48 Hours - How to spend a cultural weekend in Brighton

** This itinerary contains experiences that were gifted in exchange for an honest and unbiased review **

A weekend in Brighton: an idea which probably conjures images of fish and chips on the beach, candyfloss on the pier and hedonistic nights with cocktails on the dancefloor. However, dig a little deeper and this beautiful seaside city is also bursting with heritage, museums, galleries and fascinating cultural spots to explore. 

From toy museums, theatre hotspots and art galleries; to historic manors, street art and regal holiday homes - this is your guide to getting to know this coastal gem beyond the beach in our detailed itinerary of how to spend a cultural weekend in Brighton.

Photographer: Hert Niks

How to get there:

Located just an hour’s train journey from London, Brighton is easiest to travel to by rail. The city is mostly walkable, and catching the train avoids having to pay hefty parking fees once in the city centre. Brighton Station is also a landmark in itself, which I’ll go into a little more below…

Alternatively, there are a wide range of buses that travel into the city, with Brighton Bus Station receiving passengers from as far as London, East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells, Eastbourne and Heathfield. 

There is also plenty of parking available if you’d prefer the flexibility of having your own car during your visit.

Saturday Morning:

Stepping out onto the platform at Brighton Station, you’ll already be immersing yourself in the history and rich culture of this vibrant city. Dating back to the mid-19th century, the station was designed by local architect David Mocatta, and many of the original features of the Grade II listed building still remain. I particularly like the facade which features elegant lacy ironwork, in keeping with the Victorian architecture of the seafront and street lights. 

Walking out of the station, you’ll be met by a large slope on your right - Trafalgar Street - which takes you under the station and down into the heart of the North Laine. Known for its eye-catching street art, independent shops and lively atmosphere, this is undoubtedly the cultural and artistic hub of Brighton.

Tucked away in the Victorian arches of this quirky underpass, you’ll find your first stop of your cultural weekend in Brighton on your left - the Brighton Toy & Model Museum. Staffed by dedicated volunteers, this deceptively large museum is a treasure trove of over 12,000 classic toys and models. From vintage trains sets, planes and LEGO, through to dolls and puppets, there is so much in here to spark nostalgia and evoke the magic of childhood. It’s a fascinating visit and tickets are just £8 for adults / £5 for children over 4.

Opposite the Toy & Model Museum, you can’t fail to spot the colourful and iconic Prince Albert pub - a popular drinking spot and live music venue. Whilst the front of the building is a brilliant patchwork of colour, the side wall is the main attraction, with a huge mural depicting some of the world’s most renowned deceased musicians. It features paintings of Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, George Michael, Chuck Berry and David Bowie, amongst many more. 

Most famously though, this was the site of one of Banksy’s most notable and evocative pieces of art - the “Kissing Coppers”, which was unveiled in 2004. Though the original has since been transferred onto canvas and sold, a framed replica remains on the wall of the Prince Albert pub for visitors to see.

From here, wander further into the North Laine to discover all it has to offer. If time, stop off at Helm Gallery - a dynamic arts and exhibition space set over two floors with a cafe below. This unique gallery boasts limited edition prints and carefully curated originals.

When ready, pause for brunch or lunch at the strikingly pretty Garden Cafe on North Road. With an entrance surrounded by flowers and foliage, and a display cabinet full of tasty treats, you’ll be easily lured in! Enjoy one of their pancake stacks, sandwiches, salads or quiches as you take in your surroundings.

Saturday Afternoon:

After refueling, it’s time for the main attraction on your cultural weekend itinerary - Brighton’s iconic Royal Pavilion & Garden. 

Built as the pleasure palace for King George IV, this eye-catching, lavish building exudes opulence both inside and out. With its Indian and Chinese architectural influences, it is now synonymous with Brighton’s landscape, and its flamboyant interior designs reflect the city’s equally colourful and artistic ethos. 

I highly recommend hiring an audioguide to accompany your visit to the Pavilion to fully appreciate all of the detail, historical significance and grandeur of each of the magnificent rooms. Starting at the expansive Long Gallery, travelling into the sumptuous Banqueting Hall, each room tells a story and is full of beauty and intrigue. With the assistance of the audioguide, you can spot dragon sculptures, intricate wallpaper and the most extravagant chandeliers you’re likely to see! 

During our visit (in Summer 2025), the Pavilion was hosting their “COLOUR” exhibition - a bold, multi-sensory installation that explores how colour was used as both social signifier and sensory spectacle in Regency and Victorian Britain. From being welcomed by a rainbow road and a showstopping kaleidoscope of colour in the Banqueting Room, to an interactive play area for youngsters in the Great Kitchen and paper flower display designed by Pom Pom Factory, this exhibition pulls out all the stops. 

