Brighton Walking Tour: Old Town, Royal Pavilion & The Lanes

Summary

Wander Brighton’s old town lanes, seafront tales & royal gardens

You’ll step straight into Brighton’s wild mix of history and oddball charm—hearing stories from locals as you walk The Lanes, pause in Royal Pavilion gardens, and catch sea air along the pier. Expect laughter, surprises, and small details that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We started under the big clock at Brighton Pier — you can’t miss it, even if you try — and I could already smell the salty chips from the stalls nearby. Our guide, Tom (who grew up here), waved us over with this easy grin and kicked things off with a story about the old fisherman’s cottages that used to line the beach. I’d never really thought about what Brighton looked like before all the neon and arcades. There was a chilly breeze but somehow it felt right for this place.

We wound through The Lanes next, which are these twisty little alleyways where you’re never quite sure if you’re heading towards a shop or someone’s back door. Tom pointed out an old pub where mods and rockers apparently brawled in the ‘60s (he did a pretty good impression of both sides). At one point we stopped near a bakery — I swear I could smell cinnamon and burnt sugar — and he let us wander for a few minutes. Someone in our group tried to squeeze “Brighton i360” into conversation just to see if Tom would roll his eyes (he did).

The Royal Pavilion gardens were something else: palm trees, weirdly enough, and these bursts of color even though it was only spring. Tom told us how Prince Regent basically built himself a palace just to party away from London — honestly, respect. There was this moment when everyone went quiet looking up at those domes; I still think about that view sometimes when my train pulls into Brighton station. We finished in North Laine, full of indie shops and people selling records out of crates on the pavement. I almost bought an old Bowie LP but got distracted by someone busking outside City Hall.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Brighton walking tour highlights

• Meet at Brighton pier entrance
• Learn pier history
• Introduction to Brighton and fisherman’s cottages
• See Brighton i360 and learn history
• Visit the Lanes and explore
• Receive history at Brighton Dome
• Tour Royal Pavilion gardens
• Explore North Laine shops and markets

Top questions

Where does the Brighton walking tour start?

The tour starts at the main entrance under the clock at Brighton Pier.

How long is the walking tour in Brighton?

The walking tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Is the Brighton walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

What main attractions are included on this walking tour?

The tour visits The Lanes, Royal Pavilion gardens, North Laine, City Hall, Hippodrome Theatre, Old Steine, Kissing Wall, Quadrophenia passage, Martha Gunn’s cottage, and more.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is there public transportation near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby.

Who leads the Brighton walking tour?

A friendly local professional guide leads each tour.

Does this day trip include entry fees or lunch?

No entry fees or lunch are included; it's a guided city walk with stories and stops along key sites.

What’s included

Your day includes a 90-minute stroll through Brighton’s historic heart with a local guide sharing stories at every stop—from seaside beginnings under the pier clock to hidden cottages near The Lanes and peaceful moments in Royal Pavilion gardens. Wheelchair users and families with strollers are welcome throughout; just show up at the meeting point ready to walk and listen.