There are many reasons to love Brighton. From the beach to the pier to the people, the unique offerings are what make it so special. Without stating the obvious, many cities have so-called “hidden gems,” and Brighton is no exception.
We have come up with a list of 25 things to experience in Brighton. Some of the things on the list will be familiar to locals, but we guarantee others will surprise even residents who have been living in Brighton for years!
27 Gems in Brighton You May Not Have Heard About but need to visit!
| Preston Rock Garden Tavern | A beautiful garden with plants, wildlife, and a mini waterfall. |
| Chattri Memorial | Memorial built to commemorate Indian soldiers who died in WWI. |
| West Blatchington Windmill | Restored windmill from the 1820s with a shop, museum, and guided tours. |
| Bodhisattva Centre | Buddhist meditation centre offering classes. It also has a peace garden, cafe, gift shop, and bookshop. |
| The Secret Garden Kemptown | A community-run garden with sculpture exhibitions and a cafe. |
| Snoopers Paradise | Large antique store with a wide variety of bits and bobs for sale. |
| Kissing Fish | A store selling ethically sourced, handmade products from Bali, Indonesia, and Thailand. |
| Mimo At The Open Market | A cute shop offering prints, accessories, craft kits, and more from local artists and UK-based brands. |
| Garden Cafe | Cafe with a plant-filled interior and delicious food. |
| Munchies Craft Cat Cafe | Cat cafe in Brighton. |
| Artbox Cafe | Hello Kitty-themed shop & cafe with sweet and savoury options. |
| FOUND Cafe | Quirky cafe with an artistic ambience, serving vegetarian and vegan food. |
| Salvage Cafe | Cafe with a vintage interior full of antiques for sale. |
| Red Fish Fine Art & Coffee Shop | Artsy cafe offering homemade cakes and toasties as well as the chance to draw with some paper and crayons. |
| Private Dining At Cellars Of Old Ship Hotel | Private dining experience in a 400-year-old underground cellar. |
| The WitchEZ | Adult-only photo design cafe & restaurant serving Swiss and Eastern European cuisine. |
| The Cauldron | Magical & wizard-themed Immersive cocktail-making experience. |
| The Folklore Rooms | Small, intimate folk music venue located above a pub in Brighton. |
| Loading | Bar with a massive selection of board games and consoles, serving food and drinks. |
| Under Pier Rainbow Walk | Colourful walkway under Brighton Palace Pier |
| Dog And Bone Gallery | Smallest gallery in Brighton, housed in two red phone boxes |
| White Wall Cinema | An independent pop-up cinema showcasing classic movies in unique locations |
| Carnival Games At Globalls | New neon funfair with classic games like hook-a-duck. |
| Sofar Sounds | Unique music event with surprise locations and new artists. |
| Alcotraz | Prison-themed immersive cocktail-making experience. |
| Singing Barber | Sings classic songs from his barbershop window on the last Saturday of every month. |
| Geocaching | Treasure hunt game where people hide containers for others to find using an app. |
Preston Rock Garden
The Preston Rock Garden—what can I say? A truly beautiful place that I’m so glad to have discovered. It’s across the road from Preston Park and makes for a fun day out. With a lot of plants, wildlife, and even a mini waterfall, this is a great place to take a walk around and take some photos. I mean, look at how happy being there made me.
On the day I visited back in 2021 (Hi, that’s me, Marlena in the photo!), I brought my camera with me and got to take a stunning photo of a Robin and some squirrels, so if you love photography, this is also a great place for you.
Although not the biggest garden, it’s definitely nice for a romantic walk or a picnic, and while you’re at it, you can visit Preston Park to spend some more time in the area. Picturesque and beautiful are two words I can use to describe this place. In 2016, Preston Park Rockery was even the England winner of the UK’s Best Park Award.
Chattri Memorial
On the outskirts of the city, you can find the Chattri Memorial, which was built in 1921 to commemorate 53 Indian soldiers who died in WWI (the memorial is also the burial ground).
