Brighton · One-day itinerary

A day in Brighton.

Brighton is London-by-the-sea, an hour south by train, with a Regency pavilion, a pebbled beach, and the densest concentration of independent shops, bars, and restaurants in southern England. Weekends are crowded; weekdays are perfect.

Time
Full day
Distance
4-8 km
Food stops
2
Sites
4
The walking route

Hour by hour.

A suggested order, feel free to swap, skip, or take it in reverse.

1

09:30 · Start at Royal Pavilion

Begin your day at Royal Pavilion. Arrive early to avoid crowds and see it in the morning light.

2

11:00 · Brighton Palace Pier

Walk to Brighton Palace Pier, one of the city's defining landmarks. Take your time, this is the kind of place you can't rush.

3

13:00 · Lunch at Lost in the Lanes

Long lunch at Lost in the Lanes. Locals eat late, by 1:30pm you'll be at the heart of the lunch service.

4

15:00 · The Lanes

Walk off lunch with a visit to The Lanes. Allow at least an hour.

5

16:30 · British Airways i360

Continue to British Airways i360. By now the harsh midday sun has softened, best time for photos.

6

18:30 · Drinks at Burnt Orange

Aperitivo or evening drink at Burnt Orange. Soak in the local rhythm.

7

20:30 · Dinner

Pick a restaurant from the food list below, the city's best are within a 15-minute walk from where you're staying. Book ahead during peak season.

Where to eat

Picks for the day.

The food stops on the route, plus a couple of alternatives if your timing doesn't match.

Lost in the Lanes

Address: 10 Nile St

Burnt Orange

Address: 59 Middle St

Sites & sights

What to see along the way.

Royal Pavilion

Address: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings

Brighton Palace Pier

Address: Madeira Dr

The Lanes

Address: The Lanes

British Airways i360

Address: Lower Kings Rd

Practical notes

Tips before you go.

  • Most restaurants close between lunch (around 3pm) and dinner (around 7:30pm). Plan around it.
  • Cash is still useful in smaller places, though cards are increasingly accepted everywhere.
  • Walk where you can, the best parts of any old European city aren't accessible by car.
  • Museums sell timed-entry tickets online and they save real time, especially in peak season.
  • Locals eat dinner late by American or British standards. Don't show up at 6:30pm expecting service.
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