Brighton boasts a bustling high street and unbeatable seaside escape for the curious city dweller. Stroll through Brighton's Lanes for the best vintage finds, or indulge in the history of Brighton's Pavilion. Be warned, the beach is pebbled, but still ample enough to lay down your towel, soak up the sun (when it shines) and tuck into a bag of freshly baked donuts – just beware of the seagulls!
If you thought Brighton comes alive in the summer months - with its iconic beach, pier and countless bars and restaurants to explore, not to mention the museums, galleries and famous lanes - you're not wrong. However, there's also plenty to do in the colder climates too - making it one of the most popular places to visit in the UK.
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With close reach to London and the Sussex countryside, Brighton is the perfect choice for a day trip or staycation, and we've rounded up some of the best tried-and-tested activities to check out next time you're there. In fact, they're so good that we recommend you paying a visit especially. Enjoy!
Best restaurants to visit in Brighton
The Salt Room
A visit to The Salt Room needs to be at the very top of your list. Experiencing their gorgeous, newly redesigned space for the first time on a bustling Friday night, I was instantly struck by how effortlessly cool the vibe is. It’s lively, beautifully lit, and feels really welcoming from the moment you step through the door. Fresh from a four-month luxury transformation, its defining feature is the new glazed terrace, you feel instantly connected to Brightons busy promenade.
The staff are impressively knowledgeable, expertly guiding you through a relaxed, sharing-style menu focused on hyper-local catches. From the striking new open kitchen, you can watch the theatre unfold as Executive Chef Kim Woodward and her team work their magic over the live coals.
We started with the prawn toastie, a crispy, luxurious crowd-pleaser that was the absolute standout of the night. For the main event, the expertly grilled Yellowfin Tuna Steak brought a perfect smoky depth, paired beautifully with pillowy focaccia bread and charred, Josper-roasted runner beans. To drink, the brand-new central bar mixes brilliant seasonal cocktails; the beer old fashioned was a clever, rich twist on a classic, while the melon and kiwi daiquiri was exceptionally refreshing. Whether you drop in for quick oysters or a full Friday night feast, it’s absolutely worth the reservation.
If you are heading down for Brighton Pride on Saturday 1st August, The Salt Room is hosting an exclusive four-course brunch and drinks pairing from 10am for £90 per person. Boasting one of the finest parade viewpoints on the seafront, it offers a beautifully relaxed, elevated way to celebrate by the sea - be quick, spaces are strictly limited!
To book the Brighton Pride Event, visit https://sevn.ly/xUTCiRAw
For all other reservations, visit: saltroom-restaurant.co.uk
Tutto
Not just another Italian restaurant, Tutto is the latest addition to Brighton's bustling food scene that offers an indulgent, yet elegant dining experience you'll be thinking about long after your final mouthful of dessert. Tuck into buttery scallops doused in ‘Nduja butter, creamy Cacio e Pepe and crispy new potatoes topped with confit garlic and rich marsecpone.
Tutto’s ethos of ‘bring everyone, eat everything’ speaks to the heart of Italian dining where simple, seasonal ingredients and sharing delicious food and drinks take centre stage. The restaurant's delicious and creative small plates encapsulate the very best of social Italian dining, embracing the joys of eating wholesome, hearty food made with the freshest ingredients as you pour over a bottle of wine with friends.
A vibey hangout with an air of luxury, this stunning spot built in the surrounding of a former banking hall is not one to miss.
To book, visit tutto-restaurant.co.uk
Burnt Orange
Everything in Burnt Orange has been refined to create the perfect atmosphere to relax for an evening out. The menu is designed for socialising; simple but packed full of flavour and perfect for grazing. The quality of the drinks if top notch too, so whether you order a cocktail, beer, wine or soft drink you won’t be disappointed. This relaxed all-day and late-night destination with a delicious menu of crudo, small plates and wood-fired sharing dishes to accompany a luxe cocktail menu and music curated by Brighton's own Fatboy Slim.
To book, visit: burnt-orange.co.uk
Shelter Hall
Stroll down to Shelter Hall on Brighton's seafront for a delicious array of food vendors and unmatchable sunset views. From Lost Boys Chicken's mouthwatering signature sauce to the smoky and succulent Portuguese BBQ from the brilliant Churrasco, this laid-back location is home to seven unique kitchens from local chefs, craft beer, a fabulouscocktail and wine bar, and weekly line-up of live music. This is the best of Brighton.
The Eighteen Acre Café
The Eighteen Acre Cafe is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening relaxing in. Just a short drive from Brighton and located on the Bolney Wine Estate, this open-space area boasts a terrace overlooking the vineyard, and an incredible selection of mezze boards and wines - all straight from the estate. The cafe is the perfect place for special occasions too and holds a number of events all year around.
For more info, visit Bolneywineestate.com
Rockwater Hove
Rockwater Hove is THE place to go during a visit to Brighton - we can guarantee you'll feel like you're on holiday there, especially when the sun comes out! Just a short bus ride away from Brighton station and nestled in the heart of trendy Hove, the neighbourhood favourite has you catered for from day to night - boasting two restaurants within its venue - a Bar and Kitchen and a Roof Terrace - with the latter ideal for sipping a cocktail or two with stunning views during golden hour.
