Summer weekend in Brighton
How locals do summer in Brighton — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Brighton
Brighton Palace Pier
FamilySeafront
Doughnut stands, helter-skelter and pin-machine arcades over the sea.
British Airways i360
FamilySeafront
Glass pod rising 162 m for 360° views from Beachy Head to Worthing.
Volk's Electric Railway
FamilyMadeira Drive
World's oldest electric railway — 1.5 km along the beach since 1883.
Where to eat
Bardsley's
$$Fish & Chips · Baker Street
Family-run since 1926 — proper hake and mushy peas.
Bincho Yakitori
$$Japanese · Preston Street
Smoky chicken skewers and sake flights — counter seats only.
Cyan
$$$$Modern British · Hove
Tasting menu from Michael Bremner — fish-forward, no fuss.
The Salt Room
$$$Seafood · Seafront
Coal-grilled day-boat fish opposite the West Pier ruins.
Live & on stage
Brighton Pride
Preston Park · Aug 2–3 · Festival / LGBTQ+
Burning the Clocks
Madeira Drive · Dec 21 · Solstice Parade
The Great Escape
City-wide venues · May 14–17 · New-music festival
Wildlife Festival
Brighton City Airport · Jun 7–8 · Dance / Hip-hop
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Brighton Palace Pier, British Airways i360, Volk's Electric Railway. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Brighton and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.