Top Brighton Historical Tours

Are you looking for a way to uncover Lewes’ history without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable audio tour. • Find out where the worst avalanche in Britain occurred, why Rodin’s famous sculpture, The Kiss, was covered up and what happened to the original White Lion Inn sign • Hear from producer Ian Runcie who created a website to share walks in and around Lewes • Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

The tour will begin at the East Gate entrance to the remains of the Roman Fort of Anderida. You then pay a visit to St Nicolas' Church, built in 1216 on the site of a Saxon Priory, before following an off-road path behind the castle to St Mary’s Church (built 1080), viewing the 1066 shoreline along the way. Leaving the church, you will follow the route taken by the Norman soldiers on their march to Hastings, before returning to Pevensey Castle (admission included). Throughout the tour, your guide will Use maps, diagrams and local landmarks to: Explain the geography of the area in the 11th century and why it was an ideal location for William to land here in 1066. Detail the events of 1066 including the Norman landing; Talk about the Feudal system introduced by the Normans; Consider the type of castle built at Pevensey and how it evolved over the Norman period; Offer an insight into the history of Pevensey castle over the following centuries.

The Royal Pavilion is one of Britain’s most eccentric and extravagant palaces previously occupied by three monarchs, George IV, William IV and Queen Victoria. Built as George IV’s pleasure palace, it has been restored to its original 1823 splendor with Indian architecture contrasted with interiors inspired by China. New for 2025! Experience the vibrant world of COLOUR at Royal Pavilion. Allow your visitors to dive into a dazzling celebration of color, from bold historic hues to peaceful palettes, all within the Pavilion’s stunning interiors. Don't miss this unique blend of beauty and history

Take a trip back in time—and across the British countryside—on this full-day guided tour of Stonehenge and Bath. Relax and enjoy the scenic journey from Brighton to Stonehenge, where you’ll be free to explore the famous Bronze Age site at your own pace with a self-guided audio commentary. You’ll then swing by the historic city of Bath and see the Roman Baths and ornate Georgian architecture up close on a guided walking tour.

Led by a member of the British Mountaineering Council, head out on a scenic hike along the Seven Sisters Cliffs. Along the 10 mile (16 kilometer) route, your guide will take you to places only known to locals, passing sea views, cliffs, rivers, forests, farmland, and downland hills.

Hurry to see the renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition right here! Visit ‘The In Crowd: Mod Fashion and Style 1958−1966’ Or marvel at our awe-inspiring permanent collection! If you're a footie fan, why not celebrate Albion’s historic 2023/24 campaign when the club played in Europe for the first time in its history. Photographs, ephemera and kit tell the memorable story of matches against Ajax, Marseille, AEK Athens and AS Roma as the club competed in the UEFA Europa League.

Cram more fun and adventure into your Brighton sightseeing with this private, self-led scavenger hunt. Download the app and set off when you wish to experience the city’s attractions and vibrant history, culture, and art while also finding clues, solving riddles, and tackling trivia. Go at your own pace, stop and start when it suits, and earn leaderboard points to add a competitive edge.

Explore Brighton on a guided walking tour that brings the city’s LGBTQ+ history and culture into focus, without the need to research a route or navigate on your own. Walk through the historic Lanes and along the seafront while learning how Brighton became one of the UK’s most LGBTQ+-friendly cities and a major Pride destination. Along the way, hear stories of early equality pioneers, drag performers, landmark moments such as a same-sex wedding in 1923, and the nightlife that continues to shape the city today.

From the debauched days of the music-loving Prince Regent, to 21st-century beach raves, Brighton’s history has been shaped by successive musical eras. Skip having to research this rich heritage for yourself, and discover the places that saw and made it happen on this self-guided audio tour. Stroll Brighton seafront, see famous live music venues, hear about the city’s legendary mods-and-rockers clashes, and more–all to your own schedule.

The Isle of Wight, home to a variety of distinctive landscapes, dramatic cliffs, long stunning beaches and great attractions, is a natural playground for all ages! In Portsmouth, learn about the heritage and naval history of the city. • Take a stroll trough Godshill, a quintessential English Village, with its delightful medieval church, charming thatched roofed cottages and traditional tearooms. • Soak up the view on the scenic drive to Alum Bay, known for its multi-coloured sand cliffs and stunning scenery. • Enjoy a panoramic chairlift to the stunning beach (you can also choose to walk) and the many exciting attractions here for all the family. On the beach you get a close up of "The Needles", one of the most photographed groups of rocks in the world. • Get a great photo of Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower and Historic Dockyard as your ferry departs to, and returns from the Isle of Wight.

Discover the best of Brighton—and pair your sightseeing with a classically English afternoon tea—on this two-in-one, small-group tour. Uncover more about this vibrant seaside city than you could alone, as you follow your guide to top sights from the Royal Pavilion and The Lanes to the Brighton Palace Pier. Then, sit down for a complete afternoon tea spread, featuring tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones with jam and clotted cream.

See the best of the city of Brighton, learn all about its history—and explore totally independently, without worries of crowds—on this private, self-led audio tour. The creator of this amazing experience is Spencer, who will be your audio voice and "virtual" companion during the whole experience. Upon booking, download the app to your smartphone and use when, and as often, as you’d like, for up to three weeks. You’ll see neighbourhoods and landmarks like Brighton Palace Pier, Kemptown Village, St. Nicholas Church, The Royal Albion Hotel, North Lane, South Lane and much more, and will learn behind-the-scenes stories from the audio narration of a Local Expert. Please note: when booking, you will get a separate email with instructions on how to download our app and redeem your unique code (this code is different from your booking reference number!).

