How to Plan the Perfect Brighton Day Trip
I love city life. Seriously, I am obsessed with the high energy, masses of people and ample public transportation options. But even I need a break from the urban environment every now and then. And after a few months in London, I was ready for quick escape from the hectic city.
The seaside town of Brighton, located just 67 miles south of London, makes for the perfect getaway. It has just enough to do without being overwhelming. If you are looking for a quick escape from London, read on to learn about the unique activities you can add to your Brighton day trip.
So how are you going to get to Brighton?
Here are your easiest options:
- National Express Bus: this is how I got to Brighton. Buses depart daily from London Victoria Coach Station. In about an hour you will be felling the salty wind in your hair. And fares are as low as £2.50 one way. This is a killer deal! I strongly recommend this option.
- Take a train: Trains depart from London Victoria Station. The trip is also about an hour, but the fares are slightly higher. Cheap tickets cost about £20 one way. Still not a bad deal, but the bus was comfortable and on time so I still recommend that option.
So how should you spend you time in Brighton? Well here are my suggestions if…
You are Obsessed with The Crown:
Visit the Royal Pavilion
Everyone knows that it is so exhausting being a royal? I mean people helping you do everything and having unlimited resources must get extremely tiring. Well luckily the British royals could escape from the overwhelming Buckingham Palace to their seaside “retreat” whenever they needed a break. (Me, jealous? Absolutely not. What gave you that idea?)
Ok potential jealously aside, the Royal Pavilion is a stunning building that I would LOVE to holiday in. Since that is not an option for me I settled for touring the residence. Anyone who is interested in British history, stunning architecture, or interior design will love this tour!
The palace opened in 1823 as a seaside retreat for King George IV. However, by the 1840s Brighton was becoming overrun by tourists. Queen Victoria disliked the lack of privacy and eventually moved the Royal summer home to the Isle of Wight. Brighton purchased the Pavilion and eventually opened it as a tourist attraction (after a brief-stint as a military hospital).
The exterior is heavily inspired by Indian architecture and the interior is modeled after Chinese design. Unfortunately photography is not allowed inside the Pavilion. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or follow an audio-guide. Headsets can be rented for £2 or you can listen to the guide for free on your phone. (Another budget friendly tip: admission tickets are 10% off if you purchase them online)
You Want to Feel Like a Kid Again:
Ride the Turbo Coaster at the Brighton Palace Pier
With arcade games, thrill rides, and a carousel, you can let you inner child run wild at the Brighton Palace Pier. (But maybe don’t let your actual kid run wild) Enjoy the attractions and check out the numerous booths selling carnival-type fare. (I had some pretty good fish and chips here)
If you are planning to make a day out of the pier, consider purchasing an unlimited-rides wristband. Heads up, a discount is available if you buy this online in advance. But don’t worry- you can still purchase single tickets or wristbands in person.
The pier first opened in 1899 and has been a major part of the community ever since. Have fun and try not to scream too loud on the Turbo!
You Need Some Vitamin D:
Take a Walk Along the Pebble Beach
Ok so you are not going to have the same experience as you would at a gorgeous palm-tree lined Spanish beach. But hear me out. This is such a quick trip from London and it is nice to get out of the city every now and then. And Brighton offers a pebble beach- which is pretty fun if you have never been to one! (I mean have you tried skipping pebbles on the water? That is classic fun right there)
So full disclosure- I visited Brighton in April and it did snow a bit while I was there. But if you decided to visit in the summer you should be able to get some sunshine and Vitamin D in your life. And if you are up for more than a walk, try a new watersport activity! Paddle boarding, kayaking, and wind surfing are just some of the activities you could try. Check out Lagoon Watersports for lessons or rentals.
You Want to Get Cultured:
Explore the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Want to learn more about Brighton’s quirky history? A sucker for some quality Ancient Egyptian artifacts? Then be sure you stop by the Brighton Museum. As an American tourist I especially enjoying browsing the exhibits and learning more about the town I was visiting. (I mean, I would not have otherwise know that woolly mammoths and rhinos once lived in this region!)
The entry fare is already very reasonable (£5.20 for adults) but check their website for discounts. A 10% discount applies if tickets are purchased online. Additionally, you can buy a history pass that provides discounted entries to both the museum and the Royal Pavilion.
You Enjoy Gorgeous Architecture:
Visit St. Paul’s Church
This stunning church first opened in 1848. Sure, this style of architecture might be common in Europe. But as an American tourist I am blown away by the gorgeous design of these local churches. Admission is free, so be sure to step inside and marvel at the breathtaking stained glass and vaulted ceilings.
Mass is held daily in the Catholic Tradition. This church was the center of some controversy in the 19th century since it was heavily associated with the Oxford Movement (a move towards Anglo-Catholicism and away from the Church of England). I really don’t want to butcher the story so check their website here if you are interested in learning more!
You want to Shop til You Drop:
Check out The Lanes
The winding back alleys of this historic fishing town have been transformed into a unique shopping experience. Here you will find a fantastic collection of antique shops, boutiques, and jewelry stores. One of my favorite British retailers, Cath Kidson, has a storefront in this area. Her collection is like the Vera Bradley of England (except cuter because so many of her designs are British themed!)
Even if you are not a shopper, the cute streets are the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll. When you need a break, refuel with a coffee or pastry from one of the many quaint cafes.
Brighton is the perfect day trip from London. How can you pass up a quick seaside escape? The royals loved it back in the day!
Have you visited Brighton? Let me know how you spent your time in this quirky town.
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