Things to Do in Margate with Kids: Family Day Trip Guide (2026, with Prices)
Margate has properly reinvented itself over the last decade or so, and it’s now one of the best coastal day trips (or short stays) you can do from London with kids. There’s a genuinely good mix here: a real sandy beach, a free vintage amusement park, an actual mysterious underground grotto nobody can fully explain, and enough hands-on museums and soft play to cover a rainy day too. It’s about 1.5 hours from London on the high-speed train, which makes it a genuinely realistic day trip, not just a long-weekend destination.
We found Margate a lot more chill than other coastal towns we’ve visited as a family, like Southend-on-Sea, and a lot more hipster, with countless lovely specialty coffee shops, quaint restaurants and delicious gelato.
We took our son and he loved the beach so much, that’s the thing I’d plan the day around. Dreamland was lovely too, but more as part of the day than the whole plan, more on that below.
MARGATE WITH KIDS ESSENTIALS
🚆 Getting There / High-speed Southeastern trains run from London St Pancras International to Margate in around 1 hour 26 minutes to 1 hour 37 minutes, with up to 55 services a day. Book on Trainline in advance for the cheapest fares.
🚗 Getting Around / Margate itself is small and walkable, the beach, Old Town and Harbour Arm are all within 10 to 15 minutes of each other on foot. For Quex Park or the other nearby Thanet towns, compare rental cars on DiscoverCars, though the local train also covers Broadstairs and Ramsgate easily.
🏨 Stay / Space, a short walk to the beach and somewhere the kids can run around matter most here. Skip the endless scrolling, these are the ones I’d point a friend toward (full picks in Where to Stay below):
Budget: The Burlington Hotel
Mid-range: Seaside 2 Bed En-suite Flat by Adliv, where we stayed!
Splurge: No.42 by GuestHouse
📱 Connect / Visiting the UK from abroad? Stay connected from the moment you land with an eSIM. I use Holafly, which gives you unlimited data, plus 1GB of free global backup data with its Always On feature, handy if your plans change. Get yours with my link and use code TRAVELWITHPAU for 5% off.
🛡️ Get Insured / Even for a UK trip, it’s worth having cover, especially with a beach and soft play activities on the itinerary. World Nomads offers coverage for over 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Things to Do in Margate with Kids
1. Marvel at the Shell Grotto
£5 adults, £2.50 children under 16, under 3s free, £12 family ticket. Nobody actually knows who built the Shell Grotto, an underground passage and chambers entirely covered in over 4.6 million shells arranged in mosaic patterns, discovered by accident in 1835. Theories range from an 18th-century folly to something far older, and the genuine mystery is a big part of what makes it fascinating for kids, this isn’t a staged attraction, nobody has ever definitively explained it. Worth knowing before you go down: it’s genuinely a bit eerie underground, low ceilings, dim lighting, and a definite atmosphere, so it can spook very young or nervy kids more than you’d expect from a “shell museum.” Check current opening hours and book here.
2. Ride the Rides at Dreamland Margate
Free entry, pay per ride. Dreamland is a genuinely charming vintage amusement park right on the seafront. We visited with our son and it was lovely, but I wouldn’t treat it as a standalone day out, it works best as one part of a day alongside the beach and something else, rather than the one thing you plan everything around. The historic Scenic Railway (one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world, now under refurbishment) is the headline ride, alongside dodgems, waltzers and a proper old-school arcade. Rides run on a token system (1 token is £3) or wristbands: the Mega Wristband is £24.99 for unlimited rides on anything over 1.2m tall, and the Tiny Tots Wristband is £12.99 for children between 0.8m and 1.2m. It includes the Margate Express, Dreamland’s miniature railway, which is a great one for toddlers. Buy wristbands online in advance, it’s cheaper than on the day. The huge public area in the middle of the park, deck chairs and a big screen showing kids’ films in summer, is free to sit in even if you don’t buy a wristband. For toddlers specifically, Octopus’s Garden, Dreamland’s separate soft-play café with a climbing structure, slides and seaside-themed play buildings, is a good option if the main rides feel a bit much, it’s paid entry on top of general admission, check current pricing on-site.
3. Explore Margate Caves
£5 adults, £2.50 children, £12 family ticket. Margate Caves are a genuine 18th-century chalk mine turned smuggling and storage caves, beautifully restored with a new visitor centre, café and exhibition space when they reopened in 2019. The self-guided tour is atmospheric without being scary for younger kids, and there’s enough history woven in to hold older kids’ attention too. It’s a good rainy day option, but the caves are quite small, so a visit can take as little as 15 minutes. Pair it with something else indoors nearby rather than making it the whole plan.
4. Get Hands-On at The WonderWorks
£5 adults, £2.50 children aged 5 to 15, under 5s free, £12.50 family ticket. An immersive attraction built around some of Britain’s best-known hobby brands, The WonderWorks lets kids get hands-on with Hornby model railways, Scalextric slot car racing, Airfix model-building and Corgi die-cast cars. It’s a nice change of pace from the beach and works particularly well for kids who like building and making things. Book WonderWorks tickets here.
5. Burn Off Energy at Widget’s World
From £4.50 entry, or £6.50 with a child’s meal, and you can stay as long as you like (prices at time of writing, check before you go). Widget’s World is a seafront indoor adventure play centre at 36-42 Marine Terrace, with separate play zones for all ages including babies, plus slides, a ball pit, a sensory room and a café on site. It’s one of the best rainy day options in Margate, and handy any day the kids need to burn off some energy. Check their Facebook page for current opening hours.
6. Beat the Clock at The Escapement Escape Rooms
Around £90 per team (a fixed price at time of writing, check before you book). The Escapement is an award-winning escape room attraction in the town centre, a short distance from the train station, and it’s open to all ages. It was named the UK’s #1 rated escape room on Tripadvisor in 2019 and won a TERPECA award in 2022. There are three 90-minute adventures to choose from (Pirates of Polaris, Egyptian Exodus and The Pit), built with live theatre, cinematic sets and real puzzles, and they’re designed to be exciting without being scary. Another great one for a rainy day, and a good one to do as a family.
7. Take In the Art at Turner Contemporary
Free. Right on the seafront, Turner Contemporary is a proper art gallery that still works well with kids: there’s a dedicated family room to explore, child-friendly exhibitions, and weekend family tours, plus sensory workshops for toddlers. Entry is free, though a donation is suggested, and the café does excellent cake if you need a rainy-day plan that doesn’t feel like a chore for the adults either.
8. Learn Something Weird at the Crab Museum
Free. Billing itself as the only museum in Europe dedicated to decapods, the Crab Museum is small, genuinely witty, and far more interactive for kids than the novelty premise suggests, plus a proper souvenir shop worth a browse. Usually open Friday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm, worth checking current days before you go.
9. Spend the Day at Margate Main Sands & the Harbour Arm
Free. The main event: Margate Main Sands is a genuine, proper sandy beach right in the town centre, and our son absolutely loved it, Blue Flag status, gentle tides and lifeguards in season, and it gets busy on a warm weekend for good reason. Walk out along the Harbour Arm, the old stone breakwater lined with independent shops, a lighthouse at the end, and some of the best food in town, for views back over the whole bay.
10. Swim in Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
Free. One of the largest tidal pools in the UK, Walpole Bay Tidal Pool fills naturally with seawater at high tide and stays calm and swimmable as the tide goes out, much safer and more relaxed than open sea swimming with younger kids. It’s a proper local institution, and a short walk from the town centre. Palm Bay next door is another good rock-pooling spot if the kids want to keep exploring.
11. Feed the Machines at Margate Arcades
Free to enter, pay per machine. No trip to a traditional British seaside town is complete without the arcades, guaranteed to drain a pocket of 2ps fast, and kids love every second of it. Margate Amusements on Marine Terrace, opposite the beach, is the largest, or there’s a smaller undercover arcade inside Dreamland if you want it paired with food, drink and a roller disco on a rainy day.
12. Have Breakfast on a Double Decker Bus
Café prices, no entry fee. The Bus Café, on the Sun Deck along the promenade, serves an award-winning breakfast on the top deck of an actual double decker bus overlooking the sea, think crumpet sliders and a full cooked breakfast without the grease. Open Thursday to Monday, 9am to 2:30pm, and genuinely one of the more memorable breakfasts you’ll have with kids.
