Are you a retro gaming aficionado? How about a pinball wizard? Or just craving a seaside hit of neon nostalgia? Brighton’s arcade scene is ready to press start on your next adventure. Nestled between the city’s iconic pier and its maze of indie shops and vibrant street art, these arcades offer more than flashing lights and jackpot bells.
From century-old coin pushers to the latest in VR tech, Brighton’s arcades blend vintage charm with modern thrills, making them irresistible to kids, adults, and everyone in between. So grab your tokens, warm up those reflexes, and get ready as we take a joystick-in-hand journey through the top arcades Brighton has to offer.
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Arcades In Brighton
1. The World's End
- Location: 60-61 London Road, Brighton, BN1 4JE
- What to expect: World's Raceway and Arcade, board games, table tennis and Nintendo 64 Mario Kart
- Opening times: every day, 12pm-12am, Fridays and Saturdays 'til 1am
Don’t let the name fool you, as The World’s End is where the fun begins. This iconic Brighton pub is so much more than a place to grab a pint (though the beer selection is excellent). Step inside, and you’ll discover an arcade-lover’s dream: a multi-level haven packed with gaming delights. The World’s End Gaming Arcade, powered by Four Quarters, features a rotating lineup of retro arcade machines and classic consoles.
From Street Fighter II showdowns to button-mashing your way through Metal Slug, it’s a nostalgia bomb in pixel-perfect form. Plus, the machines run on authentic old-school tokens, adding to the time-warp charm. There’s even RC racing where you can control scale-model cars on a detailed track with live video feeds from the driver’s POV.
Shoot'em up: The World's End also makes a great quirky date destination.
2. Palace of Fun - Brighton Palace Pier
- Location: Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1TW
- What to expect: classic coin pushers, slot machines, driving simulators and more
- Opening times: 11.30am - 6pm weekdays, 10am-9pm Saturdays, 10am-9pm Sundays
No trip to Brighton is complete without a stroll down the Palace Pier, and at the end of that iconic boardwalk, glowing with lights and alive with energy, you’ll find the Palace of Fun. This is a Brighton pier arcade with a lot of energy: loud, proud, and packed wall-to-wall with flashing lights, chiming jackpots, and pure seaside nostalgia.
You’ve got rows of classic coin pushers, whirling slot machines, and skill-based games where you can win everything from plush toys the size of small cars to mountains of tickets redeemable for quirky prizes. But don’t let the traditional look fool you as it blends the old and the new, with cutting-edge driving simulators, VR experiences, and state-of-the-art dance and rhythm games alongside your Pac-Man and air hockey classics.
Arcades at Brighton Pier? Yes, please.
3. The Dome - Brighton Palace Pier
- Location: Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1TW
- What to expect: coin pushers, claw machines, digital racers, shooters and more
- Opening times: 11.30am - 6pm weekdays, 10am-9pm Saturdays, 10am-9pm Sundays
Just inside the grand entrance of Brighton Palace Pier, The Dome has got a hint of old-school grandeur, wrapped in the buzz of flashing screens, jangling tokens, and the sweet scent of fresh doughnuts drifting in from the pier. As far as indoor arcades in Brighton go, it's perfect for players who love a classic seaside arcade vibe, but still want a few high-tech twists.
Expect a solid mix of nostalgic favourites, like coin pushers, claw machines, and air hockey tables, alongside more up-to-date games like digital racers, interactive shooters, and even the occasional virtual reality setup. It’s a quick hit of joy, right at the start of your pier adventure.
Play air hockey at The Dome on Brighton Palace Pier.
4. Players
- Location: 171-181 Kings Road Arches, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1NB
- What to expect: rage rooms, axe-throwing, classic arcade games, beer pong, shuffleboard, darts and more
- Opening times: every day, midday 'til 11pm
It may look unassuming from the outside, but you’ll find a treasure trove of seaside gaming at Players, just a stone’s throw from the beach and tucked beneath the arches on the lower promenade. This arcade is bright, buzzy, and refreshingly laid-back, offering a solid mix of traditional amusements and modern machines.
There’s something for everyone: coin pushers for the collectors, claw machines for the prize hunters, and racing games and shooters for the speed freaks and sharpshooters. It’s especially popular with families and casual gamers, thanks to its friendly vibe, clean layout, and easy-going atmosphere. It’s the perfect pit stop during a beach day or a relaxed way to dodge a sudden seaside downpour.
Players is the perfect venue for team-building activities.
5. Hollywood Bowl Brighton
- Location: Marina Way, Brighton Marina, Brighton and Hove, BN2 5UT
- What to expect: racing games, air hockey, shooting, and more
- Opening times: vary every day but usually around 11am-11pm
While the name might shout tenpins and strikes, Hollywood Bowl Brighton is also home to one of the city’s most underrated arcade zones - and it’s a total winner. Tucked inside the bright, family-friendly complex at Brighton Marina, this arcade is the perfect add-on to a game of bowling or a night out with mates. But even if you skip the lanes entirely, the arcade alone is worth the visit.
Expect a colourful mix of cutting-edge arcade games and all-time favourites, from fast-paced driving sims and shooting games to basketball hoops, air hockey, and ticket-spewing skill challenges. There’s something here for every age and energy level, whether you're battling zombies, racing supercars, or just chasing the ultimate claw machine win.
Gather your mates and head to Hollywood Bowl for more than a strike.
6. Loading Bar
- Location: Unit 11, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET
- What to expect: Mario Kart, Street Fighter II, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and more
- Opening times: vary every day but usually around 11pm-11pm
If you're on the hunt for an arcade bar in Brighton, then we've found the coolest spot for you. Nestled just off the seafront on Brighton Square, Loading Bar is ideal for gamers who like their consoles with a side of craft beer and neon lighting. The venue is more like a living room for gamers, only way more stylish. Think comfy sofas, giant screens, and a library of consoles that spans from retro classics like N64 and SNES to modern favourites on PlayStation and Switch.
Whether you're button-mashing through Super Smash Bros., tag-teaming in Mario Kart, or settling old scores in Street Fighter II, it’s all free to play with a drink in hand. And the drinks? They're themed, clever, and totally on-brand - expect cocktails named after iconic games, alongside craft beers and gamer snacks. There are also tabletop games, themed events, and tournaments, so it’s as much a social hub as it is a gaming den.
Enjoy a cafe atmosphere while playing some retro games.
For more fun activities, check out our guide to quirky events in Brighton.
