As a thoroughly modern, vibrant city with a great seaside tradition, Brighton has more than its fair share of interest and excitement, and a wealth of stunning sights to explore and discover.
Have a royally good time
Brighton’s most distinctive icon, and a symbol of its decadent origins, is the Royal Pavilion. The Prince Regent’s glittering palace is one of the most opulent and grandiose buildings in England, a mock-Mughal extravaganza of oriental domes and minarets.
The interior is even more lavish, particularly the incredibly intricate dragon-themed banqueting hall. Set in the Royal Pavilion’s renovated stable block is a delightful museum and art gallery with a permanent collection spanning ancient Egyptian artefacts, Brighton seaside memorabilia, and post-war British art.
For some good old-fashioned seaside fun, head to Brighton’s century-old pier Palace Pier. Packed with plenty of fairground rides and amusement arcades, this is one of Brighton’s most iconic structures.
Afterwards, indulge yourself in the British seaside staple of freshly cooked fish and chips from the Regency Restaurant on Kings Road, just back from the seafront.
Nearby, Brighton’s newest attraction, the British Airways i-360, soars up from the seafront. This 162m-tall tower of reinforced steel and concrete is ringed by a huge glass doughnut that takes you soaring above the city for some dizzying views of the city and Sussex coastline.
Shop ‘til you drop
Shopping opportunities in Brighton are second-to-none. Between the seafront and the Royal Pavilion sit the famous Lanes, a warren of quirky shops and boutiques begging to be discovered.
Situated in what was once the heart of the city’s old fishing town, the Lanes offer a bewildering mix of antiques and jewellery shops, as well as decadent designer fashion boutiques and funky restaurants and cafés.
For retro chic head for North Laine, a bohemian bustle of criss-cross streets in the heart of the city’s cultural quarter. Boasting the largest selection of independent retailers on the South Coast, you’ll find some of the best locally made jewellery, sculpture, ceramics and glasswork.
Further north, on London Road, is the Open Market, home to over 50 of Brighton’s very best local producers and creators. The market offers an exceptional mix of delicious food from close to home and around the world, fashion, jewellery and homeware.
Explore the coast and countryside
Brighton is within easy driving distance of some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside, as well as a rich seam of historic gems.
An hour away, nestled in the South Downs, is Petworth House, home to an extraordinary collection of art. The magnificent 17th-century seat of the powerful Percy dynasty has an astonishing array of treasures, collected from around the globe over a period of 900 years.
Wander the palatial state rooms to discover a vast display of paintings and sculptures by the likes of Van Dyck, Turner and Blake, or head out to the 700-acre deer park, designed by landscaping genius Capability Brown, for a serenity that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Across the border in East Sussex sits medieval Rye, one of the south of England’s most photogenic towns. Its winding cobbled lanes and hidden passageways are lined with half-timbered Tudor buildings and brimming with tales of ghosts, ghouls and smugglers from times gone by.
The lively Georgian market town of Chichester, standing between the South Downs and the sea, is still ringed by its medieval town walls. Come here to marvel at its splendid cathedral, streets of handsome 18th-century town houses and its famous theatre.
Car hire in Brighton allows you to enjoy the best of this seaside city, as well as strike out to explore the wider region, pay a visit to the capital, or see some of the most delightful countryside Britain has to offer.
