Top Things To Do in Brighton

Welcome to Brighton! Known for being ‘London-by-the-sea’, this coastal city is one of the UK’s most popular destinations. With a rich history, stunning architecture and a vibrant atmosphere, Brighton boasts a number of activities and attractions to suit everyone’s taste. There is truly something for everyone. Discover the top things to do in Brighton with Cactus.

Fun Things to Do in Brighton

Discover some of the most fun things to do in Brighton:

Explore the historic sights

Discover King George IV’s palace he had built in the centre of Brighton. The Royal Pavilion is a palace like no other, brimming with decadence and Eastern inspiration, and rich with stories of its former occupant. Wander through the Indian hospital gallery, Banqueting Room and music room. Here, Chinese-inspired decoration meets acoustic perfection under a glorious domed ceiling. A captivating glimpse into the city’s heritage and one of the top fun things to do in Brighton.

Visit the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

Immerse yourself in a world of art and culture with a visit to the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. The museum is location in the city centre and is well-known for it’s impressive collection. Artists and designers from around the world are represented, including Charles Rennie Mackintosh, René Lalique, Charles Eames and Grayson Perry. The museum hosts a diverse range of exhibitions and engaging displays. A must-visit if you are looking to be amazed.

Courses by Cactus in Brighton

Learning a language can also be one of the top things to do in Brighton. If you are interested in learning a language you can join courses by Cactus in central Brighton. The language school is a short walk from Brighton Railway Station, Royal Pavilion and The Lanes. You can learn French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese or Spanish. Language classes offered from beginners to advanced with real teachers. Learn for fun with friends and family – a great way to improve your language skills.

Enjoy a thrilling time on Brighton Pier

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Brighton, this one might just top them all. Whether you’re into gaining valued fighter pilot experience on Air Race, or prefer watching the world go by on the carousel, there’s plenty of things to keep you amused on Brighton Palace Pier. This seaside theme park is suitable for families of all ages.

Things To Do in Brighton for Adults

From events and festival to market visits there are plenty of things for Adults to do in Brighton:

Brighton Open Market

Proudly situated at a historic site in the heart of the London Road community in Brighton. The market includes independent retail units, artists’ studios and plaza traders. Browse the stalls at Brighton’s Open Market and you’ll be able to find some unique gifts.

Brighton i360

Admire panoramic views of Brighton and South Downs National Park while sipping a glass of Sussex fizz on Brighton i360. Its doughnut-shaped glass pod acts as both a lift and a viewing platform, carrying you up to 138 meters high.

Upside Down House Brighton

Capture the most surreal images at the Upside Down House Brighton. A luxurious turquoise beach house with a variety of designed rooms, all inspired by the diverse cultural, music and arts atmosphere of Brighton and Hove. Try out some unique poses from an inverted perspective. A unique and fun attraction not only for the kids but adults also!

Language Events in Brighton

From language exchanges to cultural festivals bustling with music and dance, we’ve pulled together events in Brighton which we think might be of interest to you. Each event offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of both language and local customs by engaging in lively conversations with native speakers or savouring traditional cuisine.

• International Cooking Classes – Learn to cook popular dishes from your favourite cuisine. Favourite events include Thai, Spanish, Japanese and Greek.

Spanish Events

• Latin Lounge Brighton – Monthly meetup for live latin music, cocktails, salsa, bachata and reparto. LLB opens with a Cuban Style Salsa lesson for all level.
• Salsa School –Free salsa class for beginners every Tuesday. Salsa classes until 9pm then followed by salsa bachata Kizomba social dance until 11pm.

French Events

• Brighton French Language Exchange – Fun games in a casual pub setting to refine your French and meet new people
• Brighton and Hove French Circle – All talks start at 6.30pm at the Brighthelm Centre and are held in French. Although you can expect a warm welcome from 6pm.

Italian Events

• Prima Le Parole: La Bella Italia in Words and Music – This concert will revel in the Italian language itself, with the music being either sung in Italian or inspired by Italy.

Portuguese (Brazilian) Events

• Brazilian Partner Dancing with Forro Family – Light hearted fun lessons where you can learn the basic steps, feel the rhythm and learn to flow around the dance floor with grace and ease.

Japanese Events

• Brighton Japan Club – Regular meet ups and day trips.
• Japanese Paper Craft – Fun and creative workshop exploring the traditional Japanese art of Momigami paper crafting. This unique craft involves crumpling and kneading paper to create a soft, leather-like texture that is perfect for origami, bookbinding, and more.
• Japanese Zen Garden Workshop – Immerse yourself in Zen music, diffusing essential oils, cuppa green tea and interact with the sand. Amazing for relaxation.
• Nodate Spring Tea Ceremony –  Join Hiroko Aono-Billson to welcome spring with a Japanese tea ceremony. At the end of the event, take home a bamboo whisk, a container of Matcha tea powder and Japanese sweets.

Free Things To Do in Brighton

Ready to discover the top free things to do in Brighton? From a walking tour to a stroll on the beach, there is so much you can do for free.

Wander around the Royal Pavilion Gardens

Take a walk through or sit down for a homemade picnic in the beautiful Regency garden that surrounds the Royal Pavilion, providing visitors and locals a green haven in the heart of the city. Vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and tranquil pathways await. Escape into nature in the heart of the city with one of the top free things to do in Brighton.

Touring the Lanes and North Laines

The twisting alleyways of the lanes are home to antique stores, jewellers and designer boutiques. The square on East Street is a great spot for a delicious al fresco meal accompanied by some live jazz.

Visiting the beach

Whether you want to relax by the sea or walk the promenade, Brighton beach is a lovely place to unwind. You’ll see the quirky, colourful beach huts of Hove, and as you continue walking into the city centre, it’ll take you past Regency squares to the Victorian bandstand. As you cross the boundary into Brighton you can see the i360 observation tower. Along this stretch you’ll see seafront arches full of independent shops selling photography, furniture, fashion and more. There are lots of great cafes and restaurants, and even a deck chair or two to enjoy the view.

Enjoy the South Downs National Park

One of the iconic images of the South Downs National Park is the rippling wall of chalk stretching to the horizon at the Seven Sisters. From near and far, the South Downs is an area of outstanding natural beauty that makes for a perfect day out in Brighton.

Brighton Must-Dos

There are many to must-do in Brighton. From climbing a tower to attending a concert. Enjoy the panoramic views, pay a tribute or step into literary history. Discover the Brighton must-dos:

• Hire a Beryl Bike in Brighton
• Attend a show at the Brighton Dome
• Tick the Brighton Zip Line off your bucket list
• Visit the World’s oldest aquarium, SEALIFE Brighton

Where To Start?

Brighton offers a wealth of experiences that cater to diverse interests and preferences. From rich history to cultural offerings to scenic views. Discover the top things to do in Brighton and join a language course.

Learning a new language is a rewarding experience. If you do not know where to start, discover how a beginners language course works. Cactus offers 10-week courses in central Brighton using our proven methodology.