Heritage railwaysBeachesFamily days out

Volk's Electric Railway

Brighton, Brighton and Hove

Image: Volk's Electric Railway

The world's oldest working electric railway, running along Brighton beach since 1883. Ride the restored wooden cars from Aquarium station near the Palace Pier to Black Rock, with a stop at Halfway station.

Highlights

Running since 1883
Mile-long line right on the beach
Three stations: Aquarium, Halfway and Black Rock
Restored heritage cars

Good to know

A full single journey takes about 12 minutes
Dogs travel free on a lead
You can break your journey and reboard later with the same ticket

Getting there

Volk's Electric Railway, Aquarium station, Brighton seafront, near the Palace Pier, BN2 1ENParking: Check website.

Get directions

Checked on 15 October 2026 against volksrailway.org.uk, volksrailway.org.uk, volksrailway.org.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check

Where: Aquarium station, Brighton seafront, near the Palace Pier, BN2 1EN
Price: Buy tickets at the stations; there is no advance or online booking. Check website for current fares. Registered carers travel free.. Buy tickets at the stations; there is no advance or online booking. Check website for current fares. Registered carers travel free.
Opening: Closed for the 2026 season and due to reopen for Easter half term 2027. In season it runs seven days a week from the Easter school holidays until 30 September, with trains about every 15 minutes.
Time needed: 1 hour
Dogs: Dog friendly
Parking: Check website.
Access: All stations have step-free access, but there is a small gap to the train. Folded wheelchairs can travel; unfolded wheelchairs and mobility scooters do not fit, though they can be left at Aquarium station for a straight return trip.

Visit the official website Directions

Planning a full day?

Ask Doodle what else is good nearby →

Nearby

SEA LIFE Brighton, from SEA LIFE Brighton Aquarium

Image: SEA LIFE Brighton Aquarium

East SussexAnimals and wildlifeBrighton · under 1 km

SEA LIFE Brighton

The world's oldest continually operating aquarium, opened in 1872 on Brighton seafront, with more than 5,000 creatures under its restored Victorian arcade. Meet giant green sea turtles, sharks and jellyfish, and get hands-on in the rockpools.

£10 to £25Directions

Brighton Palace Pier, from Brighton Palace Pier

Image: Brighton Palace Pier

East SussexFamily days outBrighton · under 1 km

Brighton Palace Pier

Brighton's classic pleasure pier, with a funfair at the far end, big arcades halfway along and fish and chips all the way. Even without the rides, the walk out over the sea is worth doing.

Rides and arcades are paid. The pier says an admission fee may apply at peak periods; check before you go.Directions

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, from Brighton & Hove Museums

Image: Brighton & Hove Museums

East SussexMuseumsBrighton · under 1 km

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

A museum and gallery inside the Royal Pavilion estate, a few minutes' walk from the sea. Galleries cover ancient Egypt, archaeology, fashion, fine art and world cultures, alongside changing exhibitions.

£10 to £25Directions