Published On: Tue, Jan 20th, 2026
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UK’s best city for a night out beats Manchester and London | UK | Travel


The city took first place thanks to its huge variety of clubs (Image: Franz Marc Frei via Getty Images)

A lively night out can be the perfect remedy for those January blues, and a fresh data analysis has unveiled the UK’s ultimate party city for those in need of some drinks and mingling. 

Everyone has their preferred nightlife destination, often influenced by the variety of clubs and venues available, as well as the overall atmosphere. However, the travel team at Ireland Prestige Tours has taken it upon themselves to end this debate, analysing an array of data to determine the top city for nightlife in the UK. The study considered factors such as the number of nightclubs, bars, and pubs per 100,000 residents, along with the average cost of a two-night hotel stay for two adults. Crucially, they also factored in the average price of a pint.

Happy group of men at a bachelor party

Where’s the best UK city for a night out? (Image: Getty Images)

This information allowed the team to assign each city a total score, which was then ranked to identify the best place for a night out across the entire UK.

The southern seaside city of Brighton emerged victorious, largely due to its impressive array of nightclubs and bars. Despite its average pint price mirroring that of London, Brighton’s extensive selection of nightclubs helped it outshine rivals Manchester and Newcastle, reports the Mirror. 

Brighton is known for its relaxed, artistic ambience during the day, while its vibrant and inclusive nightlife comes alive after sunset. Many of its clubs are conveniently located just a stone’s throw from the seafront, seamlessly transitioning from daytime cafes and bars into music venues as night falls.

Brighton Lanes

Brighton is also a colourful city break destination by day (Image: Ref54/Flickr)

Volks Club, one of Brighton’s most famous nightclubs, boasts a unique location nestled beneath the city’s promenade and directly on its pebbly beach. It stays open until the small hours over the weekend, allowing customers to leave just in time to witness the sunrise over the sea.

Nearby is Patterns, featuring a sea-view terrace that becomes a bustling hotspot during the summer months. By day, it offers a bottomless brunch complete with unlimited pizza, while by night, its basement club hosts an energetic line-up of DJ sets spanning genres from house to garage to soul.

PRYZM Brighton, one of the city’s largest clubs, is a hit with students on Wednesday nights during term time. It also opens at weekends, with three rooms playing a diverse range of music from chart-toppers to dance, pop, and hip-hop among many other genres.

St. James's Street: Brighton Pride

The Kemptown neighbourhood is full of LGBT bars and clubs (Image: Getty)

Brighton is also celebrated for its broad selection of LGBT+ clubs, predominantly located around the Kemptown area. Revenge, sprawling across three floors, is a local favourite.

Its rooftop bar capitalises on its seafront location, offering patrons stunning views. The Haus Of Cabaret exudes the sophisticated charm of a traditional cocktail bar, providing an immersive experience complete with dinner, drinks, and dancing.

The city also boasts a vast array of accommodation options, from quaint seaside B&Bs to hostels and luxury seafront hotels. It’s no surprise that it has become a favourite spot for stag and hen dos, as well as groups of friends seeking a getaway.

An aerial view of Brighton

Many nightclubs are right on the beach (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Manchester clinched the second and third spots in the rankings, both cities with large student populations and popular choices for weekend breaks. Belfast secured fourth place, scoring particularly highly for its number of nightclubs, while Aberdeen took fifth place, boasting an average pint price of £4, compared to Brighton’s £6.

The most affordable night out on the list can be found in Gloucester, where an average pint costs a mere £2.75, ensuring there’s no need for arguments over who is getting the next round in. 

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