What to do in Brighton for Free? Best 10 Things to do
What to do in Brighton for Free? Best 10 Things to do
What to do in Brighton for Free? Best 10 Things to do
Planning a trip to the south of England? Be sure to add Brighton to your list of must-see destinations. Located on the south coast, Brighton is known for its vibrant atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic landmarks. Whether you're looking to enjoy a traditional seaside vacation or experience the best of British culture, Brighton has something to offer everyone. The city is home to a variety of hotels, shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it the perfect place to spend a day (or two) exploring. And with plenty of options available for things to do for free, you won't be left spending lots of money to enjoy yourself here. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Brighton today!
In this blog post we:
- List the best places to visit for no charge at all
- Show all places on an interactive map to help you locate each place easily.
Brighton has many free things to keep you entertained on your holidays. There are museums like The Booth Museum of Natural History and the Fishing Museum or if you fancy some time spent in the sun, Brighton Beach is the perfect place to soak up some rays.
Updated and correct as of 05/11/23.
Brighton's Free Attractions - Quick Heading Links
Have Fun in Brighton with our Recommendations
Brighton, a vibrant seaside city, offers a plethora of delightful experiences without costing a penny. From the historical treasures housed in the Booth Museum of Natural History to the captivating Brighton Fishing Museum, there's something for everyone. Stroll along the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, marvel at the architectural beauty of St Bartholomew's, or wander through the quirky streets of North Laine. Whether you're a history buff, culture enthusiast, or nature lover, Brighton's diverse attractions promise unforgettable moments for all. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into each of these enchanting spots in the rest of our blog post.
Museums and Galleries
Booth Museum of Natural History by Hassocks5489 under license CC0 1.0 Public Domain
Booth Museum of Natural History
The Booth Museum of Natural History is a hidden gem. The museum is small but contains an impressive collection of artifacts, including fossils, minerals, and taxidermy specimens. The displays are well-organised and provide a fascinating insight into the natural world. They make the museum a welcoming place for all visitors, whether they are interested in geology, entomology, or birdwatching, and with over half a million specimens on display, you can easily spend a few hours here.
The Fishing Museum
There's more to Brighton than just the pier and the sea! Just a short walk from the beach is the Brighton Fishing Museum which is well worth a visit. The museum tells the story of Brighton's rich fishing heritage, from its days as a small seaside village to its present-day status as a major tourist destination. The museum is packed with fascinating exhibits, including old photographs, equipment, contemporary film, and a slide show. Best of all, entry to the museum is completely free!
History and Culture
Brighton Palace Pier
Brighton Palace Pier
The Brighton Palace Pier is a must-visit for anyone visiting Brighton. Built in 1899, the pier is a Victorian-style structure that extends over 1,700 feet into the sea. It is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, arcades, and amusement rides, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening. The rides at the pier are particularly popular, with something to suit everyone from thrill-seekers to families with young children. The views from the pier are also stunning, making it the perfect place to watch the sunset over the water. With so much to offer, it is no wonder that the Brighton Palace Pier is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Brighton.
St Bartholomew's
Brighton is home to many historical and religious sites, and one of the most popular is the church of St Bartholomew's. The church dates back to the 19th century and is known for its beautiful architecture of an Italian Gothic style and stunning brickwork. Visitors can explore the church grounds, admire the exterior of the building, and even light a candle in memory of a loved one. The church is open to everyone with mass times available on their website. So whether you're a religious person or not, be sure to add a visit to St Bartholomew's church in Brighton to your list of things to do.
North Laine
If you're looking for a unique shopping experience, look no further than the North Laine area in Brighton. This vibrant district is home to an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, all housed in historic buildings within a pedestrian-friendly area. Whether you're looking for vintage clothing, one-of-a-kind gifts, or simply a delicious meal, you'll find it all in the North Laine. And best of all, the area is within 15 minutes walking distance from the beach!
Walks and Nature Trails
Undercliff Walk to Brighton by Mark under license CC BY 4.0
Undercliff Walk
The residents of Brighton have some of the best walks in the country, and the Undercliff Walk is one of the most scenic and enjoyable in the area. The route takes you along the seafront, offering stunning views of the coast and sea. It is also a great way to get some exercise, as the walk is just over 3 miles long. The walk is relatively easy, making it suitable for all ages and abilities. If you are looking for a stroll with beautiful views, then the Undercliff Walk is worth a visit although take note of the weather as the waves can come over the walls on stormy days!
Devil's Dyke
The Devil's Dyke is a deep, V-shaped valley located just north of Brighton. The walk, which follows the valley floor, is an easy one with gentle slopes and well-defined paths. However, the real attraction of the Devil's Dyke is its stunning views. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Clayton Windmills and the Chanctonbury Ring. In addition to its spectacular scenery, the Devil's Dyke is also rich in history. The area was used in Victorian times as a place to be entertained with cable cars and a theme park with people coming from all over the country to attend. For anyone looking for a pleasant stroll with some incredible views, the Devil's Dyke should be high on their list.
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach
Are you looking for a fun and affordable beach vacation? Brighton offers everything you need for a perfect beach getaway with thousands visiting the beach every year. The long pebble beach is perfect for relaxing on or if you're feeling adventurous, you can also take a dip in the sea. With watersports available such as kayaking and paddle boarding, there's enough here to keep you entertained for the day. With plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from on the beachfront, you won't be short on options for a bite to eat. So whether you're a resident or a tourist looking for a family-friendly holiday, Brighton Beach has something for everyone.
Stanmer Park
Looking for a great place to take a walk and get some fresh air? Stanmer Park in Brighton is the perfect spot. With over 460 acres of land to explore, there's something for everyone. Take a stroll through the woods, have a picnic in the meadow, or enjoy the views across the Green Flag awarded park. Stanmer Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for birds, deer, and other creatures.
Preston Park
Preston Park is one of the most popular parks in Brighton. The park is home to a variety of different plant and animal species, and it also features many scenic walking trails. Preston Park is also a great place to take part in a variety of recreational activities, such as picnicking and bird watching. In addition, the park also hosts several events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a place to have some fun, Preston Park is sure to have something for you. Keep an eye on any events that are held in the park throughout the year.
What to do in Brighton? Check the Map to Locate All the Things to Do
Use the map below to locate all the best things to do in Brighton mentioned above to create your itinerary for your trip. We’ve also added places in the city to eat that offer good food at a decent price for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Open Google Maps to see distance information between locations and directions on how to get to each place.
Other Blog Posts From Brighton
We write lots of blog posts from each individual area of free activities to do. Have a look at our blog posts from Brighton by clicking the links below:
Please note...
All outdoor activities including walking involve a degree of risk. The walks are recommended due to the features of each forest but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each path so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your walk!