Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
A tour of Brighton from a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer perspective, in a colourful 90-minute walk along the beach and historic city centre.
We take in over 200 years of history including Regency Dandies, 1950s lesbian and gay life, and political activism. We learn about Anne Lister's trip to Brighton (subject of BBC/HBO series Gentleman Jack), as well as Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde and Dusty Springfield. We also uncover some extraordinary unsung heroes, including a pioneering doctor who lived as a man long before women were allowed to practice medicine, an Edwardian 'drag king' and a 'same-sex' marriage in 1923.
This is a small group tour (maximum 12), for a high quality experience.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Blue Badge guide
Local guide
Gratuities
Brighton Beach
We walk along the seafront with it beach and hotel, learning about the historic people and events associated with this area.
The Lanes
We go inland into the old town with its 18th and 19th century buildings, narrow alleyways - sights include a historic pub, a theatre and Brighton Town Hall
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kayla K,
May 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was a great tour around Brighton and I learned a lot. Ric is very knowledgable and a wonderful tour guide!
MARTIN I,
Apr 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
The guide was knowledgeable and engaging in bringing to life the history and the pictures in his flip folder added to verbal commandary.
Christianne B,
Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
We went on the LGBTQ+ history tour of Brighton this Saturday and absolutely loved it. Our guide, Ric, was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and thorough – you could tell how passionate he was about sharing Brighton’s rich and fascinating queer history. Even as locals, we learned so much and heard incredible stories we’d never come across before. It really made us see our city in a new light. Highly recommend this tour to anyone – visitors and locals alike – who want to understand more about Brighton’s LGBTQ+ history and the amazing people who helped shape it.

momoh249,
Jul 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We really appreciated the opportunity to get a tour learning about the queer history of brighton. We particularly liked how Ric included storys of gay, lesbian and trans people, while being very aware of his language and having a poignant critical view on past and present circumstances. 100% recommend!
Trail03540869585,
May 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Ric gave a wonderfully colorful (as it should be!) and interesting tour of the piers and the history of the city, which has been home to a whole host of different personalities in the past. It really helped to get a fuller picture of the city and appreciate it for its acceptance and energy, thanks to the tour by Ric. Highly recommended!
Roving34524648772,
Feb 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a very interesting tour. Not too long and not too short and well worth the money. I am really glad I went on the tour. I thought I knew a little about Brighton before going on this tour. It turns out I did not. I know a lot more now. Who would have thought that a few pebbles on a scrap of land where it meets the sea could yield such a regal and pioneering metropolis.
carsmi1000,
Jan 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Ric had great knowledge and provided a wonderful local tour. It was great to learn more about queer history in Brighton and Ric made the tour informative, fun, and well worth while. I definitely would recommend (:
Daniel ndg,
Oct 18, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
Ric is a highly knowledgeable and engaging guide and the tour was exactly what I wanted. More than just entertaining and interesting (which it was), it's important for our community not just that our history be understood and recorded but that it be presented, and Ric does that. Well done!
kirstyaddis0n,
Dec 23, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
Lovely friendly tour guide with a fantastic breadth of knowledge on LGBTQ+ history. A beautiful walk along the seafront finishing in the town centre really contributed to our wonderful weekend in Brighton - would highly recommend the Piers and Queers tour. Katherine and Kirsty
Chintan N,
Aug 22, 2017
- Review from Viator
Ric was a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable about the people and places that are an essential part of Brighton's LGBTQ history. Moving, inspirational and fascinating exploration of the real-life characters involved in shaping the vibrant, relaxed, progressive, bohemian city it is today. Highly recommended for anyone - none of us was LGBTQ in our group - with an interest in the kind of history that schools in 21st century Britain ought to be teaching, but singularly fail to.
Operated by Only in Brighton