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One of the best things about living in or visiting Brighton is how many good places you can reach in a day. Within a reasonable journey you can be walking on chalk cliffs, exploring a castle town, tasting local wine, wandering a cathedral city or relaxing on a quiet beach. This guide to day trips from Brighton is written by a Sussex-based travel specialist, and it covers ideas by train and by car, with practical tips for planning a smooth day out.
If you want to make a longer break of it, see our guides to weekend breaks from Brighton and Brighton and Sussex breaks. For ideas inside the city itself, visit What To Do In Brighton.
How to plan a day trip from Brighton
Check journey times and timetables
Travel times in this guide are approximate and depend on the service, the time of day and any disruption, so check current timetables before you go. As a general rule, an hour or so each way is a comfortable limit for a day trip, which leaves you most of the day at your destination.
Start early, finish early
Leaving in the morning gives you the best use of the day and helps you avoid the biggest crowds at popular places. Check the time of the last train home, as services can thin out in the evening, particularly on Sundays.
Check the weather
Many of the best Sussex day trips are outdoors, so have a back-up plan for rain. Cathedrals, museums, castles and cafes can all be good wet weather options.
Consider an off-peak ticket
Off-peak and advance fares can be considerably cheaper than peak travel, so think about when you leave. Railcards can also reduce the price for eligible travellers.
Day trips from Brighton by train
Lewes
Lewes is a short journey along the line and offers a castle, antique shops, bookshops and an independent spirit. It is also a gateway to the Downs, so it suits walkers. Allow time to wander the steep streets and stop for lunch in a pub or cafe.
Eastbourne and the Seven Sisters
Eastbourne has a promenade, pier and gardens, and it is the starting point for many walks along the dramatic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Whichever route you take, check the weather and tide times, and stay well back from cliff edges.
Arundel
Arundel is a small town with a castle, a cathedral and riverside walks. Its antique shops and cafes make it a relaxed day out, and it is often combined with a walk in the surrounding countryside.
Chichester
Chichester is a cathedral city with Roman roots, shops, galleries and easy walks. It is further than Lewes or Eastbourne, so plan for a longer journey, but it rewards the effort with a lot to see.
Worthing and Shoreham
These coastal towns are close to Brighton and suit a laid-back day. Worthing has a pier and a long beach, while Shoreham has a harbour, houseboats and some good places to eat.
Hastings and Rye
Hastings has an old town, a fishing beach and a castle, while Rye is a medieval town with cobbled streets and independent shops. Both can be reached by train, and each takes longer than the nearer destinations, so leave early.
London
London is a straightforward day trip by train from Brighton. Pick one or two areas, such as a museum, a market or a park, rather than trying to see everything, and book popular attractions ahead where you can.
Canterbury and Kent
Canterbury is reachable by train with changes and is a good option for a longer day or an overnight stay. Its cathedral, medieval centre and river make it a favourite with history fans.
Winchester
Winchester is a historic city with a cathedral, a high street full of independent shops and walks along the river. It is a pleasant, easy city to explore on foot.
Portsmouth and Southsea
Portsmouth is rich in naval history, with historic ships, museums and a harbour, and nearby Southsea has a seafront and parks. It works well for families and anyone interested in history.
Day trips from Brighton by car
A car opens up places that are awkward by public transport, including villages, vineyards, gardens and quiet stretches of coast. If you do not own one, you can hire a car for the day, and our car hire guide explains what to check before you book. Remember to allow for parking costs and traffic, particularly on sunny summer weekends.
The South Downs
The South Downs National Park is right on Brighton’s doorstep. Driving gives you the freedom to choose a start point for a walk, visit a village pub for lunch and stop at viewpoints along the way. Popular places such as Devil’s Dyke are close to the city and can get busy in good weather, so arrive early.
Ditchling and the villages near the Downs
Ditchling and nearby villages have a rural, creative feel, with galleries, craft shops, pubs and good walking. They make a relaxed half or full day out.
Sussex vineyards
Sussex has a growing reputation for English wine, and several vineyards offer tours and tastings. If you plan to taste, arrange for a designated driver or consider an organised tour, and check opening hours and booking requirements ahead of time.
Historic houses and gardens
The county has many historic houses, castles and gardens, such as Arundel Castle and Bodiam Castle in nearby Sussex and Kent. Opening times vary through the year, so check before you set off.