13. Play a Round at Stokes Adventure Golf
£7.50 adults, £7 seniors, £6 under 12s, second round half price, no booking needed. An 18-hole mini golf course overlooking Westbrook Bay, Stokes Adventure Golf is an easy, reliable hour with kids of pretty much any age, and the sea views make it a nicer round than your average crazy golf course.
14. Cycle the Viking Coastal Trail
Free. A roughly 32-mile circular cycling and walking route around the whole Isle of Thanet, mostly flat and family-friendly, and it passes straight through Margate. You don’t need to do the whole thing, even a short stretch out towards Broadstairs works well for older kids on bikes, and there are e-bike tours available if you’d rather not pedal the whole way yourselves.
15. Wander Margate Old Town
Free. Margate Old Town is a tangle of narrow streets packed with independent shops, vintage stores and galleries, it’s grown into a genuinely creative little quarter since Turner Contemporary opened. Not a single fixed activity, more something to just wander through between the bigger attractions, kids tend to enjoy the quirky shop windows as much as the adults do.
16. Climb Drapers Windmill
£2 adults, 50p children, £4.50 family ticket. Margate’s only working smock mill, Drapers Windmill is run entirely by volunteers who explain how the machinery works and let kids climb the steep stairs right up to the top for a proper view over the town, there’s also a ground-floor CCTV display and history film for anyone who can’t manage the stairs. Open Sunday afternoons, 2pm to 4pm, from early May to late September, genuinely hands-on in a way most windmills aren’t. Visit the Drapers Windmill website for current dates.
Day Trips
Quex Park, Birchington
A short drive or train ride to Birchington, Quex Park is a proper family estate day out: soft play at The Jungle (£5 for ages 1 and up including 1 adult, £3.50 under 1, extra adults £1.50, term-time pricing, check the site for holiday rates), giant bounce pillows, a toddler village, goat walking, and Quex Adventure Golf, plus the Powell-Cotton Museum next door, where kids can get hands-on with over 400 real objects in “The Cube,” from costumes to small taxidermy animals. Check the Quex Park website directly for current museum and adventure golf prices, they’re each ticketed separately. Easily a half or full day on its own.
Broadstairs & Botany Bay
Free to visit. Broadstairs, a short hop down the coast (under 10 minutes by car or train), has Viking Bay, a calmer, more sheltered sandy beach than Margate’s, good for younger kids and easier swimming, plus Morelli’s Gelato for the best ice cream in the area. We loved our visit to Broadstairs, it’s such a quaint little town. Grab a lovely coffee at Salt, and have fish and chips at one of the restaurants down on the shore. The Old Curiosity Shop Café on Harbour Street does takeaway food and has a small play corner for little ones. One warning: watch out for the seagulls, they love stealing ice cream! St Mary’s Chapel Bar on Albion Street is the oldest building in Broadstairs, a pub and second-hand bookshop with shelves of books from floor to ceiling. Botany Bay, just north of Broadstairs, is known for its chalk stacks and rock pools, a proper fossil and rock-pooling spot at low tide. For a rainy-day backup, Elev8 at nearby Westwood Cross is a trampoline park, soft play and arcade all in one, with weekday specials from around £6 per person in term time.
Ramsgate
Free to visit. Ramsgate‘s Royal Harbour is the only Royal Harbour in the UK, and it’s a genuinely pretty spot to wander with a working marina, Georgian architecture, and a decent beach of its own if Margate’s is too busy.
Where to Stay in Margate with Kids
Budget Accommodation
- The Burlington Hotel: A family-run seafront B&B less than 5 minutes’ walk from the beach, the train station and Dreamland. Guests regularly mention the complimentary sticks of rock and biscuits for kids, a small touch that goes a long way. Best for: families who want to be right in the middle of everything without paying for extras.
Mid-range
- Seaside 2 Bed En-suite Flat by Adliv: This is the one we stayed in and we had the best time. A spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat (one bedroom has bunk beds) with free parking, a full kitchen and a washing machine, rated 9.1 (Superb) from 34 reviews. It’s full of children’s toys and books, there’s enough carpet space for the kids to play for hours, there were bucket and spades galore and some lovely snacks left for us. It’s right in front of an Aldi, there’s a playground nearby, and it’s close to the centre, with the Shell Grotto about 400 metres away and Walpole Bay beach a 6-minute walk. Best for: families who want space and a self-catering base rather than a hotel room.
- Walpole Bay Hotel: A genuinely characterful historic hotel with generous family suites, a 6-minute walk from Walpole Bay Tidal Pool. It’s part-museum as much as hotel, plenty for curious kids to look at around the building itself. Best for: families who want somewhere with real character, close to the tidal pool.
Splurge
- No.42 by GuestHouse: An upscale beachfront guesthouse in the Old Town, 6 minutes on foot from Dreamland, with a rooftop bar, restaurant and connecting rooms available for families. Best for: a proper treat-yourself trip where the stay is part of the occasion.
None of these float your boat? Search all Margate hotels.
Where to Eat in Margate with Kids
GB Pizza Co: A genuine Margate institution on the Harbour Arm since 2012, wood-fired pizza with British ingredients and views over the harbour and Turner Contemporary. Easy, reliable, and kids love pizza, so this rarely goes wrong.
Peter’s Fish Factory: Right opposite the sea, proper fish and chips with good batter and generous portions, and genuinely good value.
Angela’s: On the main parade, a reliable, well-loved seafood spot if you want a proper sit-down meal rather than something to eat on the beach wall.
Melt Margate: The local favourite for gelato, a proper post-beach treat and an easy win with kids of any age.
Morelli’s Gelato: Another one for gelato, a sixth-generation Italian family business that has been making it since 1907, with a parlour on Marine Drive on the seafront serving fresh gelato made every morning. A very easy post-beach stop with kids.
Rise & Bun: Our pick for breakfast. Some unbelievable buns and delicious coffee, in a bakery on King Street in the Old Town that regularly has a queue out the door. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until the buns sell out, so go early.
How Long to Spend in Margate with Kids
A day trip is genuinely doable from London: the beach, Dreamland and one more attraction (the Shell Grotto or Margate Caves) comfortably fits into a day, especially with the fast train.
A weekend (2 nights) lets you add Turner Contemporary, the Harbour Arm, and either Quex Park or Broadstairs without rushing.
3 to 4 days covers the whole list properly, including all the day trips, with time to just relax on the beach in between.
5 days is how long I stayed, and I loved it. That’s plenty of time to cover the whole list at an easy pace, with proper beach time too.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) is when Margate is at its best, the beach is genuinely usable, Dreamland’s outdoor rides are all running, and the tidal pool is at its most inviting. School holiday weeks get busy, especially on the beach and at Dreamland, so weekday visits are noticeably calmer if you have the flexibility.
Getting To & Around Margate
High-speed Southeastern trains run from London St Pancras International to Margate in around 1 hour 26 to 1 hour 37 minutes on the HS1 line, with up to 55 services a day, genuinely one of the easiest UK seaside day trips from London. By car, it’s around 1 hour 45 minutes via the M2 and A299, compare rental cars on DiscoverCars if you want the flexibility to add Quex Park or the other Thanet towns.
Once you’re there, Margate itself is small enough to walk everywhere, and local trains connect easily to Broadstairs and Ramsgate if you want to explore further along the coast without a car.
FAQ
Is Margate good for a family day trip from London?
Yes, it’s one of the easiest UK coastal day trips from London, around 1.5 hours by high-speed train, with a real sandy beach, a free amusement park, and enough indoor attractions to cover a rainy day too.
Is Dreamland free to enter?
Yes, entry to Dreamland itself is free, you only pay for rides, either individually with tokens or with an all-day wristband, which works out cheaper if your kids want to go on more than a handful of rides.
What is the Shell Grotto and is it real?
It’s a genuine underground passage covered in over 4.6 million shells arranged in mosaic patterns, discovered in 1835. Nobody has ever definitively explained who built it or why, which is exactly what makes it such a good one for curious kids.
Is Margate beach good for young children?
Margate Main Sands is a proper sandy beach and generally safe, though Walpole Bay Tidal Pool and Broadstairs’ Viking Bay are calmer, more sheltered options if you want gentler water for younger kids.
How many days do you need in Margate with kids?