Inscriptions in Hindi, Punjabi, and English can be found on the memorial, and these read: ‘To the memory of all the Indian soldiers who gave their lives for their King-Emperor in the Great War, this monument, erected on the site of the funeral pyre where the Hindus and Sikhs who died in hospital at Brighton passed through the fire, is in grateful admiration and brotherly affection dedicated’.
If you love history, this memorial would be great to visit. To get there, you can take the 5A bus to Patcham Place YHA, and from there, it’s a 2km uphill walk.
Find out more: www.chattri.com
West Blatchington Windmill
West Blatchington Windmill was built in the 1820s and has been open since 1979. The windmill has been restored, and during this process, they were able to preserve all the original mill workings. Visitors can visit the shop and museum to see historic exhibitions or have a guided tour.
“Friends of the Mill” are volunteers who help run the windmill, and this allows it to be open from May to September on Sundays and bank holidays, from 2.30 pm to 5 pm.
Address: Holmes Avenue, Hove, BN3 7LE
Find out more: https://www.westblatchingtonwindmill.org/
Bodhisattva Centre
If you’re a fan of inner peace (aren’t we all), you might want to consider a stroll to the Bodhisattva Kadampa Meditation Centre (KMC) in Hove. This Buddhist meditation centre was started in 1992 and at present offers meditation classes, courses, and retreats for beginners and experienced meditators.
The centre is open to the public and has a peace garden, cafe, gift shop, and bookshop. You can visit just the garden if you want to have a nice walk. If you decide to check out the centre, you may be able to meet the residential Buddhist monk.
Address: 3 Lansdowne Rd, Hove, BN3 1DN
Find out more: https://meditateinbrighton.com/
The Secret Garden Kemptown
I first found out about The Secret Garden in Kemptown in early 2023, but due to its closure, I was never able to visit, but believe me, it’s on my Brighton bucket list! If you head into Kemptown and make your way towards the marina, you may be able to find this garden (it’s called a Secret Garden for a reason).
It looks like a very cosy place to go, and it’s run by a volunteer community and the Antony Dale Trust. You can enter the garden for free (it’s open on the weekend from 11 am to 5 pm) and there you will find more than just a garden; they also exhibit sculptures from local artists, and there’s even a cafe serving cake and drinks. They also have Wi-Fi, so maybe it could become your next go-to spot during hot summer days when you’re working from home.
If you’re out walking your furry friend, you’re welcome to drop by with them as long as they’re well-behaved and on a lead.
Address: Bristol Gardens, Kemp Town, Brighton, BN2 5JE
Website: https://www.secretgardenkemptown.co.uk/
Snoopers Paradise
If you’re into all this vintage, then you’ll love Snoopers Paradise. It’s a large second-hand and antique store in the North Laines in Brighton. The store has been popular among locals and tourists for the last 30 years, and here you will find all things antique, from vintage clothing to collectables and really anything you can think of. The store is spread over two floors, with independent vendors offering unique items outside the store, like clothing and accessories.
Address: 7/8 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL
Website: https://snoopersparadise.co.uk/
Kissing Fish
Stepping into Kissing Fish feels like stepping into another world, and I mean that. The store is made up of three floors, and my favourite has got to be the underground floor. Here you will find a lot of bits and bobs, but there’s also a cool little room that has a mellow vibe with some glow-in-the-dark aspects and dim lighting.
Kissing Fish sells ethically sourced, handmade products from Bali, Indonesia, and Thailand. Here you can buy a range of items, including intricate furniture and other smaller bits like accessories or trinkets. It’s a store full of colour and can be a great pick-me-up on a rainy day while exploring the North Laines.
Address: 18 Gardner St, Brighton, BN1 1UP
Website: https://www.instagram.com/kissing.fish/
Mimo At The Open Market
Such a colourful and wonderful gem that not many people may come across in Brighton unless they visit the Brighton Open Market. The store owners, Maya and Myre, work with local artists and UK-based brands to offer a range of products, from prints to accessories to craft kits and beyond.
