What Are 10 Unusual Things to See and Do in Brighton That Most Visitors Don't Know About?
By clearkey living · · 7 min read
What are 10 unusual things to see and do in Brighton that most visitors don't know about?
Visiting Brighton for the first time? Or perhaps you're relocating, staying for work or spending a few weeks getting to know the city?
You probably already know about Brighton Palace Pier, the beach and the Royal Pavilion.
But here's the thing. Some of Brighton's most interesting places aren't necessarily the ones you'll find on the usual tourist checklist.
There are hidden museums, quirky independent shops, unusual wellness experiences and some surprisingly peaceful places just minutes from the bustle of the city.
And because we love sharing things that make people say, "Wait, I didn't know that!", we've put together 10 discoveries worth adding to your Brighton list.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or staying for several months, there's plenty to explore.
1. Did you know there's a toy museum underneath Brighton railway station?
Where: 52–55 Trafalgar Street, Brighton
Hidden beneath Brighton Station in a series of Victorian railway arches, you'll find the Brighton Toy and Model Museum.
And this isn't just somewhere to take the children.
The collection includes over 12,000 toys and models, from beautifully detailed model railways to vintage dolls, construction sets and childhood favourites.
It's one of those places where you might spend more time saying, "I remember that!" than actually looking at the exhibits.
Our tip: A brilliant little discovery for a rainy afternoon, particularly if you're travelling through Brighton Station.
Discover Brighton Toy and Model Museum
2. The Lanes and North Laine aren't the same place
Where: Central Brighton
First-time visitors often assume they're the same area.
They're not!
The Lanes are a maze of narrow historic streets filled with jewellery shops, independent boutiques and little cafés.
North Laine has a completely different personality, with colourful shops, vintage clothing, street art, quirky gifts and independent businesses.
If you enjoy discovering shops you won't find on every high street, make time to explore both.
Our tip: Don't plan every minute. Half the fun is wandering into somewhere you weren't expecting to find.
Explore Brighton's hidden gems
3. Brighton has an independent market that's worth discovering
Where: Marshall's Row, London Road
Forget the usual shopping centre.
Brighton Open Market brings together independent traders, local makers, fresh produce, food, vintage finds and handmade products.
It's a brilliant place to discover the people and small businesses that give Brighton its personality.
And if you're staying in the city for several weeks, it's a lovely way to support local businesses rather than automatically heading for the nearest chain store.
Our tip: Check the market's event calendar. Special markets and independent events add another reason to visit.
4. There's a beautiful walled garden just outside the busy city centre
Where: Stanmer Park, Brighton
Need a break from Brighton's lively streets?
Head towards One Garden Brighton, a restored walled garden in Stanmer Park.
You'll find beautiful planting, a café, a market offering local products and a wonderfully peaceful setting.
And here's the best bit: the garden is free to enter.
It's a lovely place to spend a slower morning, enjoy a coffee or simply escape the noise for a little while.
Our tip: Combine your visit with a walk around Stanmer Park, especially if you've spent the week sitting behind a desk.
5. You can enjoy a wood-fired sauna right on Brighton Beach
Where: Madeira Drive, Brighton
Yes, Brighton has beach saunas!
Beach Box Sauna offers wood-fired sauna experiences overlooking the sea, including converted horsebox saunas.
There are also cold-water facilities for anyone who enjoys alternating between hot and cold.
Personally, we'd say the beautiful sea views are quite enough excitement, but each to their own!
Our tip: Book in advance and check availability, especially at weekends. If you're considering a sea dip, always check conditions and follow safety guidance.
Find out more about Beach Box Sauna
6. Brighton has walking tours that are anything but ordinary
Where: Various Brighton locations
Think walking tours are all dates, buildings and someone pointing at a statue?
Think again.
Brighton offers ghost walks, food experiences, street-art discoveries and themed walking tours.
They're a fantastic way to uncover stories about the city that you probably wouldn't discover on your own.
And if you've recently moved to Brighton, they're a fun way to start exploring your new surroundings.