A single day trip from London covers the essentials comfortably, but 2 to 3 days lets you add Quex Park, the Harbour Arm and one of the nearby Thanet towns without rushing.
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Jurassic Coast Day Trip from London: The Ultimate Guide (2026)
If you’re based in London and looking for a day trip that genuinely takes your breath away, a Jurassic Coast day trip from London is one of the best you can make. Two hours from the capital (or just over by train), the Jurassic Coast stretches 154km from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 185 million years of geological history is exposed in the cliffs. Think towering limestone arches, chalk sea stacks, fossils tumbling onto the beach, and views that look like they belong in a BBC documentary (because they often do).
Wait, Jurassic Coast? Am I going to see dinosaurs? Sadly, no. But you will be walking along 185 million years of geological history instead, with rock formations from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods and fossils still visible in the cliffs, and that’s honestly just as good.
JURASSIC COAST ESSENTIALS
🚆 Getting There / Trains run from London Waterloo to Weymouth, Dorchester, Bournemouth and Poole, with journey times from around 2 hours 15 minutes. Book on Trainline in advance, fares are significantly cheaper than walk-up tickets.
🚗 Getting Around / The sights are spread out along the coast, so a hire car gives you the flexibility to cover multiple spots (Durdle Door, Corfe Castle, Old Harry Rocks and West Bay, for instance) in one day. I hired a car in London for my visit and it made the whole trip far more enjoyable. Search deals on DiscoverCars.
🎟️ Tours / Rather not drive? Guided day tours from London and local boat cruises are a great option. The best ones to book in advance:
– Jurassic Coast and Isle of Purbeck Day Tour
– Jurassic Coast, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Bus Tour
– Poole Jurassic Coast Circular Cruise
Browse all Jurassic Coast tours
🏨 Stay / Options for every budget, see the full picks below:
– Budget: YHA Swanage
– Mid-range: Heights Hotel
– Splurge: Moonfleet Manor
📱 Connect / Visiting the UK? Stay connected even once you’re out on the coast path. I use Holafly, use code TRAVELWITHPAU for 5% off.
🛡️ Get Insured / If you are travelling from abroad, it’s worth having cover if you’re planning coastal walks or water activities. World Nomads offers flexible cover for adventure activities.
Things to Do on the Jurassic Coast
1. Stand Beneath Durdle Door
Durdle Door is the Jurassic Coast’s most iconic image: a natural limestone arch thrust out into the sea, with a pebble beach either side and views along the cliff line that stretch to the horizon. This natural wonder is the reason I wanted to come to the Jurassic Coast in the first place, and it’s undeniably breathtaking, absolutely earning its status as one of England’s most photographed spots.
Getting there involves parking at the top (book in advance in summer, the car park fills early) and walking down a steep path to the beach. It’s about 15 minutes down and a sweaty 15 minutes back up, but worth every step. Swim through the arch if the conditions allow, it’s a genuinely memorable experience.
Tip: visit as early as you can, especially at weekends. By mid-morning in summer the beach is rammed and the path down is a queue. At 8am it’s magical.
2. Explore Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is a textbook-perfect natural cove, a near-circular bay carved out of the Jurassic limestone by centuries of wave action. It’s an A-level Geography case study come to life, and it’s genuinely beautiful. The village behind the cove is characterful too, with quaint stone cottages, small ponds in front gardens, and little shops selling coffee, fudge and ice cream.
From Lulworth, you can walk west to Durdle Door in about 30–40 minutes along the cliff path, which gives you spectacular views of both. The hike continues further east along the South West Coast Path towards Kimmeridge if you have the energy and the time.
3. Kayak to Old Harry Rocks
Old Harry Rocks are a series of chalk stacks that rise out of the sea at Handfast Point near Studland, a dramatic, crumbling headland that marks the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. They’re impressive from the cliff path, but the best way to see them is by water.
A guided kayaking tour launches from Middle Beach in Studland Bay and takes you paddling past sea caves and rugged cliffs before arriving at Old Harry from the sea, looking up at those white stacks from the waterline. It’s a brilliant experience and fully guided, so no prior kayaking experience is needed. Book the kayaking tour to Old Harry Rocks.
4. Visit Corfe Castle
One of Dorset’s most dramatic sights, Corfe Castle sits on a steep hill above the village of the same name, a ruined Norman fortress that was partly demolished by the Parliamentarians in the 1640s and left in atmospheric collapse. The views from the top are outstanding in every direction. The village below is lovely too: stone houses, independent shops, and a great pub for lunch.
Corfe is also on the Swanage Steam Railway, which adds a nostalgic extra layer to the visit. Combine it with Swanage (a classic English seaside town just a short drive or a steam train ride away) for an excellent half-day.
5. Walk Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach is one of the most remarkable landforms in the UK: a 29km barrier beach (technically a tombolo) connecting the Isle of Portland to the mainland, made entirely of graduated pebbles, coarser at the Portland end, finer towards Abbotsbury. Walking along it in strong wind, with the sea churning on one side and the Fleet lagoon behind, feels genuinely elemental.
The Fleet lagoon behind the beach is an important wildlife habitat and home to a large colony of mute swans at the Abbotsbury Swannery. At the Portland end, the beach connects to the Isle of Portland, which is worth an afternoon of exploration in itself.
6. Explore the Isle of Portland
The Isle of Portland is connected to Weymouth by Chesil Beach, a narrow causeway that makes the approach feel almost theatrical. This is the home of Portland stone, which has been used for major buildings across Britain and the world, including St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Once you’ve crossed the beach road, pop by Portland Castle before continuing towards the lighthouse, and stop at the Olympic Rings Stone Sculpture on the way, the sculpture itself isn’t much, but the views over Portland and Chesil Beach from up there are stunning.
Head for Portland Bill Lighthouse at the southern tip, where you’ll find the remains of old quarries, strange rock formations, and sweeping views of the English Channel, the quarries here are what provided the white Portland stone in the first place. Park up and go for a walk on the rocks near the lighthouse, and have some fun climbing Pulpit Rock, an artificial stack set by quarrymen that mimics a slanted bible leaning on a pulpit, hence the name. Keep an eye on the rocks as you go, there are fossils visible in them too.
The cottages along the road to the lighthouse are some of the most characterful you’ll see anywhere in Dorset, small and slightly eccentric, with the sea visible from every angle.
7. Meet the Primates at Monkey World
Just inland from Lulworth, near the village of Wool, Monkey World is an ape rescue centre set across 65 acres of Dorset woodland, home to over 250 primates rescued from abuse and illegal smuggling: chimpanzees, orang-utans, gibbons, woolly monkeys, lemurs and more. It’s a brilliant break from clifftop walking if you’re travelling with kids (or just love primates), and genuinely one of the best family days out in the area. Open daily 10am to 5pm. Wool train station is about 1.5 miles away with taxis usually available, so it’s reachable even without a car. Check opening times and book tickets on the official site.
8. Hunt for Fossils at Charmouth
Charmouth is one of the best places in the UK for amateur fossil hunting, the beach regularly yields ammonites, ichthyosaur bones and belemnites, particularly after winter storms when new material is washed out of the eroding cliffs. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre (formerly the Lyme Regis Museum) has interactive displays, a fossil identification service, and guided fossil walks that take you onto the beach with an expert. Perfect for families and anyone who’s ever wanted to hold a 180-million-year-old ammonite. Book a guided fossil walk directly with the Heritage Coast Centre.
9. Spend an Afternoon in Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis is the Jurassic Coast’s most beloved town, a mix of fossil heritage, independent shops, good restaurants, and a working harbour with fishing boats. The famous Cobb harbour wall (made famous by The French Lieutenant’s Woman) is worth a stroll, and the town beach is excellent for fossil hunting at low tide. Grab fish and chips or fresh crab and eat on the beach wall. It’s exactly what a seaside town should be.
10. Find the Broadchurch Filming Locations at West Bay
Fans of the ITV crime drama Broadchurch will recognise the dramatic golden cliffs of West Bay, near Bridport, this small harbour village stood in for the fictional Broadchurch throughout the series, and the cliffs are just as imposing in real life. The Hive Beach Café nearby is one of the best places on the entire Jurassic Coast for a seafood lunch, their crab sandwiches and daily fish specials are exceptional, and the views across Lyme Bay are the kind that make you want to stay for another coffee.
