Article by: Nat Young, Founder and Tour Guide at Free Walking Tours Brighton - Real Brighton Tours

Brighton has a wealth of sites so you can never see it all in a day. But you can definitely get round the highlights. With a palace, a viewpoint, a beach, quirky alleyways and the worlds oldest electric railway, Brighton is absolutely worth the trip! So, sit tight for the perfect plan for your day in Brighton.  

The Royal Pavilion 

The Royal Pavilion has by far the most impressive interior of any Brighton building and the outside is gorgeous too! Built by a prince who was far more interested in making beautiful buildings than ruling the country, you’ll get to enjoy magnificent chandeliers, extravagant dinner tables and even a whole set of moulds for the jellies. They have an interesting audio guide available, though I’ve got as much information having fascinating chats with the staff stationed around the building.  

The Lanes 

The heart of historic Brighton is a maze of pretty alleyways, so you won’t want to miss these. You’ll find traditional buildings built with pebbles and paths fitting only one person at a time. What used to be fields of hemp is now known locally as the place to come for jewellery. Many a local has bought an engagement ring in here. If you don’t have a map allow plenty of time to find your way out! 

North Laine 

Not to be confused with ‘The Lanes’ above, Laine means a field as this area used to be on the outskirts of town.  Now it's right in the centre and a haven for shoppers. You can find everything from a vegetarian shoe shop that’s been there for over 30 years, to quirky street art and weekend markets. Oh and don’t forget the radiator shop that literally just sells radiators.  

The Pier 

Imagine a theme park hanging over the sea! Now adds amusements, food stalls and a gorgeous view looking back along the beach and you have the Brighton Palace Pier. Look out for a tiny cannon that used to signal ships arriving at a long destroyed pier.    

Volk’s Railway 

Fancy a ride on the oldest electric train line in the world? Take a seat in a cute little carriage and experience what it was like to be a Brighton tourist over 100 years ago!  

i360  

Fancy gazing down on Brighton from above with a unique view of the beach. Then ride the world’s first vertical cable car using only renewable electricity. Be sure to check it out at sunset for the best views! 

The beach 

Who can come to Brighton without visiting the beach? Ever since Brighton took off as a city people have come here for the sea. Chill on the pebbles, swim in the sea or wander for literally miles and miles along stunning, flat coastal paths. There are plenty of grand houses to see on one side and rolling waves on the other.  

Fish and chips 

What says the British seaside more than eating fish and chips! Add some salt and vinegar or even mushy peas. You can do this on the beach or even the pier. Just watch out for the seagulls!  

Join a tour with Free Walking Tour Brighton - Real Brighton Tours 

Want to see most of these in 1.5 hours and learn much more about them too? Why not join me on a FREE Walking Tour where you get to decide at the end how much and whether to pay?