Our guide to
Things to do in Brighton
Our top picks
Things to do in Brighton this August – The Scoop
Squeeze every drop from these late summer days. Forget thinking too far ahead – just live in the moment. Lounge on Brighton beach, dine alfresco, stay out late, have fun. Eat corn on the cob with your hands, BBQ in the sunshine, party in the garden, sip frozé (it’s class), munch princess cakes, kick a ball around. Most of all, have some PRIDE.
In no particular order, here’s our Top 10 for August 2025…
1. BRIGHTON PRIDE 2025
For one glorious weekend a year, the city bursts with Pride! Here’s our Torsten’s Insider Guide 2025. Strut your stuff at this year’s parade – Ravishing Rage – on 1 August, then head to Pride in the Park featuring superstars Mariah Carey, Fatboy Slim, Sugababes and friends, along with street parties and literally hundreds of events across the city.
It’s non-stop rainbow-coloured fun. A few tasty tips:
- Freemasons Pre-Pride Party at Ohso Social
- Sausage Party at Curio Cafe Bar
- Breakfast of Queens at Dishoom Permit Room
- Drag Brunch at The Metropole
2. Beers and BBQ
Nothing says summer like beers and BBQ. Master of your own grill? Fine! But if you’d rather relax in the shade of a gorgeous pub garden, with a cold pint of Sussex ale in hand, head to The Bell Tower and The Eight Bells (Jevington), each hosting BBQs throughout the season (check for dates).
Explore Brighton city pub gardens or head to the countryside to find your bliss.
3. Hot Spots
While you might fancy relaxing, the city is buzzing – hosting locals and the thousands of visitors who flock to the South Coast’s favourite city every summer. Here are some new openings to visit this August:
New:
- Kitti’s at Saltdean – delicious brunches with stunning sea views
- Aberdeen Seafood – wok-fired seafood and Hong Kong-inspired dishes
- Pommy’s Pizza – NYC-style pizza by the slice
Coming soon and all featured on our new restaurants in Brighton page:
- The Sushi Co – fast-casual Japanese restaurant chain opening first Brighton venue
- Drift – coastal bites and cocktails next to the i360
- Marea by Rafael Cagali – refined, seasonal menus from a renowned chef
4. School’s Out
It’s still early in the long summer holiday. Parents – already out of ideas? Now’s not the time to panic. (Remember, it’s important not to show fear!) We’ve got you covered.
Local travel consultant (and mum!) Cecily English has written this guide to summer in Brighton for families far and wide.
For more:
- Amex Community Stadium – a whole month of activities, including a circus workshop, a science show and a Taylor Swift party!
- The top Brighton attractions you need to (re)visit
- Unmissable summer Brighton and Hove restaurant offers – including ‘kids eat free’
5. Afternoon Tea Week (12–18 August)
Brighton Afternoon Tea Week is the perfect excuse for this ultimate treat. Delicate finger sandwiches, scones fresh from the oven, tiny little cakes. You know the score! Here are a few tempting options:
- Brighton Regency Routemaster – gourmet tea on a vintage bus with a 60s soundtrack and optional Brighton Gin upgrade
- The Grand – classic afternoon tea perfection, served exactly as it should be on a covered terrace, complete with palms, sea views, and more cake than you can imagine
- terre à terre – afternoon tea at the award-winning vegetarian restaurant, complete with a signature cocktail
- Malmaison Brighton – afternoon tea with a contemporary twist
- Blossoms Bar – pretty, special Japanese-inspired afternoon tea
See our round-up of all the best Afternoon Teas in Brighton and beyond.
6. Dip and Dine
Warm sunny days call for a refreshing dip, and luckily, there are plenty of places to plunge in. Cool off with a swim, then warm up at one of these top spots for the ultimate holiday vibe:
- Brighton Beach – choose from Brighton seafront restaurants or explore Brighton’s historic Lanes
- Saltdean Lido – DECO or Kitti’s depending on your vibe
- Pells Pool – bring a picnic, head to No. 34, or discover other lovely Lewes spots
- Sea Lanes – great food onsite, or wander to Kemptown
- Wild swimming at The Secret Vineyard – book the ÖÖD House or a gorgeous retreat then swim in the lake.
7. G.B.B. (The Great Brighton Bake-off!)
Well, not exactly, but close enough: Jürgen’s Traditional Pretzel Class at Open Bakery takes place on 16 August (more autumn dates available). If pretzels aren’t your thing, try sourdough, croissants, pain au chocolat, artisan bread-making, and more.
