Brighton Street Art Beyond The Lanes
Brighton has established itself as one of Britain’s street art capitals, with commissioned murals and spontaneous graffiti transforming the city into an outdoor gallery. While The Lanes have the most famous pieces, Brighton’s street art extends across the city—from North Laine to Kemptown, from seafront to residential streets.
This guide reveals Brighton’s street art beyond the obvious murals, explaining where to find hidden gems, understanding the difference between commissioned works and graffiti, and experiencing Brighton’s living street art scene.
Understanding Brighton’s Street Art Scene
Brighton’s street art falls into several categories:
Commissioned murals: Large-scale works commissioned by businesses, councils, or festivals. These include famous pieces like the Banksy mural in North Laine.
Graffiti and tags: Smaller works, often illegal, that appear overnight and may be quickly removed or painted over.
Stencils and paste-ups: Repetitive elements or logos that cover larger areas, often in industrial zones.
Street art festivals: Events like Brighton Fringe Festival commission large-scale murals by national and international artists.
Community projects: Local organisations commission works to brighten areas or celebrate local heritage.
What makes Brighton’s street art scene special is its diversity and quality—from world-famous artists like Banksy to local street artists, from massive murals to tiny hidden details.
Essential Street Art Locations
1. North Laine Banksy Mural
Yes, this is the famous one, but any Brighton street art tour must include it. Banksy’s mural of two kissing men is one of the world’s most famous street art works, painted on a building in North Laine’s Prince Albert Street in 2002.
What makes this mural special is its notoriety and cultural impact. The mural was one of the first major Banksy works in Brighton and helped establish the city as a street art destination. The mural has been restored multiple times and remains a Brighton landmark.
Location: Prince Albert Street, BN1 4EA (North Laine)
Access: Publicly visible 24/7 (though access to the immediate street can be blocked by vehicles)
Status: Regularly restored (check current condition before visiting)
What to expect: Famous Banksy mural, though may be partially obscured or undergoing restoration. Allow 10-15 minutes.
Note: This is Brighton’s most photographed street art piece. Early morning offers the best light and fewest crowds.
2. North Laine Street Art
North Laine has more than just the Banksy mural. The streets around the area feature numerous other works, some commissioned, some spontaneous, creating a rich street art environment.
What makes North Laine special is its density and variety. Within a few streets, you’ll find everything from large murals to tiny stencils, from professional works to spontaneous graffiti.
Key locations:
- Sydney Street: Several murals and stencils, particularly around the junctions
- Bond Street: Various works, some commissioned, some spontaneous
- Trafalgar Street: Street art along this connecting road
Location: North Laine, BN1 (around Brighton Station)
Access: Publicly visible 24/7
What to expect: Various street art works, changing regularly as works are painted over or removed. Allow 20-30 minutes to explore the area.
Dynamic: The street art here changes regularly as works are removed and new ones appear, making each visit potentially different.
3. Kemptown Street Art
Kemptown, Brighton’s bohemian neighbourhood, has a thriving street art scene with numerous murals and stencils reflecting the area’s creative, alternative character.
What makes Kemptown special is its connection to Brighton’s alternative and artistic communities. The street art here often reflects the area’s bohemian spirit, with works that are more experimental or socially engaged than in other areas.
Key locations:
- Portland Road: Several murals and stencils along this main road
- Preston Street: Works along this residential street
- Montpelier Street: Various works in this artistic neighbourhood
Location: Kemptown, BN2 (east of Brighton centre)
Access: Publicly visible 24/7
What to expect: Murals and stencils reflecting Kemptown’s artistic character. Allow 30-40 minutes to explore the area.
Community: The street art here often has strong community connections, with works celebrating local figures or issues.
Hidden Street Art Gems
4. Trafalgar Street Tunnel Murals
The Trafalgar Street tunnel beneath Brighton Station features several murals and stencils that many visitors miss. The tunnel’s walls provide a canvas for various street artists, with works that change over time.
What makes these murals special is their location—a functional tunnel turned into an impromptu gallery space. The tunnel’s atmosphere adds to the experience, with natural light filtering down from street level.
Location: Trafalgar Street, beneath Brighton Station
Access: Through the tunnel 24/7 (follow signs to the underpass)
What to expect: Various murals and stencils on tunnel walls. Allow 10-15 minutes to walk through the tunnel.
Note: The tunnel can be damp and occasionally has puddles, especially after rain. Wear appropriate footwear.
