Our guide to
Things to do in Brighton
Our top picks
Things to do in Brighton this November – The Scoop
The clocks have turned and the evenings draw in, but Sussex leans into the dark with bonfires, candlelight and stargazing. November menus glow with colours of the season and we’re finding warmth in good company, nourishing food, steamy saunas and fireside gatherings. Keeping busy helps too, and that won’t be hard with our Top 10 for November.
1. Bonfire Night 2025
With Lewes Bonfire now reserved for residents, Worthing takes centre stage on 5 November, with luxury front-row seats at CrabShack Worthing or Tavola di Famiglia Osteria.
All month long, firework displays, torchlit parades and roaring bonfires will light up towns and villages across the county. To help you plan your sparks and s’mores, we’ve gathered together as many events as we could find. Have we missed one? Let us know at hello@restaurantsbrighton.co.uk.
2. Native Oyster Season
Now’s the time to savour native oysters at their best. Leading the way is The Urchin Pub’s Annual Oyster Feast on 24 November, featuring a tempting variety of oysters at excellent prices. Pair them with Larrikin Oyster Stout, brewed onsite (no need to book – just let them know you’re coming).
Other favourites for oyster lovers:
- The Oyster Bar at English’s of Brighton – the classic. Watch our interview with Oysterman Jonathan, filmed for English’s 80th anniversary celebration.
- Pearly Cow – a dozen of the finest, served on ice in an oversized shell with mignonette. Oh, the glamour.
3. Countdown to Christmas
Book those family shows and dust off your ice skates – the countdown is officially on! This month is all about getting festive plans in motion. Book that Christmas party, browse those twinkling festive menus, and make sure your Christmas lunch and New Year’s Eve reservations are confirmed.
Dates to add a little sparkle:
- 1 November – Mowgli Brighton’s Christmas Feasting menu launches
- 13 November – Christmas Light Switch-On, Shelter Hall, Brighton
- 17 November – Festive Bakes Workshop, Brighton Cookery School
- 21 November – Christmas Market & Lights Switch-On, Terra Restaurant, Tottington Manor
- 27 November – Christmas Light Switch-On, The Grand Brighton
- 29–30 November & 6–7 December – Christmas Wreath Making Workshops, The Secret Vineyard
4. A feast over fire
For the ultimate November dining experience, put yourself in the hands of the excellent Woodfire Camping crew. Serving up something extra magical this month – Woodfire is hosting a series of exclusive feasts at a stunning secret location on the historic Firle Estate near Lewes.
Take your time over a spectacular six-course menu featuring the finest Sussex game and local produce, all cooked over open fire and served by the flicker of candlelight. The bar will be stocked with local beers, selected wines and signature cocktails. Book now to snag your spot.
Dates: 15, 22 & 29 November
Separate corporate bookings are available every Thursday by arrangement.
5. The Warmth of Wellness
When it’s cold outside, there’s no better place to spend the day than in the nurturing embrace of a spa. Fortunately, Brighton, Hove and Sussex offer plenty of restorative hideaways – from the serene Field Trip Spa to the elegant renovation at The Grand Brighton.
Locals have also fallen hard for the steamy lure of saunas and the deep calm of cold-water therapy. Urban and countryside options are popping up everywhere – from beachside cabins to vineyard retreats and woodland sanctuaries.
Of course, you’ll need somewhere delicious to refuel afterwards – and luckily, we’ve got plenty of ideas for that too!
6. International Sherry Week
The Fourth and Church team’s favourite time of year! Celebrate International Sherry Week from 3-9 November with the most impressive collection of sherry in the South of England.
- 6 November – Four Pours & Four Snacks hosted by Paul Morgan (King of Sherry) – the ultimate introduction.
- 7 November – Sherry Masterclass in the Private Dining Room – a deep dive into Paul’s absolute favourites, including some rare treasures from the Fourth and Church cellar.
This award-winning Hove neighbourhood restaurant, bar and bottle shop is the place to drink sherry all year round. Not a sherry fan? Challenge the team to change your mind.
7. Ramen Club Returns
First rule of Ramen Club – tell everyone you know about it! Some of the finest ramen in the city, Bonsai Plant Kitchen is bringing back big bowls this November, every Sunday night from 5 pm. (It seems our pleas were heard!)
Expect steaming bowls of umami-rich broth and handmade noodles piled high with moreish toppings. And of course, everything is plant-based and nut-free – so (pretty much) everyone can join the fun. A Sunday feast to rival a roast.
8. Tutti va Italiano!
November is all about la dolce vita! There’s no denying our unending love affair with Italian food – and this month, the city’s serving up molto buono reasons to be grateful. Think full-bodied wines, generous plates, good company and that unmistakable Italian warmth. Esquisito!
Here’s a taste of what’s on the menu:
- 12 November – Tuscany Wine Dinner with Tenuta di Capezzana, Cin Cin Hove
- 20 November – Regional Tasting: Piedmont, lL Bistro
- 28 November – Italian Wine Dinner, Carne Hove
And don’t miss the new aperitivo Bar 50ml – a must-visit for Italian-inspired cocktails and snacks that capture the spirit of Italy.
9. Extraordinary events
November’s event diary is bursting at the seams – there’s so much on, we hardly know where to start. From the traditional to the alternative, the seriously indulgent to the thoroughly wholesome… deep breath, regroup – it’s time to choose your favourites.
Editor’s Picks:
- 7 November – Guided Dark Skies Walk, Terra Restaurant, Tottington Manor
- 7–8 November – Mutations Festival, various Brighton venues
- 14 November – Loam at Shoreline Supper Club, Shoreline Coffee + Kitchen
- 20 November – Lost in Music: ESE and The Vooduu People, Lost in the Lanes
- 21 November – Latin-American Street Food with Diego (Palmito), Brighton & Hove Community Kitchen
This is just a snapshot – see everything that’s lighting up November nights here.
10. Bread Heads
Team RB has been learning to make the stuff at Open Bakery (read about our visit here) – and we’ve well and truly caught the baking bug. Luckily, there are plenty more opportunities to knead your way to perfection.
With Sandwich Day falling on 3 November, we’ll be stacking our slices high with favourite fillings.
And for the city’s most exciting new sandwich? Meet the UK’s first Lobster Smash Burger, available for a limited time only at Burger and Lobster. Smashed lobster and prawn patties layered with lobster mayo, lettuce, watercress, tomato and red onion in a toasted brioche bun – iconic, unmissable, and gloriously rich.
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.
