Things to do
Brighton has loads to offer for couples, friends, families, and those travelling alone. Below are some links in Brighton and also close by. There is also more info on the green links page. Also below is a list of 50 things to do in Brighton this summer, how many can you do? If you want any recommendations or reservations regarding places to eat, visit etc, do not hesitate to call us or drop us a line.
www.brightonpier.co.uk
No trip to the south coast is
complete without a visit.
www.m-cyclehire.co.uk
Bikes delivered to our door
step. Tours also organised. Avoid the traffic jams and
enjoy a relaxed day out.
www.visitbrighton.com
Our partner site full of info on
stuff in brighton.
www.yellowwave.co.uk
Beach volley ball, beach soccer
and other sand related fun.
www.orb360.co.uk
Get on a roll! England’s longest orb
run.
www.thebrightonwatersports.co.uk
Kayak round the pier
on your own or in groups.
www.sealifeeurope.com
Great fun for kids, will make
parents feel like kids again.
www.odeon.co.uk
See the latest blockbuster.
www.brightonmarina.co.uk
A short tuc tuc bus or bike
ride. A nice place to stroll around and have a spot of
lunch.
Our favourite restaurants
The Dorset, in the heart of the North Laines a must for all visitors. A busy vibrant pub cafe, left hand side family freindly, right hand side not. Choose your door!
Fiddlers Elbow, 8 Boyces Street. corking Irish Bar, the current owners partner delivered our baby girl, Alabama, and we only found out how great this pub is when we popped by to say hi. Great food, live music and all sorts of other treats going on. Family freindly ‘till 8pm.
The Chequers, Preston Street. SSShhh, maily local bar, open v late. Chris the barman is the man and should be in the Simpsons (Amsy) New Years Honours list (Paul) - go there im sure you will agree with one of us. Real fire in winter. Real piano to tinkle upon. Real good times all times.
Loves Restaurant 01273 327 980 – as seen on Gordon Ramsays kitchen nightmares. This place is now by far from a nightmare. Great fish, great atmosphere. The posh fish and chips is not so much posh but really good quality well cooked and beautifully presented tasty fish and chips - definitely the best we have found in Brighton so far..
The Real Eating Company - 01273 221 444 A mixture of cuisine, really good quality and very delicious. I would also recommend booking here if you want to eat in the evening. They are also open for breakfast & lunch and have a wonderful deli upstairs with fabulous cheeses, olives & cooked meats.
The Sanctuary - 01273 770 002 If you are not veggie, please don’t be put off. The food here rocks, I have absolutely loved every dish I have ever eaten here. The tofu nut burgers are to die for and their daily specials (I had baked mackerel with spinach, roasted tomato, olive, and potato the other day) are always really really good. Lots of yummy cakes also if you just wanted to pop in for a coffee and a snack.
The Hampton - 01273 325 425 Our current favourite for a pub Sunday lunch. They start serving at 1pm until they run out (usually about 3-4ish). You can’t book so best get there early. I’m very fussy when it comes to roasts and rarely find one better than my own!!! But this one is great, no frozen stuffing, powdered gravy or pre cooked meat. I feel very hungry all of a sudden!
Bills – A cornucopia of yummy goodness – a fresh food utopia. Down to earth & unpretentious it’s a farm shop, a food hall & a stylish eatery all in one
Tere a tere – 01273 729 051 we recently checked this place out for my birthday. We had left it for a special occasion as although we had heared great things about the food we also heared that it’s a bit pricey. DO NOT be putt off by the word pricey. Our meal was delicious in every way and so, so worth the splurge. 100% the best meal we have had out in a long long time (and we eat out a lot!). For a lighter option they offer a great lunch deal, a sharing platter with a choice of 2 deserts. We opted for the platter as a starter and it was the highlight of our meal.
www.pintxopeople.co.uk
Fantastic Spanish tapas bar. Has a great area tucked away under the stairs equipped with toys, crayons and paper to keep the little ones amused. Voted bar of the year. Check it out.
www.coachhousebrighton.com
Little known to the tourist,
a great place to chill.
