Brighton is renowned for its eclectic mix of pubs, bars, and lively nightlife, making it a perfect city for drinking tours. Whether you’re into hopping between beachside pubs, sampling local brews, or enjoying themed events like Halloween, Brighton offers something for every drinker. One standout is the Brighton Bar Crawl, which combines lively venues, discounted drinks, and a fun atmosphere—all with the bonus of a photographer capturing your night. Its reputation for being energetic and well-organized makes it a favorite for first-timers eager to experience Brighton’s best pubs.
For those interested in beer, the Half Day Beer Tour of Lewes offers a guided walk through historic breweries and a chance to taste a variety of local brews, including heritage beers and craft styles. If you’re celebrating Halloween, the Brighton Halloween Bar Crawl provides a spooky twist to your night out, with themed pubs and costumes. For a more comprehensive day out that includes scenic views and wine tasting, the Seven Sisters Coast, Rathfinny Wine Estate & Longman Brewery mixes sightseeing with tasting sessions.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour to help you decide which fits your mood, budget, and interests best.
1. Brighton Bar Crawl
Starting with the Brighton Bar Crawl, this tour offers an immersive nightlife experience through the city’s premier pubs and clubs. It lasts around five hours and costs about $20.59 per person, making it a budget-friendly way to explore Brighton’s vibrant evening scene. The tour kicks off at The Font on Union Street at 19:30, where you’ll meet your lively guides. From there, you’ll visit four more venues along the lanes and beachfront, enjoying priority entry to avoid long waits—crucial in Brighton’s bustling nightlife.
What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of up to five free shots, drink promotions, and a professional photographer who will capture candid moments throughout the night. Reviews highlight how fun and energetic the guides are, with one reviewer praising guide Olla as “amazing” and noting the group’s friendly vibe. It’s perfect for travelers who want to meet like-minded people while enjoying Brighton’s coolest spots.
The tour offers an authentic taste of Brighton’s bar scene, from character-filled pubs to cocktail clubs. It’s ideal if you’re on a budget, love socializing, and want a lively snapshot of Brighton after dark. Bottom line: a lively, sociable, and well-organized evening that guarantees good memories and great photos.
2. Half Day Beer Tour of Lewes
At number 2, the Half Day Beer Tour of Lewes combines craftsmanship, history, and local flavor. For about $75.39 and roughly four and a half hours, you’ll explore Lewes, a town famous for its brewing tradition. This guided walk takes you to four top breweries, where you’ll sample different types of beer, including heritage ales and contemporary brews—some of which are produced right at each stop.
The tour begins at Harvey’s Yard, Sussex’s oldest continuously operating brewery, where you’ll learn about its traditional methods. From there, visiting the John Harvey Tavern offers a chance to taste well-kept cask ales. Beak Brewery is next, known for heavily hopped US-style beers and seasonal specials, while Abyss Brewery + Tap serves a wide variety of beers, cocktails, and wines. The guide, with local expertise, enriches the experience with stories about Lewes’ beer scene.
Guests rave about the personal touch—one reviewer called Colin “amazing” and appreciated the fun facts along the way. This tour is perfect for beer lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting an engaging, walkable brewery experience. It offers excellent value, especially given the quality of tastings and local insights.
Bottom line: a relaxed, immersive brewery tour that offers diverse beers, local stories, and a friendly guide—an ideal choice for those wanting more than just a pint.
3. Brighton Halloween Bar Crawl
For a spooky twist, the Brighton Halloween Bar Crawl turns Brighton’s lively pub scene into a night of themed fun. With a modest price of around $34.71, you get a five-hour evening of costume, cocktails, and camaraderie. Starting at Fitz Regent on Castle Square at 7:30 pm, this tour guides you through the most spirited pubs in Brighton’s lanes.
What sets this apart is its focus on Halloween festivities—costumes are encouraged, and the pubs are decked out for the occasion. The guide makes sure everyone feels included and mixes the group for social fun. Included in the experience is a visit to Be At One Brighton, a popular cocktail bar where you’ll enjoy music, dancing, and lively bar staff.
This tour is ideal if you’re visiting during October or want an excuse to dress up and indulge in themed drinks. Its single review is glowing, calling it “a very fun night,” with plenty of great company and a well-organized itinerary.
Bottom line: if you enjoy themed parties and festive atmospheres, this Halloween pub crawl is a memorable way to celebrate and see Brighton’s nightlife in a different light.
4. Seven Sisters Coast, Rathfinny Wine Estate & Longman Brewery
Finally, the Seven Sisters Coast, Rathfinny Wine Estate & Longman Brewery offers a full-day experience blending stunning scenery with vintage wines and craft beers. For around $194 and lasting roughly six hours, this tour is perfect for those seeking a relaxed day with scenic views and tastings.
The journey includes a drive past Devil’s Dyke, offering panoramic views of the 700-foot V-shaped valley. You’ll visit Seaford Head Nature Reserve for a 45-minute stop to admire the iconic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. Then, it’s on to Rathfinny Wine Estate, where a tour of the vineyards reveals how Sussex sparkling wines are crafted from hand-harvested grapes. After sampling their vintage sparkling wines, the tour continues to Long Man Brewery in Litlington, renowned for award-winning beers brewed in a historic flint barn. Throughout the day, your guide shares local stories and a bit of regional history.
Guests have praised the casual, intimate vibe, with one mentioning the “relaxed pace” and the chance to enjoy freshly baked pastries with a pint. It suits travelers wanting a combination of sightseeing, wine, and beer in a small, comfortable setting.
Bottom line: a scenic, all-inclusive day perfect for those who appreciate good drinks paired with beautiful landscapes and rural charm.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Brighton
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interests, and the kind of experience you prefer. If you want a fun, social night out with lots of energy, the Brighton Bar Crawl is hard to beat. For lovers of beer and local history, the Lewes beer tour provides a comprehensive tasting experience with knowledgeable guides. If you’re visiting during Halloween or enjoy themed festivities, the Halloween pub crawl offers a festive twist.
For those more interested in scenery and wine, the full-day tour to the Seven Sisters and Rathfinny Wine Estate provides a relaxing pace along with spectacular views. Keep in mind that some tours (like the wine and beer trip) are more costly but include more in-depth tastings and sightseeing.
Booking early is wise, particularly for themed or popular tours, especially during peak seasons. Think about what excites you most—beers, parties, scenic views—and choose accordingly. All these tours offer a unique way to experience Brighton’s lively drinking culture.
Brighton’s drinking scene is diverse enough to suit any style—whether you prefer a lively pub crawl, tasting local brews, or enjoying scenic vineyards. With careful planning, you can find a tour that fits your style and makes your trip memorable. Remember to pace yourself and enjoy every sip of what Brighton has to offer. Cheers!
