Kemptown
Kemptown
4.4
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4.4
469 reviews
Excellent
262
Very good
157
Average
34
Poor
9
Terrible
7
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Jakub
Havirov, Czech Republic1,056 contributions
Jul 2023
I had accommodation in Kemptown and I can recommend to those who are looking for some cheaper accommodation in Brighton, definitely try to look here. Compared to the center itself, it is cheaper. In addition, there are a ton of restaurants here and I even had a short walk to the beach or Brighton Pier.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
reginald b
12 contributions
Nov 2021
Kempton is quite a traditional part of this city with a diverse amount of things to see and do . Little quirky smaller hotels and restaurants make it different to more central areas of Brighton . Can recommend walking along to this area .
Written 19 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChesterLeStreet
Brighton, UK274 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We've lived in Kemptown for over thirty years and people should know that St James's Street isn't in Kemptown. Yes, the council would like to re-brand it but locals never think it's part of Kemptown proper. Walk up St Jame's Street (tacky) until Upper Rock Gardens and that's where it starts. Cross the road past the Black Dove (beards, tats and craft ale) keep walking East, past Hand in Hand (great little pub), fleamarket, Sidewinder (music pub)until a dog-leg where there's a selection of good cafés and pubs, the pick being the Thomas Kemp (with sunny terrace) and Ginger Dog (great food but pricey). Walk past the beautiful historic St George's church and turn right towards the seafront and The Bristol Bar has brilliant sea views and good food. A ten minute walk East has Busby and Wilds' pub – fantastic for Sunday Brunch and Café Marmalade does the best breakfast in Brighton.Continue East to gawp at Sussex Square with its wedding cake architecture. Further East is the Marina which has lousy shops and a bunch of chain restaurants, but good if eating alfresco on a warm day. That's my Kemptown – not St James's Street, as any Brightonian will tell you...
Written 20 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrs_WP
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK56 contributions
Apr 2023
I feel like I’m missing something… I was looking forward to visiting Kemptown after hearing about it and reading reviews. I thought it was ‘ok’, in all honestly I was a bit disappointed. Some nice architecture, shops, cafes etc a few streets back from the seafront, but also some neglected buildings and dirty, unloved areas. It certainly didn’t feel like one of the most bohemian and best neighbourhoods to live in the UK. A nice enough area, lovely sea front walk, but felt very overrated to me.
Written 14 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SilverGrannie
Hitchin53 contributions
Dec 2019
Walked through kemptown between the marina and royal pavilion, one street back from sea front. Nothing stood out. Typical mix of old and new buildings, some neglected and some better maintained.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ross G
Worthing, UK30 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
Amazing cocktails in this place. Always worth the walk up and stumble down..
Definitely recommended to anyone new to the area. Very chilled vibes with a nice cotch area underground. I come here with my best mate every time we're in Brighton together to start our night. Prices are definitely worth what you get!
Definitely recommended to anyone new to the area. Very chilled vibes with a nice cotch area underground. I come here with my best mate every time we're in Brighton together to start our night. Prices are definitely worth what you get!
Written 30 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janis H
Shefford, UK29 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
Evidence of a real homelessness problem. Sleeping bags and belongings on streets and benches. Number of people drinking in public, cheap cans of cider. Quite intimidating at times.
Written 5 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pencooper
Brighton, UK49 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
Kemptown begins at the bottom of St James St , but where does it end ? The answer I think has to be Arundel Road which is way past where the guy from Cardiff who was so upset with the dirt etc got to.
The St James Street end is gay paradise with loads of gay bars and clubs, this carries on until you reach Rock Gardens and St Mary 's Church(John Betjemen liked this church apparantly, not sure why ,it is a big red-brick building ,Pevsner might haved liked it as well, note to self ,must look it up) , I have been to concerts there , they have jumble sales as well. At Rock Gardens carry on over the crossing, on the right is an antique shop owned by Mark Stacey, look in the window, he won't be there , and the Sidewinder a big pub with loads of space out at the back. then more antiquey type shops, and the Hand in Hand ,and the Flea Market (stuffed animals to buy or view). Carry on into Kemptown Village proper where you can bump into people like Dora Bryan and Simon Fanshawe, buy fab meat and cheese from Bramptons, get your superior veg from Protoveg, get your pictures framed , prescriptions, get hair done at fabulous Enzo's where the fabulous Bill hangs out ready to give you the best hair cut ever. Further on the Barley Mow (somewhat declined ) , buy hardware at Bedford Hardware have a cup of tea and a bun whilst you source your retro furniture , buy patisserie from Real Patiserie and wine from Butlers . don't forget to visit St Georges Church an arcitectural gem, maybe catch a concert there , from classical to the Beach Boys. this is where Kemptown shops peter out , if you venture further you will find the Rock , a darkish sort of of pub with a cosy back bar , does food but I have never eaten here .
The Rock actually backs on to Lewes Crescent and Sussex Square and you have practically reached the Marina.
If there are part of Kemptown which don't appeal the n you can avoid these by getting a number 7 bus. (these go from Brighton station to the Marina on an every seven minute basis) ask the driver where you should off for your venue of choice .
