Central Brighton & Surrounding Areas
Brighton City Centre – The vibrant heart of the city, known for The Lanes, the Royal Pavilion, and Churchill Square Shopping Centre. A hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
North Laine – A bohemian quarter packed with independent shops, quirky cafes, music venues, and art galleries, popular with locals and tourists alike.
The Lanes – A maze of narrow streets filled with boutiques, jewellery shops, and high-end restaurants; a historic hotspot rich in character.
Seven Dials – A lively intersection just north of the centre, offering a variety of eateries, pubs, and local businesses in a compact community.
Kemptown – An eclectic neighbourhood east of the city centre, famous for its LGBTQ+ scene, seafront bars, and unique independent retailers.
North Brighton & Nearby Towns
Preston Park – A suburban area around one of Brighton’s largest parks, home to Victorian architecture, community events, and easy transport links to central Brighton.
Patcham – A residential neighbourhood offering good schools, traditional pubs, and quick access to the A23 and the South Downs.
Withdean – A peaceful area featuring Withdean Stadium and tree-lined streets, popular among families and professionals seeking a quieter life within reach of the city centre.
Hollingbury – A mixed residential zone near the Downs, close to retail parks and major transport routes into Brighton.
Ditchling (nearby village) – Though outside the official city boundary, Ditchling is known for its picturesque countryside setting, artisan shops, and traditional pubs.
South Brighton & Seafront Areas
Brighton Seafront – The iconic stretch of coastline offering a bustling promenade, beach bars, and the famed Brighton Palace Pier. Popular for leisure and tourism year-round.
Brighton Marina – A modern waterfront development with a yacht harbour, restaurants, cinema, and shops, perfect for leisure activities and seaside views.
(Note: Strictly speaking, south of Brighton is the sea, so these coastal spots and immediate seafront districts capture what’s there!)
East Brighton & Coastal Areas
Rottingdean – A charming village with a historic windmill, quaint high street, and scenic coastal walks along the clifftops.
Saltdean – Known for its Art Deco Lido, beach access, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Peacehaven – A clifftop town offering stunning sea views, local shops, and a more tranquil setting compared to central Brighton.
Telscombe – Quiet residential area near the coast, offering community events, walking trails, and proximity to the South Downs National Park.
Newhaven (nearby port) – A working harbour town with ferry services to France, a developing marina, and ongoing regeneration efforts.
West Brighton & Surrounding Towns
Hove – Famous for its elegant Victorian terraces, relaxed vibe, and wide seafront promenade. Often viewed as Brighton’s laid-back neighbour with its own distinct identity.
Portslade – A mix of industrial and residential zones, benefiting from good transport links, local businesses, and community initiatives.
Shoreham-by-Sea – A historic port town with a thriving harbour, local markets, and easy rail connections to Brighton and beyond.
Lancing – A coastal village with a broad beach, a growing retail sector, and a blend of new and traditional housing.
Worthing – A larger seaside town further west, known for its pier, theatres, and a balance of classic and modern coastal amenities.
Greater Brighton & Sussex Towns
Lewes – A historic market town with a medieval castle, independent shops, breweries, and lively festivals, just a short drive or train ride from Brighton.
Falmer – Home to the University of Sussex and surrounded by greenery, offering a quieter pace on the outskirts of Brighton.
Seaford – A smaller coastal town with family-friendly beaches, cliff-top walks, and a relaxed, community-focused environment.
Eastbourne – A larger seaside resort known for its Victorian pier, Beachy Head, and strong tourism industry, located further along the coast from Brighton.
Crawley – A well-connected town near Gatwick Airport, with a strong commercial presence and direct transport routes to Brighton.
These areas collectively form the wider Brighton region, each offering its own unique charm and opportunities for those who wish to live, work, or run a business in and around the city.