Brighton isn’t just a seaside destination with a lively pier and pebble beaches; it’s also a city with a thriving nightlife scene that reflects its diverse character. Whether you’re into classic pubs, craft breweries, or food-and-beer pairings, Brighton offers a range of drinking tours that cater to all tastes. We especially love the Brighton Bar Crawl for its energetic vibe and insider access, and the Half Day Beer Tour of Lewes for its local beer heritage combined with historical insights. These experiences show a city that takes its drinking seriously—and with style.
If you want to explore Brighton’s lively pubs or discover the surrounding town’s brewing culture, this guide will help you choose the perfect tour. From quick evening pub crawls to more in-depth beer safaris, there’s something here for every type of traveler eager to enjoy the city’s spirited side.
Quick Overview
Our list features three top-rated drinking tours in Brighton, each offering a unique perspective on local beverages and social scenes. First, there’s the Brighton Bar Crawl, a fun-filled five-hour evening adventure through Brighton’s most popular pubs and clubs. Next, the Half Day Beer Tour of Lewes takes you on a guided walk around Lewes’ historic breweries, perfect for beer connoisseurs wanting a deeper dive into local brews. Lastly, the Brighton Food and Beer Walking Tour combines beer tastings with delicious bites in a small-group setting. Read on for detailed reviews of each.
1. Brighton Bar Crawl
This Brighton Bar Crawl is one of the most popular ways to experience Brighton’s nightlife. For just around $20.59 per person, you get approximately five hours of guided pub-hopping, with speedy entry to avoid long lines at busy venues. The tour kicks off at The Font on Union Street and takes you to five different bars, including beachside pubs, cocktail lounges, and lively clubs. A professional photographer tags along to capture your night, making it easy to relax and enjoy the moment without worrying about photos.
What sets this tour apart is its balance of social fun and insider access. The included discounted drinks and up to five free shots help your budget go further, and the friendly guides are known for their energy and local knowledge. Reviews highlight the lively atmosphere and good mix of people—”Olla was an amazing guide! So fun! The drinks were well priced,” says one happy guest. For many, this is a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers or locals and get a true taste of Brighton’s party scene.
Bottom Line: If you want a relaxed yet lively evening with quick access to Brighton’s best nightspots, this guided pub crawl offers great value and plenty of memories.
2. Half Day Beer Tour of Lewes
At number two, the Half Day Beer Tour of Lewes offers a more in-depth look at local brewing traditions. For around $75.39, you’ll spend about four and a half hours walking through Lewes, a historic town just outside Brighton. This guided tour visits four prominent breweries, including Sussex’s oldest Harvey’s Brewery, where you’ll learn about their centuries-old brewing methods. The tour also explores Beak Brewery, renowned for its heavily hopped US-style beers, and Abyss Brewing, which offers a wide variety of craft beers, cocktails, and wines.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of beer tasting and local history. Guests are sampling at each brewery, enjoying everything from heritage ales to contemporary craft brews. The guide’s expertise helps you understand what makes each beer special, and the walk between stops adds a nice scenic touch. One reviewer notes, “Tour guide Kelly is an expert on the region and shares a wealth of knowledge about the brewing scene.” This tour is perfect for those wanting to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each pint and learn about Lewes’ brewing heritage.
Bottom Line: For beer lovers craving a guided exploration of Lewes’ top breweries along with tastings and local insights, this tour offers excellent value and a relaxed pace.
3. The Brighton Food and Beer Walking Tour
Finally, the Brighton Food and Beer Walking Tour is a small-group experience designed for those who want to pair local food and craft beers. Priced at about $89 for roughly three hours, it’s limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personal, intimate outing. The tour begins in the city center and visits five popular venues, where your guides—who are well-versed in food and beer pairing—offer generous tastings of both.
This tour stands out for its learning opportunities—your guides will teach you the fundamentals of food-and-beer pairing, while you sample different brews and snacks. It’s perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a relaxed pace while getting a taste of Brighton’s vibrant culinary scene. Reviews mention that it’s a great way to feel like a local and discover lesser-known bars and eateries. The focus on pairing makes this a more educational experience, ideal for those curious about how flavors complement each other.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in learning the art of beer pairing while exploring Brighton’s food scene, this small-group tour offers a balanced mix of fun and education.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour
When deciding between these Brighton drinking tours, think about your preferences and priorities. The Brighton Bar Crawl is perfect if you’re after a lively, social evening with quick access to the city’s best bars, especially if you’re new to Brighton. For a more in-depth beer experience and a taste of local brewing traditions, the Half Day Beer Tour of Lewes is ideal, especially if you like history and craft beers. If you prefer pairing food with beer and enjoy smaller groups, then the Food and Beer Walking Tour offers a personalized way to explore Brighton’s culinary scene.
Consider your budget, time available, and whether you want a guided, educational experience or simply to enjoy a fun night out. Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Brighton offers a variety of drinking experiences that suit different tastes—from energetic pub crawls to beer tasting adventures and culinary pairings. For a lively evening with friends, the Brighton Bar Crawl is hard to beat. If you’re genuinely interested in local breweries and beer history, the Lewes beer tour provides a rich, relaxed exploration. For those wanting to combine beer and food while learning some pairings, the small-group Food and Beer Walking Tour is a perfect choice.
No matter which tour you choose, each provides a great way to enjoy Brighton’s local beverage scene and meet like-minded travelers. Be sure to book early, prepare for a fun day or evening, and most importantly—raise a glass to your Brighton adventure.