Fun things to do in Brighton for students
Whether you’re a fan of seaside strolls, buzzing nightlife or cultural hotspots, there’s no shortage of options to explore in Brighton. From iconic Brighton attractions like Brighton Pier and the Royal Pavilion to hidden gems in the North Laine, the city offers something for everyone.
In this blog, we’ll highlight the best things to do in Brighton as a student, helping you discover all the must-see spots and activities that make student life here unforgettable.
Free things to do in Brighton
Exploring free places to visit in Brighton is a great way to enjoy the city without breaking the bank. Here are some of our top spots for students.
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the UK. This 4-mile pebbly beach is a certified Blue Flag beach, meaning it’s known for being clean, safe and sustainable. It’s also a popular swimming destination and gets really busy during the summer months.
When you need some fresh air, take a stroll along the promenade, explore Brighton Pier, or take a dip in the sea. You’ll never be alone as the beachfront is dotted with shops, street performers and tourists.
Brighton Fishing Museum
The Brighton Fishing Museum is one of the most interesting free attractions in Brighton. It’s the perfect place to learn all about Brighton’s seafront life, as it traces the unique history of the seaside town through hundreds of photographs, paintings, and memorabilia. It also houses a 27-foot traditional Sussex fishing boat known as the ‘Sussex Maid’.
Booth Museum of Natural History
The Booth Museum was founded in 1874 by naturalist and collector, Edward Thomas Booth. With a keen interest in birds, Booth collected and displayed over 300 dioramas in the late 1800s.
Now, the museum hosts a collection of over 525,000 insects, 50,000 minerals and rocks, 30,000 plants and 5,000 microscopic slides. It’s a quirky and eccentric space to visit in Brighton - perfect for students who love history or ecology - plus it has free entry.
Preston Park
Preston Park is the largest urban park in Brighton and is often used as a venue for concerts, fairs, circuses and other family-friendly events.
It’s open all year round, making it the perfect spot for a post-lecture break. It’s home to a beautiful rose garden and one of the largest (and oldest) elm trees in Europe. Take a walk around the park and check out its unique buildings, including the Rotunda, Clock Tower, Tile House and Preston Manor.
Tourist attractions in Brighton
You can’t live in Brighton and Hove without visiting the most popular tourist attractions. Some of these places require a ticket to enter, but there are often student discounts.
Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion is an iconic architectural and historical landmark in Brighton. This Grade I-listed building was the former residence of King George IV and features beautiful Georgian, Indo-Gothic architecture.
Today, it’s a cultural hub that hosts year-round performances, exhibitions and other interesting events. Students don’t have to pay the full adult price - tickets are £14.50.
Hove Museum of Creativity
The Hove Museum of Creativity is housed in a Victorian villa built in the 1870s. It contains a contemporary craft collection and other memorabilia paying homage to local filmmakers and artists. It also has a magical Wizards Attic filled with 18th-century toys.
The museum is free to enter and makes for a fun day out with friends. It also has a café and a quirky gift shop.
Fun activities to do in Brighton
Are you an adrenaline seeker? A gamer? You’re in luck because there are tons of things to do in Brighton that’ll keep you and your friends entertained after lectures and on the weekend.
Brighton Zip
This activity is for the thrillseekers. Climb the 30-metre Brighton Zip and enjoy wraparound views of Brighton Beach, Brighton Pier and the Seven Sisters when you ride the zipline. A student discount is available with tickets only £10 per person, just don’t forget your student card.
SEA Life Brighton
Did you know SEA Life Brighton is the oldest aquarium in the world?
It started as the Brighton Aquarium, which opened its doors in 1872. Its exquisite interior of beautiful archways and columns was inspired by Gothic and Pompeian design and designed by Eugenius Birch.
Take a trip to the aquarium and admire its restored Victorian Arcade, glass-bottom boat, and diverse sea life - you won’t regret it.
Brighton Dome
Located in the heart of the city, the Brighton Dome is a multi-arts venue that hosts over 600 events every year. It’s also home to the annual Brighton Festival, one of the largest arts festivals in the UK.
Next time you have a study-free weekend, browse upcoming events to see the latest performances from local and international artists.
One Under
One Under is a miniature golf paradise located on East Street. Get a group of uni friends together and take on various obstacles bound to test your golfing skills. Afterwards, enjoy drinks at the LED-lit marble bar. This is a popular spot among Brighton students who enjoy discounted offers on tickets and drinks.
Lucky Voice
There’s no better place to test your karaoke skills than at Lucky Voice on Black Lion Street. You’re guaranteed a fun night out as it’s one of the best things to do in Brighton as a student. Besides getting your boogie on, you can enjoy their yummy sharing plates and cocktails.