11. Walk the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path runs the entire length of the English and Cornish coast, and the Jurassic Coast section between Lyme Regis and Poole is one of its finest stretches. You don’t have to walk the whole thing (it’s 1,014km end to end), but picking a section for a few hours is one of the best free things you can do here. The stretch from Lulworth Cove east to Kimmeridge Bay is particularly spectacular, as is the cliff walk above Old Harry Rocks.
12. Discover Weymouth
Weymouth sits roughly at the midpoint of the Jurassic Coast and makes an excellent base if you’re spending more than a day. The Georgian harbour is lovely for a wander, the esplanade stretches along a wide sandy beach, and there’s a proper seaside energy here, arcades, fish and chips, and people very much enjoying themselves. The Boat Café on the water is great for breakfast.
13. Explore Swanage
Swanage is a genuinely lovely, slightly under-the-radar seaside town at the southeastern end of the Isle of Purbeck. Clean beach, interesting architecture, good independent cafés, and a steam railway that chugs between here and Corfe Castle. It’s quieter than Weymouth and has a lovely unhurried feel, worth an afternoon if you’re in the area.
14. Take a Cruise Along the Coast
135 minutes round trip. For a different view of the coast entirely, the Poole Jurassic Coast Circular Cruise sails from Poole Harbour to Swanage and back, taking in the Sandbanks Peninsula, Brownsea Island, Studland Bay and the famous Old Harry Rocks along the way. There’s live commentary from the captain throughout and a fully licensed bar onboard, and it’s genuinely well-reviewed, 4.4 out of 5 from over 400 bookings.
Where to Stay on the Jurassic Coast
You can stay anywhere along the coast depending on your itinerary, here are the best-reviewed options by budget:
Budget Accommodation
- YHA Swanage: Clean, friendly hostel close to the beach and close to the South West Coast Path. Good for solo travellers and those prioritising getting out early for walking. Best for: solo walkers, backpackers, budget-conscious visitors.
Mid-range
- Heights Hotel (Isle of Portland): Perched above Chesil Beach with excellent views and easy access to both Portland and Weymouth. Good value and a practical base for the central section of the Jurassic Coast. Best for: explorers, couples, longer stays.
Splurge
- Moonfleet Manor (near Weymouth): A country house hotel with spa, sea views, and extensive family facilities. If you’re making a proper weekend of it rather than a day trip, this is a beautiful retreat, the kind of place where you arrive planning to check emails and end up spending the whole afternoon by the pool. Best for: couples, families, a romantic weekend.
Camping is also fantastic along this stretch of coast, there are excellent coastal campsites near Lulworth and Charmouth. None of these float your boat? Search all Dorset accommodation.
Where to Eat on the Jurassic Coast
Burton Bradstock
Hive Beach Café: Arguably the best seafood spot on the coast. Famous for fresh crab sandwiches and daily fish specials, with panoramic views of Lyme Bay. Arrive early or outside peak hours, it gets busy.
The Seaside Boarding House: A beautiful spot for an evening cocktail with panoramic sea views. The kind of place you go for a drink and end up staying for dinner.
Weymouth
Crab House Café: A relaxed, oyster-shack-style spot right on the water, another excellent lunch option if Hive Beach is too much of a detour.
Catch at The Old Fish Market: Seafood-focused fine dining with a Michelin recommendation. Perfect for a special dinner if you’re staying overnight.
The Boat Café: A floating café on the harbour serving hearty breakfasts, good coffee, and a relaxed waterfront vibe. My pick for a morning start.
Lyme Regis
Hix Oyster & Fish House: Mark Hix’s Dorset seafood restaurant, unfussy dishes built around whatever the local fishermen brought in that day, floor-to-ceiling windows over the bay and a covered deck that’s perfect for a sundowner.
Rockfish: Proper fish and chips done well, whatever’s been landed that morning cooked to order with your choice of new potatoes, salad or chips. Casual, reliable, and dog-friendly if you’re travelling with one.
Beyond these, the town has a good range of independent cafés and fish and chip shops along the seafront too, it’s the best place for a casual sit-down lunch on the coast.
How Long to Spend
One day: Absolutely doable as a day trip from London. Focus on one area: either Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove (western section) or Old Harry Rocks and Corfe Castle (eastern section). Don’t try to do both in a day on your own, you’ll feel rushed. If you’d rather let someone else handle the logistics, the Jurassic Coast and Isle of Purbeck Day Tour actually covers both sections in a single 10-hour day, Corfe Castle and Old Harry Rocks in the morning, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door in the afternoon.
Two days: The ideal amount of time to cover the main highlights: Durdle Door, Lulworth, Corfe Castle, Weymouth, and either West Bay or Lyme Regis. Add a fossil hunt at Charmouth if time allows.
Weekend or longer: Stay for 3 to 4 nights and walk sections of the South West Coast Path, explore the Isle of Portland properly, and genuinely slow down. This coastline rewards those who linger.
Best Time to Visit the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is walkable year-round, but the experience varies significantly by season.
Spring (April–June) is my personal recommendation for a Jurassic Coast day trip from London: wildflowers on the cliff paths, fewer crowds than summer, and long enough daylight hours to make the most of a day out. The water is still cold for swimming but the coastal walks are at their best.
Summer (July–August) is peak season, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove get extremely busy, especially at weekends. If you’re visiting in summer, go early. I cannot stress this enough: arriving at Durdle Door at 8am on a summer Saturday is a completely different experience to arriving at 11am. The car parks fill fast and the steps down to the arch become bottlenecked with people.
Autumn (September–October) offers a great balance, the sea is at its warmest for swimming, crowds thin out noticeably from September, and the light on the cliffs in early autumn is absolutely gorgeous.
Winter (November–March) is dramatically quiet and can be stunning for photography, dramatic skies, rough seas, the cliffs looking their most ancient and wild. Fossil hunting on Charmouth beach is particularly good after winter storms when fresh material is washed up. Just dress warmly and check weather forecasts before you go.
Getting To & Around the Jurassic Coast
The most straightforward way to do a Jurassic Coast day trip from London without a car is by train. Services run from London Waterloo to Weymouth (around 2h30), Bournemouth (around 2h) and Poole (around 2h15), and from Bournemouth or Poole you can pick up local buses to Swanage, Corfe Castle and the Isle of Purbeck. Book advance tickets on Trainline, fares are much cheaper when booked ahead. National Express coaches also run to Bournemouth from London Victoria, the most affordable option if you don’t mind a longer journey.
A hire car is the most flexible option and really does make a big difference to how much you can see in a day. I drove from London and it gave me the freedom to visit Durdle Door, Lulworth, Corfe Castle, the Isle of Portland and West Bay all in one trip, which would be logistically tricky by public transport. Search for the best rates on DiscoverCars. Once you’re in Dorset, the Jurassic Coaster bus service runs along the coast between Bournemouth and Exeter, stopping at key spots, and the Swanage Steam Railway connects Swanage to Corfe Castle and Norden.
Jurassic Coast FAQ
How do I get to the Jurassic Coast from London?
By train, take a service from London Waterloo to Weymouth, Bournemouth or Poole, journey times are 2h15 to 2h30 depending on the destination. Book in advance on Trainline for the best fares. From Bournemouth or Poole, local buses and the Swanage Steam Railway connect to key sites like Corfe Castle and Studland. By car, it’s just over two hours from London, and it’s the easier option if you want to cover multiple spots in one day. Search DiscoverCars for hire rates.
What is the most iconic thing to see on the Jurassic Coast?
Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch above a pebble beach, is the Jurassic Coast’s most photographed landmark. Lulworth Cove, Old Harry Rocks, and the cliffs at West Bay (as seen in Broadchurch) are close runners-up.
Is a car necessary for a Jurassic Coast day trip?
Not essential, but it makes a huge difference to how much you can see. Trains get you to Weymouth or Bournemouth easily, and buses connect some coastal spots, but to visit Durdle Door, Corfe Castle and West Bay in the same day, a car is the most practical option. Search DiscoverCars for hire rates.
When is the best time to visit the Jurassic Coast?
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the best combination of good weather, manageable crowds and beautiful light. Summer is stunning but Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove get very busy, visit early morning on summer weekends. Winter is dramatic and brilliant for fossil hunting after storms.
Can you swim at Durdle Door?
