Places to visit near Brighton stretch in every direction — chalk cliffs, ancient market towns, vineyard valleys, medieval castles and some of the finest countryside walking in the south of England. Brighton sits at the heart of Sussex with the South Downs rising immediately to the north and the English Channel running west to east along the coast. Within 30 minutes you can be standing on top of the Seven Sisters looking out over the Channel. Within an hour you can be exploring the cobbled streets of Rye, the riverside at Arundel or the gardens of Leonardslee. This is Brighton Journal’s guide to the best places to visit near Brighton — updated for 2026.
Jump to: South Downs | Villages & Towns | Coast | Castles & Houses | Vineyards | By Train | FAQ
Places to Visit Near Brighton — What’s On This Summer
Expressions in Blue: Felicity Aylieff at Petworth House — until 27 September Monumental porcelain sculptures in one of England’s most extraordinary baroque mansions. 50 minutes from Brighton. → Read more
Henry Moore After Hours at Kew Gardens — 26–27 June and 3–4 July Adult-only evenings in the Temperate House with Rambert School. 75 minutes from Brighton. → Read more
Henry Moore and More at Wakehurst — until 23 May 2027 Bronze sculptures in Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex. 30 minutes from Brighton. → Read more
E Street Bar & Grill, Petworth — open Thursday–Saturday Fresh oysters, Sugrue Rock Story and exceptional hospitality. 50 minutes from Brighton. → Read more
South Downs National Park — On Brighton’s Doorstep
The South Downs National Park begins at the edge of Brighton. You do not need a car to reach some of the finest walking in England — the 77 bus runs from Brighton seafront to Devil’s Dyke at weekends, and Ditchling Beacon is reachable by bike from the city centre. These are the highlights.
Devil’s Dyke — 5 miles north of Brighton
Devil’s Dyke is the UK’s largest dry valley — a dramatic natural landscape sitting 711 feet above sea level on the South Downs ridge just five miles from Brighton. The views on a clear day stretch west to the Isle of Wight and north across the Weald. One of the great short escapes from the city. Bus 77 from Brighton Palace Pier runs at weekends and on bank holidays. Walk time from the village: 15 minutes to the ridge.
Ditchling Beacon — 7 miles north
One of the highest points in East Sussex at 248 metres. An Iron Age hillfort, panoramic views over Brighton and the coast, and the start of some of the best South Downs walking in the county. The climb from Ditchling village is a Brighton cycling rite of passage — and worth every pedal.
Seven Sisters & Birling Gap — 10 miles east
The most dramatic stretch of coastline within easy reach of Brighton. Eight chalk headlands rise and fall above the sea between Cuckmere Haven and Beachy Head — one of the great coastal walks in England. Park at Birling Gap (National Trust) and walk west to Cuckmere Haven or east to Beachy Head. Allow at least two hours. nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap
Beachy Head — 12 miles east
The highest chalk sea cliff in Britain at 162 metres. Spectacular views along the coast in both directions. Walk from Birling Gap (about an hour each way) or drive directly. The Belle Tout lighthouse, relocated from the cliff edge in 1999, is visible from the path.
Stanmer Park — 3 miles north of Brighton
Ancient parkland on the edge of Brighton with 500-year-old woodland, a walled garden, a Georgian manor house and the community sauna at Stanmer Sauna Garden CIC. Free entry. Café and restaurant at Stanmer House. One Garden Brighton — a nine-garden walled space with a farmers market — is located within the park grounds. An easy cycle from the city centre.
Villages & Towns Near Brighton
Tulleys Tulip Fest — Crawley, 25 miles north
Sussex’s most spectacular spring event — over 500,000 tulips across the fields at Tulleys Farm. A short drive from Brighton, ideal for a spring half-day out.
→ Read our guide
Lewes — 8 miles east, 20 minutes by train
The most rewarding town trip from Brighton — and the most underrated. Lewes sits in the crook of the South Downs with a Norman castle, cobbled streets, independent bookshops, Harvey’s Brewery (tours available year-round), excellent cafés and pubs and one of the country’s strongest independent shopping streets. The Anne of Cleves House is a fascinating museum. The Phoenix Gallery on North Street is one of the best artist-led galleries in the South East. In November, Lewes becomes one of the most extraordinary evenings in England — the Lewes Bonfire Night procession is the largest in the country, a blazing torchlit march through the town followed by enormous fireworks. Trains from Brighton: every 10-15 minutes, 22 minutes.
