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A mini guide to
Kemptown: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Ride the seafront railway
Volk's Electric Railway runs along the beach; its website says there is no need to book, just turn up and ride.
Madeira Terrace works
The council is restoring Madeira Terrace in phases, so parts of Madeira Drive may be fenced off. Check the council page for progress.
Naturist beach
Visit Brighton says the naturist beach is at the eastern end of the main beach, about a mile east of the Palace Pier, and is signposted.
Marina by bus
Brighton Marina is a short bus ride from the town centre, according to Visit Brighton, if you do not want to walk the seafront.
Use the buses
Visit Brighton says most areas of the city are within a 15-minute bus ride of the centre and the beach, and every bus has disabled access.
Festivals
Festivals in Brighton & Hove
Dates come from the organisers' own websites. Check them before you book.
Brighton Festival
1 to 23 May 2027
Annual multi-arts festival, first held in 1967, with music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature and family events.
Brighton Fringe
7 May to 6 June 2027
Open-access arts festival with hundreds of events in venues across the city.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kemptown?
Kemptown is in Brighton & Hove, England. Regency crescents, Volk's Electric Railway, the aquarium and St James's Street east of the pier. Nearby stops and stations include Brighton station, Brighton & Hove Buses, Volk's Electric Railway.
How long do I need in Kemptown?
Half a day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include SEA LIFE Brighton, Volk's Electric Railway, Madeira Terrace. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Brighton station (Station managed by Southern); Brighton & Hove Buses (City bus network); Volk's Electric Railway (Seasonal heritage railway). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 24 places to eat and drink in and around Kemptown, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 17 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Kemptown accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Kemptown
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Kemp Town Estate
Regency estate of Sussex Square, Lewes Crescent, Arundel Terrace and Chichester Terrace, financed by Thomas Read Kemp and built by Thomas Cubitt.
Queen's Park
Park laid out from 1825 by Thomas Attree as a private residential park inspired by Regent's Park, later named after Queen Adelaide.
Egremont Gate
Listed gateway with walls and railings at the Egremont Place entrance to Queen's Park.
Brighton & Hove
More areas to explore
Hove
Regency squares, beach huts, Church Road and George Street west of the Peace Statue
Open the mini guide →
The Lanes & seafront
Narrow shopping lanes, the Palace Pier, the i360 and the pebble beach in the centre of Brighton
Open the mini guide →
North Laine & the Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion, the Dome and the independent streets between the station and the Old Steine
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Madeira Terrace: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Kemp Town Estate: A bit iffy, Public domain, source
- Queen's Park: Paul Gillett, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Egremont Gate: Robert-brook, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Hove: DaHuzyBru, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- The Lanes & seafront: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- North Laine & the Royal Pavilion: Qmin, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Brighton & Hove