Yes, and it’s one of the best swims you can have in England. The beach is pebbly and the water is cold even in summer, but swimming through the arch is a genuinely memorable experience. Always check conditions before swimming, the area can have unpredictable currents.
Where is the best place to find fossils on the Jurassic Coast?
Charmouth and Lyme Regis are the best locations for amateur fossil hunters. The beach at Charmouth (particularly at low tide after winter storms) regularly yields ammonites and belemnites. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre runs guided fossil walks and can help you identify what you find.
More from the blog: Brighton Bucket List | Visiting Rye & Camber Sands | Southend-on-Sea & Leigh-on-Sea
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Birmingham Bucket List: The Best Things to Do in Birmingham, UK (2026)
I’ve visited Birmingham from London more than seven times now, and I even lived there for a couple of weeks while renovating my own apartment just a minute from New Street Station. It’s the second largest city in the UK, the youngest too, with over 40% of the population under 25, and it has more canal waterways than Venice. Add in fine dining, serious greenery, an industrial-meets-artsy vibe (Digbeth alone could keep you busy for a day), and the fact it’s home to Cadbury’s chocolate factory, the Peaky Blinders, and the birthplace of heavy metal, and it’s a city that deserves a lot more than a rushed day trip.
This guide covers everything: my Birmingham bucket list, where to stay, where to eat, and every practical detail you need, whether you’re doing it as a day trip from London or making a proper weekend of it.
BIRMINGHAM ESSENTIALS
🚆 Getting There / Birmingham is very walkable once you’re there, and getting to it from anywhere in England is easy. Check train and coach options together on Trainline so you can pick whichever is cheapest and fastest, New Street Station puts you right in the centre of everything.
🚗 Getting Around / The city centre is compact enough to walk between most of the big sights, and there’s a solid bus network for anything further out. If you want to combine Birmingham with a Cotswolds or Stonehenge day trip, compare rental cars on DiscoverCars.
🎟️ Tours / Birmingham rewards a bit of context, especially for the Peaky Blinders history and the canal quarter. The best ones to book in advance:
Birmingham Guided City Centre Walking Tour
Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby
Victorian Canals and Modern-Day Birmingham Tour
Digbeth, Public Art and Peaky Blinders Film Locations Walking Tour
🏨 Stay / I’ve stayed all over the city centre, from budget to splurge, these are the picks worth booking:
Budget: EasyHotel Birmingham
Mid-range: Hotel du Vin & Bistro Birmingham
Splurge: The Grand Hotel Birmingham
🧳 Luggage Storage / If you’re early for check-in or have time to kill before your train home, no stress, there are luggage storage points all over Birmingham. Use this website to find one nearby.
📱 Connect / Stay connected the moment you arrive. I use Holafly, use code TRAVELWITHPAU for 5% off.
🛡️ Get Insured / Even for a UK trip, it’s worth having cover. World Nomads offers coverage for over 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Birmingham Bucket List: 27 Things to Do
1. Take a Walking Tour to Get Your Bearings
If you only do one organised thing, make it this: a guided walk through the city centre to understand how Birmingham grew from a small market town into the UK’s second largest city. It’s a great way to get authentic insight into modern Birmingham life and spot a few hidden gems you’d otherwise walk straight past. Book the Birmingham Guided City Centre Walking Tour.
2. Explore the Bullring and Grand Central
Birmingham has been a marketplace since the 12th century, and that legacy has only grown over the years. The Bullring is the shopping district around Grand Central station, and it’s genuinely worth a wander even if shopping isn’t your priority, Selfridges looks like it landed from space, the Western Arcade has splendid architecture and lovely independent stores, and the Mailbox nearby is where you go for the luxury brands.
Practical info: Free to explore. Selfridges and the Bullring are a couple of minutes from New Street Station.
3. Take a Selfie with The Bull
Just outside the Bullring in Rotunda Square stands The Bull, a 6-tonne bronze sculpture by artist Laurence Broderick that’s become the symbol of the whole shopping district. It’s undoubtedly the most photographed spot in the city, and it’s impossible to walk past without stopping.
Practical info: Free, outdoors, accessible any time.
4. Wander the Canal Quarter and Brindleyplace
Birmingham’s canal quarter houses the city’s best bars, restaurants, and views, and it just makes for a lovely stroll. Brindleyplace is a beautiful square with restaurants, bars, shops and cafes right on the water, and the area is also home to the National Sealife Centre and the IKON Gallery if you want to make a proper afternoon of it. Book National Sea Life Centre entry tickets.
Practical info: Free to walk. National Sealife Centre and IKON Gallery both charge separate entry (IKON is free on Mondays).
5. Wander Gas Street Basin
Just around the corner from Brindleyplace, Gas Street Basin is the historic junction where several of Birmingham’s canals meet, all cobbled towpaths, narrowboats moored three-deep, and canalside pubs. It’s one of the prettiest, most photogenic corners of the city, and a proper reminder of why Birmingham genuinely does have more miles of canal than Venice.
Practical info: Free to walk. Right next to Brindleyplace and the ICC.
6. Admire Victoria Square and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Victoria Square is best described as Birmingham’s answer to Trafalgar Square, and at its edge sits the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, home to the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world, occupying one of the city’s finest buildings. It’s also where you’ll find the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever discovered, on permanent display.
Practical info: Free entry. Located right on Victoria Square in the city centre.
7. Look Up at the Frescoes of Piccadilly Arcade
Opposite New Street Station, this picturesque arcade has beautiful architecture and an eclectic mix of independent stores, but what really gets my attention every time is the hand-painted ceiling frescoes, they’re rather unusual and easy to walk straight under without noticing.
Practical info: Free to walk through, open during shopping hours.
8. See Tolkien’s Inspiration at Moseley Bog
Moseley Bog is a green idyll on the fringes of the city, sitting on the site of an old millpond. J.R.R. Tolkien grew up around it in the 1890s, and it’s said to be the inspiration for hobbit-hangout the Shire, while a Victorian waterworks down the road in Edgbaston is said to have inspired Sauron’s towering lair. Wander around the nature reserve full of plants, animals, gnarled old trees, and gorgeous carpets of bluebells each spring. There’s real archaeological interest here too, including two burnt mounds and the remains of an old mill dam.
Practical info: Free entry. Best in spring for the bluebells. Find it on Google Maps.
9. Admire the Street Art in Digbeth
Recently named the Coolest Neighbourhood in Britain by the Sunday Times, Digbeth is less than ten minutes’ walk from the Bullring and Grand Central, and it’s completely worth the detour. The Custard Factory is the heart of it, cafes, independent shops, cinemas, arts venues, and the weekly food and drink festival, Digbeth Dining Club. Digbeth is also Birmingham’s street art hotspot, so a walk around doubles as an open-air gallery, Bath Place is one of the best spots for it. Book the Digbeth, Public Art and Peaky Blinders Film Locations Walking Tour to get the context behind it all.
10. Explore the Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has been producing jewellery for over 250 years and still is, this is a working district, not a museum piece, with independent workshops, the Jewellers’ Clock, and genuine working goldsmiths behind unassuming shopfronts. It’s a completely different pace and character to the Bullring, well worth the wander if you want to see a side of Birmingham most day-trippers miss. Book the Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour, which winds through the “secret canal” on its way into the Quarter.
11. Eat Your Way Through the Chinese Quarter
Curry isn’t the only food scene worth crossing town for. Birmingham’s Chinese Quarter, centred around Hurst Street and Arcadian Centre, is strung with lanterns and packed with genuinely authentic Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai, and Korean restaurants alongside the Chinese ones, a proper contrast to the Balti Triangle further out.
Practical info: Find the Chinese Quarter on Google Maps.
12. Drink at Birmingham’s Craft Breweries
I’m a craft beer fan, so this one’s close to my heart. Head to Indian Brewery in Snowhill, the craft brewery behind Birmingham Lager, for a proper pint made in the city.
Practical info: Find Indian Brewery on Google Maps.
13. Play a Round at Golf Fang (formerly Ghetto Golf)
Golf Fang, inside the Custard Factory, is an 18-hole graffiti-themed crazy golf course paired with a full cocktail bar, arcade games, AR darts, and pool, adults-only and thoroughly ridiculous in the best way. It went through a £500k refurb and rebrand from its old name, Ghetto Golf, in 2026, so don’t be surprised if you see the old name still floating around online. Book Golf Fang Birmingham.
