Portsmouth or Brighton for your next seaside break?
The South of the UK is home to some glorious stretches of coastline, with Insta-worthy beaches and quaint seaside towns worth visiting any time of year. No car? No problem. Hop on a South Western Railway train to begin your coastal adventure.
Two destinations that are perfect for seaside staycations are Portsmouth and Brighton. They’re uniquely charming, with plenty to see and do – but which is best for budgets? In our guide, we’ll be comparing things to do in the two seaside towns to see which comes out cheapest.
Please note: all prices were correct as of August 2026. Prices are subject to change, please check websites for more information.
Where to find it:Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3TT
We hope you’ve got a head for heights, Spinnaker Tower stands at 170 metres! The magnificent tower is shaped like a sail and offers stunning 23-mile views across the city and the harbour.
Spinnaker Tower prices
Adults (16+ years)
£12.00 (was £19.50)
Children (3 - 15 years)
£10.00 (was 15.50)
These ticket prices have been reduced as part of Spinnaker Tower’s Summer of Savings offer and are available until 1 September 2026. Check the official Spinnaker Tower website for the latest prices before visiting.
Where to find it:393 Old Commercial Road, Portsmouth PO1 4QL
Pay a visit to the house where legendary writer Charles Dickens was born. Explore the life of this great author through displays around the house. Visit the rooms he grew up in, with delightful original and restored furnishings and decorations. Plus, get 20% off entry when you travel by train thanks to SWR Rewards.
Where to find it: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3PB
Dive into an underwater safari and see what you can spot in the murky depths. Blue Reef Aquarium is home to wonderful and wacky fish, from the Nemo-looking clownfish to the adorable axolotls. It’s a great family activity for weekend breaks by the sea in the UK.
Blue Reef Aquarium prices
Adults (13+ years)
£16.10
Children (3 - 12 years)
£12.90
Senior (65+ years)
£15.10
Under 3s
Free
The best outdoor attractions in Portsmouth
Being the coastal city that it is, Portsmouth offers lots to do in the great outdoors. Here are some of our top picks:
Southsea Beach
Where to find it: Portsmouth, PO4 0SP
Come rain or shine, paddles in the sea are what seaside breaks in the UK are all about, and this long stretch of shingle beach is perfect for just that. Connecting Old Portsmouth to Eastney, it’s the ideal place for a waterside stroll. There’s also a traditional seaside pier, South Parade Pier, which offers an arcade, fairground rides and plenty of fun for all the family. For more coastal inspiration, explore our guide to the best beaches in the South West.
Gunwharf Quays is a designer outlet on Portsmouth’s scenic waterfront. Browse high-end goods at bargain prices, with over 90 stores ranging from Adidas to Balmain. There is also a bowling alley, cinema and casino in the centre, plus a wide range of delicious eateries.
A boat trip is the best way to enjoy Portsmouth’s iconic harbour. Join a Portsmouth Harbour Tour with Solent Cruises, departing from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard or Gunwharf Quays. The 45-to-50-minute cruise takes you around Portsmouth Naval Base, with views of historic and modern Royal Navy warships.
Portsmouth Harbour Tours prices
Adults (15+ years)
£15.00
Children (5 - 14 years)
£10.00
Under 4s
Free
Where to eat and drink on a budget in Portsmouth
You’re sure to get hungry at some point along your trip, and luckily, Portsmouth has some great eateries to choose from:
With seagulls and ice cream galore, Brighton probably comes to mind when you picture a traditional British seaside holiday. The city is easy to reach by train from London Victoria, Portsmouth & Southsea and Southampton Central. If travelling from London Waterloo, change at Clapham Junction for a direct train to Brighton. From glorious beaches to fascinating museums, let’s see how Brighton compares to Portsmouth regarding cost.
The best indoor attractions in Brighton
Are you looking for things to do indoors in Brighton? These activities are perfect all year round.
Where to find it: Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
At 162 metres high, the i360 is a moving observation tower offering 360-degree views of Brighton, the South Downs and the town’s stunning coastline. Choose a classic View 360 ride, enjoy a meal or drink in the sky, or take your visit to new heights with the Sky Walk or Climb.
Where to find it: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE
Brighton Royal Pavilion is one of Brighton’s most famous buildings, attracting sightseers and architecture enthusiasts year-round. This Grade I listed palace is adorned with gold dragon decorations and plenty of grandeur, plus beautiful gardens ideal for a stroll.
Aquariums always make for a great rainy-day activity, and Brighton’s SEA LIFE doesn’t disappoint. The world’s oldest aquarium, you’ll find a variety of underwater creatures here, from stingrays to turtles.
SEA LIFE prices
Adults (15+ years)
£19.25
Children (2 - 14 years)
£16.62
Under 2s
Free
The best outdoor attractions in Brighton
Head outside and check out some of these top outdoor attractions in Brighton. They’re good fun no matter the time of year:
Brighton Beach
Where to find it: 4 Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1ET
Brighton Beach is one of the most popular British beaches, particularly during warmer weather, making it a great choice for weekend breaks by the sea in the UK. The shingle beach stretches four miles and is ideal for a paddle or sunbathing. There’s also lots to enjoy on the seafront, from the nostalgic Brighton Palace Pier to numerous ice cream shops dotted around the area.
Where to find it:The Waterfront, Brighton Marina BN2 5WA
Brighton Marina is a bustling activity hub centred around a busy yacht harbour. Check out the shops, bars and restaurants in the area, or stroll through and admire the boats moored there.
Where to find it: Unit 1, West Jetty, Brighton Marina
There’s something about a boat trip that makes you feel like you’re abroad, and Brighton Prestige offers various tours. Their Harbour, Pier, and i360 trip whisk you down the coastline, passing some of the city’s famous sights along the way.
Brighton Prestige prices: The Harbour, Pier, and i360 trip cost £20.50 per person
Where to eat and drink on a budget in Brighton
Feeling peckish? Head to one of these delicious eateries in Brighton:
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