Top things to do in Brighton
The Lanes – Planning on popping the question?
What better place to search for a token of your love than in the specialist jewellery shops in The Lanes area. Full of intriguing independent retailers this is a haven for the independent shopper in you. The original location for Brigthelmstone, the sleepy fishing village Brighton used to be. Also home to buskers and street performers who’ll entertain you whilst you sip your wine.
North Laine – Rummage through the vintage and seek out graffiti
Once the market garden for the city, North Laine is now a vibrant, quirky area full of independent shops, galleries, cafes, bars and flea markets. It has plenty of vintage outlets for you to rummage through.
The Royal Pavilion
A seaside palace built for the Prince Regent, George IV, for us this really reflects the true feeling of Brighton and Hove. It is a joy to the eye, full of wonderful delights. It really is a must see and the tours come highly recommended. The Royal Pavilion is also a wedding and civil partnership venue.
Also known as Brighton Pier, this example of Victorian fun was opened on 20 May 1899. Enjoy the thrills and spill of the fair rides and attractions to suit all ages. There are free deckchairs which give a unique view of the city and coast.
Watch out for the Undead
Around about Halloween each year the Undead rise and take a trip to the seaside. Yes, it is the annual Zombie Walk held in October each year.
‘Allo ‘Allo ‘Allo
Check out the Old Police Cells Museum. See the place where the first Brighton Chief Constable was murdered. Pre booking essential on 01273 291052.
A Marvellous Murmuration
The starlings over both Brighton Pier and West Pier at dusk give a marvellous show of synchronised aerial daring do.
Breeze up to Devil’s Dyke
Take the bus 77 from the centre of Brighton up onto Devil’s Dyke for a view of the sea to the south and Sussex to the north.
I scream, you scream let’s all have an ice-cream. Nip down to the Pump Room, just by the Beach Volleyball and basketball courts, they have loads of yummy flavours on offer.
Join the penguins at the ice rink – the winter outdoor ice-rink at the Pavilion is a blast. If you’re a bit shaky there is always a penguin to help you out.
The fabulous Pride festival takes place on the first weekend in August each year. The Parade leaves from Madeira Drive on Saturday morning and the party gathers at Preston Park. Tickets available
Ghost Walk – Things that go bump in the night, brave the night and explore The Lanes with stories of ghosts, poltergeists and strange goings on. www.ghostwalkbrighton.co.uk
Or try ‘Only in Brighton…’ a curiously fact-filled and tongue-in-cheek look at what makes Brighton a city like no other. www.onlyinbrighton.co.uk.
Brighton Races – And they’re off….
With one of the best views of Brighton and Hove, Brighton racecourse is set high on the South Downs.
Volks Electric Railway
Opened in 1883, Volk’s Electric Railway is the ‘world’s oldest operating electric railway’ and is a unique way to see the beach. It runs from Aquarium to Black Rock for the Marina, with a mid-way stop at Half-Way.
Brighton Kite Festival
Possibly the longest running kite festival in the UK, it features kites of all shapes, colours and sizes. It’s free and is held at Stanmer Park, just near Sussex University.
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Located next door to the Royal Pavilion they house exciting exhibitions and collections that will surprise and delight all ages. www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk
A charming historic house on the outskirts of Brighton & Hove. Decorated and furnished in Edwardian style with elegant ‘upstairs’ reception rooms and bedrooms and ‘downstairs’ kitchens and servants’ rooms.
Try your hand at catching dinner, sea fishing is a thrilling way to spend the day. www.brightonmarina-seafishing.co.uk
Brighton Dome – just around the corner from the Royal Pavilion, The Dome hosts over 600 events, from music, theatre, dance, comedy and literature, to name a few.
Christmas Day Swim – Fancy a dip? Each year since 1860 Brighton Swimming Club take to the sea for a pre-dinner dip. Don’t forget to dress up, there is often a pantomime horse taking part and a smattering of Santas. Venue: just west of Palace Pier.
Jack and Linda’s Smokehouse, Brighton Beach. Jack and Linda have been fishermen for most of their lives. They smoke their own fish and it is lipsmackingly tasty. They have been nominated for BBC Food Awards and featured in Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking, which sums up their award winning approach to good food.
Fishing Museum – explore where it all started as a busy fishing village of Brighthelmstone and grew into the fashionable city of today. Every May the nets and mackerel are blessed in a ceremony going back for generations of fishermen.
Booth Museum of Natural History – a 20 minute walk from Whitburn Lodge this museum is all about creatures and beasties. With lots of interactive exhibits.
