Kemptown lies east of Brighton Palace Pier and is the city's famously LGBTQ+ friendly district, mixing a buzzing bar and club scene with handsome Regency terraces. It suits a bohemian, sociable crowd who want nightlife and character while staying within walking distance of the seafront.
Strung along St James's Street and the streets behind the eastern seafront, Kemptown has an eclectic run of bars, cafes, independent shops and restaurants. By day it feels relaxed and villagey; by night St James's Street and the surrounding venues come alive as the centre of Brighton's gay scene and general nightlife.
Getting around
Brighton Palace Pier is roughly a 10–15 minute walk west along the seafront, and buses run frequently into the centre; Brighton mainline station is a longer walk or short bus ride, with direct trains to London Gatwick (LGW) in about half an hour.
Before you book this area
- Nightlife
- Brighton's LGBTQ+ hub, with a dense concentration of bars, clubs and late-night venues.
- Vibe
- Bohemian, inclusive and social, with Regency architecture alongside eclectic independents.
- Watch out for
- Streets near the bars can be noisy late at night, particularly at weekends.
Frequently asked
Is Kemptown only for the LGBTQ+ crowd?
No — it's welcoming to everyone; it just happens to be the heart of Brighton's gay scene and has a friendly, mixed atmosphere.
Can I walk to the pier from Kemptown?
Yes, it's an easy 10–15 minute walk along the seafront to Brighton Palace Pier.
Comparing areas? See the full Brighton area guide →
Other areas near Kemptown
Sources
- OpenStreetMap — neighbourhood boundaries and orientation (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL)
- ReasonStay methodology — how areas are chosen and facts are verified
An independent guide to Kemptown, Brighton — honest orientation, no invented data.