Quirky Things to Do in Brighton | Alternative Brighton

Being a little (or a lot) quirky is part of Brighton’s charm. It is a city full of character where there is no shortage of interesting, original and fun things to see, do and keep you amused every day of the week. Whether you’re after somewhere quirky to eat or drink or dance or even rave your way into the day we have something for you. Or if you fancy an unusual exercise, activity, a bit of chess-boxing or a naked bike ride we can cater to you crazy needs with our list of quirky things to do in Brighton.

The Quirky Boutique Wedding Fair

Twice a year, The Quirky Boutique Wedding Fair take everything unique, vintage, eclectic, whimsical, kitsch, camp and eccentric from the world of weddings and create a truly exciting event. This is one for couples looking to get married the way THEY want to. If you have been to wedding fairs and your heart has sunk, if you have picked up wedding magazines that have made you want to elope to a remote island then this is the day out for you, and we will have over 60 exhibitors that fit the bill… The next fair will take place on the 10th May 2015.

Nerd Nite

Nerd Nite Brighton is upstairs at The Caroline of Brunswick every month to entertain you with three nerdish talks from some super speakers. Learn things about a whole host of nerdy topics from how ants work out how to get back home to how to stop mice doing drugs, to why people decide to donate kidneys to complete strangers to how to photograph newly born stars. Embrace your inner nerd, bring a friend or go on your lonesome, grab a beer or a piece of cake and settle down for an evening of evidence- based entertainment and fact based fun.

Ghost Hunt at The Old Police Cells Museum, under Brighton Town Hall!

Join the TruthSearchers UK team as they host an overnight Paranormal investigation ( ghost hunt ) at the Old Police Cells & Museum, Deep in the base of Brighton Town Hall. They have full access to all of the Old town Gaol ( jail ) and Police Station for the night. Its is reported that shortly after the cells were opened, an officer of the law was murdered here and over many years there have been many unexplaind experences reported. These include shadowed figures in certain areas, taps and bangs in response to questions and even strange humming noises heard. Could these be from the previous occupants who worked or were held in the cells for petty crimes to brutal and depraved murders. Are you brave enough to spend the night in a cell with the lights off ?. Will the past inmates come and visit ? and will you hear the sound of the police officers ?, still on guard, walking the halls and corridors.

Treasure Hunt

Treasure hunts all over Sussex: walking, cycling or driving. A Black Cat choice of hunt. Usually the aim is to find the right answer to the clues or the one right answer from 4 options in a multiple choice. Here, your challenge is to find the wrong answer or the one wrong answer amongst 3 other correct answers to get the points! Easy? Not necessarily. This hunt could take 1.5 to 2 hours. The starting point is in front of Churchill Square shopping centre. Post code BN1 2RG. Car parks for Churchill Square (BN1 2RU). It’s not easy to find on-street parking in Brighton but you could try the Circus down by the Old Steine (BN29RA).

Cat Face Night

Cat Face is Brighton’s most expensive night. Entry is £1000 or £4 with a cat face. Draw on a cat face! It’s fun!
The Rules:
No dogs.
No Lions
No acting like a cat.
No other cat paraphernalia apart from a cat face. It’s not a cat appreciation society. It’s about having a cat face on but not really thinking you do. So don’t wear a tail or ears and stuff – you won’t get in.

Morning Gloryville Clubbing

Morning Gloryville ~ Rave your way into the day in a morning dance experience for those who dare to start their day in style! After the astounding success and widespread popularity of the London event we are very excited to be bringing you this news: MORNING GLORY IS NOW IN BRIGHTON!!! Nothing wakes you up more than a soul-shaking dance, electrifying music and for those who need it, a mind blowing double espresso, free yoga workshops and massage! On arrival you will be greeted by ‘Children of the Morning’ (your very own ‘Wake-up Angels’) with hooping and glitz and glamour with Live Love Hoop and Mela Wella. Raw chocolate, smoothies, breakfast to go! Indulge in a choice of yoga workshops, showcasing the amazing talents of Brighton yogi’s, hosted by Nine Lives Yoga: including yoga rave! Acroyoga, thai therapeutics, partner yoga and this month indo board yoga!

Nudist beach

Brighton made a little bit of seaside history on 1 April 1980 when it opened its naturist beach – the first public naturist beach in the UK. Britain’s most accessible naturist beach, Brighton Naturist Beach is within easy walking distance of central Brighton.The naturist beach can be found at the eastern end of the main Brighton beach – approximately a 1 mile walk east of Brighton Pier towards Brighton Marina. Signs are provided to indicate where the naturist beach commences and large banks of pebbles have been created to provide further demarcation / screening.