Arundel — 22 miles west, 55 minutes by train
A beautiful market town in West Sussex built around one of the finest medieval castles in England. Arundel Castle towers over the River Arun and the town — the castle and its grounds are open to visitors throughout the year. The Cathedral is extraordinary. The town itself rewards a long afternoon — antique shops, independent galleries, riverside walks and the Arundel Festival of Arts in August (10 days, largely free). The Arundel Wetland Centre on the edge of town is one of the best nature reserves in Sussex. Trains from Brighton: change at Ford, approximately 55 minutes.
Rye — 40 miles east, 1 hour 30 minutes by train
One of the most beautiful small towns in England. Rye sits on a hill above the Romney Marshes with cobbled streets, half-timbered medieval buildings, the famous Mermaid Street, excellent independent restaurants, the Rye Art Gallery and a strong creative community. Just south of Rye lies Camber Sands — the only sand dune beach in East Sussex, extraordinary on a summer day. Trains from Brighton via Eastbourne, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Alfriston — 9 miles east
A quintessential Sussex village in the Cuckmere Valley — thatched cottages, the 14th-century St Andrew’s Church, excellent pubs and a tea room that feels unchanged for generations. The walk along the Cuckmere River from Alfriston to Cuckmere Haven is one of the finest short walks in East Sussex. The National Trust’s Clergy House in Alfriston was the first building ever acquired by the Trust, in 1896.
Chichester — 30 miles west, 55 minutes by train
A Roman city with medieval walls you can walk in their entirety, a cathedral that has been standing for 900 years, and the Chichester Festival Theatre — one of the most important regional theatres in England. The Novium Museum explores the city’s Roman history. Goodwood Estate is just north of the city, home to the Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival and horse racing throughout the year. Trains from Brighton: approximately 55 minutes.
Hastings Old Town — 37 miles east, 1 hour by train
A smaller, calmer version of Brighton’s seaside energy. The Old Town has a working fishing fleet, the Stade — the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in England — the excellent Hastings Contemporary gallery, independent shops, fish and chips and pubs. The funicular railways up to the East and West Hills are a Victorian delight. Hastings Castle stands on the West Hill with views over the town and sea.
The Sussex Coast Near Brighton
Eastbourne — 25 miles east, 30 minutes by train
Elegant, underrated and surprisingly beautiful. Eastbourne has one of the finest Victorian seafronts in England — a wide promenade, the Grade I listed bandstand, the Towner Eastbourne gallery (one of the UK’s best contemporary art galleries outside London) and the start of the South Downs Way. Beachy Head is a 20-minute walk from the town centre.
Seaford & the Cuckmere Valley
The quiet end of the Seven Sisters. Seaford Beach is a broad shingle bay with views across to the chalk cliffs. The Cuckmere Haven is National Trust land — a meandering river valley meeting the sea at a remarkable shingle beach below the Sisters. Exceptional birdwatching in the estuary.
Worthing — 11 miles west, 20 minutes by train
A gentler seaside town with a long pier, an excellent covered market, good independent cafés and significantly fewer crowds than Brighton on a summer weekend. The Worthing Museum and Art Gallery has a strong collection. Good base for exploring the West Sussex coast.
