Sociability Mapping Day: Accessible Places in Brighton

On 1 September, the Sociability team headed to sunny Brighton for another one of our favourite parts of the job: a mapping day! As we were already working at our HQ in London, it did not take us long to get the train to the coast. We managed to book via Passenger Assist, and the station staff were ready with a ramp for our wheelchair users the moment we arrived.

It has been fantastic to map so many Northern cities recently, but we were eager to head south and meet some of our local mappers and regular app users. A huge thank you to Meghan and Lauren for being such brilliant guides on the day!

How accessible is Brighton?

As several of our team were wheelchair users on the day, we did encounter a few barriers while navigating the city. Many of the historic streets are heavily cobbled and some are incredibly steep.

If you are a manual wheelchair user, getting around the city centre can be tricky, so the local bus service is a useful alternative. The famous "Lanes" are beautiful and a must-visit for a "mooch" around the independent shops. However, we recommend visiting in the summer months: many of the smaller shops have a step at the entrance, so the outdoor atmosphere is much more inclusive when the weather is fine.

Despite the hills, there is definitely a brilliant day out to be had if you plan your route in advance.

3 Top Accessible Places in Brighton

If you are not sure where to head first, we have you covered. Here are 3 of our top recommendations for accessible places in Brighton:

• BOHEMIA
  Bohemia is an impressive restaurant and bar located right next to The Lanes. It is incredibly spacious with plenty of turning space for larger powerchairs.

  • Facilities: It features a radar-locked accessible toilet that also includes a baby changing table.

  • Atmosphere: There is a large outdoor seating area if you prefer to sit in the fresh air. The staff were friendly, and it is definitely a spot we would head back to (especially for the cocktail menu!).

  
  

• PAVILION GARDENS CAFE
  This family-owned, open-air cafe is situated in the heart of Brighton’s most popular attraction: the historic Royal Pavilion Gardens.

  • The Vibe: This was a perfect meeting spot for our mappers. There is plenty of flat, level space to navigate and a fantastic view of the greenery.

  • Experience: It is an ideal place to meet friends at a table while enjoying drinks and snacks right in the centre of the city.

  
  

• REDROASTER CAFE
  If you need to settle down with a laptop to catch up on a few emails or just want a modern space for a coffee, Redroaster is a great choice.

  • Layout: There are limited tables outside and a line of tables and chairs inside.

  • Note on Entry: We should flag that there is a slight "lip" at the entrance. We have included an image of this on the Sociability app so you can check if it is doable for your specific mobility aid before you visit.
    
    

Building a community down South!

We loved visiting Brighton as we got to meet new friends of Sociability but also link with friends we’ve met before (like George, Jessikah and Lauren!). We all agreed that these days not only help us get more venues on the map but also help us link disabled people together. The importance of community is always highlighted to us on these days and we can’t wait to see how they grow in the future. If you’re based in the south, keep an eye on our socials as we may be announcing another mapping day very soon .

FAQ: Exploring Accessible Places in Brighton

1. Are the Brighton Lanes wheelchair accessible?

The Lanes are paved but can be narrow and crowded. While the atmosphere is lovely, many of the older, independent shops have steps at the entrance. For a more modern and fully level shopping experience, the Churchill Square Shopping Centre is a reliable alternative nearby.

2. Is there an accessible toilet near Brighton Beach?

Yes, there are several accessible toilets along the seafront, including a Changing Places facility located at the Shelter Hall on Western Esplanade. You can find the exact locations and access codes (where required) by searching "Brighton" in the Sociability app.

3. Can I take a wheelchair onto Brighton Pier?

The Brighton Palace Pier is largely accessible with flat wooden decking throughout. Most of the entertainment and food stalls are on a level surface, though some of the specific fairground rides may have restrictions.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this post.

Planning a trip? Download the Sociability app to find accessible cafés, bars, and restaurants that meet your specific needs in seconds. You can also join our community and follow us on Instagram for the latest inclusive spots!

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