The sea is, of course, Brighton's raison d'etre, and is still its best feature, having one of the UK's best (and longest) seafronts. The seven mile (11km) long seafront actually includes Hove (with which Brighton is linked) and some of the various suburbs to the west of Brighton marina, and has a wealth of things to do. The beach itself is famously pebbly, not that that puts off intrepid bathers (with the added benefit of not getting sand everywhere). But between the two piers, the front - actually under the road - is also lined with cafes, restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, art galleries, children's play areas, the odd bit of sculpture and Brighton's Fishing Museum. Towards Hove, there's a paddling pool for children, a few really excellent tea-huts and wide lawns for sunbathing. The whole seafront has a cycle-path, and is popular with joggers, as well as motorcyclists who park up at various points along the front every week-end, especially along Madeira Drive (and most notably on the annual Ace Cafe reunoin London-Brighton run, when there are tens of thousands of bikes). In summer, there are all sorts of things going on for children, while at night it takes on a party atmosphere courtesy of the bars. Every so often there are large open-air concerts, courtesy of Fatboy Slim and his ilk. Even the ruins of the West Pier have a romantic air about them. Truly something for everyone. read more

See all

This is for those of you who've looked longingly out to sea through the masts of those nifty looking lasers and catamarans by the West Pier and thought to yourself 'I'd like to learn to sail'. The Brighton Sailing Club is not the place to do it. Those boats you see are simply parked there by members. The bar is also for members. Best to learn in Hove lagoon then come and join here with your newly acquired vessel. Remember to bring a pipe and hat. read more

Brighton Sailing Club - Social Clubs Near Me - Brighton, ESX

See all

Although it would be lovely to have a gorgeous, golden, soft sandy beach in Brighton, let's face it - wet, polluted sand on a seldom dry English beach is never good. At least pebbles are clean. As a kid, Brighton was my favourite seaside destination. I adored the pier (especially the ghost train and helter skelter), the iconic beachside carousel, the fish 'n' chips, the bungee trampoline things, the little knick-knacks and sweet shops, the mini art galleries full of brightly-coloured paintings, the penny arcade... there was also so much more to do here than in dreary Bognor Regis, which was my parents' favourite destination. No offence Bognor. Now, as a Brighton resident of five years, I'm not sure I could ever tire of the beach. Whether I'm sat by the ruins of the West Pier with my camera, reading a novel whilst watching the tide come in or barbecuing and drinking beer, I absolutely love it. On a warm, sunny day at the seaside eating an ice lolly (or enjoying a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc) is when I feel luckiest to live here. read more

Yeah!! Great day out, no matter what part of the beach you're on. The mix is diverse which makes it so interesting, particularly from a photographers ' angle. There so much choice of entertainment, food, frolics and friendships to be made. Nowhere like it in the world!! Thank goodness. read more

Both sets of my Grandparents live near the seaside which as a child brought fantastic experiences both ends of the country! As a child Brighton seafront is magical in a sense as the lights and history give it an edge. From since I can remember I used to visit the pier funfair. Even if you aren't one for amusements and rides its still a lovely walk in the evening combining an exciting young atmosphere with an historic element. Food and drink are provided in various forms from the standard fish and chips to wonderful Italian restaurants or on the pier itself an Italian/Fish diner. The service in every one I have been in over the years has always been fantastic to ensure you come back to visit again the next year. Food is priced well and very enjoyable. The fair itself despite not feeling safe being years old and overlooking the sea is a brilliant place to visit for all the family. A combination of old favourites (dodgems) and new amusements guarantees you'll find entertainment somehow. After an adrenaline fuelled visit to the funfair its always a necessity to walk along the beach in the evening as its breathtaking (literally in the winter!) Brighton seafront also provides an excellent nightlife for young adults/adults providing numerous drinking spots that overlook the piers and sea as well as popular clubs encouraging the student population of the town to enjoy themselves. If you need a place to stay to combine the different elements of Brighton there are wonderful vintage hotels right next to the seafront - only a small distance away from the town centre. But if they aren't your thing there are also modernised hotels providing all the modcons. read more

I grew up by the sea, in sleepy Bexhill on Sea, and although its beach was beautiful and magnificent in so many ways, it didn't have the character and liveliness that fills the air on Brighton's seafront. All along the promenade you'll find shops and stalls, cafes and pubs, clubs, volleyball courts, the Volks Railway line, seafood stalls with fresh local cockles and other yummies, art stalls and kayaking clubs offering taster sessions and lessons. The promenade is buzzing all throughout the year, although obviously summer is the peak season. We have been for many long strolls along the seafront since moving here, especially in the winter, and are still surprised to see so many people out enjoying the sights. I can't wait for summer to finally arrive, when Brighton beach will really come to life. read more

There's nothing quite like a bracing walk along the prom or a stroll out to sea on the Brighton Pier to clear heads and revive appetites! On a wild and wintry day it's an exhilarating experience. If you'd rather ride, take the Volk's Electric Railway, England's oldest, along Madeira Drive to Brighton Marina, admiring the fine Regency terraces as you go. Experience all the thrills of traditional and modern rides on the pier - there's a wonderful atmosphere at dusk when the sun goes down and the lights come on. Strolling along from the Brighton Pier towards Hove, you'll find the Artists' Quarter where you can buy individual, one-off pieces from prints and paintings to driftwood mirrors and wrought iron beds - perfect for special gifts. read more

