Whether you’re a local or a fanatic, you’ll know one thing – Brighton isn’t just your average seaside town. It’s a kaleidoscope of the unusual, a treasure chest of quirky adventures perfect for couples looking to escape the ordinary. From the ocean-breeze-calm of the Marina to the weird and wonderful taxidermy owl collection (yes, really), this city has something memorable waiting for even the quirkiest couples.
Dinner with a Twist at Bombanes
I know, dinner? Not terribly quirky, but my guess is you haven’t heard of Bombanes. Trust me when I say, this isn’t just dinner. It’s theatre, an experience, a love letter to creativity in food form. Tucked away down a side street (just off George Street), this quirky restaurant is cozy, eccentric, and brimming with surprises.
The menu dances between flavours from throughout Europe (and changes regularly), but one highlight that you must try (and that never leaves the menu) are the ballekes. These are Belgian meatballs slowly simmered in a sour cherry sauce. You know everyone goes crazy for Ikea meatballs with lingonberry sauce? This is like that, turned up to 11. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and involuntarily sigh, straight after the first bite. And just when you think you’re settling in, prepare for the staff to bring out puppets, a tambourine, or sometimes an unexpected serenade.
Each table feels like its own little stage, and every meal comes with a side of whimsy. You’ll leave not only full but also slightly bewildered – and isn’t that the charm of it?
Get Glamorous at the Rendezvous Casino
Brighton Marina isn’t just about the boats – though it’s fun to walk along the pontoons and gongoozle nonetheless. Hidden within its warren of winding footpaths, you’ll find the Rendezvous Casino. This little-known gem is much bigger than the casino on the seafront and has the added bonus of a dedicated poker room, something that’s surprisingly hard to find along the south coast. If you’re not quite up to scratch on your poker rules then checking out how to play online ahead of time is strongly recommended. As the largest poker site in the world, Pokerstars has got the lowdown on everything you need to know – and explains it in a simple way. Once you’ve swatted up, get dressed to the nines and see how you fare!
If poker isn’t your thing, that’s no problem. There are plenty of slot machines, as well as blackjack, baccarat, and roulette tables. Otherwise, head to the bar and people watch. It’s a great spot that attracts some real characters – and makes a cracking mojito.
Glow-in-the-Dark Dinosaur Mini Golf
Mini golf? Meh. Glow-in-the-dark mini golf surrounded by dinosaurs? Now we’re talking. This bizarre little adventure takes place in a neon-lit Jurassic jungle (right in the centre of Brighton Marina) that feels straight out of a 1980s fever dream.
You’ll weave around glowing velociraptors, aim to beat that ridiculous windmill hole, and laugh until your sides hurt when your ball ricochets off a glowing triceratops. Couples who don’t mind a little competition will love it here – just don’t let a lost ball ruin the mood. And if your partner insists on playing “commentator” the whole way through, just roll with it.
Pottery Painting at The Painting Pottery Café
Want something a bit calmer? Trade the neon lights for ceramic mugs at The Painting Pottery Café. This charming spot is a haven for creativity, where you and your partner can daub away at pottery while sipping tea.
There’s something delightfully soothing about painting your own masterpiece – or, in my case, making a mug that looked like it survived an explosion. The best part? Seeing who takes their artistic debut a little too seriously. If you’re feeling uninspired, the staff are always ready with suggestions, and yes, they’ve seen worse.
The Booth Museum of Natural History
Feeling curious? The Booth Museum offers a delightfully eerie peek into the world of natural history. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Brighton (fair warning, it’s quite a hill climb to get to it!), this museum houses everything from taxidermy birds (hundreds of them) to glittering butterfly collections that you’ll wish you could take home with you.
There’s something inherently romantic about wandering these old halls and marveling at the bizarre relics of Victorian science. Picture yourself pointing out oddities – “That fox looks far too smug,” or “Why does that owl feel like it’s judging me?” It’s an eccentric date idea, sure, but one that guarantees stories to share later.