8. I Say Gelato, You Say…
Not eating ice cream every single summer day is a real challenge. If you agree, this isn’t going to help! We’re spoiled for choice with soft serve at Kitti’s Saltdean and brand-new Jude’s @ The Met plus the parlours at Marrocco’s, Boho Gelato, Brass Monkey. To find your favourite, you might have to try them all – and then start again, just to be sure.
9. Summer Supperclubs
Summer is for supperclubs, and there are some truly gorgeous special menus and collaborations this August. A few highlights:
- 7 August – Dinnerclub at Nanima
- 10 August – Fourth & Church x Lobo by MED
- 12 August – Aaron Harris x Steven Edwards at etch.
- 14 August – Campania Tasting Menu at Il Bistro
Keep an eye on our events page for daily updates.
10. August Bank Holiday
To avoid any end-of-summer gloom, someone thoughtfully arranged a cheery bank holiday at the end of August. (Thank you, whoever you are – we needed that!) Whatever your vibe, plan a final hurrah before the season ends. A few ideas to whet your appetite:
- Seafood Weekender at Terra Restaurant – local fish specials
- Sipello Takeover at Tapestry in Hove – cocktails and DJs
- MOD Weekender at The Dorset – great music and fantastic beers
Here is our guide to the August bank holiday in Brighton.
Q
&
A
Brighton is a foodie’s dream, with events like the Brighton Foodies Festival, Seafood & Oyster Festival, Cocktail Week, pasta-making workshops, and wine tasting at Sussex vineyards. Restaurants Brighton’s Things to Do in Brighton guide highlights monthly food and drink events, from fine dining guest chef evenings to casual street food markets. You can also see our daily food and drink events guide which features all the food and drink things to do in the city.
Yes – throughout the year you can enjoy seasonal events such as the Brighton Festival food pop-ups in May, Sussex vineyard tours in summer, Brighton Cocktail Week in autumn, and festive markets with mulled wine in December. Our monthly guide lists every seasonal highlight so you never miss out. the guide is updated monthly, plus we also have the Brighton events guide with daily updated events.
Families can enjoy the Brighton Pier, the SEA LIFE Centre, and child-friendly restaurants offering dedicated kids’ menus. The guide also covers activities like outdoor fun at Woodfire Camping, or events at the Secret Vineyard, seafront bike rides, and kid-friendly workshops such as cupcake decorating or pizza making. You can see a list of daily changing things to in Brighton on our events guide.
Absolutely – take a stroll along Brighton beach, enjoy fish and chips with a view, explore the Palace Pier, or visit beachside bars and dog-friendly cafes. Our guide also highlights seafront events like seafood festivals, outdoor concerts, and alfresco dining at beachfront restaurants. See our daily Brighton events guide which lists all the food and drink in the coming days and weeks. This is updated daily.
Brighton offers rich cultural attractions including the Royal Pavilion, Theatre Royal, Brighton Dome, Brighton Centre, and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. Our monthly things to do guide for Brighton often links these venues with nearby dining spots for a full day or evening out. Have a look at our Brighton Events guide too, which gives you a list of daily activities, what’s going on in Brighton and Hove.
Yes – from romantic Sussex vineyard tours and sunset cocktails at rooftop bars to intimate fine dining experiences and live jazz nights, there’s plenty for couples. Our guide curates the most romantic activities alongside where to book the perfect table in Brighton. We also have a seperate designated page just for couples so you can make the most out of your stay or visit to Brighton.
Brighton has a thriving hands-on food scene with pasta-making workshops, cocktail masterclasses, wine and cheese pairings, and baking courses. The guide lists the best classes each month, ideal for date nights, birthdays, or team-building experiences. You can see individual food and drink events on our Brighton Events Guide. You can also have a look at the Brighton Community Kitchen which hosts a range of food and drink events every month.
During Brighton Pride, the city comes alive with colourful parades, themed Brighton brunches, and Pride parties at bars and clubs. In May, the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe bring street food markets, theatre, music, and unique dining experiences. Our guide covers all the highlights so you can plan your visit.
Yes – our Things to Do in Brighton guide includes free attractions like the beach, street art tours, and open-air events, plus affordable Brighton dining deals such as 2-for-1 offers, happy hours, and midweek restaurant promotions.