Quiet beaches and nature reserves
Away from the busy seafronts, there are quieter pebble beaches and nature reserves along the Sussex coast. These suit those who want peaceful walks and wildlife rather than cafes and crowds.
The New Forest and Hampshire coast
Further west, the New Forest has open heath, woodland and wild ponies, and it is a long but rewarding drive for a day trip. Many visitors prefer to make it an overnight stay.
Day trips for different types of traveller
- Couples. Arundel, Lewes, Rye and Chichester combine history, scenery and good places to eat.
- Families. Eastbourne, Worthing, Portsmouth and the Downs offer beaches, open space and attractions for children.
- Walkers. The Seven Sisters, the Downs and the Sussex coast paths have routes of every length.
- History fans. Winchester, Canterbury, Chichester and the Sussex castles are all excellent.
- Foodies. Lewes, Rye and the Sussex vineyards offer local produce, pubs and tastings.
- Budget travellers. Choose nearby places such as Lewes, Worthing and the Downs, which need little spending on travel.
What to pack for a day trip
- Comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket.
- Water, snacks and sun protection.
- A fully charged phone and a portable charger.
- Cash or a card for small shops and cafes, as some places may not accept cards.
- A small first aid kit if you are heading into the countryside.
Sample day trip plans
A coastal walking day
Take a morning train east, start your walk with the sea on one side and the cliffs on the other, stop for a picnic or a pub lunch, then catch a late afternoon train home. Check the weather and tide times first.
A castle and countryside day
Choose Arundel or Lewes, visit the castle in the morning, have lunch in town and spend the afternoon on a riverside or Downs walk before returning.
A city day out
Go to Winchester or Chichester, visit the cathedral, explore the independent shops and finish with an early dinner before heading back.
A rainy day plan
Pick somewhere with plenty of indoor options, such as London, Portsmouth or Lewes. Museums, cafes and shops can fill the day, even when the weather is bad.
Turning a day trip into a longer break
Many of the places in this guide are even better with an overnight stay, as you can enjoy the quieter evening hours once day visitors have left. Rye, Arundel, Winchester, Canterbury and Chichester all suit a night or two. See weekend breaks from Brighton for more, and compare accommodation options early for busy periods. If you decide to travel further, our UK holidays and short breaks and UK coastal holidays guides cover other parts of the country. For flights from nearby Gatwick, see holidays from Gatwick.
If you are looking to save money, cheap holidays explains how to find good value, and last minute holidays is useful when plans change at short notice. For longer journeys, consider arranging cover too: see our travel insurance guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Brighton?
Lewes and the South Downs are the easiest and most popular, while Arundel, Chichester, Eastbourne and Winchester are excellent if you are willing to travel a little further. The best choice depends on whether you prefer towns, coast or countryside.
How far is too far for a day trip?
As a guide, an hour to ninety minutes each way is comfortable, but this depends on your plans. Longer journeys can work if you start early and are happy to have a more rushed visit, but an overnight stay may be more enjoyable.
Can I do day trips from Brighton without a car?
Yes. Many of the best destinations, including Lewes, Eastbourne, Arundel, Chichester, Winchester and London, can be reached by train, and local buses cover much of the Downs.
What are the best day trips from Brighton for families?
Eastbourne, Worthing, Portsmouth and the Downs all suit families, with beaches, open space, museums and attractions. Check age guidance, opening times and booking requirements before you go.
What are good rainy day trips from Brighton?
London, Portsmouth, Lewes and Chichester all have museums, shops, cafes and indoor attractions, so they are good choices when the weather is poor.
Are there good dog-friendly day trips from Brighton?
Many places in Sussex are dog-friendly, including the Downs, some beaches and many pubs. Check local rules, as some beaches have seasonal restrictions, and keep dogs on leads around livestock.
Where can I find more ideas for Brighton?
See What To Do In Brighton and our Brighton and Sussex breaks guide. If you have a question, please contact us or read about us.
Make the most of your day out
With a little planning, a day trip from Brighton can feel like a proper holiday. Check timetables, start early, dress for the weather and keep a back-up plan. As a Sussex-based travel specialist, we will keep expanding this guide with new ideas, so check back often.