In Itineraries

Brighton is brimming with culture, with numerous theatres (including one of the oldest in the country) a royal palace and fabulous year-round festivals, you’ll be hard pushed to decide what to see first.

We have suggested a week to explore the cultural sites, but you could easily make this a fortnight and still have more to see.

  • This suggested itinerary is for a 7 night stay.

Arrival

Arrive in the city and head to the seafront, your hotel for the break is The Old Ship Hotel a classic hotel that is steeped in British history and the perfect base to discover Brighton’s cultural treats.

We love The Old Ship because:

  • Location, it is central to all the city has to offer.
  • Combines modern design with original period features
  • History – this is the oldest hotel in Brighton with parts dating over 450 years old!

Once you’ve unpacked and explored your room, it’s time to head to The Mess Deck, the hotel’s bar & restaurant. Sit back, relax and enjoy the start of your getaway, if it's warm why not sit on the terrace and watch the world go by? 

Either go for an evening stroll to soak up the Brighton atmosphere or get an early night in perfect comfort ready for tomorrow’s activities.

Day One

Awake refreshed and ready to explore the city.

Brighton boasts a royal palace unlike any other – The Royal Pavilion is the only royal palace not owned by the crown and is at the heart of Brighton’s history. The spectacular seaside palace of the Prince Regent (George IV) transformed by John Nash between 1815 and 1823 into one of the most dazzling and exotic buildings in the British Isles.

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea or a spot of lunch at the Royal Pavilion Tearoom

There is so much detail in this stunning building you will want to pick up a guide on the way out to discover more.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the beautiful gardens, taking photos and imagining the splendour of Regency Brighton.

Meander back to the hotel to get ready for dinner at Moshimo one of the leading restaurants on the south coast. Known for its fresh, handmade sushi and authentic approach to hot Japanese dishes this architecturally stunning building is inspired by Japanese shoji screens.

Continue your evening at one of the city’s bars or head back to the hotel for a restful night’s sleep.

Day Two

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to head out into the city.

Now you’ve visited the Pavilion it’s time to learn more about the fascinating history of Brighton, book a tour guide to help you, there are tons of tours to choose from, here are some ideas:

Look out for a preferred lunch spot on your way around the city, you’re going to need a sit down after all that exploring! 

Use the afternoon to explore more of the city and do some shopping, head to the North Laine area for unusual boutiques selling everything from handmade glassware to rare books.

Check out Brighton Dome’s schedule, from contemporary dance to headliner comedy, they have a wide range of events all in this beautiful, historic building.

Head to Cin Cin for tonight’s dinner, an intimate and exclusive restaurant that offers diners authentic Italian antipasti, fresh pasta handmade daily and seasonal small plates.

Day Three

Today why not take a stroll around the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery including dynamic and innovative galleries including fashion and style, 20th century art and design, and fine art, learn about the history of the city.

The museum café is the perfect spot for some lunch and the shop sells exquisite items linked to the exhibitions.

After lunch explore some more art galleries around the city, there are plenty to choose from, why not pick up a print to remind you of your stay? Our top galleries to browse are:

Prefer to discover your own artistic paradise? Strolling around the city you’ll find art everywhere, head to the seafront where galleries line the arches, perfect to explore. 

Finish the day with a delicious meal from Indian Summer, fresh authentic Indian dishes in a contemporary setting.

Day Four

Today prepare to be transported back in time to Brighton in the Regency period, get your comfy walking shoes on and take a short stroll along the seafront to the Regency Town House, a slice of history preserved and being lovingly and accurately renovated by a team of volunteers. Built in the 1820’s, this Grade I listed building gives a real insight into Regency Brighton.

Continue your tour of the Regency architecture and take in the Regency Restaurant serving fresh seafood and classic fish and chips whilst looking out over the sea.

Meander back to the city centre whilst admiring the sweeping Regency crescents and beautiful mansions along the seafront.

Tonight we recommend trying one of the city’s pubs, from gastro to traditional pub grub you can find the perfect match for one of our Sussex craft beers.  

Day Five

Brighton boasts a cornucopia of cultural hotspots and has some of the best venues in the UK for live music and theatre, after a lazy morning why not enjoy a show? The Theatre Royal, Brighton Dome, Brighton Centre and Komedia all have a vibrant programme that caters for all tastes.

We really are a festival city, so book a visit in May and you honestly won’t know what to see first from the Brighton Festival, Brighton Fringe or Artist Open Houses! The fun doesn’t stop after May, check out our year round festivals here

Sign up to a street art tour and explore the hidden wonders of the art that makes our city so vibrant, learn about the different artists and style.  

Need a pre-theatre spot for some dinner? Giggling Squid is a Thai gem and a popular venue with locals, tuck into plentiful dishes, bold flavours and exotic ingredients. 

Day Six

Sussex is brimming with vineyards and beautiful produce, all within easy reach of Brighton so it would be rude not to explore them! Head into the countryside to experience wine making first-hand, taste a tipple as you go around and pick up a bottle (or two) to enjoy at home. See our vineyards page to explore the options or if you can’t decide, Great British Wine Tours offer transport and a visit to two vineyards, a winner for us. What better lunch than a picnic basket of delicious goodies from one of the vineyards?

Whilst out in the countryside don’t miss Charleston the home of Bloomsbury group artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, two of the most radical and influential British artists of the twentieth century. Over the course of 50 years they transformed Charleston, a seventeenth century farmhouse, into a decorative masterpiece.

If you prefer a garden, Borde Hill Garden combines outstanding vistas with tranquil outdoor garden rooms, this heritage garden is renowned for it’s shrubs and trees.

Return to Brighton for a meal at the Copper Clam serving locally sourced fresh fish and steaks. 

Day Seven

After a tasty breakfast see the city from a different height. Enjoy a flight on the British Airways i360 to look over all the wonderful places you’ve visited during your stay.

Depart the city for now but we hope to welcome you back again soon.

Caroline

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