The 1981 Daihatsu Challenge was a women's singles tennis tournament played on indoor carpet courts at the Brighton Centre in Brighton in England.

The event was part of the Category 4[a] tier of the 1981 Toyota Series.

It was the fourth edition of the tournament and was held from 19 October through 25 October 1981.

Seventh-seeded Sue Barker won the singles title and earned $22,000 first-prize money.

[2][1] Sue Barker defeated Mima Jaušovec 4–6, 6–1, 6–1 Barbara Potter / Anne Smith defeated Mima Jaušovec / Pam Shriver 6–7, 6–3, 6–4