Brighton Car Hire

Things to do in Brighton

Brighton attractions and things to do

Brighton is well known for its small restaurants and independent cafes, so refreshing drinks and sumptuous cuisine are never far away.

There are 250 restaurants in Brighton, and enough coffee shops to satisfy the most enthusiastic bean aficionados and people watchers. The Lanes and North Laine are interesting shopping areas – the former handles fashion and jewellery, while the latter offers second-hand bargains, antiques, and record shops. You’ll never run out of things to see and do here – take a look at some more Bristol highlights:

• Brighton is chock-full of culture hotspots, museums, and galleries (some of which are tiny), like the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery or the Theatre Royal, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2007, and which regularly hosts London plays and shows. And don’t forget the Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton Toy and Model Museum, or Brighton Fishing Museum. Furthermore, the British Airways i360, the country's newest attraction, smoothly lifts visitors 162 metres (530 feet!) up in the air to enjoy breath-taking 360 degree views of Brighton and the surrounding countryside, coast, and towns. The i360 was officially named the Most Slender Tower by Guinness World Records in January 2016.
• Possibly Brighton’s 2nd-most recognisable landmark, the Royal Pavilion, also known as the Brighton Pavilion, is one of the most spectacular and exotic buildings in the British Isles. Originally The Prince Regent’s pleasure palace, building began in 1787 and was completed (and transformed) by John Nash in the early 1800s. You don’t get much more Brighton bonkers than this – a must-see attraction.
• Brighton caters capably for theatre lovers too – theatres include the Brighton Dome and associated Pavilion Theatre, Komedia (primarily a music and comedy venue, but also a theatre), the Old Market which was renovated and re-opened in 2010 and the Theatre Royal. The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts is nearby too and is part of the University of Sussex campus. And there are also smaller theatres such as the Marlborough Theatre, the New Venture, and the Brighton Little Theatre. Finally, the city also has a new, purpose-built Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT ) which opened in May 2015 for the Brighton Festival.
• The nightlife is Brighton is legendary! Brighton’s most famous club-land son, Fatboy Slim, regularly plays at festivals and clubs in the city to this day. You can catch emerging musicians at the appropriately named Latest Music Bar, enjoy a pint at novelist Graham Greene's favourite pub, the Cricketers, before carrying the party on into pounding beats at clubs like Funfair or the Coalition Brighton. Brighton is home to the most electronic music events in the UK and The Great Escape Festival is held every May, and is loud and wild enough to satisfy any party animal.
• Live music has a rich history in Brighton, too. The Brighton Dome was the venue for the Eurovision Song Contest 1974, which was won by ABBA and catalysed their stratospheric career, but the Concorde2 and Brighton Centre are also worth checking out. While noted for its electronic music scene, Brighton is also associated with many other famous sons and daughters: Orbital, Nick Cave, Robert Smith, Dave Gilmour, Cate Blanchett, to name just a few.
• There are several festivals in Brighton: The Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe is the 2nd-largest arts festival in the UK (after Edinburgh), which includes the Children’s Parade, live street performances, theatre and performance of all types across many city locations. Other festivals include The Great Escape, three nights of live music in venues across the city, the Soundwaves Festival in June showcases classical music in the 21st Century, and Brighton
• Live each September is a week of free gigs to showcase local bands. Burning the Clocks is a Winter Solstice festival, Brighton Digital Festival explores digital culture and technology, and last but by no means least, the world-renowned Brighton Pride brings 450,000 visitors to the city.

Eating out in Brighton

Brighton is one of southern England’s foodie havens, with all tastes catered for. If your tummy’s rumbling, here are a few excellent eateries where you’ll be totally satisfied:

• Vegetarians will be in heaven at places like Lydia, where lunch menus range from £4.70 - £9.30, and ordering is easy: simply choose your main dish, and then choose two side dishes, and finally, two toppings. Alternatively, food For Friends is a vegetarian restaurant that’s a hit with non-veggies too: a high-end restaurant serving food that’s designed for sharing with friends. Another veggie favourite is the mid-range Terre à Terre: the only requirements at this award-winning restaurant are that the food is plant-based and the dishes are global. And the desserts are luscious.
• As you’d expect, seafood features heavily on any menu. Riddle & Finn’s at The Laines began as a champagne and oyster bar, and still sells these alongside classic seafood dishes at marble top tables. The Salt Room features stunning views of the West Pier for diners, and the restaurant won the 2017 Seafish UK Restaurant of the Year award. The chefs here specialise in cooking over coal – delicious.
• Any British town/city will have many Indian restaurants – The Chili Pickle is a Brighton favourite. Many consider it to be Brighton’s best Indian restaurant, suitable for lunch or dinner. The creatively crafted menu is crammed with recipes you’re unlikely to have tried before. Their dishes are colourful, well-spiced and aromatic, while pricing is mid-range. The Curry Leaf Café is another Indian cuisine hotspot in Brighton: it is a South-Indian food street vendor with many branches (3 in Brighton alone).
• Looking for something more exotic? Bincho Yakitori is hugely popular for its authentic Japanese casual dining experience. The yakitori (‘grilled bird’ in English) meat skewers are to die for, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try something like eel or octopus, or hot sweet sake - Japanese rice wine. The emphasis is on dishes for sharing – there are no main courses or starters as such.
• Brighton is famous for steak restaurants too. If you’re feeling hungover after a legendary Brighton night out, head to Smokeys for big brunches in the American style (think volume!), with lots and lots of meat. Or come at dinner time when you can enjoy an endless variety of delectable barbecue dishes. This mid-ranged restaurant is a hit brunch spot, so check if you need to book first to avoid disappointment.
• For a truly relaxed high-end dining experience (not that common) in an independent café-bistro, try Semolina. The focus is on a limited menu and options, thereby giving each dish the attention it deserves. The set lunch menu is a superb mid-priced way to sample their wares, before returning for dinner!

Transport to and from Brighton

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

The most common route to Brighton for international visitors is Gatwick Airport. You’ll find an extensive range of car hire options here, and often the best deals are can be found at the airport. Enjoy Car Hire partners with long-established, reliable car rental companies to bring you an affordable, hassle-free holiday motoring experience. With over 70 suppliers across 100 countries, you can be comfortable knowing you’re in good hands (wheels!). Enjoy Car Hire Trusted Partners include the best-known brands such as Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Keddy and Sixt, alongside newer competitors like Green Motion or Easirent. At Gatwick Airport North Terminal you can choose from five hire car partners, and the most convenient way to book is online – we can arrange your LGW car rental in a couple of clicks.

Motorway access to Brighton

Brighton Train Station

Brighton has a train station connecting with London in the town centre. Find out more about Brighton Train Station car hire.