Theatre Royal Brighton is the region’s leading live entertainment venue, producing their own work and showcasing the best West End and touring productions from across the UK each and every year.
Jewellery making, have fun making a gift or even something for yourself.
Komedia – Fancy a giggle, Komedia has a jammed pack programme, not just comedy but so much more.www.komedia.co.uk/brighton
Duke of York’s at Komedia – brand new cinema venue in North Laine.
The Garden House. This is a wonderful spot just around the corner from Preston Circus that runs informative and inspirational events, talks, courses and workshops. It’s not just around the world of horticulture; take a peek at their website.
Water sports – if you want to dip your toe in the water, OK your whole body and need some tuition check out the tasters and courses at Hove Lagoon.
Brighton Wheel – Visit the Brighton Wheel for stunning, panoramic views of the city’s famous landmarks and coastline – and fascinating commentary of Brighton and Hove’s heritage.
Time for Tea – Afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel Afternoon Tea. With its Victorian grandeur and views of the sea afternoon tea served on the Terrace is a spot to savour.
Fabrica is a visual arts organisation based in a former Regency church in the heart of Brighton that commissions contemporary visual art installations specific to the building.
Brighton Scenic Flights – Do not forget your camera as this is sightseeing from above. Relax and enjoy a scenic tour from £46 each in their comfy four seat Cessna.
Chattri Memorial – built on the South Downs near Patcham the monument was erected to honour the Indian Soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. You can reach the Chattri on foot, on bicycle or on horseback.
Stroll over Seven Sisters ooh ‘er
For great views of the iconic chalk cliffs Seven Sisters is the place. Take the number 12 bus and hop off at Seven Sisters Country Park.
Bluebell Railway – Step back in time with preserved steam trains chugging through the Sussex countryside. The stations are also preserved at different times in their history from the 1800’s through to the 1950’s. www.bluebell-railway.com
Towner Art Gallery is the award winning contemporary gallery for south east England.
Middle Farm – nestling at the bottom of the South Downs near Firle this working farm offers you the chance to experience farm life with daily events, e.g., meet the sheep, feed livestock. There is also a large farm shop stocked with the finest local produce.
Lewes Bonfire Night Extravaganza
Take cover for a night of irreverent and frankly very boisterous fun, this event is a must. But be careful ‘volenti non fit injuria’.
The home of Tom Paine, described by Mark Steel (Radio 4) as possibly the stroppiest Englishman in history. For example, he became part of the French National Assembly, but he refused to learn a word of French. Today Lewes still maintains a healthy rebellious nature. It is a lovely town to wander around and the original home to Bill’s www.bills-website.co.uk. Remember there’s always Bill’s in North Laine, Brighton.
Anne of Cleves House
Don’t lose your head, Anne of Cleves kept hers and outlived all of Henry VIII wives. Visit her medieval home in Lewes where you can explore how the Tudors and Elizabethans lived.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
See the old with the new. Feast your eyes on some serious motoring, listen to the sounds of the track and get up close and personal with your ultimate dream machines.
Located near Firle this house was the country retreat for the artists, writers and intellectuals known as the Bloomsbury set. It was decorated by artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell and now runs specialist arts and crafts courses as well as being open to the public. It also holds a festival each May.www.charleston.org.uk
The Ram Inn at Firle
One of our favourite watering holes outside Brighton this pub is a great spot to be teamed with a visit to Charleston House.
Arundel is a real gem of a town with traces as far back as Roman times. It is recorded in the Doomsday book of 1086. Visit the castle and cathedral all within easy walking distance. If you want to stretch your legs further The Black Rabbit pub is a hike along the river Arun past the wildfowl reserve.
Whilst on the theme of ancient sites, for the keen walker Cissbury Ring and Chanctonbury Ring are well worth the climbs. They are both fine examples of Iron Age hill forts. Chanctonbury Ring is one of the most iconic sites on the South Downs chalk ridge. Local folklore suggests that it was built by the Devil and that he can be summoned by running round the Rings seven times. Do you dare? www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Drusilla’s Park – Enjoy a great family day out at what is widely regarded as the best small zoo in the country. Drusilla’s has created an animal and child friendly, family environment where the focus is always on involvement. It is the perfect getaway for families with children. www.drusillas.co.uk
Nymans – Set on the high weald with great views, this National Trust garden is a series of experimental designs with spectacular planting and beauty all year. Both a horticulturalist’s dream and a peaceful country garden, it is easy to lose yourself in its intimate and surprising corners. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Finally, do nothing. Grab yourself a deckchair on the beach and watch the world go by. Relax and listen to the waves as you gently leave the day to day world behind.