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Guide to Brighton’s top beaches and the attractions on the seafront

When thinking of a beach vacation in England you’ll want to include Brighton. Situated on the south coast of England, the history of Brighton as a seaside resort goes back to the 18th century. Today, it’s one of the most popular beach destinations in the UK.

This classic English seaside resort is an hour by train from London and the fastest by coach (long-distance bus) is 2 hours. And the journey time is somewhere in between by car. This makes Brighton an easy day trip for many Londoners. But many stay more than a day for a getaway by the sea.

There’s plenty to see and do beyond the seafront. But the seaside will always be the main destination and it’s not just about the beaches. You’ll also find a host of attractions, dining options and accommodations catering to all budgets. If you want to know more, here’s the guide to holidaying on the Brighton seafront.

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Beaches in Brighton

The Brighton seafront is an 11-km (7 miles) stretch comprising not one but a couple of beaches. This long stretch starts from Hove Beach in the west and ends at Saltdean Beach in the east. In between is the famous Brighton Beach and the beaches at Kemptown, Ovingdean and Rottingdean.

There are 6 lifeguard stations on Brighton Beach, Hove Beach and Kemptown Beach from late May to early September. The lifeguards operate from 10 AM to 6 PM or 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM depending on the location. During the summer school holidays, the service extends to Rottingdean and Saltdean from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

See passes for hop-on hop-off bus tours – Enjoy trips around the city including the Brighton seafront.

Brighton Central Beach

Brighton Central Beach (also known as Brighton Beach) is Brighton’s main beach, extending east and west from Brighton Pier. It’s the most visited of the Brighton beaches. And like most beaches in the South of England, Brighton Beach is for the most part pebbly. That said, you’ll discover a flat sandy seabed during low tide.

The seaside here is clean and well-maintained. After all, Brighton Beach is a Blue Flag Beach. This prestigious international award certifies the beach has met all stringent standards. These include excellent water quality, environmental management, safety and adequate sanitary facilities.

Public toilets and open-air showers are available. In summer, when there’s a big crowd, you might find yourself in an unbearable situation waiting to use the loo. There are no public changing facilities though. So, change in one of the toilets or bring a large towel to wrap around yourself to change.

Brighton Beach is safe for casual swimmers and kids. The waters are shallow during low tide and the waves are usually calm in summer. To be safe, swim between the two yellow flags. These are designated swimming areas where lifeguards are present. A red flag though means it’s unsafe for reasons such as dangerous sea conditions.

Parasols, mats and deckchairs are available for rent from May to September. There are several locations where you can rent the items. Parasols cost around £7, deckchairs £5 and mats £5 to use for the day. You’d have to collect the items from the locations and return them after you’ve finished.

There’s more to do here in summer than lazing under the sun and swimming. If you’re keen on water sports, Brighton Watersports offers kayaks and stand-up paddle boards for sale, hire and even lessons. What’s more, the shop also offers hiring services for water skiing, wakeboarding and Ringo rides.

Near the east side of Brighton Pier, the 32-metre (105 feet) tall Brighton Zip Line (aerial rope slide) will swish you down to the beach for that adrenaline rush. And near the west side of the pier is the Golden Gallopers. This nostalgic Victorian carousel has been delighting young kids since 1888.

Enjoy a quiet stroll by the sea and maybe skim a few pebbles across the water in autumn and winter. Though too cold to swim for most, the strong waves invite surfers. And there’s the Christmas Day Swim when brave souls dip into the icy waters! Remember, you won’t find any lifeguards during this time of the year.

But Brighton Beach is more than just about the beach and the sea. There’s a wonderful promenade along the length. It’s a long and colourful stretch with a great seaside vibe. A lively place from spring to autumn and summers are always the liveliest even after dark. Much quieter though in winter.

Besides water sports, there are outdoor facilities for sports on the beach. Enjoy playing volleyball and tennis on sand-covered courts. There are also facilities for basketball, table tennis and even a mini-golf course. What’s more, young kids can enjoy their time at the children’s play area and nearby paddling pool.

