Visit Brighton

Brighton and Hove provide a great base for exploring the beautiful Sussex countryside. From the picturesque villages of Alfriston, Lindfield and Petworth, famous gardens of Leonardslee, Nyman’s and Borde Hill to the historic houses of Great Dixter, Parham and Standen, there’s so much to see and do.

Further afield, visit the castles of Hever, Leeds and Arundel or the historic towns of Lewes, Chichester or Royal Tunbridge Wells.

50 Things to do in Brighton this Summer

1. Take a tour of the Royal Pavilion
Selected as one of UKTV History’s Britain’s Best, a campaign which aims to find the nation’s favourite
historical site, there’s no better time to visit the spectacular Palace of George IV, one of the most
dazzling and exotic buildings in the British Isles. http://www.royalpavilion.org.uk

2. Go powerboat racing at Brighton Marina (SailnetUK)
Get the adrenaline going with an introductory Powerboating course at SailnetUK, a water based
activity centre at Brighton Marina. Alternatively, throw on your sea legs with a Yacht Racing Day or
learn the ropes and take on the tiller on a Salty Taster Day. sailnetuk.co.uk

3. Play beachminton at Yellowave Beach Sports
Anyone for beachminton? Check out Brighton's new beach sports venue where sand based sports from
beach volleyball to Ultimate Frisbee are taking the city by storm. The first permanent beach sports
venue of its kind, Yellowave also offer floodlit courts, a café/bar and scrummy beach BBQs. Yum!
http://www.yellowave.co.uk

4. Shake your booty at The Music Park Festival
The Music Park is a fab new summer festival set within the stunning grounds of Stanmer Park. From
rock and fabulous 80s pop to classical and smouldering soul, Music Park is Brighton’s live music event
of the summer! Music Park bursts forth from 21st to 24th June. http://www.themusicpark.co.uk

5. Take a ride in a tuc-tuc
Travel 'Thai style' in a tuc-tuc, Europe’s first motorised rickshaw service! Eco-friendly and virtually
zero-emission, tuc-tucs are safe, economical and great fun. With loads of themed tuc-tucs to choose
from why not get fruity in the Strawberry or romantic in the Valentine! http://www.tuctuc.co.uk

6. Eat a picnic at Devil’s Dyke
Pack the sarnies and ginger beer, pull out your best picnic blanket and roll up to Devil’s Dyke for a
chilled out day on the Downs. Sit back, relax and take in the views north towards the Weald and south
over the sea. Did you know it’s also the largest chalkland dry combe in Britain?

7. Take an MP3 tour around Regency Brighton
Forget walking around with your guidebook – simply pop on your headphones and discover the
wonders of Brighton at your own pace with a handy MP3 walking tour around the Royal Pavilion area
or the North Laine and Regency Brighton. http://www.tourist-tracks.com/tours/brighton.html

8. Try out the Super Booster on Brighton Pier
One for the thrill seekers, Super Booster rockets from 0-60mph in under 3 seconds, is over 125 feet
tall and carries passengers up to 38 metres, before dropping them back through the air at a spine
tingling 60mph! It’s the only ride of its kind in the UK! Go on, we dare you! http://www.brightonpier.co.uk

9. Feed the ducks at Queen’s Park
Get quacking with the ducks in beautiful Queen’s Park. Easy to get to and with something for everyone,
Queens Park was formerly a Victorian pleasure garden. The lake is a favourite attraction and feeding
the ducks a tranquil way to spend a lazy afternoon before wandering around the wildlife or scented
garden.

