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.
