If you’re visiting Brighton soon and don’t want to come back empty-handed there’s a seemingly endless number of stores and boutiques to choose from to bring back something special for friends and family members. Below we’ve listed some prime areas and choice shops to find that unique souvenirs to gift, or to keep for yourself to remind you of good old Brighton!
Want to bring home unique souvenirs from Brighton? Which shops should you visit?
The Lanes | |
Snooper’s Paradise | Famous Brighton Fleamarket |
Sunshine Crafts | Handmade crocheted gifts and accessories |
Soctopus | Fun and eccentric high-quality socks |
Pen to Paper | Elegant and artistic stationery |
The Open Market | |
Saturday Market | An eclectic mix of local crafts and produce |
The Beachfront | |
Sealife Centre | World’s oldest aquarium with gift shop |
Sarah and Topsy | A treasure trove of anime memorabilia |
Daniel Laurence Artworks | Original works by Brighton-based artist |
Archie’s Empawrium | Seafront pet store selling dog toys and treats |
The Lanes
One of the main attractions for anyone visiting Brighton is The Lanes. Sprawling out from Trafalgar Street down to the seafront, the iconic Brighton roads and alleyways are home to a plethora of independent pubs, cafes, boutiques, and pre-loved treasure troves.
At some point in your stay, you’ll inevitably find yourself in the Labyrinthian shopping district so why not pick up a few trinkets while you’re there? There are countless stores selling clothing, jewellery, toys, and more, so make sure to thoroughly explore while you visit. Below are just a few examples to give you a head start!
Snooper’s Paradise
The clue’s in the name of Snooper’s Paradise. This well-renowned flea market located in Kensington Gardens hosts over 9 unique stalls selling a wide mix of… pretty much anything! From kitsch homeware to retro furniture, vinyls and books, to clothing and accessories.
It’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll find something at Snooper’s, however, it’s going to take some searching through the building’s 7000 square feet of cabinets, racks, and boxes so be sure to block out a couple of hours to make sure you experience everything this eclectic emporium has to offer.
Address: Snooper’s Paradise, 7-8 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, BN1 4AL
Website: https://snoopersparadise.co.uk/
Sunshine Crafts
Located on the corner of Gardner Street, Sunshine Crafts specialises in 100% handmade and 100% adorable, crocheted toys and accessories. These eco-friendly and sustainable products are all lovingly made by members of The Nefel Women’s Collective, a group of skilled Kurdish female artisans.
All the toys are hypo-allergenic and machine washable, making great gifts for children. Also, the handmade nature of these gifts means that each one is an original unique item, and their stock is constantly changing.
Address: Sunshine Crafts, 48 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN
Website: https://www.sunshine-crafts.co.uk/
Soctopus
First launched in 2016, Soctopus strives to make the humble sock a fun and exciting garment. This couple-owned family business designs socks that embody British and European humour and culture.
With designs spanning from super cute animal prints, to satirization of iconic artworks, Soctopus offers something for all styles of humour. The brightly coloured foot-sheaths are a nice way to add an extra statement piece to any outfit and are a fun gift for an eccentric loved-one, or just to keep for yourself!
Address: Soctopus, 37 Bond St, Brighton, BN1 1RD
Website: https://soctopus.co.uk/
Pen to Paper
We all know someone who has an insatiable love for stationery and Brighton’s Pen to Paper probably stocks an ideal gift for that someone. Their wide variety of arty, artisanal, and functional notepads, drawing tools, pencil cases, calendars and more feature themes covering anybody’s preferences. They even stock beautiful, silk-screened gift wraps to complete the presentation of a lovingly picked-out present!
Address: Pen to Paper, 4 Sydney St, Brighton, BN1 4EN
Website: https://pentopaper.company.site/
The Open Market
The Open Market has been at the heart of the London Road area community for decades. Since undergoing a huge redevelopment in 2014 it is now home to over 50 traders selling local produce, clothes, crafts, and sundries.
The market includes independent retail units, artists’ studios, and plaza stalls. As you can imagine, the market vendors’ stocks are always changing but you’ll be able to find anything from vintage American clothing, sustainable speciality honey, second-hand books and vinyl, artisanal chocolates, house plants, and more!
Situated a short walk from Brighton station, The Open Market is a great place to find interesting local products, grab a bite to eat at the many cafes, and experience some authentic Brightonian community.
Saturday Market
Although there’s plenty on offer at The Open Market any day of the week, we especially advise visiting on a Saturday as even more pop-up stalls appear selling all kinds of wonderful goodies and trinkets. The list of vendors is always different, but you can visit The Open Market’s website to get an idea of the variety on offer.
Address: The Open Market, Marshalls Row, Brighton and Hove, BN1 4JU
Website: https://brightonopenmarket.co.uk/
The Beachfront
It’d certainly be surprising if somebody visiting Brighton & Hove spent their whole trip without ever going to the famous 10+ miles of pebble beach. While the seafront is an excellent place for restaurants, activities, and nightlife, it’s also home to many traders selling unique artworks and mementoes. Below are a few highlights all situated near Brighton’s Palace Pier.
Sealife Centre
Located opposite the Palace Pier, Sea Life Brighton was originally opened as Brighton Aquarium in 1872, making it the oldest operating aquarium in the world! Featuring fully restored Victorian architecture, and seawater tanks which are refreshed with water straight from the sea twice a day, Sea Life Brighton is a favourite attraction for kids and adults alike.
Sea Life Brighton also houses a gift shop with plushies, toys, and books related to everything sea life. A great gift for somebody wanting to remember the starfish they made friends with or the turtle feeding!
Address: Marine Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN2 1TB
Website: https://www.visitsealife.com/brighton/
Sarah & Topsy
Need a gift for somebody who knows their Totodiles from their Totoros? Sarah & Topsy, tucked away at the start of the pier contains plushies, figures, and accessories to please any Japanophile.
This friendly little shop is right on the seafront and contains hundreds of little kawaii nicknacks. Well worth a browse around on your way to getting some fish & chips or a dip in the sea!
Address: Unit 3 Lower Promenade, Madeira Dr, Brighton, BN2 1ET
Website: https://www.sarahandtopsy.co.uk/
Daniel Laurence Artworks
Daniel Laurence is a Brighton-based artist who trained at the city’s renowned art college before establishing his seafront gallery on the historic Kings Road Arches. Given the gallery’s location, he is understandably inspired by the view of the ocean, and this is reflected in the gallery’s decor.
Daniel Laurence Artworks contains original paintings, sculptures, and unique furniture, as well as a curated collection of home decor and gifts. What better way to remember your trip to Brighton than with something created by a real Brightonian artist?
Address: Daniel Laurence Artworks, 226, Kings Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 1NB
Website: https://daniellaurence.co.uk/
Archie’s Empawrium
Last on the list but by no means least is Archie’s Empawrium. When getting gifts to take home for all your loved ones, who can resist getting a little something for their furry friends?
Located on the seafront, this friendly pet store sells toys and treats perfect for four-legged family members. Drop in while walking along the beachfront promenade and grab something to say “Thank you for not ruining my furniture while I was away”!
Address: Archie’s Empawrium, 46-47, Kings Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 2LN
Website: www.archies-empawrium.co.uk