5. Brighton Fringe Festival Murals
Brighton Fringe Festival commissions large-scale murals throughout the city each year. These works are often temporary, created specifically for the festival and sometimes removed or painted over afterwards.
What makes these murals special is their temporary nature and connection to Brighton’s cultural festivals. They’re created by national and international street artists and often push artistic boundaries.
Locations: Various locations throughout the city (check festival guide for specific locations)
Access: Publicly visible 24/7 during and after festival (many works are removed later)
What to expect: Large-scale, often experimental murals in various styles.
Timing: The festival runs in May and June (check current dates). Murals are usually painted in the weeks before the festival.
6. Kemp Town Street Art
Kemp Town, just beyond Brighton’s eastern boundary, has its own street art scene with murals and stencils reflecting its coastal character and community.
What makes Kemp Town special is its connection to Brighton but distinct character. The street art here often has themes of coastal life, seafaring, and local community identity.
Location: Kemp Town (beyond Brighton Marina)
Access: Various locations, mainly around the seafront and town centre
What to expect: Murals and stencils with coastal and community themes. Allow 30-45 minutes to explore the town and find various works.
Transport: Bus service from Brighton to Kemp Town (bus 12 or 14) makes this easily accessible.
7. Hove Street Art
Hove, Brighton’s more affluent neighbour, has some notable street art, particularly around its shopping areas and streets near the beach.
What makes Hove’s street art special is its connection to Brighton’s street art scene while maintaining its own character. The works here are often more polished or commercial than in areas like North Laine or Kemptown.
Key locations:
- George Street: Several murals and stencils along this main shopping street
- Church Road: Works in this residential area near Hove’s centre
- Western Road: Various works along this main approach to Hove
Location: Hove, BN3 (west of Brighton centre)
Access: Publicly visible 24/7
What to expect: Generally more polished street art, often with commercial themes or community messages. Allow 30-40 minutes to explore the area.
Walking: Hove is easily walkable from Brighton centre (approximately 30 minutes along the seafront).
8. Shoreham Street Art
Shoreham-by-Sea, just beyond Brighton’s western boundary, has some street art reflecting its coastal heritage and beach culture.
What makes Shoreham’s street art special is its connection to coastal and beach themes. The works here often reflect Shoreham’s maritime heritage and beach life, different from Brighton’s more urban street art themes.
Location: Shoreham-by-Sea (beyond Brighton Marina)
Access: Various locations, mainly around the beachfront and harbour area
What to expect: Murals and stencils with coastal and maritime themes. Allow 20-30 minutes to explore the area.
Transport: Bus service from Brighton to Shoreham (bus 700) makes this easily accessible.
9. Saltdean Street Art
Saltdean, a seaside village just east of Brighton, has some notable street art reflecting its distinctive character and history.
What makes Saltdean’s street art special is its connection to Saltdean’s unique history and identity. The works here often reflect local themes, from its Art Deco hotel to its coastal setting.
Location: Saltdean (east of Brighton Marina)
Access: Various locations, mainly around the seafront and village centre
What to expect: Murals and stencils with local Saltdean themes. Allow 20-30 minutes to explore the village and find various works.
Transport: Bus service from Brighton to Saltdean (bus 12) makes this easily accessible.
10. University of Brighton Street Art
The University of Brighton’s campuses have some notable street art, often created by students or as part of art projects.
What makes university street art special is its connection to the city’s art education community. The works here are often experimental, reflecting Brighton’s reputation for art and design education.
Location: Various campuses (particularly around Grand Parade and Mouslecoomb)
Access: Publicly visible in public areas (some works may be in courtyards with restricted access)
What to expect: Experimental and often political or socially engaged street art. Allow 30-45 minutes to explore the campuses.
Note: Some works may be on private property with restricted access or visibility.
Street Art Walking Routes
1. Brighton Street Art Central Route
A walking route covering Brighton’s key street art areas in 2-3 hours:
Start: North Laine Banksy mural (allow 10-15 minutes)
Walk to: North Laine streets (Sydney Street, Bond Street, Trafalgar Street) - allow 30-40 minutes
Walk to: Kemptown (Portland Road, Preston Street, Montpelier Street) - allow 30-40 minutes
End: Central Brighton or return to start point
Total distance: Approximately 1.5-2 miles
Total time: 2.5-3.5 hours (including photography and exploration time)
2. Brighton to Hove Street Art Route
A walking route from Brighton’s centre to Hove, covering street art along the seafront and in Hove:
Start: Brighton Palace Pier or Brighton Station
Walk along: Seafront road to Hove (approximately 30 minutes), noting street art along the way
Explore: Hove street art areas (George Street, Church Road, Western Road) - allow 30-40 minutes
Return: Walk back along the seafront or take bus 7 or 49
Total distance: Approximately 3-4 miles (walking) or take bus
Total time: 1.5-2.5 hours (walking) or 1 hour with bus
Understanding Street Art Techniques
Brighton’s street artists use various techniques:
Spray paint: The most common medium, used for murals, stencils, and tags.
