Things to do in Brighton

The Thistle Brighton is the perfect base for a traditional seaside holiday, a short city break or the opportunity to explore one of the most charming parts of the country. Situated directly on the seafront, just minutes from Brighton Pier, we’re just a short stroll from the city’s thriving bars, bustling shops and famous theatres. Away from the buzz of the centre, the Thistle Brighton is also well located to discover stunning natural landscapes and explore dramatic historical places.

Arts & Culture

  • Old Police Cells Museum - 0.1 Miles

    Underneath the Town Hall, the museum charts the history of policing in Brighton. You can peek into the bleak cells, see the room in which the Chief Constable was murdered in 1844 and learn about some of the mods and rockers who were briefly incarcerated here after violence on the beaches.

  • Booth Museum of Natural History - 1.5 Miles

    Over half a million specimens and exhibits extending back over three centuries are housed in this fascinating museum. They include hundreds of British birds displayed in recreated natural settings, insects from butterflies to beetles, a killer whale skeleton and dinosaur bones.

  • Brighton Centre - 0.4 Miles

    Only two minutes’ walk from the hotel, this is undoubtedly the South Coast’s best venue for music concerts, conferences and exhibitions. From West End shows to world darts tournaments and from rock legends to the latest bands, the Centre has something for everyone.

  • Brighton Fishing Museum - 0.1 Miles

    Trace the unique story of the fishing community in Brighton, captured in a wealth of film, photography, paintings and memorabilia of Brighton seafront life. Discover the Brighthelmstone of the 1700s, when patients were first prescribed the seawater at Brighton for its medicinal benefits.

  • Komedia - 0.4 Miles

    Quirky Komedia provides a platform for a wealth of quality fringe and alternative acts. Gigs, cabaret, children’s theatre and stand-up comics keep things enjoyably varied, while the Krater Comedy Club is a regular fixture.

  • The Duke of York’s Picturehouse - 1.0 Miles

    A Grade II listed cinema, and considered to be Britain's oldest picturehouse. Programming a mix of the best of arthouse, independent, foreign language, cult and classic films, it also serves as a fantastic music venue and comedy club.

  • Theatre Royal - 0.2 Miles

    Few theatres can boast such a long tradition of presenting top quality, star-studded West End productions, often before they have played London. A rich, mixed programme continues to bring drama, cracking comedies, renowned musicals and outstanding family entertainment including a spectacular Christmas Show.

  • Pevensey Castle - 33.0 Miles

    Simply a great family day out for all the family, encompassing rich history and fun things to do and see for adults and children. With a history stretching back over 16 centuries, Pevensey Castle chronicles, more graphically than any other fortress, the story of Britain's south coast defences.

Local Attractions

  • Sealife Center - 0.4 Miles

    After a major refurbishment, Sea Life Brighton has re-opened its doors for you to discover the weird, wonderful and downright bizarre world of the deep blue seas. New attractions include Jellyfish Discovery and a Behind The Scenes tour.

  • Brighton Pier - 0.3 Miles

    A Victorian pier with various food and drink outlets, fairground attractions and Palace of Fun arcade. With a choice of bars and its famous fish and chip restaurant, the Pier, which is just minutes’ from the hotel, makes for a fun-filled, old-fashioned day out!

  • Royal Pavilion - 0.2 Miles

    The spectacular seaside palace of the Prince Regent (George IV) was transformed by John Nash between 1815 and 1822 into one of the most dazzling and exotic buildings in the British Isles. The Pavilion houses furniture and works of art including original pieces lent by HM The Queen.

  • Drusillas Park Zoo - 21.0 Miles

    Designed for children between 2 and 10 years old, this lovely zoo is home to both wild and domestic animals, including ring-tailed lemurs, meerkats, and penguins. There are many hands-on activities, an indoor soft play centre, and a Thomas & Friends train that runs daily.

