Rain or Shine: 10 Of The Best Things To Do In Brighton

1. Visit one of Brighton’s beach bars

Brighton Music Hall is a good bet in summer or winter, as it has Britain’s largest heated beach terrace for when it’s chilly. Head there in the summer to lap up the festival feel and live music. Otherwise, for a pint in a pub that resembles an upside-down boat, try the Fortune of War, Brighton’s oldest seafront pub, or the The Tempest Inn; a lovely foodie pub with views out to sea, with a dozen grottoes which divide into rooms for an intimate evening of wine, beer and cheese.

And although comparing Brighton beach to the Caribbean might be stretching it, the rum will still be flowing at Riki Tik Beach Bar.

2. Watch a film on the beach...

Brighton’s Big Screen has matinees and evening showings throughout August and September on the beach near the Palace Pier. There’s a bar, street food stalls as well as half-time ice-cream.

3. ...or in one of the oldest UK cinemas

The Duke of York’s first opened as a cinema in 1910 and has been in continuous use ever since. This Grade II listed building hosts Brighton’s film festival each year and is a specialist arts cinema.

4. Have a bash at Beach Volleyball

Hire a court at Yellowave, a permanent sports beach club on Madiera Drive (they supply the ball), and you and up to 12 friends can battle for beach supremacy.

5. Then put your feet up at its Barefoot Cafe

Sit on the decking and enjoy the views of the games and Pier. They do sandwiches, soups and light bites. You can also book a private beach barbecue if there’s more than ten of you.

6. Lose hours in Snooper’s Paradise vintage emporium

Housed in a former department store, this independent covered market uses its labyrinth location to pack in memorabilia, furniture, clothes, jewellery and pretty much anything else you can imagine.

Celebrating Brighton’s diverse culture, this is definitely the place to bag a retro bargain.

7. Try your luck at the Brighton Flea Market

This second-hand market is open every day selling bric-a-brac and furniture.

8. Browse the shops from the station to the seafront

Residents rightly get upset with visitors rebranding parts of the city, so get to know your shopping streets: the North Laine area comprises the streets between the train station and Brighton Dome.

The Lanes are narrow streets just south of Pavilion Gardens, between North Street and Prince Albert Street.

9. Get on your bike at the UK’s oldest cycle track

Preston Park’s Velodrome is free to take a spin round (unless there’s a track meeting on). If you’re feeling particularly competitive you can join in on a Wednesday night from April to August, where guest races take place.

10. See a Punch and Judy show

The Original World Famous Brighton Punch and Judy Show has been a seaside staple for decades. You and the kids will be in the safe “hands” of Prof. Glyn Edwards, who has been performing for more than 50 years. The outdoor summer season starts in June and runs to the end of August.