Things to do in Brighton

Itineraries for Your Trip to Brighton

Brighton locals share their perfect days.
Find your Brighton

3 Days in Brighton for First Timers

Curated by Helen ShepherdSouth Londoner on the loose in Switzerland, with a cat and baby in tow. Trained teacher, student, and travel writer, with a passion for drama, drag, and adventure.

With its relaxed atmosphere, unique heritage, and scenic surroundings, seaside Brighton is an ideal base for visitors to southern England. Three days give you time to explore the town, get out into nature, steep yourself in English history and culture, and more. Here are some options.


Day 1

Get to know Brighton on a biking, walking, or bus tour: visit landmarks; stroll the maze-like Lanes; learn about Brighton’s LGBTQ scene. Or, just take in the views from the waterfront. Cruise tours can offer relief from the bustling mainland, as well as prime dusk vistas (sometimes with aperitifs). After dinner, join a nightlife tour for fast-track entry to the town’s liveliest bars and clubs.

Day 2

Widen your perspective on a half-day tour of Brighton’s scenic surroundings, including natural landmarks such as the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, the Devil's Dyke valley, or South Downs National Park. Alternatively, get a taste of quintessential English culture on a full-day tour of Sussex’s rural wineries or breweries, including lunch and round-trip transportation. Thrill-seekers might opt for a helicopter tour of the area. After a full day, wind down back in Brighton with a fish and chips dinner on the beach, or try one of the many vegetarian or vegan restaurants.

Day 3

Brighton’s efficient transport links allow for hassle-free transfer throughout the south of England. If you’re a history buff, head to ancient Bath and Stonehenge for insight into England’s Neolithic and Roman heritage, or travel to Canterbury to study the country’s religious past. For a counterpoint to bohemian Brighton, take a trip to one of England’s more traditional towns, such as Oxford or Cambridge. City lovers can make the short journey to London. After a full day of sightseeing, spend your last night unwinding at one of Brighton’s live music venues or trendy cinemas.

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