There’s something about Brighton that feels instantly freeing. The gulls, the sea breeze, the painted railings, and the eclectic mix of people give this seaside city its own rhythm, creative, inclusive, and proudly a little eccentric.
We set off for a two-night escape, arriving on a Sunday afternoon and leaving at Tuesday lunchtime, determined to see the best of Brighton without over-planning it. The goal? A blend of good beer, sea air, and a few iconic sights.
Sunday – Seafront & Sunset Pub Crawl
First Impressions
After checking in, we did what everyone should do on arrival in Brighton, walked straight down to the seafront. The promenade was buzzing with life: buskers, families, and the smell of chips wafting through the salty air. The city has that rare mix of energy and ease, the kind that makes you want to slow down but also keep exploring.
The centrepiece, of course, is the Brighton Palace Pier. Built in 1899 and now Grade II* listed, it stretches 1,722 feet into the Channel glittering with over 60,000 bulbs at night. The pier is free to enter, though as of 2024, a small admission fee (£2) applies during peak weekends. Between the flashing arcades, candyfloss stands, and panoramic sea views, it’s a perfect slice of British nostalgia.
After a stroll along the deck and a few photos, we set off for what would become an impromptu Brighton pub trail.
Stop 1: Charles Street Tap
Brighton does pubs well — and Charles Street Tap is a great place to start. Located just off the seafront, it’s an LGBTQ+ favourite with a relaxed vibe, great service, and a solid food menu.
Inside, it’s modern yet warm, rustic wood tables, neon touches, and a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere. We ordered burgers and craft beers (around £15–£17 for mains; pints from £6). The food arrived quickly, the beer was cold, and the people-watching from the window was pure entertainment.
📍 Address: 8 Marine Parade
🕐 Open: Daily from noon–late
🐾 Dog friendly: Yes
Stop 2: The Camelford Arms
From there, we wandered towards The Camelford Arms, a Brighton institution and community hub in Kemptown. The pub feels instantly welcoming, a friendly mix of locals and visitors, with staff who chat like old friends.
Inside, expect wood-panelled walls, hearty pub food (the roasts are famous), and a secret Moroccan-inspired courtyard garden tucked out the back. Prices are fair, pints around £5, hearty mains £14–£18,and the atmosphere is consistently buzzing without feeling crowded. They even have live music on a Sunday night which was very well received by the locals.
It’s easy to see why this spot wins “Brighton’s Best Sunday Lunch” more often than not.
📍 Address: 30-31 Camelford Street
🕐 Open: 12 pm – 11 pm daily
🍴 Food: Traditional pub classics, Sunday roast until 6 pm
Stop 3: The Mucky Duck
Our third stop, The Mucky Duck, had a different kind of energy — relaxed, artistic, and full of character. Known for its live music, local beers, and slightly bohemian feel, it’s the kind of place where you might arrive for a quiet pint and end up singing along with a guitarist by 9 pm. Sadly for us, no music on the sunday we were there.
The beer selection leans toward craft and cask, with rotating local brews and an easy-drinking house lager. Prices hover around £5–£6 a pint, and they do food earlier in the day (burgers, nachos, and pub snacks).
📍 Address: 141 Islingword Road
🎸 Live Music: Regular weekend sessions
🐾 Dog friendly: Yes
Stop 4: The Sussex Arms
We rounded off Sunday night with a visit to the Sussex Arms — an old-school Brighton pub that feels authentically local. No gimmicks, no big screens, just good conversation, decent ale, and friendly faces.
The Sussex Arms sits quietly away from the main drag, making it a perfect contrast to the livelier seafront pubs. It’s the kind of place where the bartender remembers your drink after one round and locals actually talk to you.
📍 Address: 33 St George’s Road
🕐 Open: Noon – midnight
💷 Pints: Around £5
After a few rounds there, we wandered back through the quiet streets, the air salty and cool, ready to rest up for another full Brighton day.
Monday – Marina Mornings & Sky-High Views
Brighton Marina Walk
Brighton is made for walking, so Monday morning we decided to follow the coast east to Brighton Marina. The route takes you past colourful beach huts and quiet stretches of shingle beach, perfect for a slow start.
The marina itself is a modern contrast to the city centre: glossy yachts, café terraces, and waterfront restaurants. We grabbed coffee and people-watched for a while before catching the Number 7 bus back into town (a quick 15-minute ride).
Royal Pavilion Gardens
Back in the city, we wandered through the Royal Pavilion Gardens, one of Brighton’s most photogenic spots. The gardens are free to enter and dog-friendly — a lush, green space dotted with benches and framed by the Pavilion’s incredible architecture.
