Best Places To Visit In Brighton
Planning a move to Brighton? Here are five places to visit to get a feel for the city’s local history and culture.
Brighton Centre
The Brighton Centre is Southern England’s largest conference and exhibition venue, built in the Brutalist style with simple lines and textured concrete, a practical choice near the water.
Seating up to 5,000, it primarily hosts political events but is also used for concerts, theatre shows, weddings, and other major occasions. Notably, it has hosted performances by Wham!, Bing Crosby, and The Jam.
The centre’s popularity is due to its easy access. It’s within walking distance of Brighton train station for residents and close to popular hotels like the Red Brighton Blue Hotel, Hotel Una, and Artist Residence Brighton for tourists.
Brighton Toy And Model Museum
The main exhibit showcases Littledale’s gauge 0 model railway from the 1930s, a must-see for model train enthusiasts. The Glamour of Brighton display features intricate models of old Brighton, including the Brighton Pavilion and Brighton Belle Pullman train.
The museum also hosts annual events like the Brighton Fringe and special exhibitions. Its collection ranges from motorised toys, like the Meccano Ferris wheel, to traditional ones such as stuffed animals and puppets.
You can preview the collection through the Brighton Toy and Model Index, which includes over 9,000 pages of information. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturdays from 11 AM. Tickets are £4 for children, £5.50 for seniors and disabled visitors, and £6.50 for adults, with group discounts available.
Brighton Palace Pier
Designed by Irish architect R. St George Moore, the Brighton Palace Pier was built to enhance seaside views and leisure. Construction began in 1891 after the old Chain Pier was demolished, and the new pier was completed in 1899.
Over the years, various additions were made, including restaurants, pubs, theatres, and an amusement arcade. The pier continued to evolve with popular trends. In 1973, a barge accident damaged the pier’s theatre, and in the 2000s, safety concerns arose from wear and tear. The Eclectic Bar Group purchased the pier to preserve its iconic status.
After extensive improvements, the Brighton Palace Pier remains a major tourist destination, attracting over 5 million visitors annually. It stretches 1,722 feet and features arcades, restaurants, pubs, and even an indoor play area for children. Many venues on the pier offer event packages for weddings, birthdays, and more, making it a central part of Brighton’s community.
Visiting the Brighton Palace Pier is a must to experience the city’s lively atmosphere up close.
Royal Pavilion
Construction of the Royal Pavilion began in 1787 as a seaside palace for George, Prince of Wales. While Henry Holland designed the main living areas, John Nash later added the iconic domes and minarets. The palace was completed in 1823, three years after George had become King George IV.
The Pavilion remained a royal residence until Queen Victoria left due to space and privacy concerns. Brighton purchased the property in 1850.
Some stables were converted into a concert hall, now known as the Brighton Dome. The Pavilion was restored in the late 20th century and now operates as a museum open to the public.
Sea Life Brighton
Not very far from the Brighton Palace Pier is Sea Life Brighton, which is the oldest aquarium in the world. It began construction in 1869 and was finished within 3 years. The aquarium currently has around 5,500 sea creatures with over 100 different species.
Initiatives
All Sea Life aquariums follow the “Breed, Rescue, Protect” motto. Sea Life Brighton, in particular, runs the Big Fish program to educate aquarium owners on ethical purchasing and proper care for sea creatures.
The aquarium also supports conservation through initiatives like Beach Cleans and The Loop, open to all ages, helping preserve marine life and encouraging visitors to do the same.
Talks and Tours
Elm Grove
Elm Grove is a neighbourhood northeast of Brighton’s city centre, developed in the 19th century and named after the elm trees lining the area, which now number around 17,000.
Close to the city centre, Elm Grove serves as a major bus corridor, providing easy transportation for residents heading to school or work. The neighbourhood is also close to local schools, including St. Martin’s C of E School, Fairlight Primary School, and Elm Grove Primary School. Despite Brighton’s typically high rents, Elm Grove offers some of the city’s most affordable housing, as noted by The Tab.
The area is rich in history, with many historic buildings and institutions. Brighton General Hospital was a World War I military hospital, and Elm Grove Primary School belongs to a distinguished group of board schools. The neighbourhood is also home to two listed churches: St Joseph’s and St Wilfrid’s.
For those needing storage, the nearest Henfield Storage facility is about a 35-minute drive from Elm Grove. To get there, take the A270 via Lewes Road, then follow signs for Preston Road and A23. Continue on A264, pass Tollgate Hill Roundabout, and follow Crawley Road via B2195. After the Moorhead Roundabout, follow Harwood Road to North Street. Our Brighton storage facility is located on Nightingale Road, near The Complete Barber Shop.
Kemptown
Kemptown is a small neighbourhood east of Brighton. It derived its name from the property developer, Thomas Read Kemp, who had a residential estate called “Kemp Town.” Today’s Kemptown covers a much wider area. Its houses show a mix of Regency, Victorian, and modern architecture.
