Brighton Beach is the bomb.
Located less than 50 miles from the streets of London, it’s hard to find a better beach trip from the capital. A few cool taglines like “little London” give a nod to Brighton’s wealth of things to do — and we’re not just talking about swimming and sipping.
Shop, dine, party, relax — whatever you want to do, you can do it in Brighton Beach only an hour’s train ride away from London.
Colorful beach huts in Brighton, England. Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli
Is Brighton the closest beach to London?
Technically, Ruislip Lido is the closest beach to London. It’s located west of the city and accessible via the Metropolitan Line. Southend-on-Sea’s beaches are the closest beaches to London where the Thames Estuary meets the sea (closest station: Shoeburyness). But at only 47 miles away from London, and properly on the sea, Brighton Beach is one of the most popular beaches close to London.
Which London train station goes to Brighton?
Multiple London train stations roll out of the city and into Brighton. London Victoria and London Blackfriars will both take you to Brighton train station in about an hour with zero connections required.
What is the easiest way to get from London to Brighton?
There’s a reason so many Londoners lean on Brighton as their go-to beach day: it’s super easy to get to. Direct trains run from London Victoria and London Blackfriars train stations. Once you arrive at Brighton train station, it’s a mile walk right onto the rocky shoreline.
How much does it cost to go from London to Brighton by train?
Train tickets from London to Brighton start at $6.50. While day-of tickets are rarely crazy expensive, don’t be surprised if you see prices triple that amount. Day-of or next-day tickets will usually cost the most, which is why we always recommend booking your tickets in advance to secure the lowest price.
Multicolored houses in Brighton, England. Image Credit: Getty Images, TWPhotography
At a glance: London to Brighton by train
- London’s station: London Victoria | London Blackfriars
- Brighton’s station: Brighton
- How far is London to Brighton by train: 47 miles
- Average duration for general trains: from 58m
- Number of trains per day: 357
- Ticket prices: As low as $6.50 when you book in advance
- Earliest departure: 3:10 AM
- Latest departure: 1:18 AM
What is the beach like in Brighton?
Don’t let a rocky shoreline deter you from a visit. Though Brighton Beach may be pebbly, it’s also pollution-free. Two of Brighton’s beaches are certified Blue Flag, which means the sand and surf are regularly maintained for safety, cleanliness and environmental awareness.
Are there any sandy beaches near Brighton?
West Beach, which is an hour west of Brighton, is full of sand dunes (closest station: Littlehampton). Even farther west is West Wittering Beach, though it’s not as convenient to access by train. Camber Sands, Climping Beach, and Bognor Regis Beach are also sandy spots that are roughly within an hour of Brighton.
Read also: The best beaches near London
Why is Brighton Beach so famous?
Brighton Beach is a long-time favorite beach getaway for Londoners. It’s a very traditional English seaside town on the surface, an image of which has endured since before the bandstand was erected in the 1880s. Today, however, you’ll find less convention and more of a casual, creative, and colorful vibe. Brighton Beach is a place that has something for everyone to love. From amusement park rides and cosy pubs to vintage shops and a thriving LGBTQ+ community, Brighton Beach is in no danger of fading from the limelight.
Is Brighton Beach a nice area?
Not to knock other parts of the English coastline, but loads of people consider Brighton Beach quite a nice slice of seaside. The beachline and waters maintain a level of cleanliness that’s usually above the norm and the surrounding area certainly isn’t rundown.
Is Brighton Beach okay to swim in?
Yes, Brighton Beach is okay to swim in from a water-quality perspective. Although it was downgraded from “excellent” to “good” recently, which removed its Blue Flag status, the water is still welcoming. However, check the forecast and swimming conditions before wading in. Don’t swim near the pier or groynes and be mindful of high tide times, which makes the already strong sea currents even more powerful.
Crowds on Brighton Beach in England. Image Credit: Getty Images, Tomasz Bobrzynski (tomanthony)
Is Brighton Beach accessible?
Yes, Brighton Beach is accessible for visitors with varying mobility needs. Free “all-terrain” wheelchairs are available for rent at the seafront so you can roam the rocky beach, and some companies offer low-cost scooter and wheelchair hire for exploring the classically charming, yet unashamedly quirky, streets. Many of the restaurants, hotels, and attractions around Brighton Beach also have accessibility features.
What is there to do at Brighton Beach?
Brighton Beach is a perfect destination to let loose and have fun however you see fit. Wade into the water off of the rocky shore, entertain your inner child with fun on the pier, spend all night dancing at the gay clubs, or wander around hip areas like Hove.
What is the famous Brighton Pier?
The Brighton Palace Pier is a Victorian structure that stuck its legs into the water and hasn’t let weather or wars move it since 1823. It stretches over 1,700 feet and is full of restaurants, pubs, arcades, midway games, rides, and more.
Is it free to go on Brighton Pier?
It used to be free to go on Brighton Pier. Now, a £1 (about $1.30) entry fee is in place for non-residents of Brighton and Hove over the age of two. Brighton Palace Pier is loads of fun, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Slapping a fiver down for even just an hour of fun looking at the water, sipping a pint, or taking family photos is well worth the Lincoln loss.
Brighton Pier at Sunset in England. Image Credit: Getty Images, Images from BarbAnna
How long to spend at Brighton Pier?
You could schedule time at Brighton Pier as the main activity for your trip to Brighton, but unless you’re traveling with little ones who either can’t get enough of theme park rides or who are content to run amok through the indoor playground for hours on end, we’d suggest limiting your visit to Bright Pier to an hour or two. Make it a main stop on your itinerary, but leave ample room to wander the beach and the town.
Is Brighton a walkable city?
Yes, Brighton is a walkable city. It’s a half-mile walk directly down Queens Road/West Street from the Brighton train station to the beach. We’d venture to say that most of Brighton is easily accessible on foot; but if you’re keen to explore Kemptown, The Lanes, or Hove as well, consider taking a taxi to a central spot then wandering around with rested legs.
What is Brighton popular for?
Brighton’s popularity changes based on who you talk to. Some love it as their go-to beach whenever they need a break from London’s streets. Others take Brighton as a weekend destination for a pint, shopping deals at The Lanes, or losing hours to the nightlife where the DJ known as FatBoy Slim has played.
What are the best hotels near Brighton Beach?
Brighton Beach has a number of great hotels west, east, and behind Brighton Palace Pier. To the west, the 16th-century Old Ship Hotel, upscale Leonardo Royal Hotel, and traditional Queens Hotel are solid picks. To the east, the LGBT-inviting Legends Hotel and casual The Lanes Hotel will do you right. Deeper into town, look to My Brighton and the railway station-adjacent Leonardo Hotel.
Need a lift to the beach? We’ve got you covered like sunscreen on a shinbone. Download the Trainline app and book your trip from London to Brighton Beach today.
Ferris Wheel in Brighton, England. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, FGM