The seafront is also home to Brighton’s famous seaside attractions. Brighton Pier is a Victorian leisure pier filled with fun things to do. The Brighton i360 tower offers some of the best views of the Brighton coast. There’s Sea Life Brighton, the world’s oldest aquarium. And Volk’s Electric Railway, the world’s oldest operating electric railway.

You’re spoiled with choices of what to eat along the promenade. Under the Victorian brick arches, are a host of lovely cafés and restaurants. Plenty of shops as well selling beach gear, swimwear, quirky souvenirs and art by local artists. Not to mention food kiosks along the walkway offering a good deal of seaside favourites.

Check out hotels on the Brighton seafront – You’ll find a range of options from the budget-friendly to luxury.

Hove Beach

Hove Beach is the western continuation of Brighton Beach. This long stretch spans from Hove Lagoon in the west to Hove Lawns in the east, where it meets up with Brighton Beach. Though the two are the same pebble shore, the seaside at Hove has a calmer feel and lacks the fanfare of its rival.

There are no touristy attractions here to distract you from the seaside. Besides, the pace is unhurried and relaxed. While Brighton Beach gets loads of tourists in summer, there are fewer on the Hove side. Great if you prefer an uncrowded seaside and still be near the trumpet call of Brighton Beach.

Hove Beach is another Blue Flag Beach on the Brighton coast. Lifeguards are stationed near Hove Lawn Café and King Alfred Leisure Centre. Public toilets are available, so you don’t have to run to Brighton Beach to find one. If coming by car, King Alfred Car Park is near the seafront on Kings Esplanade.

Enjoy walking along Hove Beach without the horde of beachgoers in summer. During low tide, the water is quite shallow and exposes a flat seabed with sections of pebbles and sand. Backing the beach is a long wide promenade with a cycle lane. And there are plenty of benches to relax while enjoying lovely views of the sea.

Hove Lawns is right behind the eastern half of the promenade. Besides the beach, this large grassy space is another popular spot in summer to relax and enjoy the sun. Hove Lagoon is behind the western half of the promenade. There’s a skate park and a nearby play area at Hove Lagoon for young kids to enjoy.

Besides sunbathing and dipping into the water, there are also opportunities for water spots. Popular activities include stand-up paddle boarding, wakeboarding and windsurfing. Equipment are available for hire at Hove Lagoon Watersports. You can even take lessons at the boating lagoon if new to the watersports.

With not many tourists, there are only a few places along the Hove seafront to grab a bite. You’ll find Rockwater Hove and Lex’s Cafe at Hove Lagoon and the Lawns Café at Hove Lawns. All offer outdoor seating. And there’s Marroccos’s, a small cosy Italian restaurant facing the sea on King’s Esplanade.

Kemptown Beach

Kemptown Beach is the eastern continuation of Brighton Beach and extends as far as Brighton Marina. The seaside is in front of the Kemptown neighbourhood that stands on a cliff. It’s a charming neighbourhood featuring historic townhouses built during the Regency and Victorian periods in the 19th century.

The seaside in Kemptown is 10 minutes walk from Brighton Pier. You can also hop on the Volk’s Electric Railway (near the pier) and get off at Halfway Station or Black Rock Station (near Brighton Marina). Though not a Blue Flag Beach, the beach is clean and well-maintained, and the water quality is fine.

Like the rest of the Brighton seaside, Kemptown Beach is pebbly with exposed areas of pebbles and sand during low tide. And like Hove Beach, the seaside here is relaxed, quieter and uncrowded compared to Brighton Beach during the peak season. In summer, you’ll find lifeguards stationed near Duke’s Mound.

For an entertaining round of crazy golf, there’s the Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf near Halfway Station. Next door is Yellowave, where you can book a court for a game of beach volleyball. There’s also a play area for kids. And there’s a swimming pool managed by Sea Lanes that’s set to open in the spring of 2023.

The Undercliff Walk

The Undercliff Walk is a continuous walkway under the white cliffs of the Brighton seafront. This 5 km (3 miles) walkway is part of a sea wall built to protect the cliffs from erosion by the sea. From Brighton Marina, the walkway passes through Ovingdean Beach, then Rottingdean Beach and finally Saltdean Beach.

