Best Record Shops in Brighton

Brighton and vinyl go hand in hand.

This is a city that has always done things its own way — creative, independent and deeply connected to music culture. From its long history of live music venues and seaside festivals to its thriving community of DJs, artists and record collectors, Brighton has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most vibrant destinations for music lovers.

That spirit carries through into its record shops.

Spend an afternoon wandering through the North Laine or the Brighton Open Market and you’ll quickly see how important vinyl still is here. Independent record stores sit alongside cafés, galleries and vintage shops, creating a culture where discovering music feels like part of the wider creative experience.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend by the sea or you’re lucky enough to live nearby, exploring Brighton’s record shops is one of the best ways to connect with the city.

And if you’re building a collection along the way, making sure it’s properly stored and protected — using things like anti-static inner sleeves — becomes part of the ritual too.

Below, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best record shops in Brighton — from well-known favourites to a few places you might not discover otherwise.

Record Shops in Brighton

Resident Music

27, 28 Kensington Gardens, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4AL

https://www.resident-music.com/

Resident Music is one of Brighton’s best-known independent record shops and a cornerstone of the local music scene. Located in the North Laine, it offers a carefully curated selection of new releases across indie, rock, electronic and more.

The shop is known for its knowledgeable staff and regular in-store events, making it a go-to destination for both locals and visitors.

Bella Union Records

6-7 Gloucester St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4EW

https://bellaunionvinylshop.com/

Bella Union Records brings a different dimension to Brighton’s vinyl scene, as both a record shop and the home of the well-known independent label Bella Union. The store offers a carefully curated selection of releases, including titles from the label’s own roster alongside a broader mix of indie, alternative and contemporary music.

It’s a great place to discover new artists as well as pick up high-quality pressings, with a focus on music that reflects Brighton’s forward-thinking and creative spirit.

Rarekind Records

104 Trafalgar St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4ER

https://rarekindrecords.co.uk/

Rarekind Records has built a strong reputation over the years, particularly for fans of hip-hop, funk, soul, reggae and jazz. The shop combines deep musical knowledge with a well-selected range of new and second-hand vinyl.

If you’re looking to dig a little deeper into your collection, Rarekind is an essential stop.

Cult Hero

16 Brighton Pl, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HJ

https://www.cultherorecords.co.uk/

Located in Brighton Open Market, Cult Hero offers an eclectic mix of new and used vinyl. The shop leans towards indie, alternative and punk, reflecting Brighton’s creative and independent spirit.

It’s an ideal place to browse and discover something unexpected.

Beat The Clock Records

68 Western Rd, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 2JQ

https://www.facebook.com/beattheclockrecords

Beat The Clock Records is a specialist record shop with a strong focus on underground electronic music, particularly UK garage, house and related genres. For collectors and DJs looking for something beyond the mainstream, it’s a standout destination in Brighton’s vinyl scene.

The shop has built a reputation for quality selections and a deep understanding of club culture, reflecting Brighton’s long-standing connection to electronic music and late-night scenes. Whether you’re searching for classic garage records, newer underground releases or something a little harder to find, Beat The Clock Records offers a more niche, specialist digging experience.

It’s the kind of place where you’re just as likely to discover something new as you are to track down a specific record — making it well worth a visit for anyone exploring Brighton’s more underground side of vinyl.

Across the Tracks

110 Gloucester Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4AF

https://www.facebook.com/acrossthetracksrecords/?locale=en_GB

Across the Tracks is a relatively recent addition to Brighton’s vinyl scene but has quickly established itself as a high-quality record shop. With a strong focus on well-presented stock across a range of genres, it’s easy to browse whether you’re new to vinyl or a seasoned collector.

Wax Factor

29 Tidy St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4EL

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmelI-eNGa3

Wax Factor is a smaller independent shop with a loyal following among Brighton’s vinyl collectors. Known for its thoughtful selection of new and second-hand records, it’s the kind of place where you can take your time and uncover something special.

A great stop if you enjoy a more relaxed, crate-digging experience.

The Record Album

8 Terminus Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 3PD

https://www.therecordalbum.com/

One of Brighton’s longest-running record shops, The Record Album specialises in rare and collectible vinyl. It’s a must-visit for serious collectors or anyone searching for something specific.

The depth of stock and experience behind the counter make it a standout in the city.

Where Are Brighton’s Record Shops Located?

One of the best things about Brighton is how easy it is to explore its record shops in a single trip. Many of the city’s best-known stores are located around the North Laine area and Brighton Open Market, both within walking distance of the station and seafront.

This means you can comfortably visit several shops in an afternoon, moving between different styles and genres as you go. Whether you’re browsing casually or searching for something specific, the compact layout of the city makes record shopping feel relaxed and enjoyable.

Tips for Visiting Record Shops in Brighton

If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth setting aside time to explore properly. Brighton’s record shops reward patient browsing, and new stock arrives regularly — meaning there’s often something new to discover.

Weekends can be busy, particularly during the summer months and peak tourist season, so visiting during the week can offer a more relaxed experience. Many shops also host in-store events, from album launches to live performances, which are well worth checking out in advance.

If you do pick up a few records during your visit, keeping them clean and protected quickly becomes part of the routine — especially if you’re travelling home with them.

Brighton’s Vinyl & Music Culture

Brighton’s connection to music runs deeper than just its record shops. The city has long been a hub for live music, club culture and independent artists, with a reputation for nurturing creativity and pushing new sounds forward.

From iconic venues and late-night DJ sets to a steady stream of new artists emerging from the local scene, music is part of the city’s identity. That influence feeds directly into its record shops, where you’ll often find selections shaped by what’s happening locally as much as globally.

Electronic music, indie rock, punk and experimental genres all have strong roots here, and Brighton’s open-minded audience means there’s always space for something new. For vinyl collectors, that creates an environment where browsing feels more like discovery than routine shopping.

What Makes Brighton’s Record Shops Different?

What sets Brighton apart is the independence and personality of its shops.

Unlike larger chain stores, the record shops here tend to reflect the tastes and passions of the people who run them. That means each shop has its own identity — whether it’s focused on rare collectibles, new releases, niche genres or a mix of everything.

There’s also a strong sense of community. Many shops host in-store performances, listening events and signings, helping to connect artists directly with their audience. This makes record shopping in Brighton feel more personal and engaging, rather than just a transactional experience.

For collectors, it also means there’s always something worth digging for — whether it’s a rare pressing, a forgotten classic or a new artist you haven’t come across before.

Building a Collection as You Explore

One of the best things about visiting multiple record shops in a city like Brighton is how quickly your collection can grow.

It’s not unusual to walk into one shop looking for a specific album and leave having discovered several more along the way. Different shops specialise in different genres, so exploring a few in one trip often leads to a much more varied collection.

If you’re travelling, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll carry and store your records safely. Keeping them flat, avoiding heat and using protective sleeves can make a big difference — especially if you’re picking up records from several shops in a single day.

Over time, small habits like this help preserve both the sound quality and the condition of your collection.

Looking After Your Vinyl Collection

Part of the joy of exploring record shops like these is building a collection that lasts.

But vinyl does need a bit of care. Dust, static and everyday handling can all affect sound quality over time, particularly if records aren’t stored or cleaned properly.

A simple routine makes a big difference. Using a quality vinyl record cleaning kit helps remove surface dust and static before playback, while anti-static inner sleeves protect the record itself from scratches and build-up inside the sleeve.

For outer protection, especially if you’re picking up records regularly from places like Brighton, protective outer sleeves help keep album artwork in great condition and prevent wear over time.

It’s a small investment that helps your collection stay in the best possible shape — both visually and sonically — for years to come.