14. Play Retro Games at NQ64
Also in the Custard Factory, NQ64 is a neon-splattered arcade bar packed with retro cabinets and pinball machines alongside a proper cocktail menu, open late every night of the week. A great one to pair with Golf Fang for a full evening in Digbeth.
Practical info: Find NQ64 on Google Maps.
15. Visit The Old Crown, Birmingham’s Oldest Pub
The Old Crown is Birmingham’s oldest secular building, standing since 1368. Having survived the English Civil War, the pub and its events garden now sit proudly in the heart of Digbeth, Birmingham’s thriving creative quarter. Fun fact: it has some of the coolest, most original bar snacks in the city.
Practical info: Located in Digbeth, easily combined with a street art wander.
16. Feel Like Charlie at Cadbury World
A chocolate-focused attraction? I’m in. Just 13 minutes by train from New Street takes you to the red-brick, old-world Bournville village, built for the workers of what was once the centre of England’s chocolate empire. The demonstration area involves actual molten chocolate (and you get to eat it), and the world’s biggest Cadbury store awaits at the end, stocking concoctions you won’t find anywhere else. Book Cadbury World entry tickets.
17. Follow the Footsteps of the Peaky Blinders
Learn about the real Peaky Blinders and the Birmingham slogging gangs that inspired the show on a guided walking tour through the streets they actually roamed. Book the Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby.
18. Browse a Music Album Cover Fine Art Gallery
St Pauls Gallery is the world’s leading retailer of signed limited edition album cover fine art, with well over 100 signed prints on permanent show and sale. It’s not to be missed if music is your thing, especially if you’re into 60s or 70s rock, prints signed by Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, and plenty more are all on sale here, alongside exclusive musician portrait photography.
Practical info: Free to browse. Located in the city centre.
19. Sip a Cocktail in a Speakeasy
Some of Birmingham’s best bars are hidden behind unassuming storefronts and doorways. 18/81 on Thorp Street has no obvious signage, just ring the bell. 40 St Pauls is equally discreet, look for the door with the number 40 off St Paul’s Square.
Practical info: Both bars in or near the Jewellery Quarter and St Paul’s Square.
20. Have a Curry in the Balti Triangle
Birmingham is the original home of the Balti. The Birmingham Balti was born here in the late 70s, when curry chefs started making dishes lighter, healthier, and faster to serve to suit Western tastes. There’s even an area called the Balti Triangle, just south of the city centre along Ladypool Road, Stoney Lane, and Stratford Road, named for the sheer number of eateries serving curries the balti way. See the Where to Eat section below for my picks.
21. Visit Winterbourne House and Garden
Step back in time at Winterbourne House and Garden, a beautifully preserved Edwardian gem a short distance from the city centre. Built in 1903, the house offers a genuine glimpse into early 20th-century middle-class life, with many rooms restored to their original charm. Surrounding it are seven acres of exquisite botanical gardens with over 6,000 plant species from around the globe, a picturesque walled garden, and a tranquil Japanese bridge, a peaceful escape from the city and a must for history and nature lovers alike. Book Winterbourne House and Garden entry tickets.
Practical info: Entry fee applies, check the official Winterbourne website for current prices and opening days.
22. Relax in Cannon Hill Park
Cannon Hill Park is Birmingham’s biggest and most popular green space, 200 acres of formal gardens, woodland, and lakes down in Moseley. Hire a swan-shaped pedalo on the ornamental lake, play a round on the 36-hole mini-golf course, or just find a patch of grass, and it’s also home to MAC Birmingham, an arts centre with a cinema, theatre, and gallery space if the weather turns.
Practical info: Free entry to the park. Find Cannon Hill Park on Google Maps.
23. Wander the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
A different, more curated green escape to Cannon Hill or Winterbourne, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston pack glasshouses, aviaries, and beautifully maintained grounds into 15 acres, a proper afternoon out if gardens are your thing. Book Birmingham Botanical Gardens entry tickets.
24. Step Inside the Library of Birmingham
The Library of Birmingham is the largest public library in Europe, and even if libraries aren’t usually your thing, this one is worth popping into for the building alone, a striking, filigree-wrapped structure in Centenary Square with a rooftop garden and sweeping views over the city. It also holds one of the most significant Shakespeare collections in the world.
Practical info: Free entry. Open Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays. Located in Centenary Square, Broad Street.
25. See How Birmingham Really Lived at the Back to Backs
The Birmingham Back to Backs is the city’s last surviving court of back-to-back houses, once the standard working-class housing across Birmingham, and now preserved and restored by the National Trust to show life there across different decades. It’s guided-tour only and genuinely moving, a side of the city’s industrial history that’s easy to miss among the shopping centres. Book your Back to Backs visit through the National Trust.
Practical info: Booking essential, tickets are released a few weeks ahead. Located in the city centre near the Bullring.
26. Go to a Candlelight Concert
Experience live music illuminated entirely by candlelight at a Candlelight Concert in Birmingham. These intimate performances feature talented musicians playing everything from classical to contemporary, all under the soft glow of hundreds of candles, a lovely, low-key evening activity. Browse Candlelight Concerts in Birmingham.
27. Catch an Immersive Experience
The best immersive experiences tend to cluster in London, but a city the size of Birmingham gets its fair share too, worth checking what’s on while you’re in town. Check what’s currently available in Birmingham.
Birmingham Day Trips
The Cotswolds: While Birmingham is a vibrant urban hub, the idyllic Cotswolds are just a short drive away and make for an excellent day trip. Known for rolling hills, picturesque villages, and honey-coloured stone cottages, the Cotswolds offer a quintessential English countryside experience, explore charming villages like Broadway or Stow-on-the-Wold and soak in the tranquillity. Book the Cotswolds Full-Day Tour from Birmingham.
Stonehenge and Bath: A longer but genuinely worthwhile day out, combining England’s most famous prehistoric monument with the Roman baths and Georgian architecture of Bath. Book the Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour from Birmingham.
Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon: The closest day trip on this list, both are only around 40 minutes from Birmingham by car or train, and just nine miles apart from each other, easily combined into one day. Climb the ramparts of the medieval Warwick Castle, then wander Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace and final resting place. Book Warwick Castle entry tickets.
Where to Stay in Birmingham
Make a weekend of it if you can, get to Birmingham on a Friday and stay through Saturday for two full days of exploring.
Budget: EasyHotel Birmingham
An affordable choice for travellers on a budget, offering clean, compact rooms in a central location, perfect for a simple and practical stay.
Mid-range: Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Broad Street
A budget-friendly yet comfortable option with well-appointed rooms, free breakfast, and a convenient location close to nightlife and attractions.
Mid-range: Staybridge Suites Birmingham
Perfect for longer stays, this all-suite hotel offers modern, spacious accommodation with kitchenettes and complimentary breakfast, right in the city centre.
Mid-range: Hotel du Vin & Bistro Birmingham
A charming, characterful hotel housed in a historic building, known for cosy rooms, exceptional dining, and a central location.
Splurge: Malmaison Birmingham
A stylish boutique hotel in the Mailbox district, with chic rooms, a trendy bar, and a relaxing spa. Ideal for a modern, upscale stay.
Splurge: The Grand Hotel Birmingham
A beautifully restored historic hotel with luxurious rooms, elegant interiors, and excellent dining, right in the heart of the city centre.
None of these float your boat? Search all Birmingham hotels.
Where to Eat in Birmingham
Breakfast: try Medicine Bakery, a lovely, relaxed spot for brunch and pastries before a day of exploring.
Drinks: try Indian Brewery, the craft brewery behind Birmingham Lager, in Snowhill, a proper local pint.
For curry, head to the Balti Triangle along Ladypool Road, Stoney Lane, and Stratford Road, or one of these standout spots across the city:
- Opheem: Michelin-starred, for a proper special-occasion curry.
- Lasan: A long-standing favourite pairing Indian food with cocktails.
- Raja Monkey: A local favourite for a laid-back curry night.
- Asha’s: Named after the legendary Bollywood playback singer, glamorous and reliably good.
- Itihaas: A step above the average Balti house, worth it for a treat.
- Tamatanga: More relaxed and social, great for a group.
- Rajdoot: One of the Balti Triangle originals.