The Royal Pavilion itself is worth every bit of hype. Built as a pleasure palace for King George IV in the early 19th century, it’s a wild mix of Indian and Chinese influences, gilded dragons, lotus chandeliers, and domed ceilings that look straight out of a fairytale.
We couldn’t go inside (dogs aren’t allowed), but here’s what to know if you plan to:
- 🕐 Opening Hours:
- April–Sept: 9:30 am – 5:45 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)
- Oct–Mar: 10:00 am – 5:15 pm (last entry 4:30 pm)
- 💷 Admission: Adults £19.50 | Children £11.75 | Residents get a discount
- 🎟️ Book: brightonmuseums.org.uk
It’s one of those rare places where architecture alone can stop you in your tracks — ornate, eccentric, and unmistakably Brighton.
Up, Up & Away: The British Airways i360
Next on our list was something a little more modern, the British Airways i360.
The sleek glass observation pod glides 138 metres into the air, offering panoramic views over Brighton, the South Downs, and even the Isle of Wight on a clear day. It’s the brainchild of the same architects behind the London Eye — a modern “vertical pier” to complement the historic one.
Inside the pod, there’s even a bar, we toasted the view with a local Brighton Gin & tonic as the city shrank beneath us.
- 🕐 Opening Hours: 10 am – 8 pm (last flight 7:30 pm, varies seasonally)
- 💷 Tickets: from Adults £17.95 | Children £9.95 | Family £46
- ⏱️ Duration: Around 25 minutes
It’s smooth, surprisingly peaceful, and the 360° views make it one of Brighton’s true must-dos.
Dinner & Drinks at The Walrus
After a rest back at the hotel and feeding the dog, we were ready for round two, this time with food.
Dinner was at The Walrus, a sprawling, multi-level pub and restaurant near Ship Street. The décor is rich and quirky — think dark wood, chandeliers, and hidden corners. Downstairs is the pub, upstairs the restaurant, and above that a roof terrace with fairy lights and cocktails.
We went opted for the Monday night roast (from £18-£25) washed down with a local pale ale. Service was quick and friendly, and the place had a buzzing, cozy energy that carried the night perfectly.
📍 Address: 10 Ship Street
🕐 Open: 12 pm – 11 pm
🍸 Vibe: Foodie pub with a city-social buzz
After dinner, we couldn’t resist a nightcap at The Market Inn, tucked just a few streets away. It’s got the feel of a true local, slightly worn wood floors, well-poured pints, and a steady hum of conversation.
It was the kind of final drink that rounds off a trip, not flashy, just quietly perfect.
Tuesday: A Slow Farewell
Tuesday morning came far too soon. We checked out, left our bags at the hotel, and took one last wander through the Churchill Square Shopping Centre. A quick browse, a coffee to go, and a final look at the sea before heading home.
It was only two nights, but Brighton felt like it had given us everything: sea air, laughter, great beer, and that unmistakable creative spark that makes the city so special.
Practical Tips for Your Brighton Escape
- 🕐 Getting There:
Trains from London take around 1 hour from Victoria or London Bridge. The station is walking distance from most central hotels. - 🚶 Getting Around:
Brighton is compact, you can walk almost everywhere. For longer trips (like to the Marina or Hove), local buses are frequent and reliable. - 🏨 Where to Stay:
Stay near The Lanes or Kemptown for character and convenience. - 🍺 For Beer Lovers:
Don’t miss The Evening Star, Brighton Bierhaus, or The Hand in Hand if you want to explore more craft spots. - 🐾 Dog-Friendly Brighton:
Many pubs (Camelford Arms, Mucky Duck, Walrus roof terrace) welcome dogs, though attractions like the Pavilion don’t. - ☔ Rainy-Day Ideas:
Try the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, vintage shopping in North Laine, or simply a long lunch in a cosy pub.
Final Thoughts
Brighton has a personality like no other British seaside town — creative, inclusive, beautifully chaotic, and somehow always sunny in spirit.
It’s where Regency elegance meets street art, where you can drink Brighton Gin with sea views and then dance to a live band in a pub that looks unchanged since 1890.
Our 48 hours were full but never rushed — the kind of easy city break that leaves you smiling long after you’re home. We might not have made it inside the Royal Pavilion this time, but Brighton has a way of drawing you back — and we’re already planning our return.
✅ Ideal for: Weekend getaways, couples, dog owners, pub lovers, architecture fans.
💰 Budget: Around £250–£350 per person for a 2-night stay with meals, drinks, and attractions.
📸 Don’t miss: Sunset from the Pier, the Pavilion at golden hour, and a pint in the Walrus rooftop bar.