Brighton - what do do?

[CanYouHearThePeopleSing]

I'm planning 2 nights in Brighton for my husband's birthday. I've booked a restaurant for one night, but would love ideas for what else to do there. I've been once before, but from what I remember, we just had a walk along the beach and a quick mooch around the lanes. I've had a look, and there's nothing on at the theatre, or the Picturehouse cinema - not the end of the world, but would have been something to do.

So - if you live in the area, or know it well, what would you do over a couple of days/evenings (end of March, so good weather not guaranteed!). We're travelling by train, so need to stick to public transport.

Thanks!

If it's your sort of thing I'd go into the pavilion, it's lovely inside. Take it old school and get chips on the pier. Take a train over to Lewes which is very close and is lovely for lunch.

There's loads to do in Brighton, so much great food especially but it really depends what you're into and what you like to do as a couple. What would you and your DH tend to do when you usually go away for the weekend/What do you do for fun? Any shared hobbies?

fish n chips and ice cream on the pier, flight up i360 tower, Ghost Walk, boat trip out to the wind turbines, zip wire on the beach, Royal Pavilion

Plenty to do
The i360
Brighton museum and art gallery
The pavilion
The palace pier
If you fancy something a bit more active you could do a walking tour or Hire bikes.

Fish and chips (and the pier) is a given - we live in the most land-locked part of the country, so F&C by the sea is a rare treat!

I wondered about the i360 - is it worth doing?

The Pavilion was recommended by a friend - I guess that's a 'must do'. I'm hoping to find something a bit more 'unusual'/off the beaten track I suppose.

In terms of what we like doing - we're not into extreme sports (!), and are probably looking for more of a relaxing break rather than a hectic one (not looking for a spa break though - can do that anywhere!). Someone asked about shared hobbies - we don't really share our hobbies - he's into guitars (with a leaning towards rock music) and I'm into running (definitely not looking for that).

Any reccos for places to eat are welcome too (have booked 64 degrees already).

Have you looked to see if there is anything on at Komedia? (it's in the north laines). There's a sealife centre on the seafront near the Harvester (it's not amazing but ok if it's raining). There's a pottery painting place that also teach you how to use a potters wheel. There's a sightseeing bus that will take you up to beachy head. Choccywockydoodahs is in the lanes & has a cafe upstairs but there's a much nicer cake shop about 20yards before you get there. The pub next door to choccywockys does lovely food.

Kensingtons in the north laines is a lovely place to get breakfast or lunch and has a balcony which is always good for people watching.

The marina has a black light crazy golf course and an argentinian restaurant which is lush if you are big meat eaters.

Do t know if it’s open now anyway, but The Pavilion is disappointing (in our view anyway).

Take a long walk on the seafront to Hove that's where the pretty beach huts are, and the gorgeous Regency architecture of Brunswick Square and Palmeira Square.
Head up the road to Salvage Cafe, quirky and excellent. The Cave au Fromage nearby if you like cheese.

The Old Market is another venue to check for shows.

If you like cocktails the Plotting Parlour is supposed to be good. Salt Room or its sister restaurant Coal Shed v good for dinner.

Recommended on a London thread we're Treasure Trails there are several Brighton ones.

A cheese cave sounds perfect - checking that out now! And we are partial to a cocktail or 2 as well...

I had checked the Old Market, but it's sold out both nights we're there. But I think we'll just eat and drink in the evenings rather than go and see something for the sake of it.

I do love a beach hut, so perhaps Hove is the way forward. If the weather isn't nice enough for a walk, we can always bus (or train?) it.

Thanks!

Plotting Shed looks amazing - have booked a table already!

Well there was the back alley step where Phil Daniels and Lesley Ash got it together in "Quadrophenia," but too many people went to livestream their own escapades on the same spot they had to cordon it off.

Sunset i360 with a glass of Champagne.

Op have you thought about going to see a band? Some great music venues.

@Racheeyg - only issue is our very differing taste in music!

Excellent!

If you don't really fancy the Pavilion don't do it just because. The Booth Museum of Natural History is away from the town centre but would tick the off the beaten track box and plenty of us are rather fond of its odd old bird dioramas. Easy to get a bus.

If it's raining bus to Hove, there are loads very frequently. Train station in Hove is very far back from the seafront.
Pelicano in the North Laines does great coffee and huge cakes. Marwood in the Lanes has a fun sort of punk ambience and also great coffee.

Oh and the 12 bus from Brighton to Eastbourne stops at East Dean which is a picture perfect little village with a great pub and from there you can do a circular walk to Birling Gap. It's gorgeous. Highly recommended.

I wish we had longer now...

We went to Birling Gap about 9 years ago - the weather was idyllic (it was mid sept and one of those lovely days in late summer...). We loved the area so much, but just haven't made it back.
We had friends who lived in Lewes for a couple of years, so have had a couple of half day visits, but not done much beyond look at the sea!

One of these days I'll run the Brighton marathon, and see the city from a whole different viewpoint!

Like everyone says you're best off wandering, shopping, eating and drinking.
The arches by the seafront have nice little shops, plus N & S Laines
Download wriggle - it's like groupon but better for local deals.
The i360 is nice if you have budget for it (£20 each, plus a glass of champagne for a tenner each, lasts about 20 mins).

Cocktails, burgers, pizzas and roasts are all generally very good in town.

Anywhere that sells small batch coffee and real patisserie breads and pastries will be good for coffee / snacks / lunch

Brighton is great for grown up drinking. It's not a town where everyone looks 17 after 8pm.

The mesmerist is fun and lively, deadwax social has good music but you can sit down and chat till like 4am, grown ups wouldn't feel out of place in the teen door store - clientele often / generally 30-40

Avoid west street at night (or anytime) and Churchill square (you can go to chain stores any time) - the little square marked is best off avoided I recon.

If it all gets a bit much then an hour walking devils dyke would be lovely, or a morning / afternoon trip to seven sisters.