Castles, Houses & Gardens Near Brighton
Arundel Castle
One of the most complete medieval castles in England. Home to the Dukes of Norfolk since 1138. The castle, gardens and grounds are open to visitors throughout the year with special events, jousting tournaments and Shakespeare in the grounds through the summer. arundelcastle.org
Charleston Farmhouse — Firle, 9 miles east
The home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, where the Bloomsbury Group gathered from 1916 until the 1970s. Every surface is painted. An extraordinary interior and one of the most unusual house visits in the South East. The walled garden is beautiful. Open Wednesday to Sunday from March to October. charleston.org.uk
Firle Place — Firle, 9 miles east
A Tudor and Georgian mansion set in parkland below the South Downs. Home to the Gage family for over 500 years. The house contains an outstanding collection of European and British paintings, furniture and porcelain. Gardens and parkland open on selected days. firleplace.co.uk
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens — 22 miles north-west
Described as the finest woodland garden in England — 240 acres of Grade I listed gardens in the High Weald, first planted in 1801. Extraordinary in spring when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom. The rock garden, wallaby enclosure and lakeside walks are exceptional. leonardslee.com
Petworth House & Park (National Trust) — 33 miles north-west
A late 17th-century mansion in a 700-acre deer park landscaped by Capability Brown. One of the National Trust’s finest properties and home to one of the greatest art collections in the country outside the national museums — Turner, Van Dyck, Reynolds. The deer park is free to enter year-round. nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth
Sheffield Park & Garden (National Trust) — 20 miles north
A magnificent landscaped garden of 120 acres with four lakes, created in the 18th century. Outstanding in autumn when the colour is extraordinary. The Bluebell Railway runs from Sheffield Park station — a preserved steam railway through the Sussex countryside to Kingscote. nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park
Wakehurst (Kew’s Wild Botanic Garden) — Ardingly, 30 miles north
Kew’s wild botanic garden in West Sussex — 500 acres of ancient woodland,
ornamental gardens and the Millennium Seed Bank. From 5 June 2026, home
to Henry Moore and more — four major Moore sculptures in the landscape.
One of the most compelling art and nature day trips from Brighton this summer.
→ Henry Moore at Wakehurst guide: brightonjournal.co.uk/henry-moore-kew-gardens-2026/
Sussex Vineyards Near Brighton
Sussex has become one of England’s finest wine regions — the chalk geology is similar to Champagne and the English sparkling wines produced here are winning awards across the world. Several vineyards are within easy reach of Brighton.
Ridgeview Wine Estate — Ditchling, 7 miles north
One of England’s most celebrated sparkling wine producers. Ridgeview’s Bloomsbury, Cavendish and Fitzrovia wines are available across the UK and internationally. The estate offers tastings and tours from their cellar door. ridgeview.co.uk
Bolney Wine Estate — Bolney, 12 miles north
Family-run estate producing both still and sparkling wines in the High Weald. The vineyard café and shop are open year-round. Tours and tastings available. bolneywineestate.com
Albourne Estate — Albourne, 8 miles north
Boutique vineyard producing sparkling and still wines in the Sussex countryside. One of the smaller, more personal estates — worth visiting for the relaxed atmosphere as much as the wine. albourneestate.co.uk
Wiston Estate — Washington, 14 miles north-west
Award-winning sparkling wine producer in the South Downs. The Estate won Winery of the Year 2018 and produces wines using traditional Champagne methods. Tours by appointment. wistonwine.com
Places to Visit Near Brighton By Train — No Car Needed
Brighton has exceptional rail connections. These are the best day trips from Brighton station without a car:
— Lewes: 22 minutes. Every 10-15 minutes. Walk to town from station in 5 minutes.
— Eastbourne: 30 minutes. Direct service. Walk to seafront and Beachy Head.
— Arundel: 55 minutes. Change at Ford or Barnham.
— Chichester: 55 minutes. Direct service. Walk to city walls from station.
— Hastings: 1 hour 10 minutes. Direct service. Old Town is 20 minutes walk.
— Rye: 1 hour 30 minutes. Change at Eastbourne or Ashford.
For South Downs: Bus 77 (Brighton Palace Pier to Devil’s Dyke) runs weekends and bank holidays. Ditchling Beacon is reachable by bike from central Brighton in 45-60 minutes.
Events Near Brighton in 2026
Tulleys Tulip Fest — Spring 2026, Crawley
Half a million tulips in bloom at Tulleys Farm, West Sussex — one of the most photogenic spring events near Brighton.
→ Full guide
Love Supreme Jazz Festival — 3–5 July, Glynde Place
Europe’s largest outdoor jazz festival in the grounds of Glynde Place, 20 minutes from Brighton. Loyle Carner, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Esperanza Spalding, KOKOROKO and Samara Joy headline 2026. lovesupremefestival.com
Glyndebourne Opera Festival — May–August, Glynde
One of the world’s great opera festivals in a country house setting in the South Downs. glyndebourne.com
Henry Moore: Monumental Nature — Kew Gardens & Wakehurst, May 2026
The largest outdoor presentation of Henry Moore’s work ever staged opens
at Kew Gardens on 9 May 2026 (to January 2027) — 30 monumental sculptures
across Kew’s 320-acre UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
For Brighton visitors: the parallel exhibition Henry Moore and more opens
at Wakehurst — Kew’s wild botanic garden in West Sussex — on 5 June 2026,
running until May 2027. Four major Moore sculptures in extraordinary
natural landscape, 30 minutes from Brighton.
