General Information and the City of Brighton

Tourist information about Brighton is also available at the Visit Brighton website.

Getting There

Rail

Brighton is under an hour by rail from London Victoria station, with 2 services every hour. There are also regular services from many other points, including a direct service from St Pancras station, connecting with Eurostar, and a link to Gatwick and Luton airports. More information can be found at National Rail or First Capital Connect.

Road

Brighton is about 45 minutes from the M25 London orbital down the M23 motorway, and 30 minutes from Gatwick airport.

Coach

Regular services to Brighton depart from London, Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and many other locations in the U.K. See www.nationalexpress.com for further information.

Air

Brighton is just 30 minutes by road or rail from London Gatwick International Airport and 90 minutes by road from London Heathrow. There are fast coach links between Heathrow, Gatwick and Brighton.

Sea

Brighton is 20 minutes by road or 25 minutes by rail from the port of Newhaven where a ferry service operates to Dieppe. See LD Lines Ferries for more details.

Car Rental

Major car rental companies have offices located at the major airports. To drive in the U.K. you must have a current driver's license. Note that cars travel on the left side of the road in the U.K.

Brighton

Brighton is one of the most colourful, vibrant and creative cities in Europe. It has a very cosmopolitan flavour that is compact, energetic, unique, fun, lively, historic and free-spirited. Nestling between the South Downs & the sea on the south coast, Brighton offers everything from Regency heritage to beachfront cafes and a lively nightlife. It is a fantastic mix of iconic attractions, award winning restaurants, funky arts, cultural festivals and events.

Time Zone

Money and Credit Cards

Currency is the British Pound (GBP). Major international credit and charge cards such as Visa, American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted at retail outlets. Travellers' cheques are also widely accepted and can be cashed at banks, airports and major hotels.

Transportation in Brighton

Brighton and Hove is so compact, that once you’re here, you might find it easiest to explore the city on foot. A frequent bus service also runs, costing £1.80 for a standard ticket across the city or various day tickets exist for £3.60 or £4.50 depending on the zone covered. Brighton is also one of five nationally selected 'cycling demonstration towns', and bicycles may be hired in a number of shops.

Accommodation

The Brighton area has an abundance of different kinds of accommodation from budget to luxury hotels. We recommend the Visit Brighton website to find accommodation to suit your needs.

Electrical Voltage

The electrical supply in the U.K. is 230-240 volts, AC 50Hz. The U.K. three-pin power outlet is different from that in many other countries, so you will need an adaptor socket. If your appliances are 110-130 volts you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlet adaptors for both 240V and 110 V appliances are sometimes available in leading hotels.

Tipping

There are no hard and fast rules for tipping in the U.K. If you are happy with the service, a 10-15% tip is customary, particularly in a restaurant or café with table service. Tipping in bars is not expected. For taxi fares, it is usual to round up to the nearest pound (£).

Non-Smoking Policy

The UK smoking laws prevent smoking in enclosed public spaces. It is therefore not acceptable to smoke in restaurants, bars and other public venues. There may be designated smoking areas.

Shop Opening Hours

Shopping hours tend to be from 1000 − 1800 hours with late opening until 2000 hours on a Thursday.

Emergencies

Please dial 999 for Fire, Ambulance or Police emergency services. The European emergency number 112 may also be used.

Medical Assistance

In the case of medical emergencies, there is a 24 hour Accident & Emergency department at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, BN2 5BF - 01273 696955 (For ambulances, telephone 999).

The Doctor's Surgery for temporary residents and visitors is:

Chilvers McCrea Medical Centre, 1st Floor Boots the Chemist, 129 North Street, Brighton, 01273 328080. Open: Mon - Friday 08.00 - 18.00 Saturday 09.00 - 13.00 Closed on Sundays.

For emergency dental treament (out of hours) call the Brighton & Hove health authority on 01273 486444 (lines open weekdays 06.30 - 21.30, weekends and bank holidays 09.00 - 12.30)

Pharmacies

The following pharmacies open later than normal working hours:

• Ashtons: 98 Dyke Road, Seven Dials, Brighton, BN1 3JD, 01273 325020
  Open: Mon - Sunday 09.00 - 22.00 except for 25 December
• Asda: Brighton Marina, BN2 5UT, 01273 688019
  Open: Mon - Thursday and Saturday: 09.00 - 20.00 Friday: 09.00 - 21.00 Sunday: 10.00 - 16.00 (times vary on Bank Holidays)
• Asda: Crowhurst Road, Brighton, BN1 8AS, 01273 542314
  Open: Mon - Thursday & Saturday: 09.00 - 20.00 Friday: 09.00 - 21.00 Sunday: 11.00 - 17.00 (times vary on Bank Holidays)
• Westons: 6-7 Coombe Terrace, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4AD, 01273 605354
  Open: Mon - Sunday 09.00 - 22.00

Places of Interest

• The Royal Pavilion − the seaside palace of the Prince Regent (George IV)
• Brighton Walking Tours − Hear about Brighton’s history and discover interesting facts by downloading onto your mp3 player.
• Brighton Pier − enjoy a typical day at the seaside on Brighton Pier. Enjoy the funfair rides, enjoy traditional seaside treats like candyfloss or a stick of rock or hire a deckchair and relax.
• Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel.
• Take a 45 minute pleasure cruise along the coast and past the 2 piers or join a 90 minute mackerel fishing trip

Dining and Entertainment

There are numerous cafes and restaurants in the Brighton area, particularly around the The Lanes and North Laine areas.