Record Shops in Brighton - A Vinyl lovers’ guide
Looking for Vinyl? Our run down of the best record shops in Brighton will put you on the right track
By Billie Manning | Updated Jul 3 2025
Brighton is a well-known haven for vinyl lovers and music collectors, boasting a vibrant selection of independent record shops that cater to all tastes. Whether you're searching for rare vinyl, second-hand gems, or the latest releases there's no shortage of record shops in Brighton to choose from.
The city’s music culture is deeply rooted in its bohemian spirit, with many shops doubling as community hubs where DJs, musicians, and collectors gather. You’ll find expertly curated selections, knowledgeable staff, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes digging through crates a sheer joy. Some stores even host live music events, listening sessions, and album signings, adding to Brighton’s reputation as a must-visit destination for music lovers.
With many stores also stocking turntables, hi-fi equipment and music memorabilia it all adds up to a vinyl lovers dream.
Rarekind
104 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ER
A real Brighton staple keeping it old school, Rarekind is a known specialist in secondhand funk, soul, hip-hop, disco, all the good stuff. It stocks the new releases too, as expected for a record shop so comprehensive in its collection, but really, it’s the 20th century stuff that you should be coming here for primarily.
It’s been visited by artists, like Kirollus who was featured in a video where he was shopping at Rarekind and picking up his faves, as well as Discogs, who five years ago interviewed the owner. They also have the odd in-store gig, the cashier till becoming the desk for decks or sound equipment with the musicians performing behind, with audiences cramped in between aisles of records, the way it should be.
With perpetual record sales, where you can pick up a big armful of vinyl for the cheap, and merchandise from both bands and the shop, and functioning as a venue for visiting artists, Rarekind is a well-worn stop over for crate-diggers, a status which it has spent years earning.
Cult Hero
16 Brighton Pl, BN1 1HJ
Sleek, instagrammable, minimalist, and a cove of treasures, Cult Hero has been described as “the best independent record shop in Brighton”. Specialising in rock, pop, and electronic, Cult Hero is also a top spot for new releases, complete with special editions and colourdiscs that are rare in most other spots.
Located on the famous Brighton Laines, Cult Hero is a major port of entry for vinyl fans, developing a reputation and their own iconography that features on their tote bags. Their online store is pretty complete too, almost every major album in the last 50 years, plus rare special editions like Bowie’s Alladin Sane picturedisc.
But really, they love a new release. This is the record shop for younger music fans who want their favourite recent releases on wax. This isn’t a criticism; it can be a struggle to find a shop that sells grime, hyperpop, alternative rap, and modern British soul under one roof. Cult Hero deserves its cult status.
Resident Music
28 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL | Open every day 9.30am-6pm
Named the Best Record Shop in the UK in 2019, Resident Music is a one-stop shop for music fans in Brighton. As well as the best in current records, you’ll find extensive back-catalogues and rare ‘dinked’ editions, plus signed CDs, vinyls and books. The shop sells tickets to local gigs and has had some huge names play in-store, from Laura Marling to the xx. What’s more, the shop has some of the friendliest and most helpful staff around, and they know their stuff - so you’re sure to get something to your taste even if you just come in for a browse.
The Record Album
8 Terminus Road, Brighton BN1 3PD | Wednesday 12-5pm, Thursday - Saturday 10am-6pm
Located just a stone's throw from the station, The Record Album is Brighton institution as its oldest record shop, founded all the way back in 1948! It stocks a wide variety of records, with a strong focus on film soundtracks and anything Hollywood or showbiz-related. There are a lot of rare beasts hiding amongst the stacks, and owner George will happily help you in your search - his music knowledge is unrivaled, so you're sure to find whatever you're looking for, or pick up a great recommendation!
The Wax Factor
24 Trafalgar St, Brighton BN1 4EQ | Open Monday - Saturday 11am-5pm, closed on Sunday
This record store and bookshop has been trading for almost 35 years now, and it only gets better with age. You could spend hours flipping through vinyl here, but our top tip? Get down (that's on your knees, rather than boogying) to stock up - there are a ton of hidden treasures stacked at the back of the shop. Prices aren't low for the collectibles, but grab four selected LPs you like and you'll be down only a tenner!
Click here for The Wax Factor’s Facebook page
Across The Tracks
110 Gloucester Rd, Brighton BN1 4AF | Open Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12-5pm
For used and second-hand records, Across the Tracks brings the cream of the crop. This old-school shop is always ready to go above and beyond in their recommendations and the records are always in great condition, so if you're not fussy about getting something pristine, you're sure to find some really good value purchases. They'll even clean the records before you buy!
Click here for the shop’s Facebook page
Mr Bongo
6 Gloucester Yard, 121-123 Gloucester Road, Brighton BN1 4AF | Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
Having only opened in Brighton in 2016, Mr Bongo is a relative newcomer on this list, but the owners have over 30 years of experience (and quite the story!) as an independent shop and producer of music AND films, since starting with the original Mr Bongo incarnation in London's Soho in the 1989; it was the first UK shop to sell records from many independent USA hip hop labels like Def Jam, Rawkus and Big Beat, and today the bright and airy shop specialises in hard to find, classic Latin and Brazilian music, as well as reggae, African and Jazz music.
Click here to visit their website.