Transportation
Although smaller than other suburbs, Kemptown is filled with many great restaurants, bars, and shops. Being right beside the bus stops in Old Steine, there are plenty of transportation links. Even if the buses are packed, it should be fine. Kemptown is within walking distance for most of your daily needs.
Community
Kemptown is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in the city. Brighton may be the UK’s unofficial gay capital, but Kemptown is the hub of the LGBTQ+ community in the city. With its excellent support group, it is one of the safest places for LGBTQ+ residents in Brighton.
Institutions
One of the listed buildings in Kemptown is the St George’s Church, built at the request of Thomas Kemp himself. The church offers a wide range of services for the residents. It has a community centre, cafe, and crypt. Besides holding mass, they also host folk and alternative concerts. It is very much a part of the fabric of the community.
Another notable institution is the Royal Sussex County Hospital. It is a teaching hospital under the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust. They offer emergency services along with other essential healthcare services for babies and adults.
If you need storage near Kemptown, our closest facility is a 40-minute drive away. Start on Eastern Road towards Old Steine, then turn right at Victoria Gardens. After passing St. Peter’s Church, continue straight on London Road and Preston Road, following the A23. Turn left at the end onto A264, pass the Tollgate Hill Roundabout, and head straight on Crawley Road.
At the Moorhead Roundabout, take B2195, then turn left at the next roundabout onto Harwood Road. Continue on North Street until you reach The Complete Barber Shop. Take the third exit, follow North Road, and turn left on Nightingale Road to arrive at Henfield Storage.
Montpelier
Montpelier, a Brighton suburb developed in the mid-19th century, is one of the 34 conservation areas in Brighton and Hove, with hundreds of listed buildings and minimal redevelopment since.
A quiet, residential neighborhood with only 20% commercial properties, Montpelier offers a peaceful retreat away from the city. Mostly comprised of independent shops and small restaurants, it’s also an expensive area to live in due to its sought-after location.
Key landmarks include Montpelier Crescent, a series of 38 late-Regency style houses designed by Amon Henry Wilds, and Vernon Terrace, a similar row of 37 houses across from the Crescent. Montpelier also features three listed Gothic Revival churches: St. Michael and All Angels Church, St. Mary Magdalen’s Church, and the former St. Stephen’s Church.
If you’re downsizing, we offer storage units which are a 42-minute drive away from Montpelier. Start by passing through Vernon Gardens, follow Dyke Road, and take the third exit at Devil’s Dyke Road. Continue to A23, then A264, and follow Crawley Road past the Tollgate Hill Roundabout. After Moorhead Roundabout, take B2195 to Harwood Road, turn onto North Street, and follow Nightingale Road to reach our Brighton facility.
Prestonville
Prestonville, a northwest Brighton neighborhood, is known for its well-preserved pre-1914 residential architecture and listed buildings. The Brighton and Hove City Council describes it as a well-maintained inner suburb.
Transportation
Prestonville is conveniently served by both the Brighton and Preston Park railway stations, making it easy to navigate the city. Buses from Dyke Road are also within walking distance, providing a quick 10-minute ride to Brighton’s city centre.
Listed Buildings
The area is home to two Gothic Revival Anglican churches, St. Luke’s Church and The Church of the Good Shepherd, designed by John Hill and Edward Prioleau. Both are listed for their architectural significance. Another notable listed building is the Stanford Road Board School, a Grade II institution that retains its original features.
Interesting Sites
Though largely residential, Prestonville has two notable sites: the Booth Museum of Natural History, showcasing 500,000 British birds and insects, and the Army Reserve Centre, a World War II-era drill hall still in use today.
Prestonville is a 32-minute drive from the nearest Henfield Storage. Take Dyke Road, then turn right onto A27. Follow A23, then turn left onto A264 after the Tollgate Hill Roundabout. Continue on Crawley Road and switch to B2195 at the Moorhead Roundabout.
Turn left onto North Street, drive straight past The Complete Barber Shop, and take the third exit on North Road. A left turn on Nightingale leads you to our Henfield Storage facility, where you can rent a unit for your excess belongings.
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Round Hill
Round Hill is a Brighton neighborhood known for its elevated views of the city. Developed in the late 19th century, part of the area is designated as a Brighton and Hove conservation area.
The centerpiece is Roundhill Crescent, where houses are built on a sloped hillside, creating varied heights visible across north and east Brighton. The first five sets of houses were listed for their historical and architectural significance. Nearby, Park Crescent is notable for its horseshoe-shaped design, with three sections also listed for similar reasons.
Round Hill is home to notable landmarks like St. Martin’s Church, Brighton’s largest place of worship, the Duke of York’s Picture House, the oldest functioning cinema in Britain, and the site of the Lewes Road Hospital and Dispensary for Women and Children, the first mental health hospital in England.