52 great reasons to visit Brighton & Hove in 2009
That’s an event for every week of the year!
Please note some of the events listed are still subject to licence and whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the details visitors are encouraged to check event details prior to making travel arrangements.
January
w/c 5 Jan
Holiday on Ice - Mystery (9 January – 1 February). The Brighton Centre hosts this spectacular ice show which will leave you breathless. www.brightoncentre.co.uk
w/c 12 Jan
Cabaret at Theatre Royal Brighton (13 – 17 January). This classic musical features show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre so come join the Cabaret! www.ambassadortickets.com
w/c 19 Jan
Kronenbourg Krater Comedy Club at Komedia (25 January). Every weekend Komedia hosts the popular Krater Comedy Club with an MC and three stand-up comedians. You’re guaranteed a giggle or even a guffaw. www.komedia.co.uk
w/c 26 Jan
The Streets at Brighton Dome (28 January). Mike Skinner brings his witty lyrics and world-weary examination of the vagaries of fame to Brighton. www.brightondome.org
February
w/c 2 Feb
Chinese New Year Celebrations (8 February). To celebrate the Chinese New Year there will be an amazing array of shows and performances at Hove Town Hall, including music, dance, theatre and community choirs. Fun for all the family and its free! www.cedp.org.uk/news.htm
w/c 9 Feb
Valentine’s Ball at the Corn Exchange (14 February). Star-crossed lovers of all ages, genders and shoe sizes should slip on your glad rags, dust off your quickstep and take a turn on the dance floor. www.brightondome.org
w/c 16 Feb
Little Shop of Horrors at Theatre Royal Brighton (16 – 21February). This affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a house-hold name as it is charming, tuneful and hilarious, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, making it a must-see treat for all the family www.ambassadortickets.com
w/c 23 Feb
Brighton Science Festival (21– 28 February). 2009 is the fifth anniversary of one of the UK’s largest Science Festivals with events including The Catalyst Club, The Big Space Show and the Frog who croaked Blue www.brightonscience.com
March
w/c 2 March
Winter Pride (7 – 15 March) Venues, community groups, individuals and organisations will be celebrating LGBT lives by staging a range of events over nine days for the sixth Winter Pride festival www.brightonpride.org
w/c 9 March
Sussex Beer & Cider Festival at Hove Town Hall (12 – 14 March) A celebration of beer, cider, perries and wine, many from the local area. The Sussex Beer Festival is a great opportunity to sample real ale in a friendly and welcoming environment www.sussexbeerfestival.co.uk
w/c 16 March
Boyce’s Street St Patrick’s Day Street Party hosted by the Fiddler’s Elbow (17 March) Boyce Street is closed off and the Fiddler’s Elbow will have an outdoor bar and traditional Irish food. There’ll be street entertainment including Celtic rock, jazz, funk and Ceilidh sounds.
w/c 23 March
Waiting for Godot starring Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart (23rd – 28th March) Theatre Royal Brighton hosts this classic play starring two of the country’s most popular and talented actors. www.ambassadortickets.com
w/c 30 March
Sussex County Cricket season begins (2nd – 3rd March) The Cricket season starts with a match between Sussex and Middlesex. www.sussexcricket.co.uk
April
w/c 6 April
New Ancient Egypt Galleries at the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery (opening 28 March) Be one of the first to see the new permanent galleries dedicated to Ancient Egypt. www.brighton.virtualmuseum.info
w/c 13 April
Fiery Food UK (11 – 13 April) If can stand the heat come to Brighton! Three days of hot & spicy food festivities.
w/c 20 April
Brief Encounter (21 – 25 April) Noel Coward’s classic love story will be performed at the Theatre Royal Brighton where the lives and loves of three couples will be played out at the famous station tearoom. www.ambassadortickets.com
w/c 27 April
Launch of the Brighton Festival – Children’s Parade (2nd May) Spectacular start to the Brighton Festival, the Children’s Parade has approximately 4000 participants from 70 schools. www.brightonfestival.org
May
Don’t forget May is Festival month in Brighton & Hove! In addition the ones listed below there will be hundreds more events happening throughout May as the Brighton Festival (2 – 24 May), Brighton Festival Fringe (2 – 25 May) with the Spiegeltent and Fringe City as well as the Artist’s Open Houses (3&4, 10&11, 17&18 and 24&25 May) all take place.