We recommend spending the afternoon there and starting off in the Bar and Kitchen - with a vast menu ranging from pizzas, burgers and healthy bowls on offer. Vegetarian options include the beer battered banana blossom to match the traditional fish and chips, along with plant-based burgers and jackfruit tacos.
A generous selection of cocktails served both downstairs and on the terrace include a Watermelon Spritz featuring honey tequila, the Pretty in Pink - with limocello, gin and strawberries and the ever-popular Lychee Martini. The terrace also serves up plenty of fresh fish dishes and tapas-style snacks to accompany your drinks.
What's more, Rockwater now has its own lifestyle subscription - Open Water - which provides locals and visitors a unique package for the ultimate daycation, from weekly wellbeing classes to experience days, live music and comedy events.
To book, visit Rockwater.uk
READ: 4 unmissable day trips from London to visit by train
Best places to stay in Brighton
Hotel Pelirocco
Hotel Pelirocco is one of Brighton's most iconic hotels and is loved by famous faces around the world, along with locals – Fat Boy Slim has been known to play there many times. The boutique hotel boasts 19 themed rooms paying tribute to some of the most iconic musicians and artists of all time. There's a David Bowie Room complete with a double spa bath and a dressing up rail, a Dolly Parton themed room styled out as the singer's country cabin, and the Pin Up Parlour – one of the hotel's most popular rooms paying tribute to British pin-up Diana Dors.
The hotel has its own bar with a vast selection of drinks and cocktails, including sparkling wine from local vineyard Bolney Estate, while breakfast options are worth getting up for. With everything from homemade granola to a full English breakfast – with vegetarian and vegan options also available – along with a Champagne breakfast for those wanting to properly celebrate their stay.
To stay, visit hotelpelirocco.co.uk
The Southern Belle hotel
The Southern Belle is somewhere you won't want to miss out on staying at during a trip to Brighton. Located a stone's throw away from the beach, this charming boutique hotel boasts ten stylish bedrooms, all with a unique and design-led finish. Rooms feature ensuites, large double beds, a dressing table and plenty of storage space. The beds are beyond comfortable, while homey touches include an esperesso machine and even mugs and biscuits left out for each guest to enjoy. Wall-mounted televisions are in each room too, complete with Netflix and other streaming services for when you just want to spend some time relaxing.
Located down the trendy Waterloo Street, The Southern Belle is close to plenty of independent cafes, bars and restaurants in Hove, but within walking distance still to all the attractions Brighton has to offer.
A complimentary breakfast is served each morning between 8am and 10am for guests, with choices ranging from a full English breakfast to pancakes. If you fancy staying at the hotel for food - the pub downstairs has an incredibly tasty - and varied - menu, with many dishes made from local produce. The house brioche is a must, as are a selection of the (not so) small plates. Massala spiced aubergine, tempura cauliflower and buratta with charred peach are just some of the options, while sharing platters featuring everything from cheese to fish are also on the menu. What's more, on Monday and Tuesday nights, the pub currently offers some incredibly generous deals, including a selection of £4.50 alcoholic drinks, and £12 burgers.
To book, visit thesouthernbelle.co.uk
Best activities to do in Brighton
Theatre Royal Brighton
The iconic Theatre Royal Brighton has never looked more glamorous. The historic venue recently wrapped up a spectacular 17-month, top-to-bottom restoration project, beautifully reviving its iconic external terracotta façade to its former glory. Complete with a gorgeous, modern rebranding and plush, newly upgraded auditorium seating, it is an absolutely stunning setting to enjoy the very best of live entertainment.
To book, visit: atgtickets.com/brighton
Komedia
In the heart of the bustling North Laine, just a few minutes’ walk from Brighton Station, you’ll find Komedia, the city’s premier live entertainment venue for over twenty years. Winner of the Chortle Comedy Award for Best Venue in the South a record 17 times, Komedia presents one of the largest, most diverse arts and entertainment programmes in the UK.
The venue hosts over seven hundred performances a year including comedy, music, cabaret and kids shows, as well as being the home of several of Brighton’s most popular club nights and home-grown, resident comedy shows.
To book, visit: komedia.co.uk/brighton/
Bolney Wine Estate
British wine has never been more popular and at Bolney Wine Estate, they will make you fall in love with the popular tipple all over again. Nestled in the heart of the rural Sussex countryside, the three-generation family business is one of England's most oldest and beautiful vineyards, led by the company's Chairperson Sam Linter, whose parents planted the first vines on the estate five decades ago.
Bolney offers a number of incredible wine tasting tours to suit all needs and budgets, that are incredibly popular with locals - who come back time and time again - and visitors. What's more, being just a short ride away from London, it makes it a great daytrip for those wishing to escape the city for the day. The list of tasting tours changes throughout the year, but we really recommend the Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour, which is just £30 per person, and includes a tour of the site, followed by five cheese and wine pairings. Did you know, that Queen Camilla has also visited? And if it's good enough for her..
There is also the option to do a wine tasting tour with an afternoon tea included for £36 per person, and The Ultimate Wine Tasting Tour for £60, which includes a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, a walk and tour around the eighteen-acre vineyard, a wine and food pairing tasting session, and a seasonal mezze board to enjoy after the tour, complete with a dessert.
To book, visit bolneywineestate.com
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