If you like quirky things, you’ll love looking around this small shop. The duo also sells products from their in-house brands, Uschie and Mopbox. If you want to support a wonderful little store in Brighton, make sure to head to the Brighton Open Market and give them a visit.
Address: Unit 10, Open Market, Marshalls Row, Brighton, BN1 4JU
Website: https://www.mimobrighton.co.uk/
Garden Cafe
One of my favourite cafes in Brighton, if I’m honest. I find myself here a lot, and it’s not so hidden, being located on North Road. In the last month alone, I have visited The Garden Cafe three times! It’s my go-to place when friends come from abroad.
People are always stunned when we enter and they see the plant-packed interior. On top of this, the food is SO GOOD. The last time I went, my eyes were bigger than my stomach, and I ended up getting so much cake I had to take it home with me, but the next day I was thankful for that decision. If you think I’m overexaggerating about how good the food is, I guess you’ll have to try it yourself and thank me later.
There’s something calming and somewhat magical about sitting in a cafe surrounded by plants hanging from above and everywhere you look. Some of these plants are even for sale if you’re looking for some greenery to decorate your house with.
Address: 29 North Rd, Brighton, BN1 1YB
Website: https://www.instagram.com/gardencafebrighton
Munchies Craft Cat Cafe
A new chapter is here for Munchies Craft, but oh, how I’ll miss the old place. The cafe has recently been renovated and reopened as a CAT CAFE! That’s right, we have our own cat cafe in the city; no more travelling to Eastbourne or London. As I write this in mid-May, the cats are yet to arrive, but they are coming.
When I first came across Munchies Craft in early 2023, they were a neon art cocktail place, and their unique colourful pancakes caught my attention and made it a must-visit. Upon visiting with my friend Patricia (check out my review here—I still dream of the pancakes), we were blessed by AMAZING food and found out that they have a residential dog called Alex (who, by the way, is still there until the cats arrive, so make sure to visit them ASAP if you want to meet him; he’s the cutest).
The owners were so sweet and had a chat with us, and although it’s quite a small establishment, it’s a great spot for people-watching, with seats both inside and outside. I walked past Munchies Craft recently, and it seems the menu has changed, which breaks my heart a little. I can’t wait to visit in early June to meet all 8 cats!
Did I mention that if you’re a cat owner, you’re welcome to come for some nibbles and drinks and bring your cat with you? Oh, and of course, they’ll receive VIP treatment, and this will be possible until the residential cats arrive, so please contact them if you plan to go in the near future.
Address: 19 Market Street, Brighton, BN1 1HH
Website: https://munchiescraft.co.uk/
Artbox Cafe
Artbox Cafe—you either love it or hate it; I’ve seen both. Some people think it’s too childish; others (me included) have always wanted to visit, and I have visited twice in fact! The cafe is located above the shop. The shop is open to all, and there you will find Hello Kitty-themed items available for purchase as well as ice cream and drinks for takeaway.
If you want to try the Hello Kitty-themed food (like the waffles I had when I last visited with my younger siblings), you’ll want to get a seat in the cafe on the first floor. This is easier said than done if you’re feeling spontaneous, as it’s usually pretty booked up. I’m not saying it is IMPOSSIBLE to get a seat, but it’s highly likely that if you come in and ask for a seat, one of two things will happen: either it’ll be the luckiest day of your life and you’ll get seated right away, or you’ll be allocated a time slot later in the day to come back (the latter is more likely).
Therefore, to guarantee a seat, it’s best to book a table in advance. A £10 deposit is required per person; however, this is later deducted from the total on the bill. Your table is booked for 1 hour from arrival, and they are quite strict about this, and although it doesn’t seem like a lot of time, it’s enough for eating, taking cute pictures, and even having some time left over to chat.
During my last visit, I had a curry, but this time I had a sweet tooth and ended up getting waffles, which left me full for the rest of the day. If you end up visiting and want to try what I had (which I HIGHLY recommend you do), order the Flowerberry Waffles. I mean, come on, they come with tiny pink sprinkles, a pink chocolate flower, fresh strawberries, sorbet, cream, dried raspberries, strawberry sauce, biscoff sauce, and THE BEST macaroon I have ever had (and I’ve had many in my life).
