Car Rental Brighton, UK

Make the most of your time in Brighton and explore at your own pace with your rental car. While driving here, you’ll use the left-hand side of the road and all passengers must wear a seatbelt.

The speed limit on highways, known in the UK as motorways and marked with an M, is 70mph. On rural roads and in urban areas, the speed limit will drop, so make sure you keep an eye on signage.  

Driving in Brighton itself is relatively straightforward. London Road/A23 snakes directly into the city center. Use Marine Parade to access Brighton Beach and the Sea Life Center. To visit the eye-catching Royal Pavilion, along with a clutch of independent shops, make use of the many parking lots dotted throughout the center.

The beautiful South Downs National Park is on the city’s doorstep, offering a wealth of trails to cycle, hike and horse ride. Devil’s Dyke is one of the highlights of the park, only 20 minutes away from Brighton via Dyke Road and Saddlescombe Road. The spectacular dry valley is a beautiful place for an afternoon stroll and to soak up the views of the English countryside.

To see more of the coast, head along the A529 and in under an hour you’ll arrive in the seaside resort of Eastbourne where you can see the famous white chalk cliffs at Beachy Head.

If you want to drive north towards London, then you can get there via the A23/M25. It should take under two hours to complete your journey depending on the traffic. Once there, you can explore the iconic sights and world-class museums of the UK capital. Note that a Congestion Charge and Low Emission Zone Charge are in place in the center of London.

The glitzy seaside city of Brighton has been a favorite of English holidaymakers since the Regency era. King George IV regularly frequented Brighton during the summer and he left the town with a distinct architectural legacy.

His love of the good life gave Brighton much of its character, with its bohemian shopping quartets and glamorous marina mirroring his tastes. Now the seaside resort has become one of Britain's top destinations.  

City by the sea

There are plenty of things to see and do in this coastal city on vacation – but one of the best is the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, jutting out into the English Channel. This quintessential seaside spot is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.

Wander along the Victorian boardwalk with a sweet stick of candy floss or a cone of salty fries (known here as chips), then try your hand at the arcade games or enjoy an adrenaline rush aboard one of the rollercoaster rides.

Afterward, head to neighboring Brighton Beach, a pebbly expanse that’s often teeming with locals and visitors alike. Sink into one of the colorful deckchairs and enjoy a dose of sunshine or even take a dip in the refreshing sea. Water sports are in abundance here too, with kayaking, paddle boarding and scuba diving among the activities available.

Back in the town center, amble through the historic Lanes district, where narrow twisting streets are home to jewelry shops, boutique stores and traditional English cafés. Simply shop for souvenirs or stop off at Choccywoccydoodah, Brighton’s very own version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, to indulge in quirky candy treats.  

Jewels in the crown

Cast your eyes upon the mesmerizing Royal Pavilion and you’ll soon see why its Brighton’s most distinct building. The lavish oriental-style palace was commissioned by King George IV in the early 19^th century and to this day impresses with its exotic architectural detailing. Take a tour to see its ornate beauty up close, with the manicured regency garden and breathtaking Banqueting Room among the highlights.

Moving forward to the 21^st century, Brighton’s newest attraction, the British Airways i360, is another must-see. Take a trip to the glass viewing pod of Britain’s tallest moving observation tower, which overlooks the seafront. If you arrive on a bright day, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the city’s squares and the South Downs coastline.

Day trips from Brighton

Swap the city for the country with a trip to nearby South Downs National Park. Stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne, the UK’s newest national park has plenty of things to see and do for all the family.

The South Downs Way, a popular hiking trail, runs its entire 100-mile length, with beautiful viewpoints and quaint villages to see along the way. Among the prettiest is the town of Lewes. Meander along the winding lanes, flanked by Georgian architecture, in the direction of the Norman Lewes Castle. Take a tour of the 1,000-year-old stronghold and climb the spiral staircase to the top of the highest tower to soak up amazing views of the surrounding countryside.

You can explore all this and more with car rental in Brighton on vacation. Start planning your UK break now – there’s plenty more for you to discover.