Brighton Local Guide: Things to Do, Food, Events and Day Trips
Practical Brighton advice for locals, visitors and anyone getting to know the city: written by someone who actually lives here.
Planning a beach day? Read the guide firstAbout Me
There’s more to Brighton than most people realise
I’m Dave King and I’ve lived in Brighton my whole life. Friends would come and visit and ask me the same things every time. Where to eat, what to do with the kids, how to get to Lewes from the station. I always had an answer, so eventually I thought I’d just write it all down properly.
I’d rather you found the good bits than the obvious ones, so that’s what’s on here. What’s worth your time, what isn’t, and roughly what it’ll cost you.
More about me
Staying in Brighton?
Our Booking.com links are paid links. Booking through one costs you nothing extra and never changes what we recommend.
Brighton fills up fast in summer and on event weekends, and prices climb with it. Worth checking before you plan the rest of the trip.
Everything about Brighton
Nine sections covering the whole city, for locals and visitors.
Activities
Swimming pools, bowling, mini golf, sea fishing and the i360. Indoor and out, free and paid.
Dining
Fish and chips, Sunday roast, bakeries, brunch and vegan. Honest picks from someone who has eaten there.
Nightlife
Live music, cocktail bars, comedy, karaoke and craft beer. Where to go, and what the door rules are.
Lifestyle
Gyms, barbers, bookshops, markets and where to watch the football. The everyday side of living here.
History & Culture
Pride, the Palace Pier, Saltdean Lido, Devil’s Dyke and how a fishing village became Brighton.
Education
Libraries, universities, driving lessons, language schools and after school clubs. For families and students.
Local Services & Professionals
Bin collections, hospitals, vets, tattoo studios and garden centres. The practical stuff you need when you live here.
Travel & Transport
Parking, trains, airport transfers and day trips to Lewes. Getting to Brighton, and getting around it.
Community
Volunteering, charities, community centres, recycling and who your MP actually is.