If you’re curious to know more about what to expect, check out this article I wrote about the last time I visited in May 2023. What’s more, the menu is entirely vegetarian and vegan, so it’s perfect for all!
FUN FACT: The cafe recently opened in London, and the theme of the cafe changes once in a while, with past themes being Gudetama’s Lazy Lounge, Line Friends and BT21 Tasty Universe, and Pusheen’s Snack Parlour. I wonder what’s coming next?!
Address: 5-6 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HP
Website: https://www.artbox.co.uk/brighton.php
FOUND Cafe
What a quirky cafe near London Road! I love that there are random artistic bits and bobs scattered around the cafe (with some for sale!). It really gives it that artistic feel. Also, it’s great that they focus on sustainability and serve vegan and vegetarian food (they definitely have deserts, but I believe they also do breakfast/brunch). You’re welcome to come along with your dog too!
I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of this cafe at Brighton SEO, where she helped me make a tie-dye shirt. I feel like FOUND Cafe really fosters creativity and is the perfect place for artists to visit. They run art sessions often, and these include things like mini floral wreath making, ceramic workshops, and many more.
Address: 91a Preston Drove, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 6LD
Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/p/Found-Cafe
Salvage Cafe
As someone who works from home full-time, I’m always on the lookout for cafes that have good WiFi, and Salvage Cafe in Hove has just that. This cafe has a cool vintage interior with antiques for sale adorned on every bit of every wall. If you’re a music lover, they even have a record player, and you’re welcome to let your inner DJ shine with some calming music on offer.
Recently, the cafe has had some changes to their menu, and their food is better than ever (they are also hiring a new chef as we speak, so more exciting things to come!). Salvage Cafe calls itself a “pescetarian establishment” but also caters to all with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. If you’re not hungry enough for food, you can also get some homemade cake and a drink. When it comes to drinks, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you go for tea, as they have over 30 options on offer.
And if you need a little push to get you out and on your way to Salvage Cafe, just know that they’ve been recognised as one of the “top 20 best brunch places in Brighton and surrounding areas.” If you’re a creative in the city, this is the place for you, as you’ll likely meet some interesting people here, from writers to artists to musicians.
Tazz (the owner) is one of the nicest people I have come across, and it’s always a pleasure visiting. Occasionally, if you’re lucky and find yourself in the right place at the right time, you might get to meet Coco, Salvage’s residential dog.
Address: 84 Western Rd, Hove, BN3 1JB
Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/salvagecafe/
Red Fish Fine Art & Coffee Shop
My inner artist can’t get enough of this place! Beyond your traditional homemade cakes and pastries, they also offer freshly made toasties and some paper and crayons to go with your order, so you can be the artist you’ve always dreamed of being. And if your art is amazing (which I know it will be), it might even get featured on their wall.
Address: 7 Trafalgar St, Brighton, BN1 4EQ
Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/redfishfineart/
Private Dining At Cellars Of Old Ship Hotel
We all love to find a unique experience we can tell others about once in a while, right? And what better experience than one involving food? Let me put you onto Cellar Dining at The Old Ship Hotel.
This dining experience is set in a 400-year-old underground cellar, can seat up to 28 guests, and offers a three-course meal with the perfect wine pairings to accompany each dish.
This is the perfect place for a celebration, especially if you want to WOW your guests. I mean, with the candles lit, don’t you think it could be the perfect intimate setting? Fingers crossed that someone invited me to a celebration here one day.
Address: 32-38 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 1NR
Find out more: https://www.oldshipbrighton.co.uk/
The WitchEZ
Nooo, not the Roald Dahl ones that inspired the 2020 movie; those are scary. I’m talking about THE witchEZ in Brighton, of course, the photo design (adult-only!) restaurant serving Swiss and Eastern European dishes!
