6 Weird and Quirky Things to Do in Brighton
Take a Walk on Brighton’s Wild Side
Brighton has long been a bastion of the strange and wonderful. The southern English city is renowned across the globe for its tolerant attitudes and a penchant for all things quirky.
For those visiting this vibrant, youthful city, experiencing the now legendary counter-culture is an absolute must. From pop-up spas on the beach to secret retro-themed bars, Brighton is packed with alternate ways to have fun. Take a look at the very best of Brighton’s weird and quirky things to do, below.
1. Beach Box Spa
Brighton’s only wood-fired, beachside spa
Good for: Couples, Unusual
Part sauna, part social club, the Beach Box Spa is a quintessentially quirky Brighton experience. Sitting on a secluded stretch of Brighton Beach, this wood-fired spa offers standard sauna experiences as well as additional extras such as full-body salt scrubs and lead whisking.
Ideal for those in need of some relaxation or even a great hangover cure, Beach Box Spa offers a unique way to meet some of Brighton’s friendliest residents. For those brave enough, try taking a dip in the sea between sauna sessions.
Location: Behind Volks Railway Workshop, Banjo Groyne, 285 Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1EN, United Kingdom
Open: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:15 am to 9 pm, Friday from 8:15 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 am to 9 pm, closed Tuesday
Phone: +44 7727 063 912
Beach Box Spa
2. Upside Down House
A fun place for photos
Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual
The Upside Down House in Brighton is an eye-catching attraction that flips your perspective quite literally. Located on the seafront near the i360, this topsy-turvy structure invites you to step inside and experience a fully furnished home where everything is upside down.
From the kitchen to the bedroom, furniture hangs from the ceiling, creating a surreal and playful environment perfect for fun photos and social media moments. It’s a hit with families, couples, and curious tourists looking for something different. The illusion and creativity make it a memorable stop, adding a whimsical twist to Brighton’s vibrant cultural scene.
Location: 42-43 Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 2LN
Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone: +44 7495 909759
Upside Down House
3. Ghost Walk of The Lanes
A macabre tour of the city’s most famous neighborhood
Good for: Families, Photo, Nightlife, Unusual
Ghost Walk of The Lanes is the city at its quirky best, providing a look at the rich and varied history of Brighton’s Lanes quarter. Expect tales of gory murders, terrifying ghosts, rowdy poltergeists and more than a few Jack-the-Ripper references.
Led by an actor and master storyteller in full Victorian attire, tours take in a total of 8 haunted sites throughout the Lanes and last for around 70 minutes. Key spots include Brighton Old Town Hall and the Black Lion brewery. There’s no need to book, just arrive promptly and be ready to buy a ticket.
Location: Druids Head Pub, 9 Brighton Pl, Brighton, BN1 1HJ
Open: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7.30 pm
Phone: +44 1375 374725
Ghost Walk of The Lanes
4. Laugh Alive & Love Chocolate
Choose from a range of holistic activities built around this dynamic duo
Good for: Food, Unusual
Laugh Alive & Love Chocolate is an events company that showcases the power of laughter and chocolate in Brighton. They offer workshops, workouts, and classes. Their Laughter Gym is a hilarious 1-hour session of exercise built around laughter yoga, while the Luscious Love Chocolate Making workshop offers a deep dive into all things chocolate.
The Chocolate Chuckles event marries both of these into the ultimate package. Ideal for bachelorette parties or adult parties, Laugh Alive & Love Chocolate is a fun and quirky way to spend an afternoon in Brighton.
Location: Brighton, UK
Phone: +44 7867 800 184
Laugh Alive & Love Chocolate
5. The Old Police Cells Museum
Crime and punishment in the underbelly of Brighton Town Hall
Good for: History, Photo, Budget, Unusual
The Old Police Cells in the basement of Brighton Town Hall is now an eerily quirky museum, almost a century since they were put out of use. Offering guided tours amid spooky surrounds, visitors will learn of the city’s criminal past through the eyes of local historians and police officers.
The highlight of the tour is the story of Chief Constable Henry Solomon, who was murdered in the cells in 1844 and whose story continues to give visitors a shiver to this day. Entry to the museum is free and tours take place 5 days per week, lasting for around an hour.
Location: Town Hall, Brighton BN1 1JA, UK
Open: Open for booked tours only so book ahead
Phone: +44 1273 291 052
The Old Police Cells Museum
6. The Flipside at The Mesmerist
Original cocktails and retro style collide at this secret bar
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Nightlife
The Mesmerist is a popular and trendy pub in Brighton’s buzzing Lanes district, yet it’s upstairs at their hidden bar, Flipside, that makes the place truly comes alive. Serving delicious cocktails in a 60s- and 70s-themed kitsch space, a trip to this clandestine watering hole is like a stroll back in time.
Complete with psychedelic wallpaper and a rocking soundtrack featuring soul, funk, and rock legends like Bowie and Fleetwood Mac. There is a temptingly diverse cocktail menu, serving classic cocktails with a twist like Manhattans, Grasshoppers, and Sazeracs, with staff more than happy to provide recommendations based on personal taste.
Location: 1-3 Prince Albert Street, Brighton, BN1 1HE, UK
Open: Sunday to Thursday from midday to 1 am, Friday to Saturday from midday to 2 am
Phone: +44 1273 328 542
The Flipside at The Mesmerist
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