Day 1 - Royal History & Coastal Culture
Brighton Royal Pavilion
Tour the 1787 Indo-Gothic palace. The audio guide covers 40 rooms, including the Banqueting Room (64 feet long with hand-painted ceiling) and the Music Room featuring ornate décor. Gardens surround the building and are freely accessible.
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Located directly east of the Royal Pavilion, this museum houses Egyptian mummies, Art Deco collections, and contemporary art. Focuses on Brighton's social history including its development as a seaside resort and the role of the LGBTQ+ community. Photography is permitted in most galleries.
Brighton Pier
Spend the afternoon on the pier with games, food, and people-watching. The pier also contains the Palace Pier theatre which occasionally hosts live performances. The seafront views from the pier's end point stretch across the English Channel.
North Laine district
Browse independent shops selling vintage clothing, ethical fashion, records, books, and crafts. This narrower, more residential area sits northwest of the main city centre and represents Brighton's independent retail culture. Pop into Seven Dials junction for coffee or cocktails.
The Graze Inn (fish and chips, £12-16) or Thatchers (gastropub, £14-20)
Plateau (Modern British, £18-28) or Terre a Terre (vegetarian, £16-24)