the top 12 running events in the UK

  • 5

    Brighton Festival - 5 – 27 May 2013

    Three weeks of unrivalled performing arts celebrations

Out and about in Brighton

Brighton Shopping

From the quirky shops of The Lanes to the unique boutiques of Hove; the retro chic of the North Lane to the high street stores of Brighton Marina.

Eating Out in Brighton

With over 400 restaurants in Brighton and Hove, from fast food to fine dining, you'll certainly never be short of somewhere to eat.

Brighton Nightlife

Brighton has the liveliest music and club scene on the south coast, offering everything from dance to hard house and Latin beats.

Brighton Bars

From the uber funky to the more traditional, bars and pubs in Brighton are bursting with designer décor, fine wines, real ales, hearty pub food and live music.

Sign up now and you could win a break!

Superbreak uses a secure server to encrypt and protect all communication of personal details and credit card information between yourself and the Superbreak reservation system. Our secure server is authenticated and certificated by GlobalSign.com, making your booking 100% secure. Your details are also protected under the Data Protection Act. If you have any questions with regard to the use of your personal data, please email marketing@superbreak.com.

Book online or call

  • UK Call Centre open 8am-10pm GMT, 7 days a week
  • 0871 221 3344
  • (10p a min plus network extras)
  • For Groups of 5 rooms or 10+ adults call 0871 700 4407
  • (10p a min plus network extras)

Why book with us?

  • Prices include all taxes
  • No credit card fees
  • No booking fees
  • Established for over 30 years
  • Winner of two 2012 Travel Weekly Globe Awards

Sign up today to receive our hot offer alerts and special offers!

Top Eurostar Breaks

Bookmark and Share
Google+Google+
Eboracum Way
Artemis House
York
North Yorkshire
YO31 7RE
GB

Version=10488433643 @ 16/05/2013 19:42:24

Last rendered @ 20/05/2013 09:21:59

Is Mobile? False

Firebug

 

Please enter a destination or hotel name to search for.