The bottom end of Kemptown is the busyist and can be overwhelming but it's close to the pier and the wheel. I wouldn't say Kemptown has facilities for kids , they would be happier walking along the seafront . The seafront runs parallell to St James St and St Georges Road and is a street away so families could do a kind off trade off nipping from one to the other
Apologies to all the fooderies etc I haven't mentioned , there are many ,easy access by bus. Brighton and Hove buses do have wheelchair facilities the number 1 andthe 7 are most frequent.
A Kemptown foray can be long and tiring but the area is full of interest and watering holes to rest sore feet , kids can be accomodated at Peter Pans Playground and buses provide escape route. Parking on Madeira Drive is expensive but closest,.
The St James Street end is gay paradise with loads of gay bars and clubs, this carries on until you reach Rock Gardens and St Mary 's Church(John Betjemen liked this church apparantly, not sure why ,it is a big red-brick building ,Pevsner might haved liked it as well, note to self ,must look it up) , I have been to concerts there , they have jumble sales as well. At Rock Gardens carry on over the crossing, on the right is an antique shop owned by Mark Stacey, look in the window, he won't be there , and the Sidewinder a big pub with loads of space out at the back. then more antiquey type shops, and the Hand in Hand ,and the Flea Market (stuffed animals to buy or view). Carry on into Kemptown Village proper where you can bump into people like Dora Bryan and Simon Fanshawe, buy fab meat and cheese from Bramptons, get your superior veg from Protoveg, get your pictures framed , prescriptions, get hair done at fabulous Enzo's where the fabulous Bill hangs out ready to give you the best hair cut ever. Further on the Barley Mow (somewhat declined ) , buy hardware at Bedford Hardware have a cup of tea and a bun whilst you source your retro furniture , buy patisserie from Real Patiserie and wine from Butlers . don't forget to visit St Georges Church an arcitectural gem, maybe catch a concert there , from classical to the Beach Boys. this is where Kemptown shops peter out , if you venture further you will find the Rock , a darkish sort of of pub with a cosy back bar , does food but I have never eaten here .
The Rock actually backs on to Lewes Crescent and Sussex Square and you have practically reached the Marina.
If there are part of Kemptown which don't appeal the n you can avoid these by getting a number 7 bus. (these go from Brighton station to the Marina on an every seven minute basis) ask the driver where you should off for your venue of choice .
The bottom end of Kemptown is the busyist and can be overwhelming but it's close to the pier and the wheel. I wouldn't say Kemptown has facilities for kids , they would be happier walking along the seafront . The seafront runs parallell to St James St and St Georges Road and is a street away so families could do a kind off trade off nipping from one to the other
Apologies to all the fooderies etc I haven't mentioned , there are many ,easy access by bus. Brighton and Hove buses do have wheelchair facilities the number 1 andthe 7 are most frequent.
A Kemptown foray can be long and tiring but the area is full of interest and watering holes to rest sore feet , kids can be accomodated at Peter Pans Playground and buses provide escape route. Parking on Madeira Drive is expensive but closest,.
Written 6 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Turtle5954
Warrington, UK1,880 contributions
May 2022
Bohemian feel around Kemp Town. Lots of little restauarants, cafes and shops. Very nice and only a few minutes from old Steine
Written 22 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vikkiRLondon
Horningsham, UK20 contributions
Jun 2019 • Business
I have two flats in Kemp Town and am soon to move to the area for good myself I cannot wait. I dont know Brighton that well really, I have been an occasional visitor over the years, but I love my time spent in Kemp Town. It is very LGBT friendly, it has the pride street party once a year and has it's own Kemp Town Carnival which was just last weekend and was fabulous. As a gay person myself, I feel very safe and feel like this is the one true place I can 100% be myself, e.g walk down the street holding hands with my partner should I want to. Not even in London can I do that. Move to Kemp Town, explore Kemp Town, it is a great area full of lovely local shops and cafes! Go to Busby & Wilds that is also a great pub that does food.
Written 3 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can anyone tell me what times the flea market is open
Written 30 August 2018
Hi. Can anyone recommend a quiet hotel in Kemptown? Thanks. (Our budget is flexible.)
Written 20 April 2017
Hi cannot advise you really as it depends on your budget. Look for accommodation in Upper Rock Gardens as that is a lovely area. Do not book anything on St James's Street as that is always busy but lovely.If you really want somewhere quiet you could book somewhere on The Marina.
Written 22 April 2017
Hilly J
Plymouth, United Kingdom
1,852 contributions
How much of the area has disabled access?
Written 15 July 2015
The pavements are quite well negotiable in a wheelchair as the kerbs are dropped at the ends of the roads. Some shops do have disabled access upon request but some are at street level. As the previous person says, Kemptown is actually a suburb of Brighton, although there are interesting shops, restaurants, bars etc. I have been using either a chair or crutches for the past few months due to a serious knee operation and have found getting around OK. My husband was pushing me, however, but he got on quite well.
Written 16 July 2015
Where do you recommend to stay 7n brighton (self accommodation. 1 week.quiet surroznding.at the sea)
Thanks!
Written 20 January 2015
I can recommend Coward's Guest House. Great breakfast and friendly hosts.
Written 9 April 2017
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