One Day and Weekend Itinerary
If you only have one day, start at the Bullring, stroll around and make sure to visit both arcades (Piccadilly and Western), then walk through the canal quarter and drop into St Pauls Gallery, have a curry for lunch, then head to Digbeth for another stroll, drinks, and food in the evening at Digbeth Dining Club, and make sure to pop into The Old Crown.
If you make a weekend of it (which I recommend), use the second day to visit Moseley Bog, Cadbury World, and the Peaky Blinders walking tour.
Getting To & Around Birmingham
You can take a bus or train from pretty much anywhere in England. Check train and coach options together on Trainline so you can compare and pick whichever is cheapest and fastest, New Street Station drops you right in the middle of the action. If you’re planning day trips out to the Cotswolds or further, a rental car gives you more flexibility, compare rates on DiscoverCars.
Once you’re there, Birmingham is a genuinely walkable city with a great bus system for anywhere slightly further out, you won’t need a car for the city centre itself.
Birmingham FAQ
Is Birmingham worth visiting?
Absolutely. It’s the UK’s second largest city, with world-class museums, a thriving food scene (it’s the birthplace of the Balti), a genuinely cool street art neighbourhood in Digbeth, and enough history and quirky attractions to fill a full weekend.
How many days do you need in Birmingham?
One full day covers the city centre highlights, the Bullring, the canal quarter, and a curry in the evening. A weekend lets you add Cadbury World, Moseley Bog, and the Peaky Blinders walking tour without rushing.
Is Birmingham a good day trip from London?
Yes, trains from London take around 1.5 hours, making it a very doable day trip, though a weekend gives you a much fuller picture of the city.
What is Birmingham famous for?
The Bullring, the Peaky Blinders, being the birthplace of heavy metal, Cadbury’s chocolate, the Balti curry, and having more canals than Venice.
What is the best area to stay in Birmingham?
The city centre around New Street Station and the Mailbox puts you within walking distance of almost everything. Digbeth is a great alternative if you want to be closer to the nightlife and street art scene.
Do I need a car in Birmingham?
No, the city centre is very walkable and the bus network covers everything else. A car is only useful if you’re planning day trips out to the Cotswolds or further afield.
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Brighton Bucket List: The Best Things to Do in Brighton (2026)
If there’s one city that never gets old, it’s Brighton. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve hopped on the train from London, but each visit brings something new, whether it’s a cocktail bar I hadn’t noticed before, a Banksy-adjacent mural down a back alley, or the simple pleasure of sitting on the shingle beach with chips and a blatant disregard for seagulls. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Brighton, you’ve come to the right place.
Brighton is one of the most popular day trips from London, it’s just 50–55 minutes by train, but it also rewards a weekend or even longer. The city is a brilliant mix of Regency grandeur, bohemian spirit, seaside kitsch and seriously good food. It’s the kind of place that’s effortlessly cool without trying to be.
Whether you’re planning a solo adventure, a weekend with friends, or a romantic escape, this Brighton bucket list covers everything you need to know, from the iconic highlights to the hidden gems that most visitors miss.
BRIGHTON ESSENTIALS
🚆 Getting There / Trains from London Victoria and London Bridge run to Brighton in around 50 to 55 minutes. Book on Trainline for the best fares and to check timetables in advance. If you’re driving, the A23 takes roughly 1.5 hours from central London depending on traffic, though parking in Brighton can be pricey and competitive, so the train is usually the smarter choice.
🚗 Getting Around / Brighton’s centre is entirely walkable, but if you want to explore further afield to the Seven Sisters, Hastings, or Eastbourne, having your own car gives you more flexibility than relying on trains and buses. Compare rental car prices on DiscoverCars.
🎟️ Tours / The best way to get under Brighton’s skin fast is with a guided experience. The best ones to book in advance:
Guided City Bike Tour
Walking Tour with a Local
City Highlights Walking Tour
Seven Sisters & South Downs Tour
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
The Prince’s Panic Murder Mystery Experience
🏨 Stay / Brighton’s compact enough that location matters less than style and budget, see the full picks below:
Budget: YHA Brighton
Mid-range: Hotel Pelirocco
Splurge: Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa
🧳 Luggage Storage / If you’re early for check-in or have time to kill after checkout, no stress, there are luggage storage points all over Brighton. Use this website to find one nearby.
📱 Connect / Stay connected the moment you land. I use Holafly, use code TRAVELWITHPAU for 5% off.
🛡️ Get Insured / World Nomads covers 150+ activities, medical, lost luggage, and more, don’t skip travel insurance for a Brighton weekend any more than you would for a longer trip.
Brighton Bucket List: 27 Things to Do
1. Explore the Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion is unlike anything else in England, a Regency palace built for King George IV with Indian-style domes, minarets, and interiors that mix Chinese and Gothic influences in the most gloriously over-the-top way imaginable. Walking through the banqueting room and the restored saloon genuinely stops you in your tracks. I’d recommend booking tickets online to avoid queuing outside, it’s worth every penny.
Practical info: Adult tickets from around £17 on the door, slightly cheaper online. Open daily. Book in advance here for guaranteed entry.
2. Wander the Lanes
The Lanes are Brighton’s most famous neighbourhood, a warren of narrow alleyways and passageways packed with independent jewellers, antique dealers, art galleries, and vintage clothing shops. It’s easy to lose an hour here just wandering without a plan. If you’re into jewellery or vintage finds, this is dangerous territory for your bank balance (in the best possible way).
Practical info: Free to explore. Located in the centre of Brighton, just south of North Street. Most shops open from around 10am.
3. Ride Brighton Palace Pier
Brighton Palace Pier is one of those places that’s genuinely brilliant regardless of how touristy it is. Amusement rides, arcades, fish and chips, candy floss, it’s unashamedly fun. The Super Booster rollercoaster at the far end is worth a ride for the sea views alone. One warning: careful with the seagulls, I’ve seen them attack people carrying fresh donuts!
Practical info: Free to walk onto the pier. Rides and attractions are pay-as-you-go. The fish and chip shops at the entrance are some of the best in the city.
4. Ride the British Airways i360
The British Airways i360 is the world’s tallest moving observation tower, a futuristic glass pod that glides up to 138 metres above the seafront, giving you panoramic views across Brighton, the South Downs, and the English Channel on a clear day. I was skeptical about visiting because of the price, but it was genuinely great to view Brighton from above, and there’s a bar on board which makes it considerably more enjoyable.
Practical info: Book here for the best price. Recommend booking sunset slots in advance as they sell out. Located on the seafront at Lower Kings Road.
5. Seek Out the Street Art
Brighton has one of the most vibrant street art scenes in the UK, and wandering around looking for it is one of my favourite free things to do here. There’s a replica Banksy piece near the Prince Albert pub on Trafalgar Street, a huge Music Mural at the same location, and then dozens of pieces tucked away under the railway arches and through the back streets. A guided walk is a great way to find the pieces you’d otherwise walk past.
Practical info: Book a walking tour with a local to get the stories behind the art, or just start wandering from Trafalgar Street down towards the North Laine.
6. Explore North Laine
If the Lanes are Brighton’s polished, jewellery-window side, North Laine is its more raucous, creative sibling. This neighbourhood is packed with independent cafés, vintage clothing shops, record stores, vegetarian restaurants, and jewellery stalls, and the prices are noticeably more reasonable than equivalent spots in London. It’s a brilliant place to spend a morning browsing before lunch.
Practical info: Free to explore. The main drag runs along Gardner Street, Sydney Street, and Kensington Gardens. Best visited on a weekday if you want to avoid weekend crowds.
7. Visit the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Right next door to the Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is one of those underrated museums that’s genuinely worth your time. The collections cover everything from ancient Egypt to 20th-century fashion to local Brighton history, and admission is free, which makes it an excellent addition to a Royal Pavilion visit.
Practical info: Free entry. Check for special exhibitions which may be ticketed. Book a ticket if you want timed entry for popular periods.
8. Go on a City Bike Tour
One of the best ways to cover a lot of Brighton quickly, and have a brilliant time doing it, is on a guided bike tour. The guided city bike tour takes you through North Laine, past the Royal Pavilion, through the Fishing Quarter, along the seafront, and into parts of Georgian Brighton most visitors never find. It’s around 2.5 hours, relaxed enough for anyone who cycles occasionally, and the guides are genuinely entertaining.