The restaurant used to be on the seafront but has recently moved to the South Lanes near The Font (it’s now where Choccywoccydoodah was before if you were in Brighton before 2019 when it was still open—what a loss.) As an Eastern European who loves cheese, I am ashamed to say I have yet to visit, BUT I’ve read A LOT about it, and I know I’ll love it.
I mean, what more need I say? Tripadvisor has named them the 6th best restaurant in Brighton (from 747 others, may I add!) So it’s definitely a must-try. If that’s not convincing enough, why not try Czech fried cheese, Rösti (a traditional Swiss dish made with pan-fried shredded potatoes), Bavarian schnitzel (the portion is HUGE, so be warned), and Pierogi (of course I have to recommend this; they usually come either with cottage cheese, potatoes & onion filling, meat filling, or mushroom & cabbage filling, but you can ask your waiter what is on offer on the day).
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try “Little Hooves” with pesto or beef stew? Don’t worry, no animals are harmed in the making of little hooves, but if you want to find out what they are, you might just have to make a visit to The WitchEZ. How does that sound?
A fun fact about me is that I was born in Zakopane in Poland (such a beautiful mountain town), and this place is known for a dish called “Oscypek,” which is usually made from goat’s cheese and tastes a little like smokey grilled halloumi. Why do I mention this? You guessed it, they have Oscypek at The WitchEZ (served with cranberry sauce, apple, and gherkin—the usual in Poland), so what better way to get a taste of Poland than right here in Brighton (but please don’t blame me if you accidentally end up booking a flight straight after!).
Address: 3 Meeting House Ln, Brighton, BN1 1HB
Find out more: https://thewitchez.co.uk/
The Cauldron
I solemnly swear that I am up to no good, at least not when I’m at The Cauldron. I first visited the cauldron back in October 2022, when I booked the magical cocktail-making experience for two for my friend’s birthday.
We had a great time during our visit, and there weren’t many people around, so it felt very cosy and intimate. When you visit The Cauldron, you really do turn into a wizard when they give you a cape and wand (that really works, FYI!).
Of course, the first part of the experience is choosing one of the magical heads adorning the wall and using a spell to get them to pour you a drink. You then get instructions at your table and get to make two cocktails of your choice. Back in 2022, when we went, we also got an interactive magical box, and we had to cast spells to retrieve ingredients from it. The staff were lovely too, and they really made it an immersive experience.
Fast forward to April 2024, and there I was again, ready for some magic with two friends. The experience is around £45, but it’s worth it (the interior is so Instagrammable too!). The night was an eventful one, to say the least, with a lot of magical chaos. It was super busy (busier than I’ve ever seen it), but we still enjoyed our experience. We ended up getting lots of extra drinks on top of the experience.
If you do end up going (and I recommend you save up and treat yourself if you were a fan of Harry Potter or magicians as a child), if your server is Sam, you’ll be in luck (he’s guaranteed to make your night fun, and he might sprinkle in some jokes here and there too).
Address: 1-2 Clarence Gdns, Brighton, BN1 2HA
Find out more: https://thecauldron.io/ (Use Code: WLB_Potions at checkout for 10% off)
The Folklore Rooms
Haven’t we all at some point in our lives wished we could find a magical door that takes us to another world (like in Narnia)? Well, I introduce to you the opportunity to do just that at The Folklore Rooms.
The Folklore Rooms is a venue located above the Quadrant Pub. Although the door to it is usually open, it is definitely a cool experience when the door is closed and you feel like you’re entering another world.
They call themselves “Brighton’s premiere, intimate folk venue,” and you can check their calendar for upcoming music events. This venue has a small capacity of 60, so it really is the perfect place for an intimate show.
Address: 12 North St, Brighton, BN1 3GJ
Find out more: https://www.folkloresessions.co.uk/
Loading
As someone who’s been to Loading more than 25 times in the last two years, I always thought Loading was an obvious choice for a bar among people hanging out with friends, but boy was I wrong. It seemed every new person I encountered in the last year or so had no idea about the existence of Loading.