It’s 3 km (2 miles) from Brighton’s city centre to the marina. If you prefer not to walk, hop on the Volk’s Electric Railway in the city and get off at Black Rock Station near the marina. Or take one of the public buses (routes 12, 13, 14 or 27) that head to Brighton Marina and the 3 beaches. If driving, take the A259 (Marine Drive).

The Undercliff Walk is open to both pedestrians and cyclists. It’s a lovely stroll, offering stunning views of the sea and white cliffs. For a break, stop at one of the beachfront cafés at Ovingdean, Rottingdean or Saltdean. You’ll find public toilets at the beaches should you need to answer the call of nature.

On sunny days, the light reflecting from the chalk cliffs cast a glimmering sight. The waves are usually calm in summer. But in winter the waves get stronger, sometimes crashing over the walls and onto the walkway. Now and then but rarely, the walkway may close due to heavy storms and other reasons like rock falls from the cliffs.

Ovingdean Beach

Ovingdean Beach is at the base of the cliff in the small village of Ovingdean. It’s around 30 minutes walk from Brighton Marina via the Undercliff Walk. You won’t find designated car parks here if you plan to drive. If by bus, the stop is at the top of the cliff. From here, walk down the ramp that leads to the shore.

Ovingdean Beach isn’t a Blue Flag Beach. Nonetheless, a pleasant location and fairly secluded. Coming here is about enjoying the beach without the seaside attractions to distract you. That said, there’s a small quaint café with outdoor seating offering lovely views of the sea. Public toilets are available if you need one.

Though not a Blue Flag Beach, the seaside is clean and popular with families. The shallow waters and calm waves in summer make the beach very inviting for a dip in the sea. Though pebbly, there’s plenty of sand on the lower edges for kids to play and rock pools to explore when the tide recedes.

Rottingdean Beach

Rottingdean Beach is in the village of the same name. The seaside is below the cliff and 20 minutes walk east from Ovingdean Beach via the Undercliff Walk. It’s close to the road with plenty of parking nearby at the Marine Cliffs and West Street car parks. Buses departing from the city centre stop close to the beach.

The seaside here is never crowded. What’s more, the eastern and western ends are fairly secluded. The shoreline at Rottingdean features a gentle slope. During low tide, pebbles give way to a flat sandy seabed and rock pools to explore. Lifeguards are around during the summer holidays keeping a watchful eye.

There’s a multi-sports court for basketball and 5-a-side football at the bottom of the cliff. Molly’s Coffee Shop on the beachfront opens all day including weekends and winter. The café serves breakfast and lunch as well as tasty homemade cakes and soups. There’s plenty of outdoor seating if you prefer a view of the sea.

The village itself is worth a visit. For visitors, the focal point is the area where High Street and Marine Drive cross – just behind the beach. There’s no shortage of restaurants, cafés and takeaways here to satisfy the palate. Smugglers on High Street comes highly recommended for seafood favourites including fish and chips.

Check out the 3-star White Horse Hotel – The only hotel in Rottingdean, centrally located and close to the beach.

Saltdean Beach

Saltdean Beach is in the coastal village of Saltdean, bordered by farmland and the South Downs National Park. It’s the furthest of the Brighton beaches, about 8 km (5 miles) from the city centre. The Saltdean Car Park is a short distance and buses from the city centre stop nearby on Marine Drive.

From the car park and bus stop, there are ramps that’ll lead you down the cliffs to the seaside. Though not a Blue Flag Beach, Saltdean Beach has been given a Seaside Award. It has met the criteria for meeting water quality standards, environmental management and ensuring safety including lifeguards during the summer holidays.

Saltdean is a spacious pebble beach that’s uncrowded even in summer. But unlike other beaches in Brighton, there’s hardly any sand during low tide. Besides swimming, stand-up paddle boarding is a popular activity here. Don’t forget to visit Whitecliffs, a charming seafront café with a nice range on the menu at reasonable prices.

The Saltdean Lido is near the car park on top of the cliff. Built-in the 1930s, the lido is more than an outdoor swimming pool with a sun deck. There’s a nice tea terrace and rooftop café overlooking the pool. The village for most vacationers is on the south end of Longridge Avenue, where you’ll come across a couple of restaurants and cafés.

