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A 3 day itinerary for curious explorers who want to experience one of the city's villages.
Stretching from east of the city centre to Brighton Marina, Kemptown oozes village charm, community spirit, inclusivity, sustainability and fun. Kemptown has a lively, generous hub of independent shops, delis, vintage stores, indie and second-hand bookshops, restaurants, cafés and pubs centring on St. James Street and St. George’s Road. And as if this creative, free-thinking mecca wasn’t appealing enough, it’s just a short walk from the beach...
DURATION: 3 days
IDEAL FOR: Couples · Explorers
AREAS COVERED: Kemptown · Seafront
GETTING AROUND: Mostly walkable.
BEST SEASON: Year-round.
BUDGET: Low / mid-range (££)
DAY 1 - LGBT+ history and an evening of fine dining
Start in the heart of Kemptown with a walking tour and a zip along the coast before moving into the evening with fine dining and a stylish overnight stay.
⏰ Aprox 6.5 hours
Walkable
WALKING TOUR · HISTORY
Only in Brighton's Piers & Queers Walking Tour. Start point: Regency Square
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
£ · Booking essential
Brighton is the LGBTQIA+ capital of the UK, today the city is out and proud but has this always been the case? Join Ric Morris’s Piers & Queers walking tour and discover over 200 years of queer history including Regency Dandies, Gentleman Jack and an Edwardian drag king.
Find out more about the Piers & Queers Walking Tour
Piers & Queers → Brighton Zip
🚶 Walking: 7 mins View on map ↗
ATTRACTION · SEAFRONT
Brighton Zip, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1EN
Suggested time: 2 hours
££ · Booking advisable
After a morning's walk you'll be ready for a snack so why not enjoy classic fish 'n' chips with a seaview? Once you've refuelled you'll be ready to take on a flight across the pebbles. Ok it’s not quite flying but at 30 metres high you will enjoy panoramic views of the iconic Brighton seafront as you zip along the longest zipwire on the south coast.
Find out more about Brighton Zip
Brighton Zip → dilsk
🚶 Walking: 4 mins View on map ↗
INDEPENDENT · FINE DINING
dilsk, 44 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1PE
Suggested time: 3 hours
£££ · Booking recommended
After an active day it's time to sit back and relax in the elegant surroundings of dilsk. The concept behaind the tasting menus - a refined and flavour led journey, exhibiting restrained modern technique founded in classical methodology, fuelled by the abundance of quality produce surrounding us, from the rolling South Downs to the English Channel.
dilsk → New Steine Hotel
🚶 Walking: 2 mins View on map ↗
NIGHT 1 - WHERE TO SLEEP
New Steine Hotel, 10-11 New Steine, Brighton, BN2 1PB
This elegant Georgian townhouse is in New Steine square and brings French flair to Kemptown thanks to the stylish touches from owner and proprietor Hervé. The hotel recently celebrated its 25th anniversary so you know you are in safe hands with Hervé and the team at the New Steine.
Find out more about New Steine Hotel
DAY 2 - A day by the sea including fun, wellness and heritage
Spend the day exploring the Kemptown-side of Brighton beachfront including an electric railway, crazy golf and a wellness retreat.
⏰ Approx. 6.5 hours
Walkable
HERITAGE · SEAFRONT
Volk's Electric Railway, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1EN
Suggested time: 1 hour
£ · No need to book
Stroll down to the seafront and then let the train take the strain with a ride on the Volk’s Railway. As this quint train trundles along the beachfront be sure to wave to the passersby as well as enjoying the seaview.
Find out more about Volk's Railway
Volk's Railway → Yellowave
🚶 Walking: 3 min View on map ↗
ACTIVITY · BEACH SPORTS
Yellowave, 299 Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1EN
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
££ · Booking advisable
While Brighton is famous for its pebbly beach there is one place where you can find sand. At Yellowave you can try your hand at a whole host of beach sports safe in the knowledge that the soft sand will cushion your fall.
