When it starts raining in Brighton, the lure of sea air and ice cream becomes a little less thrilling.
But don’t worry because I’ve got you covered with these indoor activities in Brighton.
(That don’t include the Palace Pier arcade because that’s a rainy day given, right?!)
So from pottery painting and crazy golf to markets and museums, here are the 21 best indoor activities in Brighton!
1. Wander around Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Address: Brighton Museum, Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton BN1 1EE
Phone number: 0300 029 0900
Sometimes visiting a museum when the weather is rubbish is a cop-out, but that’s not the case for Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.
With several displays including ‘Queer the Pier’, ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll with Me’, ‘Ancient Egypt’ and ‘Images of Brighton’, the museum has an eclectic mix of everything.
Entry to the museum is free for Brighton and Hove residents, or £6.20 for adults and £3.60 for children.
The gift shop is quite the attraction in itself, so don’t forget to factor in time for a browse!
2. Get arty at Phoenix Art Space
Address: 10-14 Waterloo Pl, Brighton BN2 9NB
Phone number: 01273 603700
Phoenix Art Space is home to 100 affordable artists’ studios but it doubles up as a public gallery too.
With 15 free exhibitions a year, it needs to be put up high on your Brighton bucket list.
Check the website to see which exhibitions are coming up and keep your eyes peeled for the art fairs which take place every few months too.
They’re a kitsch lover’s heaven!
If you want to make a day of it, you can stop by their café which seems to employ the smiliest people in Brighton.
It’s magical!
(Though that could be the caffeine speaking.)
3. Go up British Airways i360 Viewing Tower
Address: Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
Phone number: 0333 772 0360
You’d be crazy to visit Brighton without boarding the British Airways i360 viewing platform to take in a bird’s-eye view of the city.
While you’re up there (at a modest 450ft!), you’ll be able to follow the shoreline right along to Worthing, Eastbourne and even the Isle of White… with champagne in hand, obvs.
The experience will set you back £16.50 for adults aged 25+, £11.10 for 16–24-year-olds and £8.25 for children.
The ‘flight’, in a state-of-the-art glass dome, takes 25 minutes and you’re guaranteed to get a banging Instagram photo.
It’s the ultimate rainy-day alternative to the best rooftop bars in Brighton.
4. Get snap happy at Photomatic
Address: 22 Gardner St, Brighton BN1 1UP
Phone number: 01273 691616
Speaking of photo-taking, Photomatic is one of the best indoor activities in Brighton if you’re a photobooth fiend.
Marketed as a ‘photobooth emporium’, Photomatic offers a stellar retro-photobooth experience with an optional wind machine if you’re feeling really Beyoncé.
Once you’ve taken your snaps, you’ll get a black and white print-out for free, but you’ll also get the option to get it made into an enamel pin, canvas or leather keyring.
It’s perfect if you’re on the hunt for a 10/10 souvenir.
Bear in mind that Photomatic gets busy at the weekends, especially around lunchtime, so consider using it as the motivation you need to get up and glam first thing in the morning.
5. Marvel at the Royal Pavillion
Address: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE
Phone number: 0300 029 0900
When it comes to stately homes, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton is like no other.
No really, it’s like nothing you’ve seen before.
Unlike most other historical royal homes in the UK, the Royal Pavilion is an unmistakable mix of Regency grandeur and the visual style of India and China in the 1800s.
Many people would say the Pavilion isn’t too dissimilar to the Taj Mahal!
While there you can visit the banqueting room, music room, the great kitchen and the royal bedrooms – all of which were built for King George IV in 1787.
Or if you’re looking for some #scandal while at the Pavilion, you can search for the secret tunnel that links the Pavilion to the Brighton Dome, which was the former stables.
George IV used to use the tunnel to meet his illegal wife, Maria Fitzherbert.
Juicy, no?
Adult entry costs £16 and children can get in for £10.
A standard ticket includes free returns visits for a year from the date of purchase which is well worth making the most of.
6. Catch a show at Theatre Royal
Address: New Rd, Brighton BN1 1SD
Phone number: 0333 009 6690
If you fancy watching a show while you’re in Brighton, look no further than a visit to Theatre Royal.
The grand theatre, with a capacity of 952 seats, is a fantastic place to catch one of the many travelling shows stopping there.
Head to the Box Office to see what’s on.
Theatre Royal is located at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter.
So rest assured that while you’re in the area there’s lots more to do, including the Brighton Dome, North Laines and Royal Pavilion.