Our tip: Check tour availability and meeting points before booking. Some experiences operate only on selected dates.
Explore Brighton attractions and experiences
7. Brighton Marina is much more than somewhere to park a boat
Where: Brighton Marina
You might expect yachts, boats and restaurants overlooking the water.
And you'd be right.
But Brighton Marina also offers a cinema, bowling, shopping, waterfront dining and other entertainment.
It's a lovely area to explore when you fancy somewhere different from the city centre.
Whether you're meeting friends, spending a relaxed afternoon or looking for something to do after work, there's plenty to discover.
Our tip: Enjoy a walk along the waterfront and check out the restaurants overlooking the boats.
8. You can go from the beach to the countryside surprisingly easily
Where: Brighton and the South Downs
One of Brighton's biggest advantages is its location.
The sea is on one side, and the South Downs National Park is on the other.
That means you can enjoy a morning by the water and spend the afternoon surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Places such as Stanmer Park and Devil's Dyke offer a completely different side of the area.
And if you're staying in Brighton for work, having access to both coastal and countryside experiences makes your days off much more interesting.
Our tip: Check local bus routes before hiring a car. Some countryside destinations are accessible by public transport.
Explore the South Downs National Park
9. Brighton is a fantastic base for discovering Sussex
Where: Brighton and the surrounding region
Here's something visitors sometimes overlook.
You don't have to spend your entire stay in Brighton itself.
The surrounding area includes charming towns, historic villages, beautiful countryside and spectacular coastline.
Why not explore Lewes, the Seven Sisters cliffs or the wider Sussex countryside?
There are also vineyards, gardens and historic attractions worth discovering.
Our tip: If you're staying for a month or two, make yourself a little weekend discovery list. Otherwise, it's surprisingly easy to spend your entire visit working and never explore beyond the usual places.
Explore Brighton and Sussex attractions
10. Brighton has an independent entertainment scene worth exploring
Where: Across Brighton & Hove
Brighton is well known for its creative personality.
But beyond the big venues, there's a fantastic collection of independent cinemas, live music venues, comedy nights, theatre performances and unusual cultural experiences.
You don't always need a big occasion or a carefully planned evening to find something interesting.
Sometimes it's simply a matter of checking what's happening nearby.
Our tip: Look at local event listings during your stay. You might discover something completely unexpected.
See what's happening in Brighton
Planning to stay in Brighton for more than a few nights?
Whether you're coming to Brighton for work, relocating or planning an extended visit, where you stay can make a huge difference to your experience.
At clearkey living, we provide premium furnished accommodation designed for people who want more than just somewhere to sleep.
Our Brighton property, The Coastal Key, offers:
Comfortable, individually furnished bedrooms
Dedicated workspaces and fast Wi-Fi
A fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities
Shared lounge and dining areas
Gardens and parking
Bills and regular communal cleaning included
So whether you're working on a local project, relocating or simply need comfortable accommodation for a longer stay, we'd be happy to help.
Explore The Coastal Key in Brighton
💡 Did you know? Brighton has a secret royal tunnel!
There's a hidden underground tunnel beneath Brighton's famous Royal Pavilion.
And the story behind it is rather entertaining.
In 1821, a tunnel was constructed connecting King George IV's apartments to his royal stables, now part of the Brighton Dome complex.
According to historical accounts, the King had become increasingly self-conscious about his weight and preferred to move between the buildings without being seen by the public.
Yes, even royalty occasionally fancied slipping out without an audience!
But here's the interesting part.
You can actually book special Basement and Tunnel Tours at the Royal Pavilion, exploring the hidden world of the servants and the passageway leading towards the former royal stables.
The tours include areas not normally open to visitors.
And suddenly, Brighton's already extraordinary Royal Pavilion becomes even more interesting.
Worth knowing: Tour places are limited, and some sections have steep stairs, low ceilings and uneven floors, so check suitability before booking.
Discover the Royal Pavilion's Basement and Tunnel Tours
Because Brighton has a few secrets of its own, and some of them are literally underground!
