Day Trips
A Day Trip to Brighton from London
The pier, the Lanes and fish and chips by the sea: how to do Brighton as a day trip from London.
In short: our top picks are Brighton Palace Pier, Royal Pavilion and British Airways i360. 4 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Brighton is the seaside an hour from the city: the pier, the pebble beach, the maze of the Lanes and the best people-watching on the south coast. It makes a brilliant, breezy day trip from London, whatever the weather. This is how to spend one by the sea.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Brighton Palace Pier | Brighton | ££ |
| Royal Pavilion | Brighton | £££ |
| British Airways i360 | Brighton | £££ |
| The Lanes | Brighton | ££ |
-
Editor’s choice
Brighton Palace Pier
Why we pick itThe classic Victorian pier of arcades, rides and doughnuts; the heart of a day by the sea.
-
Royal Pavilion
Why we pick itGeorge IV's wildly exotic seaside palace; one of the most extraordinary buildings in England.
-
British Airways i360
Why we pick itA glass viewing pod that rises 138 metres for sweeping coast views; a modern Brighton landmark.
-
The Lanes
Why we pick itA maze of narrow alleys packed with independent shops, jewellers and cafes; Brighton's beating heart.
Before you book
Fast trains run from Victoria and London Bridge in around an hour; go early on a sunny day. Wander the Lanes and the North Laine for independent shops and lunch. And do the classics without shame; fish and chips on the beach is the whole point.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Brighton Palace Pier is our editor's choice: The classic Victorian pier of arcades, rides and doughnuts; the heart of a day by the sea. Brighton Palace Pier, Royal Pavilion and British Airways i360 lead the guide, with 4 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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