Why visit Brighton?
Seaside shenanigans
A vast expanse of shingle, Brighton Beach is a year-round people-magnet. With deckchairs for hire, miniature golf courses and amusement rides on the Victorian pier, there’s plenty here to keep the entire family entertained. After refuelling with fish and chips (or ice cream and freshly made doughnuts, if you have a sweet tooth), you can take a (seasonal) ride on Volk’s Electric Railway or head to Sea Life Brighton, where a number of marine displays occupy an atmospherically lit vaulted Victorian arcade.
Active pursuits
Sporty types can head to Yellowave’s beach volleyball courts (on a purpose-built sandy stretch – it’s not much fun diving for a ball on pebbles), or have a go at paddleboarding or wakeboarding in the calm waters of Hove Lagoon. For a family-friendly bike ride, the mostly flat, paved National Cycle Network Route 2 follows the coast all the way to Shoreham-by-Sea. However, if you’re up for something more challenging, head inland towards Devil’s Dyke valley and Truleigh Hill, where you can give your thighs a good workout.
Architectural highlights
The spectacular 19th-century Royal Pavilion combines Regency elegance with Indian architecture (check out the exotic onion domes and the intricate filigree stonework), while the interior is a riot of Chinese-inspired elements, from lavish hand-painted wallpaper to Oriental antiques. The history of the palace (whose grandiose halls were turned into military hospital wards during World War I) is as intriguing as the building itself.
Cool neighbourhoods
One could easily get lost for hours in the narrow alleyways (also known as twittens) of The Lanes, a pretty area known for its high number of jewellers and alfresco eateries. Like a bit of street art? Colourful murals decorate the sides of many buildings in North Laine, a buzzy neighbourhood with independent stores and global restaurants. And as the evening draws in, you can make your way to Kemptown, the beating heart of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community and a thriving nightlife hub.
Coastal walks
Need to blow away the odd cobweb? A walk at Seven Sisters Country Park is just the ticket. You can take in the dramatic coastal landscape on a bracing walk along the top of vertiginous chalky cliffs, or head to Birling Gap, from where you can access the beach and rockpools below via a staircase. The iconic white-and-red Beachy Head Lighthouse sits below the cliffs a little way further. This area is also prime territory for a spot of wildlife watching, with fulmars on the cliffs and butterflies among the wildflowers in the grasslands.
Essential things to do in Brighton
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Book a flight on the British Airways i360 tower, for views of the city, the coastline and the hilly landscape of the South Downs
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Grab a snack from the Pavilion Gardens Cafe and join the locals for a picnic on the lawn at the back of the Royal Pavilion
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Ride the Turbo Coaster at Brighton Palace Pier – you’ll get expansive views of the city and the coast in addition to the thrill of the loop
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Go browsing for vintage treasures and assorted curios at North Laine Bazaar
Unexplored Brighton
Winery tours
With climate and soil similar to those in Champagne, Sussex is fast becoming a popular area for growing grapes, and some of the sparkling wines made here are said to match the quality of those across the Channel. Don’t believe it? Try for yourself: several producers organise vineyard and winery tours complete with tastings. Some wineries run masterclasses, others have restaurants or supper clubs, and sometimes live music is thrown into the bargain, too.
Live music
Speaking of live music… These days, more and more artists stop in Brighton for a tour date. You can catch chart-topping bands and popular tribute acts at venues like the Brighton Centre and Brighton Dome, or discover the latest indie darlings at more intimate locales such as Komedia and Concorde 2.
Stargazing in the South Downs
An International Dark Sky Reserve since 2016, South Downs National Park is the place to go for some pretty spectacular stargazing. Take a post-sundown drive to Devil’s Dyke, or venture deeper into the Downs to Bignor Hill, to spot your favourite constellation in the night sky. Check out our useful guide to dark sky camping for more hints and tips.
Here’s how
So there you have it: there’s heaps to do in Brighton, whatever your pleasure and whatever the season. Now all you need to do is sort out your camping accommodation, from where you can easily access the coast and the South Downs – the best of both worlds.
Your choice of Brighton campsite might depend on your travelling companions and your interests. Thinking of a walking holiday with a dog at your heels? Then check out our dog-friendly campsites. Lots of places welcome families, but if you’re planning a child-free break filled with pub crawls and club nights, you’re more likely to find something in this list of adult-only accommodation.
Our tick-box filters will help find just the right Brighton site for you, as you can select the facilities that matter to you – you might need something as simple as a campsite with showers, but did you know you can also find Brighton campsites with a pool?
If you don’t know where to start, have a look at some of our popular Brighton camping options below…
Brighton campsites open all year
Motorhome pitches near Brighton
Brighton camping with electricity
Brighton not for you? Perhaps you’d prefer camping in nearby Eastbourne or Bognor Regis? And in fact the whole South East coast is yours to explore, and we’ve got plenty of camping options all across East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent.