Tip: Make sure to do your vocal warm-ups and look out for Lucky Voice’s student nights which offer major discounts on karaoke experiences, food and drinks.
Things to do in Brighton city centre
You’ll never need to go far in search of something to do in Brighton. The city centre is a great, and bustling, place to start.
The Lanes
Nestled between the seafront and North Laine, these narrow alleyways host plenty of unique shops, jewellery stores, bars and restaurants. If you fancy a slow day browsing the shops then visiting The Lanes is one of the best things to do in Brighton.
Parts of The Lanes actually date back to the 16th century when they made up the old fishing town of Brighthelmstone. For instance, the famous Cricketers pub on Black Lion Street was built around 1545.
City Sightseeing Brighton
This hop-on hop-off bus tour is perfect for discovering lots of Brighton’s best city centre attractions in just a few hours.
You’ll get to visit over 10 spots, including the Royal Pavilion, Clock Tower, Grand Avenue, SEA Life Brighton and Brighton Beach. Trust us, you won’t regret the stunning panoramic views of Brighton. Plus, they offer a student discount on tickets which cost £11.
Only in Brighton! walking tour
One of the best ways to see Brighton is on a walking tour. Not only will you get to enjoy the town’s fresh ocean air but you’ll also get to see the hidden graffiti art, Regency architecture and nightlife hotspots Brighton locals are raving about.
The ‘Only in Brighton!’ walking tour is 90 minutes and hosted by a professionally-qualified Blue Badge tourist guide.
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Enter the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery through the beautiful Royal Pavilion gardens and enjoy amazing galleries about fashion and style, 20th-century art and design and fine art pieces.
Places to eat in Brighton
If you’re sick of meal prepping, try out some of Brighton’s hottest food spots listed below.
The World’s End
The World’s End isn’t just a local pub - it’s a raceway, arcade and live music venue. It also boasts well-priced drinks and good food with its casual gourmet menu featuring mouth-watering burgers, wings, mac ‘n’ cheese and small bites. Students flock to this spot night and day, so make sure to book before visiting.
Brighton Open Market
With a buzzing market atmosphere, the Brighton Open Market has more than 40 stalls selling everything from fresh groceries and delicious food to jewellery and homeware bits. Even better, it’s free to enter.
Cutie Pies & Fries
If you’re looking for a mindblowing pizza with a twist, then stop by Cutie Pies & Fries. They offer Detroit-style, deep-dish pizza that’ll have you coming back for more. Next time you’re looking for a spot to eat in Brighton, visit them at The Star & Garter Pub on Kings Road.
Brass Monkey
For students with a sweet tooth, make sure to visit Brass Monkey Ice Cream. It’s an independent chain serving artisan ice cream, homemade cakes and locally roasted coffee. They constantly rotate flavours so you can enjoy soft-serve banoffee shortbread and chocolate sorbet one day, then saffron and rosewater ice cream the next.
Kenny’s Rock and Soul Café
Situated in Brighton North Laine, Kenny’s Rock and Soul Café is a dream food spot for music lovers. This rock ‘n’ roll-themed restaurant plays soulful classics all day while serving up hearty comfort food dishes.
Things to do near Brighton
One of the best things about Brighton is its great transport links. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the train out of Brighton and visit nearby cities like London, Portsmouth or Plymouth.
If you want to stay closer to Brighton, take a day trip to hike the Seven Sister Cliffs, visit Arundel Castle or visit the stunning South Downs National Park.
Want more information about travelling in the UK? Read our student travel guide for advice.
FAQs
What is Brighton best known for?
Brighton is such a diverse city that’s known for many things besides its iconic pier.
- Brighton is home to Britain's oldest cinema - the Duke of York’s cinema
- Brighton and Hove Pride is the UK’s biggest Pride festival
- It’s the hometown of artists like Allan Taylor, Fatboy Slim and Rose Elinor Dougall
Is one day enough for Brighton?
There are plenty of things to do in Brighton, so we recommend spending at least a weekend seeing all the top attractions. If you’re pressed for time, consider the City Sightseeing Brighton bus tour as it visits all of Brighton’s attractions in one day, including Brighton Beach, Brighton Pier and SEA Life Brighton.
Is Brighton a walkable city?
Yes, Brighton is a very walkable city. In fact, it was named the second-best walkable city in the UK (just after Oxford).
What is the nicest area of Brighton?
There are many attractive areas to live in Brighton. Students tend to gravitate toward areas like Coldean, Moulsecoomb North, Round Hill and Hanover because they are within their cost of living means.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Brighton as a student. From relaxing on the beach to exploring the city’s vibrant cultural scene, Brighton offers endless opportunities to make unforgettable memories.
If you’re looking for a student home in the heart of lively Brighton, check out our student accommodation today.