w/c 4 May
The Historic Commercial Vehicle Society London to Brighton Run (3 May) The run is a living history of the commercial transport scene including fire engines, buses and delivery trucks from days gone by. www.hcvs.co.uk
w/c 11 May
The Great Escape (14 – 16 May) This music festival is the place to catch the stars of tomorrow. Past acts have included The Pigeon Detectives, The Ting Tings, Kate Nash and the Kooks. www.escapegreat.com
w/c 18 May
50th Anniversary London to Brighton Mini Run (17 May) More than 2000 Mini owners from around the world join the run from London to Brighton. www.london-to-brighton.co.uk
w/c 25 May
Lady Boys of Bangkok (1 – 31 May) The Lady Boys of Bangkok sashay into Brighton as part of their new ‘Mile High’ tour. www.ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk
June
w/c 1 June
UK Corporate Games (4 – 7 June) Get fit and have fun at the UK Corporate Games with all sorts of activities including karting, badminton, swimming and even Dragon Boat racing. www.corporate-games.com
w/c 8 June
Katy Perry at the Brighton Dome (11 June) “She kissed and girl and she liked it”… so it seems only right that she pays a visit to Brighton! www.brightondome.org
w/c 15 June
London to Brighton Bike Ride (22 June) The extremely popular London to Brighton bike ride in aid of the British Heart Foundation. www.bhf.org.uk
w/c 22 June
The American Scene: Prints from Hopper to Pollack (3rd May – 30th August) This exciting display of classic American artists comes to the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery over the Summer. Not to be missed. www.brighton.virtualmuseum.org
w/c 29 June
Festival of Sport (27 June – 12 July) Wide range of sports and physical activities offering taster sessions with over 200 different activities available. www.takepartbrightonandhove.com
July
w/c 6 July
Brighton Kite Festival (11 – 12 July) Bringing together kite enthusiasts from all walks of kite flying life with the aim of exchanging information, techniques and ideas. www.brightonkiteflyers.co.uk
w/c 13 July
Soundwaves Festival (17 – 19 July) Music from outside the box. This festival includes new music, performance art, installations and sound art. www.soundwaves-festival.org.uk
w/c 20 July
Bungee on the Beach (25 – 26 July) The title of this event gives a clue to what its about. Take a daredevil dive for charity on Hove Lawns over this weekend!
w/c 27 July
Brighton Pride Parade and Celebrations (Festival: 25 July – 2 August. Parade: 1 August) The largest free Pride festival in the country and the theme for this year’s parade is ‘Pride Beside the Seaside’. www.brightonpride.org
August
w/c 3 Aug
August Festival at Brighton Racecourse (7 August) Ladies get your hats ready for ‘A Day at the Races’ at Brighton Racecourse. www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk
w/c 10 Aug
Sussex County Cricket Club (11 – 14 August) The Sussex Sharks take on Worcester at the city’s cricket ground in Hove. www.sussexcricket.co.uk
w/c 17 Aug
Brunswick Festival (3 – 30 August) Although this started life as a low-key resident one day event the festival has now blossomed and includes a beach festival, ‘Jazz in the Square’ and ‘Scruffs’ dog show.
w/c 24 Aug
Beachdown Festival (28 -31 August) The second year for this outdoor music festival on Devil’s Dyke in the South Downs, to be headlined by the magnificent St Etienne. The chalk keeps the ground dry too so its ideal for all those looking for an alternative to muddy Glastonbury. www.beachdownfestival.com
w/c 31 Aug
Big Beach Boutique 5 (4 – 5 September) Well established outdoor music event hosted by Brighton’s own FatBoy Slim.