It truly can be said to be a “hidden” gem with its location. Situated between the Brighton Pier and Brighton Zipline, this place can be easy to miss when passing, especially in the evening. But missing it will come with regret.
My favourite thing about Loading is the MASSIVE selection of board games they have. Some of my go-to games are Awkward, Codenames, and card games like What Do You Meme or Cards Against Humanity. But trust me when I say that every visit to Loading can be made unique with the selection of games on offer.
And on top of the board games, there are a few arcade-style machines, and some tables have consoles like Play Stations, Xboxes, and the Switch, so when I say you’re spoilt for choice, I mean it.
My favourite part of visiting Loading is their food. They have an extensive food and drink menu with great vegetarian options and a range of cocktails, mocktails, and other drinks. Their cocktails and mocktails, as well as some of the food, have pretty cool names too. Skyrum is a play on the game Skyrim, and one of my favourite drinks on the menu visually is the G&T Virus, which is served with two syringes that you inject into the drink. For food, the fries are always amazing, and I love sharing the pita and dip with my friends.
Most times when I visited, getting a table was no issue, but when going in bigger groups (5+), I tend to book in case it gets busy.
Address: Unit 11, Lower Promenade, Madeira Dr, Brighton, BN2 1ET
More about Loading: https://loading.bar/location/loading-brighton/
Under Pier Rainbow Walk
A pretty cool Instagrammable place, if I do say so myself. If you ever find yourself wandering Brighton’s Beach, which you will, make sure to check out the Under Pier Rainbow Walk. You may be wondering what this is. Well, it’s essentially an array of fences under the pier that are painted in colours that create a rainbow.
This had to make the list because, as a self-proclaimed hidden gem expert, even I didn’t know about it until earlier this year, and I’ve lived in Brighton for four years. I went to check it out the other day when the sun was out, and it was pretty cool!
If you want some more information on where to find it, it’s beneath Brighton Palace Pier (when going down the stairs to Loading, turn right when you reach the bottom of the stairs), and the “tunnel” connects the Lower Promenade on the east beach to Brighton Central Beach’s lower promenade.
Dog And Bone Gallery
Not just another gallery, and most importantly, not your TYPICAL gallery. Dog and Bone Gallery is located in two red phone boxes, only a 10-minute walk from the station and Churchill Square. Brighton’s “smallest gallery” is open 24/7 and free to visit. Curated by @ambereliseartist on Instagram, you can expect the exhibitions to change monthly.
The phone boxes were bought and renovated by Sam Toft. This gallery is unlike anything else you’ll find in any other city and is definitely a hidden gem that not even many locals will know about.
Address: Powis Square, Brighton, BN1 3HG
Website: https://www.instagram.com/dogandbonegallery/
White Wall Cinema
We all know about the big chain cinemas, Odeon and Cineworld, as well as the more local Komedia and Duke of Yorks, but not many have heard of White Wall Cinema. This independent pop-up cinema runs a few classic movie screenings per month.
The screenings take place at different venues across the city, including clothing shops, bars, and churches. Sometimes tickets are free; other times, a ticket purchase is required.
The pop-up cinema was started in 2015 by Laila and Henry and is still going strong to this day. Their love for Wes Anderson has led them to host an annual “Wes Fest” to celebrate Anderson’s movies. Beyond this, they host themed movie nights.
Website: https://www.whitewallcinema.co.uk/
Carnival Games At Globalls
Neon lights—don’t we all love them? Personally, I love anything sparkling or glow-in-the-dark. These carnival games are a new addition at Globalls. Back in 2021, I had the pleasure of visiting Globalls and playing on one of the neon mini-golf courses. It was so fun, even if I sucked at getting the ball into the hole.
But now I see this—an all-year, neon fun fair? I’m sold. The experience lasts 45 minutes, and general admission tickets cost £9.95 – £10.95 (depending on whether you want your ticket to be amendable). You can expect 10 different classic funfair games, including hook-a-duck.
This experience is perfect for families with children but also for a date night, a solo day out, or a hangout with friends. Even if you’re an adult now, there’s no shame in wanting to have some fun, no matter your age.