7. Browse Snoopers Paradise
Address: 7/8 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL
Phone number: 01273 602558
One of the best indoor activities in Brighton, Snoopers Paradise is a haven for flea-market lovers.
With over 90 different stalls across 7000 sq. ft. selling collectables, jewellery, vinyls, vintage clothing and antiques, it’s a must if you love all things vintage.
Affectionately called ‘Snoops’ by Brightonians, the store is open every day 10 am – 6 pm.
8. Shop at Brighton Open Market
Address: Marshalls Row, Brighton BN1 4JU
Phone number: 01273 695728
The Open Market is Brighton’s only covered market with more than 40 stalls, all selling local and ethical produce from within a few miles.
It’s worth a visit if only to see the rainbow of colourful stalls.
But if you’re hanging around, the chocolate mousse or doorstopper sourdough loaf from Real Patisserie is non-negotiable.
While you’re at it, the raw honey from the Green Valleys stall is also *chefs kiss*.
You heard it here first!
9. Get magical at Oliver’s
Address: 42 Trafalgar St, Brighton BN1 4ED
Phone number: 01273 683439
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, Oliver’s is one of the best indoor activities in Brighton for you!
You can visit the ‘secret wizarding shop’ (with eight awards of excellence no less) by appointment only.
However, it’s a solid shout if you’re in need of a wand, some chocolate frogs or an insight into all things Hogwarts.
When visiting, you’ll get the shop all to yourself for some 1:1 wizardry with Oliver himself and your adventure will be finished off with what TripAdvisor solemnly swears is ‘maybe the best hot chocolate ever’.
The private shopping experience costs £10 which is refunded once you get to the store and each visit lasts 30 minutes.
10. Slay at Proud Cabaret
Address: 83 St George’s Rd, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1EF
Tel: 01273 605789
After an afternoon in Brighton, you’ve GOT to visit Proud for a night you won’t forget.
Offering world-class cabaret, drag and burlesque dinner shows in Kemptown, Proud guarantees an entertainment experience like never before.
Also voted one of the most Instagrammable venues in the UK: 2021, Proud is the gift that keeps on giving.
If you’re not quite sold, maybe a Drag Brunch will persuade you?
The dress code for all events is, of course, ‘SLAAAAY’.
See what’s on and book on the website now.
Enjoy it, queen!
11. Escape from Pier Pressure Escape Rooms
Address: 33 Upper N St, Brighton BN1 3FG
Phone number: 01273 220388
Whether you’ve never done an escape room before or you’re a veteran, the aptly named Pier Pressure Escape Rooms is a must when you’re in Brighton.
With eight different escape rooms ranging in difficulty, including ‘Loot the Lanes’, ‘Raver Quest’ and ‘Pavilion Perplex’, the hardest part will be choosing which room you want to do!
For each game, you need a minimum of two players and entry starts at £27.50 each.
Pier Pressure gets booked up well ahead of time, so do check availability before visiting.
Good luck!
12. Relax at HarSPA
Address: 64 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 1NA
Phone number: 01273 323221
There’s no greater joy than a visit to the spa, and HarSPA is no exception.
If you’re just looking for a quick stop, HarSPA’s ‘Refresh Spa Morning’ ticks all the boxes: for £75pp you get one treatment and access to the sauna, pool and gym.
Similarly, there’s an afternoon package called the ‘Revive Spa Afternoon’.
The spa is the height of luxury and if you really fancy a treat, it’s attached to the 79-room Harbour Hotel, where stays start at £131 per night.
13. Drink cocktails at Alcotraz
Address: 13 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 1NE
Phone number: 020 3109 0488
Alcotraz is, without doubt, THE most unique cocktail stop in Brighton.
Once you arrive and you’ve been convicted (don’t worry, you’ll get to keep your mugshot), you’ll need to don your orange prison jumpsuit and head to the speakeasy prison cell to enjoy your drinks with fellow prisoners.
A heads up – you need to bring your own contraband (read liquor) which the Mixologists will use to create a tailored cocktail menu for your group.
Remember to book your slot, with prices starting at £29.99 each.
Oh, and be nice to the governor… or face the consequences.
14. Play crazy golf at Globalls
Address: 8, Mermaid Walk, The Waterfront, Brighton Marina, Brighton BN2 5WA
Phone number:
Akin to Junkyard Golf which can now be found all over the UK, Globalls in Brighton is THE stop for indoor mini-golf.
With neon face paint available at every hole, ultraviolet dinosaurs, and more glo-sticks than you can shake a (glo)stick at, Globalls is a party and a family game in one.
