Some cities in the UK may find it a little belittling, if not insulting to be called quirky. But not Brighton because that’s exactly what describes its decidedly bohemian character. A holiday in Brighton is one for the books, with everything from twee shopping streets and a frenetic clubbing scene to almost every kind of cuisine you can ask for.
But if you are looking to see and do something that won’t put you in a gridlock with millions of other tourists? Thankfully, almost every hidden nook and street corner in Brighton is ready to tell a story. In this article, we talk about 10 best yet little-known and quirky reasons to visit Brighton.
- Check out Brighton’s Victorian sewers on a guided tour
Don’t let the idea of pushing your way through a poo-drenched sewer fool you. A guided tour of Victorian sewers underneath Brighton is far more fun and cleaner than it might sound. The sub-streets let you go back in time to appreciate Britain’s sewer engineering, network, and craft. Be prepared to wake up early as most sewer tours start early. Of course, you should put on comfy shoes and expect a bit of ducking.
- See art at the city’s smallest gallery
The Dials hilltop neighbourhood itself has plenty to see and do. Not on this list, Anna’s Museum displays a small natural history collection. But if you’re looking for an even quirkier (and may we say more interesting) art collection, don’t miss the Dog and Bone Gallery. It’s Brighton’s smallest art gallery with the collection housed in two bright red London telephone boxes.
This micro-gallery, set up by local artist Sam Toft, exhibits a fresh artist each month. Everything goes here. One month you can find paintings, the next sketches or artsy photos. Hive off at least 20 minutes to chat up the artist about their work. Pick up talking points from their Instagram page.
- Check out Madeira Lift and other Victorian contraptions
The seafront isn’t short on kooky Victorian contraptions, but the Madeira Lift takes the cake. It’s erected in 1890 to take visitors from street level to the beach. Unfortunately, the lift has been deemed to be too broken down to be operational despite a 2013 refurbish. Once you have taken the sight of the lift, go for a walk along the cast iron walkway and terrace.
- Let your skin get some tan on Brighton’s nudist beach
Not for everyone, of course. Even if you’re a bit conservative, it doesn’t hurt to do at least one thing that celebrates the naughty side of Brighton. After all, the city was first to introduce a public naturist (aka nudist) beach. It’s tucked between Brighton Marine and Palace Pier. Don’t worry if you’re not into sunbathing in the buff. The beach’s pebbled banks offer plenty of screening.
- Blow off some steam with the family at the Brighton Palace Pier
If you’re holidaying in Brighton with your family (aka with children), some of the quirkiest spots on this list may not really do the trick for your little ones. But if there’s one place that will help them blow off some steam and avoid any tantrums, that would be the Brighton Palace Pier. The Edwardian pier is where the old-school Brighton meets modern fun.
After hours of sightseeing make a stop-over at the pier to sit down for a mug of caffè latte while the kids let loose in the indoor soft play area. They can choose from bouncy castles, trampolines, slides, dodgems, twisters, turbo coasters, and plenty more. Better yet, you can enjoy some fresh fish and chips together before heading to one (or both) of the pier’s arcades as a family. The Palace was the first place to feature Guitar Hero, but is now home to dozens of arcade favourites, from classic 2p pushers to air hockey. You can click here for more info about arcade games and brush up on your skills before your visit.
- Visit the Booth Museum of Natural History
The Booth Museum is tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood. It’s founded by Edward Thomas Booth in 1874. Expect to see a mammoth collected to taxidermy birds and lots of insects, butterflies, fossils, animal skeletons, and dinosaur bones. Even better, it’s free to enter.
- Pay your respects at The Chattri war memorial
Many Indian soldiers gave their lives to the British Empire during WWI and some even were treated in makeshift military hospitals in Brighton. The Chattri, which loosely translates to umbrella in Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi, is a beautiful white marble memorial dedicated to them. As a bonus, from here, you will get sweeping views of the South Downs National Park.
- The Royal Pavilion (touristy but large enough)
No quirky Brighton tour is complete without the Royal Pavilion. This isn’t just a palace – it’s a party pad that would make modern-day celebrities blush. Built for Prince George (later King George IV), it’s a riot of chinoiserie and decadent design. Queen Victoria herself called it a ‘strange, odd Chinese place.’ But for the best of us, this is a bucket-list chunk of Sussex history.
- Gawk at the rock art garden (Flint Grotto) on Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach isn’t just about pebbles and nippy washers. The Flint Grotto is a quirky yet uber-gorgeous rock art garden. Hit the beach early in the morning or during weekdays to beat the crowds.
- Take the ghost walk
For those who love a dash of spine-tingling fun, Brighton’s Ghost Walk gives you a hour-long tour through the city’s darker history. Led by a guide who looks like he’s stepped out of a Victorian novel, you’ll hear haunting tales that bring Brighton’s past to life – or should we say, afterlife?