The nearest Henfield Storage facility is a 37-minute drive from Round Hill. Follow Springfield Road to Preston Road (A23), continue on A23, and turn left onto A264. After the Tollgate Hill Roundabout, follow Crawley Road and take B2195 at Moorhead Roundabout. Turn left onto North Street and follow it to Nightingale, where you’ll find Henfield Storage.
With Henfield Storage nearby, you can store excess items like bulky furniture, equipment, and nonessential belongings, keeping your home spacious and organized.
Stratford
Stratford, located in the East End of London, is just 15 minutes from London City Airport via the DLR. It’s East London’s hub for retail, culture, and leisure, second only to Canary Wharf in business significance. The district is known for its mix of modern buildings and parkland, making it a vibrant place to visit.
The highlight of Stratford is the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which hosted the 2012 Summer Olympics. Visitors can enjoy boat tours along its waterways or spot wildlife in its 560 acres. For thrill-seekers, The ArcelorMittal Orbit offers the world’s longest tunnel slide—a 178m, 40-second ride at 15mph. The top also provides stunning views of London.
Stratford is also home to Westfield Stratford City, one of the UK’s largest shopping centres, filled with top retailers, restaurants, cinemas, and the country’s largest casino.
For a unique cinema experience, Roof East offers outdoor movies atop a multi-storey car park, complete with city views. From May to September, you can catch regular screenings with deckchairs, snacks, and even umbrellas and ponchos for rainy nights.
Need a safe space for your equipment? You can be assured that your equipment is safe and sound in our nearby self-storage units in London. Just head to Montfichet Road to the A118. Drive through the A11, A1205, and A200 to Surrey Canal Road. From Surrey Canal Road, drive to Record Street to see our Henfield Storage facilities.
How to Find the Best Self Storage Unit in Brighton
Self storage units are versatile, whether you’re a student, a family moving to Brighton, a professional in a small flat, or a business owner needing extra space. If you’re new to self storage, check out our Newbie’s Guide to Storage Units. But since you’re already looking for the best storage unit in Brighton, you probably know the basics. Self storage offers short- or long-term rental of various-sized spaces to help you declutter.
For example, Henfield Storage offers units as small as 10 sq ft lockers or rooms up to 200 sq ft, allowing you to store everything from small items to larger belongings.
Brighton, known as “London on the Sea,” is a popular escape from the city, offering stunning beaches, parks, shopping, and a relaxed lifestyle that London can’t match. Many Londoners have moved to Brighton for its vibrant culture, lower cost of living, and proximity to the capital, with a commute of just one hour by train.
However, with more people moving to Brighton, rent is rising. Downsizing has become a common solution, and self storage has grown in popularity. These units offer a way to keep your home clutter-free, storing non-essentials like winter clothes, tools, or memorabilia, while still enjoying the benefits of a smaller living space.
Price
Size
The second factor to consider is size options. While bigger units might work for some, not everyone needs a 200 sq ft space. Look for storage companies in Brighton that offer a variety of unit sizes. This flexibility allows you to choose exactly what you need, saving you money.
For example, if you’re a student at the University of Brighton, a small locker-sized unit might be enough for books and clothes. But if you’re downsizing your office, you may need a larger unit for bulkier items. It doesn’t make sense for both to pay the same price for different needs.
Henfield Storage offers a range of units from 15 sq ft to larger options, ensuring you only pay for the space you actually need.
Location
The third factor to consider is the location of your storage facility. Choosing a storage unit close to you in Brighton ensures quick and easy access whenever needed. While size and rates are important, ask yourself—would you really drive over an hour to pick up something? A distant unit might make retrieving your items a hassle, and you may even avoid using it altogether. A nearby facility feels like an extension of your home, making it more convenient and practical to use regularly.
Security
Security is crucial when storing your belongings—an ordinary padlock won’t cut it. Your storage facility in Brighton should have robust security systems in place to keep your items safe.
At Henfield Storage, we require customers to use their own padlocks, ensuring that only you have the key. We enforce strict access hours to prevent unauthorized entry during off-hours. Additionally, every unit is equipped with burglary and fire alarms, and we have 24-hour CCTV coverage and security lighting to monitor the facility continuously.
Amenities
Accessibility also matters. Look for a facility with ramps, elevators, and trolleys to make moving heavy or bulky items easier. Climate control is also essential to protect sensitive items like family heirlooms, vintage furniture, or delicate collectibles from temperature fluctuations. Compared to musty attics or damp basements, climate-controlled storage offers superior preservation for your valuables.
Duration of Stay
Finally, consider the duration of your stay. Storage facilities have varying policies on contract lengths, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs. At Henfield Storage, we offer flexible contracts, allowing you to rent month-to-month. Plus, we provide benefits like free collection and discounts of up to 10% when you prepay for longer periods.
Finding the Best Storage
Choosing the best storage in Brighton can seem overwhelming at first, but knowing what features you need will help narrow your options. Henfield Storage offers competitive rates, premium service, and flexible solutions. Contact us today to learn more!