Discover Brighton’s Hidden Courtyards
- July 21, 2026
- Accomodations, Brighton & Hove Guides
Brighton is famous for its vibrant seafront and iconic attractions, but some of its most charming places are hidden away from the... Read More
What do to in Brighton
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by dilaila
- June 19, 2026
- Brighton & Hove Guides
- 0
1. Explore Brighton Palace Pier
What is it? Brighton’s Grade-II listed pleasure pier (which is considered the finest ever built) with fairground rides, bars and restaurants stretching out into the sea.
Why go? The 525 metre platform of sweet treats, games, rides all surrounded by sea is undeniably iconic. It’s withstood storms, wars, and has even been renamed a couple of times, but it continues to stand proud as one of Brighton’s most recognised and postcard-worthy attractions.
Time Out tip: Even if fairground rides aren’t really your thing, this has gotta be the grandest spot in the city to catch the sunset. Brighton Palace Pier is open til 10pm during the summer months, so head here at dusk and soak in the views.
Address: Madeira Drive, BN2 1TW, Brighton
Opening hours: Daily 10am-11pm, closed on Christmas Day
Price: Admission free off-peak, peak season £2 per adult, £1 per child, £5 per family
2. Sweat it out in Beach Box Sauna
What is it? Three year-round public saunas perched right on the pebbles.
Why go? The sea is great for cooling off, but head to Beach Box Sauna after your dip to warm up. These saunas are nestled adjacent to Kemptown on a much quieter portion of the beach, and it’s a great supplement or alternative to going for a swim if the weather isn’t quite as you’d hoped.
Time Out tip: There are changing rooms, outdoor seating areas, and a cosy fire pit, as well as an ice bath and cold plunge on offer – don’t forget to don your felt hat.
Address: Madeira Drive, BN2 1EN, Brighton
Opening hours: Wednesday-Monday 10am-10pm, closed Tuesday
Price: From £12.50-15 per 45-minute session, packages from £25
3. Wander through the North Laine
What is it? Brighton’s artiest district, which is packed with independent shops, restaurants and traditional pubs.
Why go? There’s a reason why these higgledy-piggledy alleys and avenues are one of the city’s biggest draws, for locals and tourists alike. The shabby, colourful North Laine is the place to head for cracking coffee, pastries and incredible second-hand shopping, whereas the more tranquil, historical Lanes (to the south) are home to lovely restaurants, bars and artsy little boutiques.
Time Out tip: One of Time Out’s favourite pubs in the UK is hidden away in the North Laine. Once you’ve rummaged through all the vintage clothes and quirky jewellery, cop a spot at The Basketmakers and get comfy.
Address: The Lanes, BN1 1GA, Brighton
Opening hours: Shops and restaurants vary
Price: Free (public area)
4. Head offshore for stand-up paddleboarding
What is it? Up for something with a bit more umph than a paddle? Head down to Brighton beach to hire your kit or book onto a lesson with Brighton Water Sports.
Why go? We’re all for sea swimming, but to properly make the most of a sunny afternoon with calm waters, hiring a paddle-board from Brighton Water Sports – located between the piers – is the way to go. You’ll get brilliant, up-close views of the city’s piers, seafront and a little more tranquility away from the seaside crowd (Brighton beach gets pretty chocker on warm days).
Address: 185 Kings Road Arches, Brighton Seafront, BN1 1NB
Opening hours: Daily 10am-4pm, weather dependent
Price: £20 per person per hour including equipment hire (wetsuit, buoyancy aid, paddle, showers, lockers)
5. Marvel at the grand Royal Pavilion
What is it? A rather fantastical-looking palace in the middle of town.
Why go? The Royal Pavilion is unsurprisingly Brighton’s most popular tourist attraction – just look at it – and while the opulent domes and minarets stand boldly apart from its surrounding buildings, doesn’t it seem familiar? John Nash, the architect who was in charge of the building’s final extension, was inspired by Indo-Islamic architecture, like that of the Taj Mahal. It’s a remarkable mish-mash of artistic and architectural inspiration.
Time Out tip: A secret tunnel in the building links the Pavilion to Brighton Dome (once King George’s riding stable). While you can’t see it on the standard tour, special tours of the tunnel and basement run on selected dates.
Address: Royal Pavilion & Garden, BN1 1FN, Brighton
Opening hours: April-September 9.30am-5.45pm, October-March 10am-5.15pm
Price: Adults £19.50, children £11.75, family tickets £31.25-50.75. Brighton & Hove residents adults £14.75, children £8
6. Take a dip at Sea Lanes
What is it?: Once a derelict brownfield site, now the UK’s first open-water swimming centre, complete with cafés, bars, and a sauna. Sea Lanes opened in June 2023, with the aim of bringing swimming provisions to the city (and utilising a previously derelict site).
Why go? Firstly, it’s heated. Second of all the Sea Lanes doesn’t just provide a place to swim but is also home to a number of local fitness well-being, food, and beverage businesses. Funded by local Brighton businesses, the site is made up of 23 carbon-neutral units, reminiscent of shipping containers. Whilst offering a pay-as-you-swim service, the site’s 21st-century design is juxtaposed by its proximity to the 19th-century Madeira Drive, combining the two worlds.
Time Out tip: The best time to visit? Early morning, before things start getting busy.
Address: 300 Madeira Drive, BN2 1BX, Brighton
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 6am-9.30pm, Saturday 6.30am-7pm, Sunday 6.30am-8pm
Price: Adults £11.45 per swim, concessions £7.30 per swim, memberships from £55 per month plus £35 joining fee
7. Stroll along the Undercliff Path
What is it? A path that follows the shoreline from Brighton Marina to the village of Saltdean.
Why go? Found just beyond Brighton Marina, the Undercliff Path sits beneath the chalk cliffs which line the coast east of the city towards Eastbourne. It takes around half an hour to cycle from the Palace Pier to Saltdean.
Time Out tip: Brighton’s city-wide BTN BikeShare scheme means it’s easy and cheap to get out here on two wheels.
Address: Starts at Madeira Drive by Brighton Marina and runs to Saltdean, Brighton
Opening hours: Open year-round
Price: Free
8. Take in immense sea views from the British Airways i360
What is it? A futuristic viewing platform on the seafront.
Why go? Sure, the i360 might not be the most aesthetically pleasing structure, but the views from this 150-metre-high observation tower are pretty impressive. Here you can gawp at pretty much all of Brighton, out across the South Downs and over the Channel – including, on a clear day, the Isle of Wight. It closed briefly while ownership changed over, but has been welcoming visitors again since March 2025.
Address: Lower Kings Road, BN1 2LN, Brighton
Opening hours: Daily 10am-8.30pm (extended to 9pm in summer)
Price: Adults £18.50 timed ticket, £20.50 anytime ticket, £32 Sky Bar ticket with drink, £5 local’s rate
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