London day out to the Brighton Pier
One of the most popular journeys is a London day out to the Brighton pier. Or perhaps it is Brighton as a city in general? However, in my vibe of taking things at a slower pace, my day out was in and around the pier. It was my 2nd time in Brighton and I knew where I was headed. However, sunny days mean that there is a possibility of beach overcrowding. Therefore, my day out to the pier started as early as 9am. This meant that I could enjoy it without the crowd and would leave just as it starts getting busy. Win!
Since we were quite early, we were able to park just a street away from the beachfront. It was bloody expensive – £7.50 for 2 hours! I guess this was because of how close we were to the seafront? Or is this how expensive Brighton parking is normally? Anyway, we parked and headed to the pier. Brighton Palace Pier opens at 10am but it was not our focus for the day.
The Pier is located on Brighton beach. I often say that the pier and entire seafront remind me of the South of France. The buildings across the beach look like the hotels you see in Nice on the promenade. It does give one a feel of being on a fancy holiday especially when the skies are glistening blue in the sun.
Fun things to look out for on a London day out to the Brighton Pier
Ice Cream Stalls
There are loads of them! Mr Whippy caught my eye with its pastel pinks and greens. We all know I’m drawn to colours and pretty backdrops so of course, Mr Whippy stood out for me.
Brighton Music Hall
The Brighton Music Hall is the largest heated beach terrace in Brighton. If you ask them, they might even say it is the largest in England. Throughout the day, its kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a bar tapas to share while enjoying the music. In the evenings, there is live music that runs until 10pm so it is a lovely space to spend your day if you are in need of entertainment.
Brighton Fishing Museum
Dedicated to Brighton’s fishing and seaside history, Brighton Fishing Museum was independently established with the local fishing community in 1994.
Admission is free but donations are welcome.
The Upside Down House
I had seen this house all over Instagram and knew it was located in Brighton but had no idea it was on the pier. So imagine my shock when we were casually walking on the beach and there it was! It is a museum of illusions so if that’s your thing, be sure to check it out. Add it to your itinerary on your London day out to the Brighton Pier.
Rent-A-Bike
If there are bikes in the vicinity, I will always advice to rent them. Riding bikes around the seafront will always make you feel like you are out of the country. I really am not sure what it is but it does give you a coastal, carefree, feel. Like life is just really cool and you have no problems lol. Is it just me who thinks this way though? LOL this might be super awks if this is all me.
Walk the Promenade
Now if you have been reading my blog, you will know that I’m a massive fan of walking. I love wandering and even getting lost in and out of cobbled streets. So when there is a long promenade, what else do you do? You walk. I find it romantic and serene. Especially if you target times that aren’t so busy such as early mornings or late evenings. I also love a sunset walk on the promenade so there are different vibes depending on what you want or who you’re with.
Play some sports? Volleyball or Basketball
There are spots carved out for sports and we passed by a volleyball court and another basketball court next to it. There were people dressed like instructors and it seemed quite organised. I definitely highly recommended as one of the activities on a London day out to the Brighton Pier.
Visit nearby Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion is located a few minutes walk from the seafront and this iconic building was built as a seaside “pleasure palace” for King George IV. What even is a pleasure palace? Imagine being so rich that you have a pleasure palace lol. The Royal Pavilion was also used as a civic building and a hospital during the First World War. I suppose it has served more purpose than being just a pleasure palace.
It is a grade I listed building and was sold to the city of Brighton in 1850. Although it was built in the regency era, its style resembles the indo-saracenic designs, which were popular in 19th century India. Its architecture is absolutely stunning and its gardens are an ode to the regency period.
The museum is currently open, booking online is encouraged and you are given an allotted time slot. I had a little stroll around its regency garden and managed to convince myself that I was a Bridgerton.
Ride a carousel
For those of us young at heart, a carousel will always be a fantastic way to re-live one’s childhood. I loved seeing a carousel ride on the beach and made a mental note to ride it but I totally forgot in the end. I realised halfway home and was so gutted for forgetting lol. Anyway, another time!
The great thing about summer is that there is always one carousel ride somewhere. Hopefully I find it.
Other 1-day itineraries from London
London day out to the Brighton Pier - About Brighton
Brighton is one of the most vibrant cities in the UK. This seaside resort is located on the southern coast of England in East Sussex County. Its most famous landmark is the Brighton beach, which covers 8.7km expanse of shingle beach. It is also a hub for festivals and hosts the 2nd largest arts festival in the UK every May. Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community is one of the most prominent in the UK and possibly the largest. It has been nicknamed the “gay capital of the UK” and Brighton Pride is usually celebrated at the beginning of August.
Brighton is generally a fun city to visit. I’m not sure there is anyone who has done a London day out to the Brighton Pier and did not love it. It is just one of those places everyone loves. From kids to couples to families, it is easy to see why it is one of the most popular day trips.
The nightlife, culture and even football are some of the other reasons Brighton will forever be a top tier city to visit!
So this summer, pack your bags and head south for a wonderful English coastal break.
Until next time…
Bisous, Bugo x