A game costs £6.95 per person and I’d advise booking before you show up.
Globalls is open until 10 pm every day, so consider a game of crazy golf as part of your evening plans.
It’s seriously wild.
15. Get topsy-turvy at Upside Down House
Address: 42-43, Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 2LN
Phone number: 01375 374725
It’s a niche one, but you’d kick yourself if you didn’t visit the Upside Down House while you’re in Brighton.
For £5 each, head into the wonky house for an ‘inverted photo experience’ that’s bound to entertain family, friends and strangers alike!
Once you’re in and you’ve got your bearings, head around each room to get photos on the ceiling, upside down in the bedroom or head down on the kitchen side.
The vertigo might be strong for the first few minutes, but once you’re in the groove it’s a hilarious experience that you’d be silly to pass on.
It’s right on the seafront, so you won’t miss it.
16. Embrace all things aquatic at Sea Life
Address: Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TB
Phone number: 01273 647707
There’s nothing better than an aquarium when you’re in a seaside town and Sea Life in Brighton gets it just right.
(Probably because it’s the oldest aquarium in the world!)
With sharks, giant turtles and stingrays aplenty, it’s a cracking day out, especially if you’ve got little ones with you.
There’s special lighting throughout which makes the sea creatures glow, and the floor-to-ceiling windows into the tanks make it all the more special.
Tickets start at £26.50 for adults and £22.50 for children.
Oh, and as a keen gift shop connoisseur, it’s five stars from me.
17. Visit St Peter’s Church
Address: York Pl, Brighton BN1 4GU
Phone number: 01273 698182
If you’re a fan of a good church (with an even better ceiling), St Peter’s will be one of the best indoor activities in Brighton for you.
Usually referred to as ‘Brighton’s cathedral’, St. Peter’s is a beautiful building built in 1824 with stained glass windows for DAYS.
As is always the case with religious buildings, entry is free, but services take place throughout the day on Sundays so do bear this in mind for your visit.
18. Eat ice cream at Jojo’s Gelato
Address: 123-124 Western Rd, Hove, Brighton BN1 2AD
Phone number: 01273 771532
If you’ve got time on your hands and a sugar craving, you need to take the seven-minute car journey (or 20-minute walk) to Jojo’s Gelateria in Hove.
There are over 50 flavours of ice cream which change daily, and the parlour itself is an Instagrammer’s dream.
I’m pretty certain this is one of the tastiest indoor activities in Brighton.
Need I say more?
19. Get creative at The Painting Pottery Café
Address: 31 North Rd, Brighton BN1 1YB
Phone number: 01273 628952
Brighton is full of creative people and creative energy so it would be no surprise if you’re feeling inspired when walking the streets of the city.
One of the best ways to channel your creativity is with a visit to Brighton’s best pottery studio, The Painting Pottery Café, located in the North Laine Bazaar.
Once you’ve booked a slot, you can choose between a ceramic painting session (with access to treats from the café throughout) or a clay-throwing workshop where you mould your own ceramic.
Unless in extenuating circumstances, the café does ask that you come and collect your masterpiece once it has been glazed and fired but they may be able to post out to you if you’re on a short trip.
All visitors are asked to remove their jewellery and watches for the session.
The café also suggests cutting long nails short and wearing clothes you’re happy to get messy in.
Entry is £5 per person and then you can pick the price of pottery from the catalogue.
20. Booth Museum of Natural History
Address: 194 Dyke Rd, Brighton BN1 5AA
Phone number: 0300 029 0900
If you’re doing the city on a shoestring, the Booth Museum of Natural History is sure to be one of the best indoor activities in Brighton for you.
With a focus on birds, butterflies, fossils and bones, it’s a must if you’re passionate about the natural world.
There’s an A-Z of all things nature, and the museum is generally quiet during the week.
There are over half a million specimens at the museum, so make sure to carve out a good chunk of time for your visit.
The best bit? You know what I’m going to say: The G*ft Shop.
21. Get boozy at bottomless brunch
Address: Various locations
Did you know that Brighton is one of the best cities in the UK for a bottomless brunch?
Well, now you do!
A great way to whittle away the hours on a rainy day, there’s a cracking selection of venues to choose from.
Check out the 27 best places to go for bottomless brunch in Brighton and prepare for some free-flowing fun!
So there you have it: the 21 best indoor activities in Brighton.
Whether it’s a rainy day or you just fancy an alternative activity, there’s certainly no shortage of indoor activities in Brighton.
So pick your favourites on this list, round up your friends and get ready for some serious fun!