→ Full guide: brightonjournal.co.uk/henry-moore-kew-gardens-2026/
Goodwood Festival of Speed — July, Chichester
The world’s greatest motorsport garden party. Racing cars from every era on the famous hillclimb at Goodwood Estate, a 30-minute drive from Brighton. goodwood.com
Goodwood Revival — September, Chichester
The world’s most popular historic motor racing event — period dress encouraged, extraordinary atmosphere. goodwood.com
Lewes Bonfire Night — 5 November, Lewes
The most spectacular bonfire event in England. Six bonfire societies march through the town with torches and effigies. One of the great free events of the Sussex year. Best approached by train.
Plumpton Revival — 8–9 August, Plumpton Racecourse
Plumpton Racecourse sits in the Sussex Downs village of Plumpton, 8 miles north of Brighton — under 20 minutes by train on the Lewes line. In 1969 and 1970 this same racecourse hosted Pink Floyd, The Who, Black Sabbath and Peter Green. Plumpton Revival 2026 brings it back — two days of tribute acts, live blues, comedy, circus, vintage market and festival cinema.
📍 Plumpton Racecourse, East Sussex BN7 3AL | 🚂 Direct train from Brighton — under 20 minutes
→ Full guide: Plumpton Revival
FAQ — Places to Visit Near Brighton
What are the best places to visit near Brighton?
The Seven Sisters and Birling Gap for dramatic coastal walking, Lewes for a market town day out, Arundel for castle and countryside, Rye for medieval beauty, and the South Downs for walking — Devil’s Dyke and Ditchling Beacon both within 30 minutes of the city.
What can you visit near Brighton without a car?
Lewes (22 min by train), Eastbourne and Beachy Head (30 min by train), Arundel (55 min), Chichester (55 min), Hastings (70 min) and Devil’s Dyke by bus 77 at weekends are all accessible without a car.
How far is the Seven Sisters from Brighton?
Birling Gap — the main access point for the Seven Sisters — is approximately 10 miles east of Brighton. By car, allow 25 minutes. By public transport, take the train to Eastbourne (30 min) and then bus 13X to Birling Gap.
Are there vineyards near Brighton?
Yes — Sussex has become one of England’s finest wine regions. Ridgeview Wine Estate (7 miles), Bolney Wine Estate (12 miles), Albourne Estate (8 miles) and Wiston Estate (14 miles) all offer tastings and tours.
How far is Lewes from Brighton?
Lewes is 8 miles east of Brighton — 22 minutes by train with services every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. The town is 5 minutes walk from Lewes station.
What is the most beautiful place near Brighton?
The Seven Sisters cliffs are arguably the most dramatic — eight chalk headlands above the sea, best walked from Birling Gap to Cuckmere Haven. Rye and Alfriston are the most beautiful villages. Leonardslee Gardens in spring is extraordinary.
Is Arundel worth visiting from Brighton?
Yes — Arundel is one of the finest day trips from Brighton. The castle, cathedral, riverside walks and independent town centre combine into a full and rewarding day. Allow 4-5 hours minimum. The train journey is 55 minutes with a change at Ford.
Further Afield: UK Day Trips Worth the Journey:
Blenheim Palace — Woodstock, Oxfordshire | 2.5 hours from Brighton
Britain’s greatest palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — birthplace of Winston Churchill, 2,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland and one of the finest Baroque interiors in England.
In 2026 the Blueprints of Power exhibition marks 300 years since architect Sir John Vanbrugh, alongside a new music festival in June headlined by Katy Perry, Neil Young and Pete Tong.
→ What’s On at Blenheim Palace in 2026 → Blenheim Palace Young Designer Challenge 2026
📍 Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PP
🚂 Brighton → Oxford (1h 40min), then bus S3 to Woodstock
🎟 Adult £31 / Family £85 🌐 blenheimpalace.com
Brighton Journal is an independent local magazine covering news, culture, events and life in Brighton & Hove. Our guides are written and updated by local editors.
See also: →Things to Do in Brighton| Events Brighton | Arts & Culture Brighton | Food & Drink in Brighton |Wellness in Brighton| Places to Visit Near Brighton | The Best Hotels | Brighton Journal Stays | Contact|