  • Volks Electric Railway - 1.3 Miles

    Britain's oldest electric railway built in 1883 runs for one and a quarter miles along the top of the beach from the Aquarium Station near Brighton Pier to the Marina. An absolute must for trainspotters and a pure delight for tourists of all ages.

  • Brighton Wheel - 0.4 Miles

    The observation Wheel stands 45 meters in diameter and provides breath-taking, panoramic views of the coastline, surrounding architecture and landmarks. Each pod provides a commentary guided tour of the heritage of Brighton and Hove whilst you take a voyage. Perfect for anyone with a head for heights.

Outside of the city

  • Battle Abbey - 43.8 Miles

    For a memorable family day out in Sussex visit Battle Abbey, the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, when William the Conqueror lived up to his name. It’s an enjoyable way to discover more about the most famous date in English history.

  • Arundel Castle - 28.6 Miles

    The seat of The Dukes of Norfolk and set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens, this stunning castle is surely one of the most spectacular in the country. It is also one of the great treasure houses of England, home to priceless works of art, including paintings and furniture, tapestries and stained glass, china and clocks, sculptures and carvings, and heraldry and armour.

Parks

  • Beachy Head - 27.7 Miles

    A chalk headland close to the town of Eastbourne in East Sussex, immediately east of the Seven Sisters. The cliff at Beachy Head is the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, rising to 162 m (530 ft) above sea level and forms part of the South Downs National Park.

  • Devil’s Dyke - 6.0 Miles

    Just five miles north of Brighton, Devil’s Dyke offers stunning panoramas, a record breaking valley, a curious history and England’s most colourful habitat. At nearly a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest 'dry valley' in the UK.

Shopping

  • Churchill Square - 0.4 Miles

    Located in the heart of Brighton only 10 minutes’ walk from the station and 5 minutes’ walk from the beach and hotel, Churchill Square Shopping Centre has 90 shops, restaurants and cafes all under one roof.

  • The Lanes - 0.3 Miles

    If you're looking to put a creative edge into your shopping, Brighton Lanes offer a shopper’s paradise of independent shops and boutiques. Once the heart of the fishing town of Brighthelmstone, Brighton Lanes' historic quarter is a fabulous maze of twisting alleyways, twittens and catcreeps.

  • Brighton Marina - 2.8 Miles

    The latest in waterfront shopping, Brighton Marina offers some of the best bargain stores within the backdrop of a stunning quayside location. You’ll also find a great range of homeware and sports goods, footwear, accessories and books, as well as the largest Yacht chandlery in the South-East of England.

Sports

  • Brighton Racecourse - 2.0 Miles

    Set high on the Sussex Downs, with stunning views over Brighton and Hove and the English Channel, Brighton Racecourse has “undoubtedly one of the most picturesque settings of any course". Race meetings run between April and October.

Tourist Spot

  • Brighton Sea Life Centre - 0.4 Miles

    Brighton Sea Life centre offers a fun and educational day out whatever the weather. With over 150 species and 57 displays, you will be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable day for the whole family!

  • The Royal Pavilion - 0.2 Miles

    The Royal Pavilion has been inextricably linked with the identity of Brighton. Throughout its colourful history its become one of the most instantly identifiable architectural images in the world. It takes its unique character from the man for whom it was built, George IV, and its magnificent interior is a reflection of his personality and Regency reign.

Local Information

Today's Weather

in Brighton °C or °F

22 May Wed

Clouds giving way to some sun
Clouds giving way to some sun
High Temperature:
18oC
Low Temperature:
4oC

23 May Thu

Clouds and sun, showers around; cooler
Clouds and sun, showers around; cooler
High Temperature:
13oC
Low Temperature:
4oC

24 May Fri

A shower; cloudy, then partly sunny
A shower; cloudy, then partly sunny
High Temperature:
12oC
Low Temperature:
6oC

25 May Sat

Clouds and spotty showers
Clouds and spotty showers
High Temperature:
15oC
Low Temperature:
9oC

26 May Sun

Low clouds
Low clouds
High Temperature:
19oC
Low Temperature:
9oC