Naked Bike Ride

The World Naked Bike Ride has become an established event in Brighton. First began in 2006, it continues to be well supported. It assembles at the Level (most years) and winds its way around the city center before finishing at the Naturist Beach for a party and skinny dip. Not surprisingly, given the “dress code” for the event, turnout is affected by the weather on the day. The dress code for the bike ride is “As bare as you dare!” Ever since 2007, full nudity has been permitted – with the agreement of Sussex police.

Synchro Fitness

SynchroFitness was founded in 2014 by Liz Fitzsimons and Jessie Fox. Liz and Jessie have boundless energy and passion for synchronised swimming and fitness. Their mission is to give everyone, worldwide, the opportunity to do fun and social synchronised swimming mini-routines for health benefits. Inspired to share the personal, physical and wellbeing benefits they and their sports club swimmers gain through practicing synchronised swimming, the idea of SynchroFitness was born: a fun, social exercise class using basic synchronised swimming figures and formations, integrated into an aqua-type workout. Check out our other list of the best alternative sports to do in Brighton.

Chess Boxing

Chess-boxing is a combination sport and one of the main ideas is to balance the mental and physical elements of the sport so there is an equal chance of winning in either way. The bout is decided by a checkmate or a boxing stoppage. In addition, the chess match is played under an agreed time limit so that at the start, each player has the same amount of time to make all their moves. If a competitor plays slowly and runs out of time the bout is immediately stopped and the result is declared a defeat by “time penalty”.

Ghost Walk

The Ghost Walk of the Lanes runs every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings and lasts approximately 70 minutes from 7.30pm from The Druids Head, Brighton Place. £8 adults £4 children and £5 for students & senior citizens. £20 Family tickets (2 adults 2 children). There is no need to book this most entertaining of Brighton walks – just turn up!

Funny Peculiar Tour

This is a fun and exciting, theatrical walking tour, focusing on the eccentric characters who have been attracted to Brighton, ever since the Prince Regent built his peculiar Pavilion and is part performance, part audio guide and part treasure hunt. A collection of colourful characters are brought to life during this 70 minute tour, led by the rather curious Lesley or the somewhat peculiar Leslie. Check out our other list of Brighton’s best tours.

Brighton Twisted Market

The fetish scene fits right in, in sexy Brighton and those wishing to dip a tentative toe have a new outlet to stock up on synthetic wear and hurty-looking accessories. Brighton Twisted Market opens from 12-6pm on the last Sunday of every month at Latest Music Bar and a fiver gets you into that as well as the after party which kicks in from 6pm – 11pm for more BDSM shenanigans.

Afternoon tea at the Tea Cosy

The Tea Cosy, the eccentric, delightful and quirky Tea Room based in Brighton, is known for its Royal Family and British memorabilia. The Tea Cosy offers delicious homemade Sussex Cream Teas, Cakes, Scones, High Teas, Finger Sandwiches, Chutney, Piccalilli, Preserves, an extensive Tea menu, and much more! The Tea Cosy is available for private hire for any occasion or function. Check our list of our favourite places for afternoon teas in Brighton.

Draw Brighton

Draw Brighton host regular themed life drawing events with a twist. Previous themes have included circus, Hindu Deities and animals. Expect a day-long event with long and short poses, live music from the Drawchestra and entertainment of all shapes and sizes!

Dr Sketchy

Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art school is the world’s premier alt.drawing movement. It is a life-drawing class where Entertainment meets art. Dr Sketchy’s Brighton Branch’s Director Cherry DeVille and team search the world to find beautiful burlesque performers, bizarre circus acts, cabaret, drag queens, sideshow freaks, fetish divas and the finest examples of Hunky man-flesh. Then they let them loose on stage to release the artist in you! In between each round of sketching our awesome models you get a chance to have drink, get comfortable and take in some of the finest burlesque, cabaret , music, and comedy performances Brighton has to offer.

Vintage it up Brighton

Brighton’s thriving vintage scene has much to offer to all vintage-lovers ranging from nights out, dancing and cabarets to food and drink, American style diners and tea rooms. There are also many hair, beauty and shopping options for all those retro fanatics out there. Check out our post of all things vintage to do in Brighton.