Brighton has stories hiding in plain sight — and this self-guided walking quest reveals them. Featuring monster legends and mythical creatures, your smartphone guides you through clever puzzles and surprising discoveries at every turn. Solve each challenge to unlock the next location, uncovering layers of history and culture that most visitors never see. The immersive storyline ties every stop together. This 1–2 hour private quest runs 24/7. No guide needed, no crowds — just your smartphone and a sense of adventure. Available in 5+ languages.

Enjoy a fun-filled and affordable way to explore Brighton—and pair your excursion around the city with an immersive scavenger hunt-style game—on this private smartphone tour. Upon booking, download the app; then, set off on the tour at whatever time works best for you. In between solving clues and seeking out local landmarks, you’ll admire Brighton highlights like the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, and much more.

Preston Manor: A New Era Opening from 5 April 2025 Explore the world of the influential Stanfords at Preston Manor, where the “upstairs-downstairs” life of Edwardian society comes alive. Wander through elegant rooms, charming gardens, servant quarters, and uncover fascinating stories of both the family and staŒ. With ghostly legends too, it’s one of Brighton’s most captivating attractions

Brighton boasts an eclectic culinary scene, but it takes insider knowledge to experience the full breadth and depth of its offerings. This small-group walking tour delivers, with a guide revealing the best foodie hotspots across the city. Along the way, sample everything from local cheeses and chocolates to scones and beyond, and complement your tastings with stops at some of Brighton’s top landmarks.

Just an hour from London, escape to the stunning Surrey Hills on this exclusive full-day adventure. This isn’t just a tour it’s a journey through hidden gems and local secrets you won’t find on your own. This experience is totally unique offering local insights, breathtaking scenery off the beaten track, together with unforgettable moments that will create a deep connection with the Surrey Hills landscape amongst my guests. You won't find this experience in any guidebook and is your chance to discover an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so close to London. Book now!

Visit two of England’s historical headliners in one effortless day with this tour from Brighton. Rather than negotiate public transport, travel to Greenwich and Cambridge by comfortable coach. Enjoy a Greenwich walking tour to see and unpack the history of its Royal Observatory, Prime Meridian, and more. Then, do the same in Cambridge, viewing highlights like Kings College Chapel and enjoying free time to perhaps ride a punt on the River Cam.

Brighton is one of Britain’s most colourful and progressive seaside towns. On this audio walking tour, you’ll discover how it evolved from a modest fishing village called Brighthelmstone into a cultural playground that embraces eccentricity, creativity, and diversity. This self-guided tour begins at the Italianate Brighton Station. You’ll explore the bohemian North Laine district with its colourful independent shops, and discover how the Prince Regent’s extravagant Royal Pavilion with its distinctive onion domes became the enduring symbol of the city. Along the way, you’ll learn about local legends like Martha Gunn, the “Venerable Priestess of the Bath” who helped Victorian ladies into the healing waters, and discover how the iconic 1964 Mod-Rocker clashes inspired the film Quadrophenia. The tour ends at the skeletal remains of the West Pier, where you can contemplate both the town’s glorious past and its ever-evolving future.

Explore the rich history of Lewes on a two-hour guided walking tour that takes you through Saxon lanes and past the ruins of a significant medieval monastery. Discover pivotal moments such as the Battle of Lewes, which led to England's first elected parliament, and visit the site where brave martyrs were executed. Stroll along a High Street steeped in history, seeing landmarks connected to Thomas Paine and the Bloomsbury Set, including Virginia Woolf's former residence. This intimate tour is led by local resident and amateur historian Richard Paterson, offering personalised insights into Lewes's fascinating past. - Two-hour guided walking tour through historic Lewes - Learn about the Battle of Lewes and its impact on democracy - Discover sites related to Thomas Paine and Virginia Woolf - Led by local historian Richard Paterson with tailored itineraries available

This guided walk is easy to moderate depending on your group preference: the length, route and level of difficulty are flexible. A typical walk (moderate) is a 16 km (10 miles) loop starting and finishing in Seaford, 5-6 hours including lunch and refreshment breaks. Other starting/pick-up points are available - to be discussed after booking. All walks feature fabulous views of the Seven Sisters Cliffs, Seaford Head and Cuckmere Haven. Your guide Matt will take you to places only known to locals, including seascapes, stunning white cliffs, rivers, forests, secluded villages, agricultural land and Downland hills. Please wear appropriate clothes and footwear suitable for walking! We can make it easier for those who would prefer to jump on a bus back to Seaford after stopping for lunch, making it accessible and active without being too physically demanding! There are 2 booking options: - For 1 - 4 people (this one) - For 5+ people Please make sure you book the correct ticket type.

This area of England impressed me so much that I wanted to show others what is has offer and only 60 mins drive from Brighton. This tour has flexibility and a relaxed feel about it and will be a day where you can unwind and enjoy being driven to all the hidden spots on the coast that other tours wont venture. Touring in Mercedes Luxury 7 seater mini bus and being picked up from your hotel or Airbnb. Small easy-going Tour that can be changed on route to suit your needs if required. Explore Local historic Villages along with Scenic Views with an experienced guide to answer all your questions. We customise the tour according to you needs. Having the smaller bus we are able to venture into the narrow roads in the villages of the South Downs. Note: London travellers will be picked up from Brighton train station. Note: Single Travellers please contact me for special booking requirements as we may be able to accommodate a single person booking.

Get ready to dive into Brighton's spooky side! Hear all about the city's creepy history and the residents who just can't seem to leave, even after death. From notorious murderers to royalty, the winding lanes of Brighton are packed with ghost stories that'll give you chills!