Two days in wheelchair-friendly Brighton

Leave your suitcase at the Leonardo Hotel Brighton, a handy base that’s just a flat, five-minute walk from Brighton railway station. It was the city’s first fully graded accessible hotel under the National Accessible Scheme, with partially and fully accessible rooms available. Expect thoughtful features such as lowered beds, wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab rails and remote-controlled doors; see the hotel’s Access Statement for more.

Fancy a hit of childhood nostalgia? Brighton Toy and Model Museum has got you covered. Packed into four Victorian arches under Brighton station are 12,000 toys, mainly from the first half of the 20th century. We shouldn’t have favourites but George, the 116-year-old Steiff teddy bear belonging to the museum’s founder, is too cute to miss. The museum has ensured access for standard-size wheelchairs throughout the site, plus an accessible toilet. 

Brighton meets the Med at Lost in the Lanes, a stylish all-day café where the menu changes with the seasons but its emphasis on local produce stays the same. Graze on small plates like mango and miso chicken thigh or grilled octopus – or how about something bigger like the flat iron steak or pomegranate roasted aubergine? The venue is fully accessible and includes an accessible toilet.

The outside is inspired by Royal India, the inside has notes of Chinese opulence, and it’s all wrapped up in decadent Regency grandeur. The Brighton Pavilion, a 19th-century seaside ‘pleasure palace' in the heart of Brighton, is nothing short of dramatic. Built for the famously extravagant King George IV, it mixes tradition with eccentricity for an eye-opening visit that shouldn’t be missed. The ground floor and garden are accessible for wheelchair users, but the upper floor can only be accessed by stairs due to the building’s historic nature. 

 This award-winning venue doesn’t rest on its laurels: with top-quality cabaret, bottomless brunches, live music and club nights, there’s always something fun going on. Its comedy club is one of Brighton’s best too, with new acts taking to the stage every weekend. Accessibility-wise, there is step-free access, reserved seating, accessible loos and free companion tickets available.

Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or savoury’s more your thing, you’re in for a treat at this café in Brighton’s colourful North Laine. Choose from a rainbow of homemade pastries and cakes, washed down with artisan coffee. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has vegan and gluten-free options as well. 

This museum and gallery counts world-renowned artefacts and artworks among its collection. Its exhibitions showcase some of the city’s icons, including the LGBTQIA+ community, the  beach and local musicians. It’s fully wheelchair-friendly, with a lift for navigating between floors, and accessible toilets are also available. The museum has also pledged to explore Deaf and disability history in its exhibitions too.

Explore Brighton’s beachfront with its iconic pier, Artists’ Quarter galleries and independent traders. Check out the wheelchair-accessible beach near Shelter Hall. Another one to add to the list is the Black Rock boardwalk, which stretches roughly half a mile on Brighton’s eastern seafront. Stop off at Sea Lanes – a hub for accessible swimming and dining on the beach. The venue was designed with wheelchairs in mind and hosts visually impaired swimming sessions. You’ll also find a Changing Places facility. 

A waterfront playground with a whole lot of tales to tell, Brighton’s Palace Pier is a must-visit in this seaside city. From its Victorian days to modern day eccentricity, there’s entertainment all along the pier. Try your luck on the arcade games and soak up the electric atmosphere at restaurants with panoramic views. The pier is accessible by wheelchair and mobility scooter, and accessible toilets are available on site.

terre à terre has been a star of Brighton’s veggie and vegan dining scene since 1993, and its Michelin Bib Gourmand and AA Rosette award are testament to its great grub. The venue has step-free access throughout, plus accessible toilets. Think plant-based fare with polish: tapas, sharing plates and even afternoon tea with three tiers of sweet treats. Is anyone else’s stomach rumbling?