10. Get arty at Ocontemporary
Go modern at Ocontemporary, one of the UK's top contemporary art spaces. Showcasing a compelling
and diverse selection of national and international artists' work from Andy Warhol to Tracey Emin, as
well as hot new emerging artists, Ocontemporary is where art’s at! http://www.ocontemporary.com

11. Chill out at a cricket match
As winners of the 2006 County Cricket Championships, Sussex is officially the best cricket club in
England! So sit back, relax and join the men in white as they show you how it’s done at their grounds
in Hove actually. You might even see a googly! Howzat! http://www.sussexcricket.co.uk

12. Spot an undulate ray at the Sea life Centre
With a whopping 150 species and 57 displays, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable day out
for the whole family! From cute undulate rays and giant turtles to sharks and Submarine Adventures,
it’s a tantalising treasure trove of marine life. http://www.sealifeeurope.com

13. Shop for art at the seafront galleries
Nestling under small Victorian arches on Brighton’s beachfront lies the bohemian Artists' Quarter,
housing a collection of quaint and funky artists’ studio spaces. Grab a coffee, amble through the studios
and sift through the eclectic artwork on display.

14. Party on at Pride
Preston Park is alive with the sound of music this year, as the largest gay and lesbian festival in Europe
takes on a Musical theme in August. The perfect excuse to dress up as Julie Andews, do the Time Warp
or go all goody two shoes as Olivia Newton John. Let’s hope there’s no singin’ in the rain!
http://www.brightonpride.org

15. Take a stroll in Stanmer Park
Throw on your walking boots and set off for the Great Wood, roam across the downland or join a
guided walk to Rocky Clump. You might even stumble into Pudding Bag Wood! Stanmer Park was
named one of Britain's Top 10 walks by the Independent newspaper. http://www.stanmerpark.co.uk

16. Take a trip on the world’s oldest operating electric railway
Not quite the first example of electric traction in the world, but nearly! Today it holds the deserved
position of being the oldest remaining operating electric railway in the world. Jump aboard, sit back,
and pootle along the beachfront for superb views out to sea. http://www.volkselectricrailway.co.uk

17. Relax in Kipling’s Gardens in Rottingdean
Named after the village's most famous resident, writer Rudyard Kipling, these delightful gardens are full
of olde worlde charm. Check out the rose or herb garden, relax in the chalk garden, then amble
around the gift shops, galleries and tea rooms of scenic Rottingdean village. http://www.rottingdean.uk.com

18. Indulge in a day at the Races
Fancy a flutter? Check out the Tote Challenge Trophy or the John Smith’s Brighton Mile, don your
finest hats for Ladies Day or place a bet on your favourite gee gee at the seaside course where the turf
meets the surf! http://www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk

19. Take afternoon tea at the Grand
Savour your scones in sumptuous style at the lush De Vere Grand, with an afternoon tea to die
for…Smoked salmon sandwiches, chocolate dipped strawberries and a naughty cream horne await all
you sweet toothed lovelies! Truly scrumptious. http://www.grandbrighton.co.uk

20. Check out the camera obscura at Foredown Tower
Foredown Tower Countryside Centre is home to one of only two operational camera obscuras in
South East England. A great day out, the Edwardian Tower also offers breathtaking views across Sussex
and is the perfect starting point for a walk on the Downs. http://www.foredown.virtualmuseum.info

21. Wander along the undercliff walk
Jump on the Volks Railway at Brighton Pier, jump off at Black Rock near the Marina, and rejuvenate
with some sea air and a leisurely summer stroll along the impressive Undercliff Walk to Saltdean.

22. Check out the 16th century Lanes armoury building
In the heart of the old Lanes, in a three storey 16th century building, adorned distinctively in Guards
Red, the Lanes Armory is frequently described by visitors as possibly the most amazing of its kind in
Europe. Enter its portals and discover a treasure trove of arms, armour, and militaria.
http://www.thelanesarmoury.co.uk

23. Get jazzy at the Brunswick Festival
Set up to celebrate the diverse nature of the Brunswick area of Hove, why not drop by the Festival for
some foodie treats, street theatre and jaunty jazz, as Brunswick takes Hove by storm over the
weekend of 18th and 19th August.