The epitomy of the summertime is chilling on Brighton seafront. No sand in sight to get into all the places you rather it didn't, and no shortage of places to buy food and drink. That coupled with eclectic entertainment ranging from live bands to market stalls, makes Brighton seafront an essential place to be when the sun decides to make an appearance. TIP - When it gets too busy and you need to relax more, move west towards Hove and relax on the lawns instead. read more

A face full of sea air, and if you're unlucky, seagull. Thankfully there are many places to seek shelter if you need to (from the birds that is) and you can easily spend a week just weaving your way through all of the tiny artists shops, cheerfully tacky gift shops (yes, we all need a bumpersticker, and there are soooo many good ones) bars, pubs, foodie places and other odds'n'ends. And that's before you've even started beach combing the stone beach. Warning though: if you are flying out from the UK after your Brighton visit, you will get in deep doo-doo if you try to take too many stones with you. Most airlines will charge extra. So keep it down to one or two exeptionally pretty ones. read more

Brighton Sailing Club - Brighton Pier, winter 2010.. 2 days of snow. This Swede was feeling right at home! - Social Clubs Near Me - Brighton, ESX

English beaches are not exactly exciting or sunny but Brighton beach is great fun to hang out on. Good nightlife with lots of clubs and there's even a mini golf range for just £2 a play. I've wasted hours down here read more

The beach sums up Brighton to a large extent. Full of stones and not quite what people were expecting. In the summer as I see the endless lines of people trooping down from the station towards the seafront I want to stop them and shout Put away those buckets and spades-its all stones you know But I don't. Its part of the eccentricity of the place. Its not about the pebbles that irritate the feet, its about the rituals you build up like sitting down there on a summers evening drinking champagne and watching the sunset roll in across the waves. The aimless chatter you exchange with strangers like the 80 year old lady who every night in summer darts across the road from her flat and plunges into the water for her daily quota of five laps round the pier. Its about the random meeting of strangers over a basketball game, the solid sounds of buskers and the lazy drawl of young men staggering from watering hole to watering hole because they are on a weekend away and tey've got a lot of sights to fit in. My highlight of the seafront was sitting there with thousands of others to await the total eclipse. I have never been anywhere where thousands of people could descend into silence as we watched the darkness roll in across the skys, lamplights flicker and ignite in the middle of the day and then gasp in awe as we sat, all of us hushed together as our world was plunged in to total darkness' I'll never forget. How good a memory is that. read more

The best thing about Brighton beach is that it's a pebble beach. Sand beaches are all well and good, but for a sand beach you need sunand lots of it. This being England sun is not very common and therefore pebbles are best. What better way to spend sometime on the beach after a picnic than throwing the pebbles at empty bottles to see who can hit it first, or who can skim a pebble the furthest/with most bounces. And as sunset the pebbles reflect the sky to make one of the most memorable sights in the UKwell perhaps that's an exaggeration, but it's still a lovely place to walk before or after dinner with the smell and sound of the sea all around you. read more

I love brighton seafront and the pier - its a traditional seaside town, if bordering on being slightly commercial now, its got really popular over the last 8-9 years or so. My sister lives in eastbourne, and used to live in brighton for a few years back in 1999-2000 and it wasn't half as heaving as it is now. It is a great place but at peak periods it can be so crowded. But its a great place with lots of charm and character, great shops, great restaurants and lots of fun to be had! read more

To call it a seafront rather than a beach is much closer to reality, there is absolutely no sand along that coast, with the shore being covered with pebbles and rocks. Whenever I have passed by this seafront, I am surprised by the number of people congregated and even sun bathing on that surface - on a soft sandy surface I can understand, but not that rocky surface. Must be said that if you want to catch a breeze or wind surf, this is probably the right place to go as the breezes seem to be ever present. Not a fan of the waters however, and would not consider swimming there (having seen the debris). read more

Cannot beat being on the Brighton seafront! Fish and chips during the day and the fantastic nightlife/clubbing after dark. Also the Brighton Pier is great and all the overpriced shops, must go back soon! read more

what a fab relaxed and such an entertaining place, possibly my favourite in GB. read more

Brighton Sailing Club - Social Clubs Near Me - Brighton, ESX

at the right time of the year its wonderful :D i totally recomend coming to it when the speed trials are running down madeira drive in the summer. especially if your a petrol head. pretty nice fish and chips along different places along the seafront, careful with those seagulls i seen them fly off with a whole fish off somebodys plate before xD pier has the standard arcade, donuts, etc. lil fairground on the end for those seeking a thrill. clubnights running along both sides of pier. east side clubs being the better more underground ones but digital on the west side can pack a good night or two. fishing happens along the beach with ppl pulling in some nice bass. when windy watch out for the kite surfers. remember ppl its what you make of it so get out there and make it happen ;) read more

If its summer and you're new to Brighton this is a must do - Take a seat on the sprawling promenade overlooking the blue sea whilst sipping your favourite drink and tucking into some (average) food. You'll find it can get very busy at weekends and difficult to find a seat and personally I dislike plastic glasses and the high prices but its a good place to take friends before a night out. read more

brighton has the best seafront in the world the charasima is fantastic.