September
w/c 7 Sep
Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival (1 – 30 September) A must for foodies everywhere, the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival is a celebration of the best food and drink available across Sussex. www.brightonfoodfestival.co.uk
w/c 14 Sep
White Air Extreme Sports Festival (18 – 20 September) This brand new event for the city will feature ‘extreme sports village’ on Madeira Drive and will welcome some of the best skaters, boarders, bikers and other urban sports professionals from across the globe. www.whiteair.co.uk
w/c 21 Sep
Brighton Live (24 – 28 September) Four nights of free music from up and coming local bands in a variety of bands across the city. Your chance to see these bands in intimate venues before they hit the big time. www.brightonlive.net
w/c 28 Sep
Brighton Art Fair (2 – 4 October) The largest art exhibition on the South Coast which brings together about 130 of the most talented national painters, printmakers, photographers and sculptors along with artist groups and Sussex based galleries. www.brightonartfair.co.uk
October
w/c 5 Oct
Brighton Comedy Festival (4 – 25 October) The Brighton Paramount Comedy Festival laughs its way through 3 weeks of thigh slapping comedy, establishing itself as one of the top comedy events in the country. www.paramountcomedyfestival.com
w/c 12 Oct
Brighton Sacred Music Festival (12 – 19 October) The World Sacred Music Festival is a celebration of sacred music across the globe. It aims to inspire and entertain as well as encourage understanding between people of all faiths. www.worldsacredmusic.org
w/c 19 Oct
White Night in Brighton & Hove (25 October) Do something different in the middle of the night. Hours of nocturnal fun across the city to mark the end of British Summer Time. www.whitenightbrightonandhove.com
w/c 26 Oct
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (1 November) Made famous by the film Genevieve and the world’s longest running motoring event, the London to Brighton car run offers a fantastic opportunity to catch extraordinary automobiles on the 60 mile run from Hyde Park to Brighton. www.lbvcr.com
November
w/c 2 Nov
Early Music Festival (23 October – 8 November) Pushing boundaries of what is known as ‘early music’ and seeking out links with other musical styles Brighton Early Music Festival makes early music funky in a celebration of the past www.bremf.org.uk
w/c 9 Nov
Brooks Brighton 10k Fast Flat running race (15 November) The Brooks Brighton 10k is a fast, flat R.R.C. accurately measured course along the seafront of Brighton & Hove, with start and finish on Madeira Drive. www.brooksbrighton10k.co.uk
w/c 16 Nov
MADE 09 (20 – 22 November) Featuring the very best in affordable craft, design and applied art, Brighton’s annual craft fair is the premier event of its kind in the south of England www.brightoncraftfair.co.uk
w/c 23 Nov
CineCity Film Festival (20 November – 7 December) Brighton’s annual celebration of the moving image, CINECITY features a global mix of premieres and previews, treasures from the archives plus the latest digital adventures and artists’ moving images www.cine-city.co.uk
w/c 30 Nov
The Land Girls: Cinderella’s of the Soil (3 October – 14 March 2010) This new exhibition at Brighton & Hove Museum focuses on Sussex and the land girls who were trained, lived and worked on the Sussex Downs and surrounding areas www.brighton.virtualmuseum.info
December
w/c 7 Dec
Christmas Artists Open Houses (5&6 and 12&13 December) Brighton’s artists, makers and designers throw open their doors over two weekends in December in a special Christmas edition of May’s annual festival. Great for finding that perfect Christmas gift. www.aoh.org.uk
w/c 14 Dec
Winter Ceilidh (20 December) Local ceilidh maestros, the Sussex Pistols, and their resident caller, lead the annual Christmas Ceilidh at the Corn Exchange www.brightondome.org
w/c 21 Dec
Burning the Clocks (21 December) A unique opportunity to gather and carry lanterns through Brighton, culminating in a spectacular pyrotechnic and firework display, Burning of the Clocks takes place every year on the Winter Solstice to welcome in the lengthening days www.burningtheclocks.co.uk
w/c 28 Dec
Peter Pan at the Theatre Royal Brighton (4 December – 3 January 2010) Pantomime returns to Brighton this year with the ever popular tale of Peter Pan www.ambassadortickets.com