7 Weird and Quirky Things to Do in Brighton

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!

Upside Down House, the first-ever inverted experience in the UK, gives guests the opportunity to explore a totally inverted home. From walking on the ceiling to performing a headstand in the toilet bowl, the opportunity for some truly unique photos is what makes Upside Down House a must see in Brighton. What’s more, the staff are renowned for their approachability and offer great tips for taking the most original photographs possible.

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.

Laugh Alive & Love Chocolate are 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.

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.

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, there is a temptingly diverse cocktail menu, with staff more than happy to provide recommendations based on personal taste.

GOVR Cafe, at once a top-notch coffeehouse and a hotbed of avant-garde technology, is Brighton’s first and only virtual reality cafe. Boasting a wide range of single and multiplayer games, patrons come to GOVR to do battle with zombies or fly through space between sips of artisanal coffee. The staff here are friendly and informative, meaning GOVR Cafe is a great place for VR first-timers to come and try out this exciting experience.