Offering that quintessentially British look with its pebbled beach, rows of beach huts and iconic pier, Brighton is well worth a visit. It was developed as a fashionable seaside resort in the Georgian era and is known for similar qualities to this day – it has diverse communities, quirky shopping areas, a great music and arts scene, and more.

One of the best ways to explore this part of the country is by car, taking in the coastline at a variety of different points. So enjoy our top beach picks…

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is somewhere you just have to visit. After a day of shopping in the lanes, it’s the perfect place to relax with a bag of chips… even if you do have to fend off the gigantic seagulls. A walk down the pier is essential (make sure you squeeze in a ride or two) and you’ll discover a plethora of eateries and cafes up and down the long stretch.

Hove Beach

Travel west from Brighton and you’ll come across Hove. It’s a more relaxed, calmer affair with barely any tourists, so it’s ideal for you if you love the quiet life. There’s still plenty to do though. The Hove Lagoon is home to a variety of water sports perfect for kids and there are also plenty of places to eat and drink - it even offers fresh fish sellers on the beach for a truly authentic touch.

Seaford Bay

This shingle beach is 11 miles from Brighton. There’s an old fort and fantastic nature reserve, which are both definitely worth visiting. It really is a fantastic place to discover and explore.

Birling Gap

Slightly further afield is Birling Gap. This chalk and shingle stretch is west-facing, so is very popular with surfers and kite fliers and it also offers fantastic walks on the South Downs Way over the Seven Sisters hills.

Kemp Town Beach

Head back towards Brighton and you’ve got this great location. This expansive section is great for a relaxing day at the beach, and it’s a wonderful spot to watch the sunset over Brighton Pier in the distance.

Brighton is without a doubt home to some of the best British beaches to visit, so hire a car in Brighton and explore these incredible locations.