24. Take a trip to Blatchington Mill
The restored mill at West Blatchington is a Grade II listed building and well worth a visit. Find out
about the history of milling and check out scale models of Shipley smock mill and Nutley post mill.
Open Sundays and Bank Holidays from May to September. http://www.blatchington.virtualmuseum.info

25. Fly your kite at the Brighton Kite Festival
Did you know the smallest flying kite in the world is 5mm high! Watch the skies of Brighton fill up with
kites of all shapes and sizes, drop into a kite workshop or marvel at the master kite flyers as they
demonstrate some of the amazing things that can be done with kites. http://www.brightonkiteflyers.co.uk

26. Throw some moves at the Brighton Hip Hop Festival
Think you’re bit of a mover? Wanna twist someone’s cap with ya mean mugging! Then get yourself
down to the Brighton Hip Hop Festival and throw some shapes backpackers. No, we we’re not what
sure it means either, but it’s the UK’s largest celebration of Hip Hop Culture and looks rather fab!
http://www.bhhf.org

27. Swim in the sea
Long treasured by bathers and promenading tourists, visitors to Brighton beach can now take another
comfort from the famous pebbly shores. Recently awarded Blue Flag status in recognition of its
cleanliness and water quality, taking the plunge has never been cleaner!

28. Hire a bike and cycle across the Downs
What better way to experience the sensation of fresh air and open spaces, whilst getting some
exercise and enjoying stunning views across Sussex and the sea? The bridleways and byways on the
South Downs can be used freely by cyclists and it’s easy to hire a bike too. http://www.m-cyclehire.co.uk and
http://www.visitsouthdowns.com

29. Go zorbing (or orbing)
Try out the latest craze for thrill seekers. Harnessed within 12ft PVC spheres, two 'ORBers' at a time
hit speeds of up to 30mph, as they go head over heals down a run in the heart of the breathtaking
South Downs. Weeeeeee! 01273 880045

30. Go veggietastic at Terre a Terre
With veggie delights to turn the most avid carnivore, Terre a Terre bring a whole new meaning to the
term vegetarian with a mouth-watering menu of sublime veggie dishes. Drop in and go veggietastic.
Bring the kids, bring Gran, bring Aunt Flo – bring everyone! http://www.terreaterre.co.uk

31. Get fishy at Brighton Fishing Museum
Think you know your cod from your crayfish? Check out Brighton Fishing Museum, where you can
sample some shellfish, take in a olde traditional smoker and find out all there is to know about fishing
in Brighton. You might even get the fishy low-down from a working fisherman!
http://www.sussexmuseums.co.uk

32. Be Stagestruck at Brighton Museum
Stagestruck celebrates over 200 years of remarkable history at Brighton’s Theatre Royal. View vintage
prints and photographs, costumes and props and reconstructions of 'special effects' of the 19th century
at this fascinating exhibition at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. http://www.brighton.virtualmuseum.info

33. Have champagne and oysters at Riddle and Finns
Relax in style at Riddle and Finns' delicious champagne and oyster bar. Indulge in sumptuous seafood,
sip chilled champagne and sit at marble topped tables, safe in the hands of the friendly, knowledgeable
staff. The perfect post shopping or pre-theatre treat! http://www.riddleandfinns.co.uk

34. Buy vegetarian shoes in the North Laine area
Well known for its eco friendly and environmental approach to life, Brighton has its very own
vegetarian shoe shop. You’ll be surprised at the wide range of shoes, boots, sandals and belts on offer.
Who says feet can’t go veggie! http://www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk

35. Take a tour of the old police cells
Ello, ello, ello. Learn about life on the beat in Brighton and visit the old police cells with this unique
tour. See the fascinating collection of local Police memorabilia and find out all about the grisly goings
on of 1844, when Constable Solomon was murdered by a prisoner. oldpolicecellsmuseum.org.uk

36. Go luvvy with a tour of the Theatre Royal
From Marlene Dietrich to Laurence Olivier, a host of thespian lovelies have trodden the boards at the
Theatre Royal. Find out about their antics and the fascinating history of one of the UK’s best loved
theatres, with an enlightening behind the scenes tour. And whilst you’re there, don’t forget to wish the
theatre a Happy 200th Birthday! http://www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyal

37. Get down and dirty with a sewer tour
Brighton's Victorian sewerage system is one of the most magnificent examples of civil engineering of its
kind and the sewer tours have become a popular attraction for tourists. Don’t worry though; drainage
and water disposal has come a long way in Brighton since Victorian times! 0845 278 0845