Biking Along the Seafront

Brighton is a bike-friendly destination. Several bike routes pass through the city as well as off-road routes through the countryside. Besides biking on your own, you can join a guided bike tour exploring the seaside resort. And there’s a bicycle route map from the Brighton & Hove City Council website that you can print.

The seafront is the most popular bike route, spanning 11 km (7 miles) from Hover Lagoon in the west to Saltdean Beach in the east. The route is simple and straightforward – there’s only one direction either way. Knowing this, you don’t have to worry about finding your way even without a map.

The seafront route is suitable for those with an average level of fitness. Part of the route includes the Undercliff Walk (open to both cyclists and pedestrians), offering some of the most scenic sights of the Brighton seafront. For safety reasons, cyclists are advised not to cycle more than 16 kph (10 mph).

Brighton Beach Bikes (west side of Brighton Pier) offers varieties of bikes for rent including regular, mountain and children’s bike. Rentals start from £6 for an hour to £17 for 4 hours or more. The municipality also has its BTN BikeShare with several bike stations on the seafront. Rentals are cheaper but only have regular and electric bikes.

Brighton Palace Pier

Brighton Palace Pier (commonly known as Brighton Pier) is a famous pleasure pier in the heart of the Brighton seaside. This seaside landmark is a top attraction and the best-known pleasure pier on the south coast of England. Opened in 1899, this long stretch juts out 525 metres (1,722 feet) into the sea.

A trip to the seaside resort wouldn’t be complete without a pilgrimage to this famous pier. There are lots of fun-filled activities for kids and adults to enjoy. Besides, there’s a tasty range of foods. Come any time of the year except Christmas. It’s free to enter but you need tickets for the rides, which you can purchase at the pier.

The pleasure pier is a host of rides including roller coasters, bumper cars, cups and saucers, lift drops and a ghost train. There’s also a mega slide and a soft play area. And there’s the amusement arcade with plenty of games to entertain you. Last but not least, the edge of the pier offers wonderful views of the Brighton coast and the sea.

Palm Court is a glass-fronted restaurant with a commanding view of the sea. This popular restaurant serves a range of meals including seafood favourites, burgers and salads. There are also food kiosks offering fish and chips, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, doughnuts, crepes, ice cream and lots more.

Sea Life Brighton

Sea Life Brighton is a short distance from Brighton Pier. Opened in 1872, the aquarium may not be the largest in the world but certainly one of the oldest. This popular seafront attraction is housed in a charming Victorian building. And for the most part, situated underground in a high-vaulted ceiling arcade.

The aquarium is home to thousands of amazing creatures from the underwater world. You’ll discover freshwater and marine fishes from the coast of England to the tropical coral reefs. Among them are sharks, rays, piranhas, clownfish, catfish and blue tangs. Not to mention jellyfish, seahorses, starfish and octopus.

The top attraction here is the underwater glass tunnel passing through a replica of a tropical reef. In this huge tank is a dazzling display of sharks, ray fish, sea turtles and corals. You can also observe these creatures on a “glass-bottom boat” above the tank and see them swim right below your feet.

Don’t miss the Rainforest Adventure. It’s home to creatures native to the hot and humid tropical rainforest. Beneath the canopy are sharp tooth piranhas, terrapins, poisonous dart frogs and an iguana sunning himself. At the Rock Pool, you can come up close and see the colourful starfish and sea anemones.

See entry tickets for Sea Life Brighton – Explore the amazing underwater world and creatures from the Amazon rainforest.

Volk’s Electric Railway

Volk’s Electric Railway is the oldest operating electric railway in the world. Opened in 1883, the railway operates on a narrow-gauge rail track running 2 km (1.3 miles) between Aquarium Station (near Sea Life Brighton) and Black Rock Station (near Brighton Marina). In between is Halfway Station.

These vintage trains are from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And each can accommodate up to 40 passengers. The service runs daily (every 15 minutes) except in winter, severe weather and maintenance. And a one-way trip between Aquarium Station and Black Rock Station takes 12 minutes.

