Sure, we may be a little biased, but it's hard to beat Brighton when it comes to things to do.
Known and loved for its inclusive culture, vibrant arts scene and gorgeous seaside charm, Brighton is one of the UK’s most exciting cities, no matter whether you're a born-and-bred Brightonian or just visiting for a few days.
Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor eager to experience the best the city has to offer, you’re in for a treat.
From wandering through The Lanes to trying your hand at a pottery class, our guide will take you through the best things to do in Brighton, including some of our favourite insider-intel-only hidden gems and unique experiences.
Independent Artists & Makers
It's hard to top Brighton if you're in the market for one-of-a-kind works of art - the city is filled with independent artists and makers all over the city. If you’re looking for bespoke gifts or want to get involved yourself, there are plenty of ways to explore Brighton’s thriving craft community.
The Artists Open Houses Festival (held every May) lets you step inside artists’ homes and studios to see their work up close. But if you’re keen to get hands-on, there’s no shortage of pottery, painting and marbling workshops to dive into.
Try your hand at:
A pottery class to shape, glaze and fire your own ceramic piece.
Mindful marbling, where you can create mesmerising, swirling art.
An illustration session with Charlie Doodle, learning playful techniques from a local artist.
Beach life & seaside strolls
No visit to Brighton is complete without a trip to the seaside. The quintessential Brighton seafront might remain the most popular but the city has an endless coastline to share with a great array of classic experiences through to peaceful coastal walks.
Brighton beach activities
Take a ride on the famous Brighton Pier, where you'll find vintage arcade games, a range of rollercoasters and a large helping of seaside nostalgia.
Try paddleboarding or kayaking along the shoreline.
Grab an ice cream from Boho Gelato and watch the waves roll in.
Check Out Brighton's Inclusive & Creative Culture
First of all: Brighton isn’t just a city - it’s so much more than that. Famed for its welcoming atmosphere, LGBTQ+ friendly spaces and buzzing creative community, Brighton is a haven for self-expression and artistry. If you're a creative, you'll probably find it pretty hard to leave.
Every summer, Brighton Pride turns the city into a rainbow-coloured celebration of love and equality, drawing thousands from across the UK. But Brighton’s inclusivity isn’t just seasonal - it’s woven into the city’s DNA.
You'll find independent shops that champion sustainability, vibrant music and arts festivals and plenty more waiting to be discovered here.
If you want to tap into Brighton’s artistic side, why not try a craft workshop led by talented local makers? Get hands-on with:
Charlie Doodle’s playful illustration workshops, where you can create your own unique designs.
Mindful Marbling’s relaxing, colour-swirling sessions that bring creativity and mindfulness together.
Brighton Craft Club’s fun-filled craft gatherings, perfect for making something special.
Insta-Worthy Architecture & Landmarks
Love snapping photos for Instagram or capturing cute and colourful TikToks?
Brighton has an endless highlight reel full of beautiful backdrops spread across the city. While half of the fun is discovering them by chance, we've put together some of our top spots below to get you started.
Start in The Lanes, Brighton’s famous maze of narrow alleyways lined with quirky shops, jewellery boutiques and independent cafes.
Then, stroll towards the Royal Pavilion, a local palace with opulent domes and picturesque interiors. The North Laine area is another must-visit, packed with vibrant street art, vintage shops and one-of-a-kind finds.
For the ultimate Brighton experience, follow this walking route:
Grab a pastry at Julien Plumart’s patisserie (a must for French-style treats!).
Stroll through The Lanes, stopping to browse at Snoopers Paradise, Brighton’s legendary flea market.
Visit the Royal Pavilion Gardens for a peaceful break before heading to the bustling streets of North Laine.
Nature Escapes & Foraging Adventures
While Brighton’s lively streets always offer plenty of fun, this city is also a gateway to plenty of natural landscapes. A short journey from the city centre takes you to Stanmer Park, a countryside spot filled with woodlands, open fields and a sweet village tea room.
Or, for something truly unique and outdoorsy, we love a foraging workshop in Stanmer Park. Learn how to identify edible plants, discover nature’s hidden flavours and see Brighton from a whole new perspective. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature while gaining a new skill.
Beyond Stanmer Park, Brighton is also the perfect starting point for hikes into the South Downs National Park, offering panoramic views and stunning walking trails.
Coastal walks & café stops
For a more relaxed seaside experience, start your day with a coffee from The Flour Pot Bakery before walking west towards Hove’s colourful beach huts. The long promenade is ideal for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of seaside cafes to stop at along the way.
As the sun sets, Brighton’s nightlife comes alive. Maybe you fancy a date-night cocktail at Twisted Lemon, live music at The Hope & Ruin or a quirky speakeasy vibe at The Plotting Parlour? Whatever you're in the mood for, Brighton has so many options for an unforgettable Brighton night out.