Each room is centred around a colour, with props, lights, artwork and even jars of pigment dotted around. It is playful, imaginative and exuberant - the perfect reflection of King George IV’s vision for the Pavilion. Little ones can also spend their visit looking out for Cami the Chameleon who is hidden in each space which is a nice touch.

Round your visit off with a pitstop at the Pavilion’s on-site cafe, The Botanist Coffee Co, which specialises in plant-based, sustainable coffees and cakes. During the COLOUR exhibition, enjoy a vivid coffee from their ‘Colour in Plants’ menu - the Magenta is particularly pretty!

The next part of the afternoon is just a stone’s throw away across the gardens at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. This exceptional museum is a TARDIS of fascinating exhibitions and galleries. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you discover another room full of incredible artefacts and historical gems.

From a collection on Ancient Egyptian culture, to a gallery telling the stories of modern Brighton; a family friendly exhibit detailing the area’s archeological heritage to a spectacular portfolio of puppets, masks and costumes, this museum is bursting with character and treasures.

We visited whilst there were a range of special exhibitions on, including “The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958-1966”. This fascinating collection of fashion pieces is excellently curated by former Mod and founder of The Contemporary Wardrobe Collection alongside Brighton’s own Martin Pel. It charts the emergence of the Mod youth sub-culture movement in the early ‘60s, and its impact on British youth identity, fashion, and music. With full outfits, accessories, photography and musical influences, this comprehensive exhibition offers a detailed and reflective insight into the bold Mod aesthetic and how the movement became a cultural marker.

You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this eclectic museum, scouring through all of the individual exhibition spaces and regular instalments. It’s a vast space, so do allow enough time or plan two visits to spread it out throughout your weekend as once bought, your ticket is valid for a year. A must for any cultural weekend in Brighton!

Round the afternoon off with a visit to Gelato Gusto to sample some of their delicious sweet treats. With a huge array of flavours, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Saturday Night:

Brighton is famous for its unique and at times alternative arts culture, so spend Saturday night at one of the many hotspots for music, theatre or comedy.

If you’re in need of some laughter, head to Komedia for their Saturday night Comedy Club, with line-ups boasting some of the hottest names on the stand-up scene. They also have guest kitchens providing food and drink.

For a more traditional theatre setting, visit the Brighton Dome or Theatre Royal Brighton to see what they have on. Both are magnificent buildings in their own right and you’ll be marvelling as much at the architecture as the shows.

Sunday Morning:

Sunday mornings are for taking it slow, so take a wander down to the seafront for brunch at Lazy Fin, overlooking the water. From classics such as breakfast bagels and avocado toast through to some special options such as crab benedict and pan con tomate, there’s a great array of choices in a wonderful setting.

Once full, walk further along the beach to Atelier Beside the Sea - an art gallery, shop and makers workshop, set within the iconic seafront arches. Established by Brighton Art Fair organisers Tutton & Young Ltd. this fantastic creative space hosts work by a range of artists from Brighton and beyond, as well as exhibitions and shows throughout the year. Spend time exploring this unique arts hub, celebrating craft, design and the creativity of the local community.

If peckish again, stop by the seafront food hall, Shelter Hall, to sample some exciting local food and drink. With seven rotating kitchens, two bars, a seaview terrace and intimate balconies, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Sunday Afternoon:

The final stop on your cultural weekend in Brighton is the striking Preston Manor & Gardens - a magnificent Edwardian manor house set in the leafy suburb of Preston Park. From the city centre, you can get here by travelling just one stop on the train to Preston Park station, or if driving, there is on-street parking available on nearby Preston Drove.

Once home to the Standfords - one of Sussex’s wealthiest families - this impressive building is now open to the public between Friday and Sunday, offering an immersive experience for visitors. Showcasing the day-to-day lives of the family as they would have inhabited the house in 1912, each room takes you on a journey of history and discovery. 

From the grand dining room laden with extravagant breakfast dishes and the gold gilt-framed mirrors of the elegant drawing room, through to the jelly moulds and mangles in the servants’ quarters; a tour of the house allows visitors to move between the various worlds and social hierarchy present at the turn of the century. Told through interactive elements, original decor, costumes and props, it is an engaging and fascinating glimpse into this period of history.

After exploring the house, head outside to get a glimpse of the fruit trees, sweeping lawns, lily pond and secret doorways of the walled garden. Spend time slowly wandering through the arches and paths - you may even spot the unexpected pet cemetery which is the burial spot for 16 dogs and 4 cats who once called the manor home.

Finally, enjoy some tea and cake in the on-site Cafe Rust which is open Friday - Sunday between 10am and 4pm before wandering through Preston Park and heading back to the train station.