It’s a slow ride on these trains but pleasant with admiring scenes of the seaside. You can buy tickets at any of the stations. An adult single fare between Aquarium and Black Rock Stations costs £4.35 and £5.60 for a return trip. Children (3-14 years) pay £2.70 for a single fare and £3.50 for a return ticket.

There’s a Visitor Centre at Aquarium Station where you can learn about the history of the world’s oldest electric railway. Cafés are located at Aquarium and Halfway Stations serving light refreshments and drinks. And at Halfway Station, you can watch maintenance work on the trains at the Workshop.

Brighton i360

The Brighton i360 is a 162-metre (531 feet) tall observation tower and about 10 minutes walk west of Brighton Pier. It’s another popular seaside attraction and draws over 300 thousand visitors each year. This modern landmark opened in 2016 and is the brainchild of the same team that designed the London Eye.

The giant-size tower features a lanky column surrounded by a circular glass-covered pod or viewing deck. As a matter of fact, the tower looks like a giant doughnut around a big stick! The glass pod can accommodate up to 200 passengers on each trip. And it’s a magnificent 360-degree view from the top.

The pod leaves the ground every 30 minutes and lasts 25 minutes, reaching the top at 138 metres (453 feet). As the pod glides up, you’ll see the city’s major landmarks as well as breathtaking views of the English coast and countryside. And on a clear day, you can see as far as the Isle of Wight 40 km (25 miles) away.

If you dare, the Walk 360 lets you get outside the pod and onto the roof when reaching the top. With a helmet and secured harness, you then walk around the roof and feel the rush as you look below. If that’s not enough, you get to lean backwards. After the walk, you’ll return to the pod before descending.

See entry tickets for the Brighton i360 – From high above the ground, enjoy amazing views of Brighton, the coast and countryside .

Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina is the largest marina in the UK, covering 51 ha (127 acres) and 1,600 berths. The marina is more than just a place where boats dock. There are plenty of things to do to fill the day including dining, entertainment and even fishing. If you plan to stay here, the marina offers the 4-star Malmaison Brighton.

It’s 30 minutes walk and 10 minutes by bike from Brighton’s city centre to get here. Or take the Volk’s Electric Railway and get off at Black Rock Station. From here, it’s a few minutes walk to the marina. Local buses (routes 7, 21, 21B, 25C, 47, 52 & 57) stop at the marina. If driving, there’s parking for 1,500 cars and free for up to 4 hours.

Brighton Marina has a host of dining options, many offer outdoor dining with views of the waterfront. For entertainment, the Cineworld multi-screen cinema shows the latest blockbusters. And there’s Hollywood Bowl, a state-of-the-art bowling centre with 26 lanes. As far as shopping goes, ASDA supermarket is the largest retailer.

You can hire boats here for fishing trips and pleasure cruises along the coast. The marina itself is a great fishing spot. In summer you can catch bass, pollack, mackerel and mullet to name a few. Or walk along the waterfront, enjoying scenic views of the harbour and yachts moored at the docks.

Dining on the Seafront

Brighton has a thriving food scene with something to cater for every taste. And some of the best locations are right on the seafront namely the promenade on Brighton Beach, Kings Road and Brighton Marina. These seafront locations offer plenty of choices of what and where to eat so that you won’t be disappointed.

Brighton Beach Promenade

The promenade between Brighton Pier and the Brighton i360 is a plethora of choices. To begin, you’ll find food stands on Brighton Pier offering seaside favourites like fish and chips, burgers, hot dogs, doughnuts and ice cream. Also on the pier is Palm Court Restaurant, famous for seafood but there are other good options as well.

Ramps near Brighton Pier will lead you down to Brighton Beach. There are no shortages of cafés and restaurants under the brick arches as well as shops selling beach gear to quirky items. Many offer outdoor seating to soak in the beach vibe. There are also a host of food stands along the walkway.

A spot worth mentioning when it comes to seafood is the spot near the Brighton Fishing Museum. Brighton Shellfish and Oyster Bar operate a stand serving over 20 seafood dishes in a variety of sauces. Another is Sea Haze with its large selection of shellfish. Under the arches is Brighton Smokehouse, offering all kinds of seafood sandwiches.

