Kemptown runs east from the Palace Pier along the seafront, with St James's Street at its heart and the grand Regency terraces of the Kemp Town estate at its eastern end. It's one of Brighton's most characterful areas, and one of its busiest for short stays.
What could your home earn?
Free and instant. Nobody rings you unless you ask them to.
Key takeaways
- Kemptown suits weekend visitors, Pride guests and hospital staff on longer stays.
- Flats near St James's Street and the seafront earn well.
- Check the lease and manage noise carefully in converted houses.
- Parking is tight and controlled, so point guests to buses and trains.
- Pride weekend is one of Kemptown's busiest weekends of the year.
Contents
Who stays in Kemptown?
- Weekend visitors, who want to walk to the seafront, the pier and the Lanes.
- Pride visitors. Kemptown is at the heart of Brighton's LGBTQ+ community, and Pride weekend is one of the busiest of the year. See our Brighton events calendar.
- Hospital staff and families. The Royal Sussex County Hospital is in Kemptown, which brings visiting doctors, nurses and families who often need somewhere for weeks rather than nights. For longer stays, see our guide to monthly stays.
What is the Kemp Town estate?
The eastern end of Kemptown takes its name from Thomas Read Kemp, who began building the Kemp Town estate in the 1820s. Its white Regency crescents and squares around Lewes Crescent and Sussex Square are among the most photographed streets in Brighton. A flat with period features and sea glimpses here is a strong selling point, so show it in your photos.
Which Kemptown homes do well?
One- and two-bedroom flats close to St James's Street and the seafront earn well at weekends. Homes near the hospital can do well midweek and for longer stays too, which helps fill the quieter months.
Can you short-let a Regency flat in Kemptown?
Much of Kemptown is made up of flats in converted Regency houses, many within conservation areas and some listed. Older leases often include a "private residence" clause. Read our guide: Can you short-let a leasehold flat?
How do you manage noise and neighbours?
Kemptown's streets are lively, and flats in converted houses share walls, stairs and front doors. Guest screening, a no-parties rule and clear house rules matter here more than almost anywhere else in the city.
How does parking work in Kemptown?
Parking is tight and controlled across most of Kemptown. Tell guests before they arrive where they can park and how to pay, and point them to buses and trains where possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kemptown good for Airbnb?
Yes. It's one of Brighton's busiest areas for short stays, close to the seafront and the pier.
Who stays in Kemptown?
Weekend visitors, Pride visitors, and hospital staff and families on longer stays near the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
Can I Airbnb a flat in a Kemptown Regency house?
Check the lease first, as older leases often include a private residence clause.
Is Kemptown busy at Pride?
Yes. Kemptown is at the heart of Brighton's LGBTQ+ community, and Pride weekend is one of its busiest.
Is there parking in Kemptown?
Parking is tight and controlled, so tell guests before they arrive.
Related guides
Sources
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. It is our own interpretation of the rules and figures as they stand on the date shown above, and they can change. Speak to a qualified solicitor or accountant before you act on anything here.