Few away trips in the Premier League can rival Brighton for its mix of football, seaside charm, and a buzzing nightlife. Whether you’re there just for the match or planning to make a weekend of it, a trip to the south coast has become a favourite for many travelling supporters. Brighton is a vibrant city with a reputation for being welcoming, lively, and a little bit quirky – and the Amex Stadium provides one of the most modern matchday experiences in the league. Here’s your guide to Brighton away.
The City: Seaside and Style
Brighton is known as “London by the sea” – and it’s easy to see why. The city combines classic British seaside attractions with a cosmopolitan, bohemian atmosphere. The famous pier, pebble beach, and seafront arcades sit alongside independent coffee shops, quirky pubs, and trendy bars.
For away fans, this means there’s plenty to do before and after the match. The Lanes – a maze of narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and bars – is worth exploring, while the beachfront is usually packed on sunny days. Many supporters turn Brighton away into a full day or weekend trip, especially when fixtures fall in the warmer months.
The Stadium: American Express Stadium (Amex)
Brighton’s home, the Amex Stadium, opened in 2011 and has quickly established itself as one of the most modern and comfortable grounds in the Premier League. With a capacity of around 31,000, it’s bigger than you might expect, and the design makes for excellent views from all seats.
Away fans are housed in the South Stand, with allocations ranging from 3,000 for bigger clubs to smaller numbers depending on the fixture. The facilities are among the best you’ll find: wide concourses, plenty of food and drink kiosks, and modern amenities. The seats are padded too – a luxury compared to many other grounds.
The acoustics can be strong, and if your team brings a big following, you’ll make plenty of noise. Brighton fans are vocal as well, so the atmosphere is often lively.
Getting There
By Train
The Amex is located in Falmer, about four miles outside Brighton city centre. Falmer station is directly next to the stadium, and trains run regularly from Brighton (about 10 minutes), Lewes, and other nearby towns.
From London, trains to Brighton run from Victoria, London Bridge, and Blackfriars, usually taking just over an hour. Be aware that services after full-time can be very busy – expect queues at Falmer station, though the system is well-organised.
By Car
Driving to the Amex isn’t the best option. Parking is extremely limited around the stadium, and restrictions are tightly enforced. If you must drive, park in designated park-and-ride sites or in Brighton itself and take public transport to Falmer.
By Coach
Club coaches usually drop off close to the away end. This is the simplest option if you’re travelling long distance, as you’ll avoid the headache of train queues and parking.
Pubs and Pre-Match Drinks
Brighton is renowned for its nightlife, and there’s no shortage of options for a pre-match pint. Most away fans choose to drink in the city centre before heading out to the stadium.
- The Railway Bell (opposite Brighton station) – A common meeting point for away fans, easy for those arriving by train.
- The King and Queen – A large pub with big screens and plenty of space, popular with football crowds.
- Seafront bars – Perfect on a sunny day, though pricier than your standard football boozer.
Near the stadium itself, options are limited, and most pubs close to Falmer are home-fan only. The best plan is to enjoy the city centre, then jump on the train to the ground.
Food Options
Inside the Amex, the food is better than average for football grounds. Pies are a particular highlight – Brighton’s locally sourced offerings have won awards – and there’s a good selection of beers and ciders.
In the city centre, Brighton has everything from fish and chips on the seafront to vegan cafes and fine dining. If you’re making a day of it, it’s well worth grabbing food before heading up to the stadium.
Where to Stay
If you’re staying overnight, Brighton has options for every budget. There are plenty of hotels and B&Bs along the seafront, from chains like Premier Inn to boutique independents. For those looking for nightlife, staying near the pier or in The Lanes puts you right in the heart of things.
Many fans use Brighton away as an excuse for a weekend trip, combining football with a night out in one of the UK’s best party cities.
The Atmosphere
The Amex has grown into one of the Premier League’s louder grounds, particularly since Brighton’s rise under Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi. The home supporters pack the North Stand behind the goal, and the acoustics of the stadium keep the noise levels high.
For away fans, the South Stand allocation allows for a big following, and the modern facilities make it a comfortable and enjoyable experience. On a big matchday, the back-and-forth between both sets of supporters can be excellent.
Making the Most of It
Brighton away isn’t just about the football – it’s about the whole experience. The city’s seaside setting, buzzing nightlife, and welcoming vibe make it one of the most popular away days in the calendar. Whether you’re after a relaxed day by the beach, a lively pub crawl, or just a modern stadium experience, Brighton ticks every box.
The only real drawbacks are the train queues post-match and the distance from the city centre to the stadium, but those are small trade-offs for what’s otherwise a top-tier away day.
Final Thoughts
Brighton offers a Premier League away trip like no other. From the lively seafront to the modern Amex Stadium, it’s a day out that combines the best of football and leisure. Whether you’re heading down just for the 90 minutes or turning it into a weekend away, Brighton delivers one of the most enjoyable experiences for travelling supporters.
If you’re lucky enough to get the fixture on a sunny day, it might just become the highlight of your season.
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