You’ll find more seafood under the arches along the promenade. To name a few, Beach Break serves a hearty meal of traditional fish and chips at reasonable prices. Mumur has a lovely terrace overlooking the sea. The restaurant serves local seafood for lunch and dinner but meat options are also available.

Beyond seafood, Shelter Hall is a popular food hall featuring several special kitchens. Choices include ramen, Japanese, Vietnamese, Neapolitan pizza, thick burgers, grilled chicken and loads more. Flour Pot is famous for its pastries, freshly prepared sandwiches and delicious pizzas. Besides, its signature coffee is highly recommended.

Lazy Fin has a big range on its breakfast and lunch menus. Lunch includes lots of seafood, steak, tacos and sushi rice dishes. West Beach Bar & Restaurant is next to the Brighton i360 and features a large beachfront terrace. Dining here includes breakfast, brunch, lunch and tea with a wide choice from fish and chips to wraps.

The promenade will also spoil you with choices of ice cream treats including sundaes, gelatos, milkshakes and smoothies. Popular spots include Joe Delucci’s Gelato, World Famous Pump Room, Mama Brum’s Café, Jojo’s Gelato and Gelato Gusto. And there’s V360, serving vegan ice cream and sorbets in many flavours.

Kings Road

Kings Road is a stone’s throw from the seafront, running parallel behind the promenade on Brighton Beach. It’s a lively area occupied by hotels, shops, entertainment venues and to say nothing of many great places to eat. Though the main dining scene is on Kings Road, it also extends into some of the side streets.

As far as dining goes, you’ll find a plethora of fast food chains, takeaways, cafés and restaurants from budget-friendly to classy. Choices are plenty from British classics like fish and chips to foods from around the world. With views of the sea, outdoor dining is popular along Kings Road.

Notable restaurants on the stretch include the Salt Room, an award-winning fine dining restaurant with an excellent menu for seafood. The Regency is another popular restaurant for seafood, offering great value for your money and in generous portions. Next door is Melrose, also famous for seafood and at reasonable prices.

The sea-facing Habour Kitchen offers local seaside favourites as well as British classics – look out for regular deals for around £15 per person. Monarch is a lovely seafront restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday roast. And there’s New Club Brighton, drawing inspiration from American diners in New York City.

Brighton Marina

There’s a lively dining scene on the Brighton Marina waterfront. The marina complex is the largest in the UK and 2.5 km (1.6 miles) from Brighton’s city centre. Unless staying here, you can walk along the beach, cycle, drive, take a bus, taxi or the Volk’s Electric Railway from the city centre to get here.

There are over 20 choices to satisfy every taste and budget. On top of that, many offer outdoor dining with views of the waterfront. Popular restaurant chains include McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Pizza Express, TGI Fridays, Five Guys and Nando’s. But there’s a lot more beyond the restaurant chains to spoil you.

The Waterfront Grill is a local restaurant serving seafood, steaks, burgers and pasta. Skara serves traditional Greek cuisines. What’s more, there’s an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work. Café Zio offers all-day breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, fish specials, cakes and fresh pastries baked daily in the morning.

The Chez Mal brasserie at the 4-star Malmaison Hotel mixes French-style cooking with American and Asian influences. Café Rouge is a homey restaurant offering traditional French cuisine as well as steaks and varieties of burgers. And there’s Bella Napoli, a family-run Italian restaurant serving traditional pizza and pasta dishes.

Hotels on the Seafront

The seaside resort is an easy day trip from London. It’s an hour by train and the fastest coach (long-distance bus) takes 2 hours. But you may want to stay longer than a day trip and there’s no shortage of accommodations in Brighton. For many visitors, the seafront on Kings Road is a popular location.

Your options on Kings Road range from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations. Depending on your preference, your stay gets livelier as you get closer to the city centre but generally quieter as you move away. Use this link to find hotels along the Brighton seafront. That said, here are some suggestions to help you get started.

Budget Accommodations

3-Star Hotels (⭐⭐⭐)

4-Star Hotels (⭐⭐⭐⭐)