38. Laugh your socks off at Brighton Komedia
One of Brighton's premier live entertainment venues, Komedia presents one of the largest, most
diverse arts and entertainment programmes in the UK. With around 700 performances of music,
comedy, cabaret and theatre to choose from in 2007 you won’t be spoilt for choice!
http://www.komedia.co.uk

39. Get spooky with a Preston Manor ghost tour
Join Daisy the Housemaid, for eerie tales of Victorian séances and the chilling White Lady, at
Brighton's favourite haunted house. Watch out for slamming doors and mysterious wafts of lavender in
the Morning Room. Go if you dare! BOO! http://www.prestonmanor.virtualmuseum.info

40. Visit Brighton Toy and Model Museum
A treat for kids big and small! Brighton Toy and Model Museum is an Aladdin's cave of the finest toys
and models, situated beneath Brighton Station, including mechanical toys and models, dolls house
furniture and puppets dating back to the 1790s. http://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk

41. Breeze up to the Downs
Jump aboard one of the bus services linking the city with some of the area’s finest countryside. With
the Downs literally on the Doorstep, you’re just minutes away from Devil’s Dyke, Stanmer Park and
Ditchling Beacon. Ooo, it just makes you want to getaway! 01273 292480

42. Get messy with some Hands on Pottery
Tap into your creative side with some Hands on Pottery. Make a mobile, paint a pot but try not to
smash a plate! Within a lovely garden setting, you’ll get the opportunity to express yourself, safe in the
hands of professional pottery makers. It’s a marvellous way to unwind. http://www.hands-onpottery.com

43. Check out the Chattri
A unique monument on the beautiful South Downs dedicated to the Indian Soldiers who died in the
First World War, the Chattri was unveiled in 1921 by the then Prince of Wales. Accessible by
bridleway, you can walk, cycle or even horseride your way there! http://www.black-history.org.uk/chattri.asp

44. Visit the Booth Museum of Natural History
Check out whale and dinosaur bones and over half a million other specimens, including natural history
literature extending back over three centuries, in this fascinating Brighton museum.
http://www.booth.virtualmuseum.info

45. Ole with some flamenco at Joogleberrys
Enjoy funky entertainment with attitude in the heart of Brighton. Skylit ground floor cafe restaurant
with scrummy food and magical cabaret bar with nightly jazz, flamenco and comedy.
http://www.joogleberry.com

46. Check out the Brighton Earthship
The first of its kind in England, Earthship Brighton is a solar powered, eco friendly building built from used
tyres. A great day out with a difference, tours of the Earthship are educational and fun and include an
overview of the Stanmer Organic consortium. http://www.lowcarbon.co.uk

47. Soar over Brighton in an art deco bi-plane
Don your flight goggles and experience the golden age of flying with a breathtaking trip over
Brighton and the Sussex coast in a 1930s vintage art deco biplane. Chocks away!
http://www.deltaaviation.co.uk

48. Run the Race For Life
Pop on your running shoes on the 30th June and do your bit for charity as Brighton takes part in the
Race For Life. Get fit, feel good, raise some cash and run around the rather lovely Stanmer Park. Go
on, get those footsies moving! http://www.raceforlife.org

49. Discover the ancient wonders of the Sussex Weald
Not just a modern, free spirited city, Brighton also has a fascinating history stretching back thousands
of years. Home to some of England's most ancient hill forts, beacon points, tumuli and earthworks, why
not discover the ancient wonders of the Sussex Weald with the Antiquarian Society.
http://www.theantiquariansociety.com/TAS_services_tours_brighton.html

50. Read a 17th century newspaper at Jubilee Library
So much more than a pile of books, Jubilee Library is an ethical, award winning, eco friendly,
understatedly cool library in Brighton’s Cultural Quarter. Pop in and read the papers – you’ll find all
the regular dailies there – including ones from 1642! http://www.citylibraries.info/libraries/jubilee.asp

Places to visit and things to do in Brighton