Address: 1-5, The Village, The Waterfront, Brighton Marina, BN2 5WA
Find out more here: https://www.globalls.co.uk/activities
Sofar Sounds
As a music lover who spends hours of her day listening to music, I’ve been to Sofar Sounds three times now, and each time it has not failed to amaze me. You can check out this review of the last event I attended in December if you want to find out more about my experience.
Sofar Sounds was started in 2009 by Rafe Offer in London, and at present, events are hosted in cities all over the world and aim to transform ordinary spaces such as rooftops and art galleries into live music venues, giving a stage to up-and-coming musical artists. Each time I’ve attended an event, the performers got the crowd involved, and the vibes in the space were amazing.
When booking an event, you only get information on the neighbourhood in Brighton where the event will take place. The venue is revealed around 36 hours before the show via email, and acts are revealed 24 hours before. I like to attend events without checking the acts to make it even more of a surprise.
Each Sofar event is deliberately small, showcasing three diverse acts with no headliner. Each act has its own unique genre and style. There are a few shows that run throughout each month, with tickets priced at £16.
If that’s not enough to persuade you to attend, what makes Sofar Sounds in Brighton even more unique is their partnership with Pizza Pilgrims to offer “Sofar and Pizza,” where you get to attend a show and get a pizza all for £25.
Website: https://www.sofarsounds.com/cities/brighton
Alcotraz
Although the Alcotraz experience is available beyond Brighton, in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, and Cardiff, not many people know about the existence of this experience in Brighton. No one dreams of experiencing what it’s like to be in prison, but this experience makes it fun and the perfect thing to do for a birthday.
The Brighton Seafront location is known as Cell Block One Three and is located in a secret basement. The premise is to bring your own bottle of alcohol (70 cl recommended for 4 people), successfully smuggle it past the Warden (all in inmate clothing), and be punished with personalised cocktails (win-win if you ask me). The immersive experience lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Tickets are either £31.50 for a canteen experience (a minimum of two tickets must be bought) or £36.50 for a cell experience. If you’re looking to host a corporate event or hire the venue for a private party, this is also possible.
Address: 13 Kings Rd, Brighton, BN1 1NE
Website: https://www.alcotraz.co.uk/locations/brighton/
Brighton’s Singing Barber
If you’ve always dreamt of being serenaded, head to Middle Street on the last Saturday of every month between 6-7 pm for a show you won’t forget. Each month, Brighton’s Singing Barber Peter Joannou puts on a musical performance from his barbershop window.
Expect covers of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Perry Como, Elvis Presley, and many more. If you have a special song request, you can message him directly on Facebook or Instagram. For some, this could be the perfect experience for a proposal, and for others, it could be a fun thing to witness with friends while wandering the Lanes.
Beyond the singing, of course, the best part of this is that all money made from the performance through donations goes to charity.
Address: 40 Middle St, Brighton, BN1 1AL
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheSingingBarber/
Geocaching
Geocaching is a popular activity among people located all over the world, and you can do it in almost any area of the world. So, what is it? Essentially, it’s a “find the hidden treasure game,” which is made by people for people. Caches are hidden all over the city and in the nearby areas.
You can download the Geocaching app to your phone, and once you access it, you will see a map of Brighton with little green circles with containers on them. You can explore what caches are available in the area, and by clicking on one, you will get some vital information to inform you about the cache and help you find it. Information includes difficulty, terrain, size of cache, description, hint, as well as comments from other users who have found it and some other information.
This is a great date activity or something unique to do with friends or even solo when travelling. I would advise you to bring a pen, as some of the caches let you sign your name. The last cache I did was back in 2022 and it was the Preston Village Church one. It took me so long to figure it out, but it felt so good to finally find it. Here’s a hint if you decide to do this one: Think beyond the walls of the church.
Get the app here: https://www.geocaching.com/play
Go have some fun in brighton!
We hope that some of the places on this list have surprised you and that you will plan a visit one day because that’s what makes life truly exciting—exploring the unknown.