Yellowave → Jungle Rumble
🚶 Walking: 1 min View on map ↗
FAMILY FRIENDY · CRAZY GOLF
Jungle Rumble, 286 Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1EN
Suggested time: 1 hour
£ · Food & Drink on site
Crazy golf may not be a classic beach sport but this is Brighton and we do things differently here so pick up your putter and let’s play! But will you take on the Wild Caveman course and master plunging waterfalls or beat the jungle canopy of the Treetop Course?
Find out more about Jungle Rumble
Jungle Rumble → Sea Lanes
🚶 Walking: 2 mins View on map ↗
HEATED POOL · SEAFRONT
Sea Lanes, 300 Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1BX
Suggested time: 2 hours
££ · Booking advisable
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If you love the idea of swimming in the sea but prefer a heated pool or perhaps a few less waves, then head to Sea Lanes. This 50-metre heated pool is set amongst the pebbles of Brighton Beach so you can still enjoy spectacular surroundings without the shivers.
Sea Lanes → Beach Box
🚶 Walking: 4 mins View on map ↗
SAUNA · SEAVIEWS
Beach Box Sauna, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1EN
Suggested time: 1 hour
££ · Booking advisable
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Soothe those tired muscles with a sauna by the sea at Beach Box spa. Step into one of the converted horsebox trailers with wood-fired stoves and then for the full experience cool off in the plunge pool.
Find out more about Beach Box Sauna
Beach Box → snooze
🚶 Walking: 12 mins 🚌 Public transport: 10 mins View on map ↗
NIGHT 2 - WHERE TO SLEEP
snooze, 25 St Georges Terrace, Brighton, BN2 1JJ
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One of the funkiest places to stay, snooze is colourful and full of character. You may feel as you have stepped back in time to the 1970s as you curl your toes in the shag-pile carpet before slipping under the zebra-print covers.
DAY 3 - Vintage Shopping and a fabulous brunch
Before heading home there's time for a meander through an indoor market to see what vintage finds catch your eye followed by a delicious brunch.
⏰ Approx. 1.5 hours
Walkable
VINTAGE · SHOPPING
Kemptown Trading Post, 28 St Georges Road, Brighton, BN2 1ED
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
£ · Product prices vary
You never know what you’ll find in this eclectic and bohemian indoor market, perhaps it will be a designer dress, collectible cufflinks, a sensational shirt or even an upcycled Edison bulb. If all that shopping has made you hungry then why not pop next door to Cup of Joe?
Find out more about Kemptown Trading Post
Planning your trip - FAQs
How long do I need to explore Kemptown properly?
Three days gives you enough time to enjoy Kemptown at an easy pace, mixing the antiques and vintage shops along with the seafront, the village's independent cafes, and an evening or two exploring its renowned nightlife. It's compact enough to cover on foot, so you won't lose time to travel between stops.
Is Kemptown walkable, or will I need to use transport?
Kemptown is very walkable, particularly the main village stretch around St James's Street and the surrounding lanes. If you're venturing further along the seafront towards Brighton Marina, a short bus ride or a flat coastal stroll both work well, depending on how much time you want to spend outdoors.
What's Kemptown known for?
Kemptown is Brighton's LGBTQ+ quarter and has been for decades, giving the area a distinct identity with its own bars, clubs and community events. Alongside this, it's known for antique shops, independent boutiques, and a relaxed, villagey feel that contrasts with the busier city centre.
Is Kemptown a good base for families, or is it more suited to other travellers?
Kemptown leans towards couples, groups of friends, and independent travellers drawn to its nightlife and boutique shopping, though the seafront and marina areas work fine for families during the day. If a quieter, more family-focused stay is the priority, other parts of Brighton or Hove may suit better.
What's the best way to spend an evening in Kemptown?
St James's Street and the surrounding streets come alive after dark, with a strong mix of LGBTQ+ bars, live music venues and late-night spots. Starting with dinner at one of the area's independent restaurants before moving on to the bars is a popular way to experience the area's atmosphere.
Explore more of Brighton:
→ Independent restaurants & cafés
Good to know: This itinerary was reviewed on 14 July 2026. Opening times, ticket availability and seasonal programming can change, so please check individual venue websites before you go.
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