Stencils: Cut from cardboard or acetate sheets and sprayed onto surfaces. Used for repeated elements, logos, or complex designs.
Paste-ups: Created by covering surfaces with wheatpaste and applying posters or stickers. Can cover large areas quickly.
Rollers: Paint applied with rollers for backgrounds or large areas.
Freehand: Direct painting without stencils or templates, often used for detailed work or characters.
Wheatpaste: A type of flour and water paste used for applying posters or for temporary street art.
Different artists specialise in different techniques, creating the variety that makes Brighton’s street art scene so rich.
Street Art Photography Tips
Lighting: Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light. Midday sun can create harsh shadows that lose detail.
Golden hour: The hour before sunset (and after sunrise) offers warm, directional light that’s ideal for street art photography.
Detail shots: Use a telephoto or macro lens to capture details, textures, and the artist’s technique.
Context shots: Include surrounding architecture, street furniture, or people to show the work in its environment.
Night photography: Some street art is illuminated at night, creating dramatic effects. Check for illuminated works around the city.
Respect: Never photograph street artists while they’re working without permission. Respect their creative process and privacy.
Street Art Etiquette
Respect private property: Street art on private property is in a legal grey area. Don’t trespass or damage property to see or photograph street art.
Don’t add to works: Never add to or modify someone else’s street art without permission. This is considered disrespectful and can be illegal.
Respect the culture: Street art is a specific culture with its own norms and values. Learn about it before engaging with it.
Don’t photograph people: Avoid photographing people in street art photos without their consent.
Report vandalism: If you see someone actively damaging street art or property, report it to the appropriate authorities.
Seasonal Street Art
Spring: Good weather for exploring Brighton’s street art, with fewer tourists than summer. New works may appear after winter.
Summer: Busiest time, but also when Brighton Fringe Festival murals are created. Expect crowds at famous locations like the Banksy mural.
Autumn: Good light for photography, cooler temperatures. Some works may be painted over after summer season.
Winter: Quietest time, but weather can be challenging for outdoor exploration. Some works may be removed or restored.
Street Art Tours and Events
Brighton Street Art Tours: Several companies offer guided street art tours, led by local artists or enthusiasts. These tours provide context and stories behind the works.
Brighton Fringe Festival: The festival includes street art as part of its cultural programme, with new murals created each year.
Brighton Art Fair: Annual event showcasing local artists and street artists, with opportunities to buy art and meet artists.
Street Art Workshops: Some organisations offer workshops where you can try street art techniques under guidance.
A Final Thought
Brighton’s street art scene is one of Britain’s most vibrant and dynamic. While the famous Banksy mural in North Laine deserves its notoriety, the city’s street art extends far beyond this single work—across neighbourhoods, along different themes, and in various styles.
The key to enjoying Brighton’s street art is to explore beyond the obvious. Yes, visit the famous murals—they’re spectacular. But also discover the hidden gems in Kemptown, explore the street art in Kemp Town and Hove, and understand that street art is a living, changing part of Brighton’s urban landscape.
Brighton’s street art isn’t just decoration—it’s a living cultural expression that reflects the city’s creativity, alternative communities, and artistic vitality. It’s constantly changing, with new works appearing and old ones being removed or covered over.
So explore Brighton’s street art like a local, understanding the difference between commissioned works and spontaneous creations, and experiencing one of Britain’s most vibrant urban art scenes. The city’s streets are a canvas that’s constantly being repainted, offering new discoveries with every visit.
Street art in Brighton is more than Banksy—it’s a dynamic, evolving art form that reflects the city’s creative spirit. Discover it beyond the famous murals and understand why Brighton is Britain’s street art capital.
This guide reveals Brighton’s street art beyond the famous murals in North Laine, from commissioned works to spontaneous graffiti, from North Laine’s dense scene to Kemptown’s bohemian character. Brighton’s street art is a living, changing urban gallery that’s one of Britain’s most vibrant and diverse street art scenes.