Vinyl Hunting in Brighton: Independent Record Shops Guide

Brighton has long held a reputation as a haven for vinyl collectors, with its high concentration of independent record stores drawing music lovers from all over. The local scene recently caught the spotlight when Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum visited Resident Music in Kensington Gardens on June 5, 2026. He was in town for a meet-and-greet event to launch his fifth studio album, 'Night Blooms', highlighting how these independent shops remain central to the city's cultural life.

At the heart of the North Laine area, Resident Music has been operating since 2004 under founders Derry Watkins and Natasha Youngs. This multi-award-winning shop is known for its curated selection of indie, rock, and electronic music, and regularly hosts artist signings and intimate performances. It opens Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Just a short walk away on Terminus Road, The Record Album has been running since 1948, making it the city's oldest record shop. Managed by Keith Blackmore and David Chappell, it focuses on rare vinyl, theatrical scores, film soundtracks, jazz, and blues. Its hours are Wednesday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

For those interested in hip-hop, funk, soul, and dance music, Rarekind Records on Trafalgar Street offers both new and second-hand pressings. The shop features a dedicated dance music section on the upper floor called 'RK Bass' and stocks DJ equipment and graffiti supplies. It is open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nearby on Gloucester Road, Across The Tracks provides a classic crate-digging experience with a focus on second-hand reggae, dub, classic rock, jazz, and pop. It opens Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Further options in the central area include Cult Hero on Brighton Place, which displays art prints alongside its selection of new vinyl, indie, alternative, and punk releases. Cult Hero opens on Mondays from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesdays from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The local vinyl offering extends to several other specialized spots. Wax Factor on Tidy Street operates as a combination of a record store and bookshop, known for its extensive basement stock of rock, blues, and punk. Bella Union Vinyl Shop on Church Street is run by the independent label itself, offering curated indie and alternative titles, including rare and signed items. Family Store Records on North Road features indie and punk vinyl alongside art prints and merchandise. For those willing to venture slightly further, Uptight Records on Sackville Road in Hove specializes in vintage and rare soul, funk, jazz, and reggae, while Beat The Clock, also in Hove, caters to electronic and underground music enthusiasts with UK garage and house selections.