Top 10 Things To Do And See In And Around Kemptown Brighton

The Kemptown area extending along the coast in the East of Brighton is a small community that takes its name from Thomas Read Kemp’s residential estate of the early 19th century. Most of the houses in this area are of the Regency style, with a few examples of Victorian and modern architecture. The center of Brighton is located west of this area historically known as the artists’ district, which is now home to a large gay community and boasts a lively scene of restaurants, pubs, hotels and shops. We highlight the best things to see and do in Kemptown and the surrounding area.

1. Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier

Opened in 1899, the Palace Pier has been renamed Brighton Pier since 2000 by the Noble Organization, the structure’s owners. The Pier is one of the main attractions in Brighton and one of its most famous landmarks. With thrilling fairground attractions and a Place of Fun arcade, the Victorian pier also has various food and drink outlets. Come and admire the pier as you go for a stroll along the seaside before going for a paddle.

Brighton Pier, Madeira Drive Brighton East Sussex BN2 1TW

2. Brighton Bike Tours

Church

Brighton Bike Tours

Cycling is definitely one of the best ways to get around Brighton. A bike provides an exciting and entertaining opportunity to get to know Brighton for first-time visitors. With the tour you’ll be able to get a feel of different areas of the city. Carlos, one of the main guides, will make both adults and children have fun with the lively tours. The experience is great for groups of young travelers as well as families.

Brighton Bike Tours meet in front of the Unitarian Church on New Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1UF

3. SEA LIFE Brighton

Aquarium

SEA LIFE Brighton

Come and meet a variety of marine creatures at this aquarium located on Brighton’s seafront. SEA LIFE Brighton offers multimedia experiences for all ages, a program of fun educational events and many other activities for children. The aquarium is a great place to visit for families, where you will be able to learn about sea life and become familiar with the aquarium’s mission and their interest in taking care of the ocean and all its creatures.

SEA LIFE Marine Parade, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1TB

4. Painting Pottery Café

Painting Pottery Café

One of the best places to go to have fun with your children in town, the Painting Pottery Café provides the opportunity to get creative painting some pottery for people of all ages. They organize a variety of workshops, parties and birthday celebrations, office gatherings and more. This is a great place to get together and create from Christmas decorations and different ornaments for the house to objects to be given as presents.

Painting Pottery Café 31 North Rd Brighton, The City of Brighton and Hove BN1 1YB

5. Royal Pavilion

Building

Royal Pavilion

This exotic landmark in the center of Brighton, located just outside the limits of the Kemptown area, is a Villa built in an Oriental style. Established as a seaside pleasure house for King George IV, this historic house now serves as a museum. The palace itself is a work of art, featuring different furnishings and objects from England, France and China, with gilded dragons, carved palm trees and bamboo imitation staircases. The Music Room and the Royal Bedrooms are a must-see for all the visitors to the palace.
Royal Pavilion, 4/5 Pavilion Buildings,Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1EE

The Royal Pavilion, Brighton | © Jim Linwood / Flickr

6. Café Marmalade

Cafe

Café Marmalade

A trip to Kemptown is not complete without having breakfast or lunch at this lovely cafe. This place features a French-style boho decor which gives a stylish and casual feel. The food is beautifully presented (check out their amazing salads) and they offer homemade pastries, cakes and bread. Café Marmalade is ideal for brunch as well, and many locals come here to grab a coffee or a snack to take away.
Address and telephone number: 237 Eastern Rd, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex County BN2 5JJ 01273 606138

Brighton City Walks

Brighton’s 90 minutes traditional city walking tour is another great way to get to know the beautiful seaside town. The tour takes visitors to all the major highlights of Brighton and also some hidden gems. Brighton City Walks‘ experienced and knowledgeable tour guides will happily share their local knowledge with visitors. The tours start at Brighton Pier, if you want to join them, call +447941 256148 or visit their website.

7. The Old Bank Steak & Ribs

The Old Bank Steak & Ribs

Set in the heart of the bohemian Kemptown, the Old Bank is a great venue for an informal dinner. This highly acclaimed establishment offers delicious food and great service. The steak and ribs are obviously a favorite, but the menu also features a good selection of fish and vegetable dishes. Pop in on a Monday night, the ‘ribs and wings night’, which is one of the most popular nights of the week in the restaurant.
Address and telephone number: 120 St George’s Road Kemptown Village Brighton East Sussex BN2 1EA +44 1273 682200

steak | © Snufkin/Pixabay

8. Komedia Theatre

Komedia Theatre

Located close to the Royal Pavilion, the Komedia Theatre has always played a major role in Brighton’s comedy, theatre and music scene. With over 700 performances every year including comedy, cabaret, theatre plays and kid’s theatre, the theatre features a wide range of performances from both national and international artists and companies.

44-47 Gardner St,Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1UN

Artists Open Houses

Art and culture are essential aspects of Brighton’s identity. If you walk along St James’ street and the streets nearby you’ll be able to admire an array of paintings, sculptures, crafts, and antique shops. Aside from walking around discovering the different creative outlets, watch out for the Artists’ Open Houses initiative. Many artists in the area take part in the Artists Open Houses festival which is held twice a year, during May and for three weekends in November and December.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.