Practical info: Book it here. Meets at Brighton Rail Station. Bikes and helmets provided.
9. Watch a Starling Murmuration at the Pier
This is one of those Brighton experiences that feels almost impossible to believe until you see it. At dusk in autumn and winter, tens of thousands of starlings gather in coordinated, swirling formations above the pier in a phenomenon called a murmuration. It’s completely free, it happens naturally, and it’s one of the most extraordinary things I’ve ever seen in my life. Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset and find a spot on the beach facing the pier.
Practical info: Best from October to March. Timing is weather-dependent, the murmurations don’t happen every night. Check local Brighton wildlife accounts on social media for same-day updates.
10. Visit SEA LIFE Brighton
SEA LIFE Brighton is the world’s oldest operating aquarium, it opened in 1872, and it’s a genuinely impressive attraction, particularly if you’re visiting with kids or just love marine life. The Victorian architecture of the tunnel sections is beautiful, and the displays include sharks, rays, seahorses, and a spectacular ocean tank.
Practical info: Book in advance here, it’s cheaper than buying on the door. Located on the seafront at Marine Parade.
11. Visit the Upside Down House
The Upside Down House near the seafront is exactly what it sounds like, a house installed completely upside down, with furniture, books, and household items all fixed to what would normally be the ceiling. It makes for completely disorienting and genuinely funny photo opportunities. It’s not a world-changing cultural experience, but it’s fun and the Instagram content is genuinely good.
Practical info: Entry from around £11. Book here for combination tickets with the i360.
12. Relax on the Beach
Brighton’s beach is shingle rather than sand, which sounds less appealing than it is. There’s something about sitting on the pebbles with the sound of the waves and a cold drink from one of the seafront bars that is just quintessentially Brighton. On warm days the beach fills up with an incredibly eclectic crowd and the atmosphere is brilliant. Bring a blanket, grab fish and chips, and settle in.
Practical info: Free. The beach runs the length of the seafront. The western end near Hove tends to be slightly quieter. Deckchair hire is available in summer.
13. Photograph the Brighton Bandstand
The Victorian Brighton Bandstand on the seafront is one of the most photogenic spots in the whole city, ornate ironwork painted in blue and cream, right on the promenade with the sea behind it. I find it’s not as appreciated as it should be and usually not very busy, which makes it a genuinely nice, quiet stop compared to the crowds around the Pier. Live music and events run here through the summer.
Practical info: Free. Located on the seafront promenade, a short walk west of the Palace Pier.
14. Cocktails at Bohemia Brighton
If you’re after cocktails in Brighton, Bohemia is the place. The cocktail presentation here is theatrical, expect dry ice, dramatic garnishes, and drinks that taste as good as they look. It’s become a bit of a Brighton institution and for good reason. Go early on a Friday or Saturday evening if you want to avoid waiting for a table.
Practical info: Walk-ins welcome but tables fill quickly at weekends. Located on St James’s Street in Kemptown.
15. Dine at Riddle & Finns
Brighton has an exceptional food scene, and Riddle & Finns is one of its most celebrated restaurants, a champagne and oyster bar on The Lanes that does seafood exceptionally well. It’s a splurge, but the lobster is extraordinary and the atmosphere is exactly what you want from a special night out in a seaside city. Book well in advance for weekend evenings.
Practical info: Two locations, The Lanes and the seafront. Reservations strongly recommended. Not cheap, but worth it for a treat.
16. Eat at JB’s American Diner
JB’s American Diner is a proper tribute to the classic 1950s American diner, all neon signs, checkerboard floors, and rock ‘n’ roll on the jukebox. Think huge burgers, thick milkshakes, and portions that don’t hold back. It’s a fun, kitsch contrast to Brighton’s more sophisticated food scene, and a good pick if you’ve got kids or just want something completely unpretentious.
Practical info: Located on the seafront at Kings Road Arches. Walk-ins welcome, gets busy on weekend evenings.
17. Watch Brighton Pride (August)
Brighton Pride is one of the biggest and most jubilant Pride events in the UK, and one of the most fun days out you can have anywhere in the country, regardless of where you fall on the sexuality spectrum. The parade through the city centre, the festival in Preston Park, and the general atmosphere of the entire city for the weekend is genuinely electric. Book accommodation months in advance if you’re planning to come for Pride weekend.
Practical info: Pride parade and street events are free. Preston Park festival requires a ticket, book via the official Brighton Pride website as soon as tickets go on sale. Usually held in early August.
18. See the West Pier Ruins
The skeletal remains of Brighton’s West Pier sit out to sea just in front of the i360, and honestly, they’re as iconic a Brighton image as the Palace Pier itself. The pier closed in the 1970s and was gutted by fire and storms in the 2000s, leaving just the blackened ironwork frame rising out of the water. It’s structurally unsafe and closed to the public, but the view from the beach, especially at low tide when you can get close to the structure, is one of the best photo opportunities in the city.
Practical info: Free. Best viewed from Brighton Beach Promenade opposite Regency Square, or from the i360 pod above.
19. Get Locked Up at Alcotraz
Alcotraz Brighton is a genuinely brilliant bit of theatre, an immersive “prison” bar where you’re locked up on arrival and have to smuggle in booze past the Warden and guards (all in character) to get your cocktails made. It’s silly, it’s fun, and it’s a proper change of pace from a standard bar crawl.
Practical info: Book the Alcotraz immersive prison cocktail experience, around 105 minutes, book ahead as it regularly sells out.
20. Visit the Booth Museum of Natural History
Tucked away on Dyke Road, the Booth Museum is a proper hidden gem, an entire Victorian gallery of over 300 taxidermied British birds displayed in dioramas of their natural habitats, alongside fossil, skeleton, and entomology collections. It’s a genuinely atmospheric, slightly eerie museum that most visitors walk straight past.
Practical info: Free entry. Find it on the map.
21. Browse Snoopers Paradise
Snoopers Paradise in North Laine is Brighton’s best-known vintage and antiques warren, an entire building of stalls selling everything from retro clothing to old vinyl to genuinely bizarre curios. Budget more time than you think, it’s easy to lose an hour in here.
Practical info: Find it on the map.
22. Browse The Duck House
Exactly what it sounds like: a shop in the Lanes selling over 300 different types of rubber ducks. It’s a genuinely fun, low-stakes browse and a good spot for a slightly odd souvenir.
Practical info: Find it on the map.
23. See Hove’s Colourful Beach Huts
A short walk west of Brighton proper, Hove Beach is lined with rows of brightly painted beach huts, a genuinely lovely, quieter stretch of coast and one of the most photographed spots in the area once you’re past the main Brighton seafront crowds.
Practical info: Free. Along the seafront in Hove, a 20 to 30-minute walk or short bus ride from central Brighton.
24. Wander the Extra Mural Cemetery
Brighton’s Victorian cemetery, opened in 1851 on the eastern edge of the city, has a genuinely untamed, atmospheric character, overgrown paths, ornate monuments, and long grass. It’s free, peaceful, and a world away from the seafront crowds.
Practical info: Free. Find it on the map.
25. Visit the British Engineerium
Housed in a Victorian pumping station in Hove, the British Engineerium is a working steam engine museum, genuinely one of a kind, though it’s worth knowing it runs on a limited schedule with occasional special steaming days rather than being open daily, so check current opening times before you plan a visit around it.
Practical info: Find it on the map, check opening days in advance.
26. Check Out Madeira Terrace and Lift
The Victorian Madeira Terrace, a long run of ornate ironwork arches along the seafront with a cliff lift down to the beach, is a genuine Brighton landmark, currently mid-restoration. As of this writing the project is running behind its original timeline, with the restored lift now expected to reopen in winter 2026, so check the latest status before building a visit around it specifically, but it’s worth knowing about for a future trip.
Practical info: Free to view from outside. Located on the seafront between the Palace Pier and Kemptown.
27. Seek Out Britain’s Narrowest House
A house on Hollingdean Road, just over 6 feet wide, has a genuine claim to being Britain’s narrowest house. It’s residential and away from the main tourist areas, so it’s more of a “did you know” than a destination, but worth knowing if you’re the kind of traveller who collects odd facts.
Practical info: Free to view from the street. Located on Hollingdean Road, away from the main tourist areas, please be respectful as it’s a private home.