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BRIGHTON TRAVEL GUIDE

BRIGHTON TRAVEL GUIDE

Brighton Travel Guide


Overview

Brighton is a popular seaside resort in the South of England, shining with diversity and design, this makes a great day trip from London, especially during the summer months.

There are lots of things to do in Brighton; check out the beach, and Brighton Pier, and browse the vintage shops and tasty eateries in The Lanes. Head to Brighton during a festival to really get a full flavor of this wonderfully eccentric city.

Typical costs

Accommodation

Budget: Dorm beds can be found between £6 – £20 whilst private rooms start at £40.

Midrange: £60 – £100 depending on location.

Luxury: Nice hotels on the seafront cost around £120.

Transport: The great thing about Brighton is that everything is in walking distance.

If you do want to get a taxi, you are looking at a £10-£15 cost depending on the time of day whilst buses cost around £2.40-£3 depending on the distance.

If you decide to stay in Brighton, cheap train tickets to other coastal areas such as Eastbourne and Hastings are also available from around £11.

The average cost of food:

Lots of food chains can be found across Brighton, ideal for those looking to save some cash.

Fish and chips can cost between £6 – £11 per person whilst lunch meals cost around the same.

Dinners can cost upwards of £15 per head but check out the pub foods; the Wetherspoon pub chain offer great meal deals for excellent prices.

Best time to visit Brighton

The UK has temperamental weather; it rains far too often and Brighton is not fun when you get caught outside during a rain storm. 

The best time to visit Brighton is May to September when the weather is warm and there is less chance of rain. However, this is England, you always need to have a raincoat or umbrella with you, just in case. 

August is the hottest time of the year and visiting Brighton at this time is essential if you plan on swimming in the sea. However, be warned that this is the summer holidays and Brighton becomes very busy at this time. 

Where to stay in Brighton

Budget:

Hostelpoint Brighton is a great spot for a night or two, located near all the popular attractions and right near the beach, dorm beds start at £8.99 whilst private ensuite rooms are £40.

Smart Brighton Beach is another popular hotel and again centrally located on the beach and near attractions, dorms start at £6.50 whilst private ensuite rooms cost £40.

Midrange:

The Square Hotel is a modern and stylish spot, offering a great restaurant and sophisticated bar, with rooms starting at £90. Just a short walk from the seafront, YHA Brighton offers bright ensuite rooms starting at £69.

Top End:

In a great location, the Brighton House Bed and Breakfast has been rated as a luxurious, immaculate hotel with rooms starting at £121, this is a top pick for me.

Overlooking the seafront, Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront is a top choice for couples, with modern 4-star rooms starting at £126 a night.

Save money in Brighton

The UK is an expensive destination to visit in Europe but there are many ways you can save money in Brighton

  • Stay in chains – Chain hotels such as Travelodge or Premier Inn can be in many neighborhoods, with rooms costing as little as £60 when booking in advance. Hostels can be found for around £20 and can even include breakfast. 
  • Cheap food – Head to a takeaway shop or street vendor for lunches for £5 whilst dinners will cost upwards of £10. Budget chain restaurants you should consider are Nandos, Pizza Express, Wagamamas and the Gourmet Burger Kitchen. 
  • The Seafront – Do not eat or sit on the seafront. Prices here are higher than elsewhere and you can either be charged for just sitting in the restaurant or cafe. 
  • Walk – Brighton is a walkable destination so plan your days out and get your comfortable shoes on. 
  • Book tickets in advance – When heading to the paid attractions (such as the Sealife center), book your tickets in advance to save money. Also, check Groupon for discounted prices and restaurant deals.  There are plenty of things to do in Brighton with kids but avoid spending all of your budgets on entrance tickets.
  • Pub food – Typically speaking, eating food in a pub is a lot cheaper than a normal restaurant. Wetherspoons is a great choice for those on a tight budget, with meal and drink deals starting at £6. 
  • Visit off-season – The summer is when Brighton comes to life but visiting from October to April will save you money. 
  • Visit the parks – Brighton is home to many parks so unwind and relax in these beautiful gardens, especially during the summertime. For a unique walk with great views, enjoy the Seven Sisters Walk, with options for all fitness levels.
  • Use the bus – If you intend on using the public buses to get around, you can pick up a Discover Ticker for £9. 
  • Free Walking Tours – You can take a free talking tour in Brighton, which lasts a few hours and takes you to the historic sites in the city.  Head to Strawberry Tours, Real Brighton Tours or Visit Brighton Greeters for free tours. 

Best things to do in Brighton

  • Brighton Pier
  • Royal Pavilion
  • The Lanes
  • British Airways i360 Tower
  • Sea Life Brighton
  • Walking Tour
  • Devil’s Dyke
  • Brighton Marina
  • Brighton Toy and Model Museum
  • Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
  • Snoopers Paradise
  • The World’s End
  • Brighton Dome
  • Upside Down House
Brighton best things to do

How to get to Brighton

Bus – Buses are available from Arundel, Chichester, Eastbourne and London Victoria, costing around £8 from London but taking around 2 hours.

Train – For £24 you can get a train from London Victoria or London St Pancras to Brighton, taking just an hour. Nearby popular spots are also accessible by train, including Eastbourne, Chichester, Hastings and Portsmouth.

Drive – Many drive to Brighton, but be aware that parking is incredibly pricey in Brighton centre, with some car parks costing up to £7 for two hours.

Not too far from Brighton is Eastbourne where you can find the popular Beachy Head.

How to get around Brighton

A day bus ticket around Brighton costs £4.60 but the best way to experience Brighton is to walk and wander, get lost down the lanes and discover hidden gems all over this diamond city.

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