Our guide to
Things to do in Brighton
Our top picks
Things to do in Brighton this July – The Scoop
The height of summer brings an abundance of sweet berries, soft herbs and fresh salads to our plates. The promise of holidays, BBQs, pub gardens and sports days hangs in the air. There are foodie festivals, beach parties, school fetes and camping trips to plan – and Brighton’s famous Pride celebration is just around the corner.
In no particular order, here’s our Top 10 for July 2025…
1. Hove food trail
The city’s freshest festival puts Hove firmly on the foodie map! Simply buy as many £15 tickets as you like – each lets you sample 1 of 12 exclusive dishes at participating restaurants from 10–12 July.
With standout venues from Cin Cin, Little Fish Market, to Oeuf and Shoreline Cafe, every taste is catered for.
Discover the full, mouth-watering lineup and 12 delicious dishes right here.
2. Any Ottolenghi Fans?
We thought so! For one magical evening this July, Ottolenghi’s London restaurant – ROVI – is heading to the UK’s first (and favourite) gastro campsite, Woodfire Camping. ROVI Goes Roving! Expect a one-of-a-kind open-fire tasting menu featuring ROVI’s signature ferments and top local produce, all cooked over fire for that fabulous Woodfire flavour. In the heart of the glorious South Downs on Thursday 10 July, 18:30–22:00 (doors from 16:30). Book immediately.
Watch what happened when Jude visited wonderful Woodfire Camping this summer.
3. Brighton Beach Party
Summer in Brighton is all about the beach – oh how we love it, pebbles and all. For something totally extra, grab your tickets to On The Beach (18–26 July), and dine first at one of these top seafront spots.
More summer party vibes? Check out the Brighton Bash Carnival (with African and Caribbean food), Worthing Lions Summer Festival (For the best view, book: CrabShack, Tavola di Famiglia, The Perch or Beach House) and the Bilingual Primary School Summer Fiesta (IYKYK). That should cover all the bases!
Photo credit: On The Beach
4. Green Star Chef
For one night only, the UK’s newest Green Michelin Star chef – Ivan Tisdall-Downes – will be cooking up a storm with his friend Head Chef Jes James at Lost In The Lanes. On Friday 11th July, the pair will collaborate on a sustainability sourced, locally foraged, zero waste menu that will blow your mind. Book early to avoid disappointment.
5. Afternoon Tea By The Sea
Afternoon Tea by the sea! Round here we’re completely spoiled for choice, so here’s a few options for starters:
- Brighton Regency Routemaster – glorious vintage bus tour with gourmet afternoon tea, 60s soundtrack and Brighton Gin upgrade.
- The Grand – Classic afternoon tea perfection with everything exactly as it should be served in the covered terrace, complete with palms and sea views.
- Royal Pavilion Afternoon Tea – on 19 July you can indulge in a regency tea in the resplendent Adelaide Suite, including access to the Pavilion and optional High Weald English Sparkling.
See also – our round-up of all the best Afternoon Teas in Brighton and Beyond.
6. Fun and Games
There’s nothing quite like a cold pint and a chessboard to make you feel blessed. Celebrate International Chess Day at Kemptown Klub, try out the new games over a chilled rosé at The Pourhouse, or take your own set to your favourite pub garden and find a shady spot.
For rowdier fun, don’t miss the Shoreham Raft Race (sponsored by River Café), Brighton Comedy Garden, Komedia foodie pop-ups featuring Nostos and Foodilic, or Camp for Gaza: The Festival, with food, comedy and music from 15–17 July.
7. Kiki’s Delivery Service
On the evening of 15 July, Blossom’s Cocktail Bar & Restaurant will transform into the charming seaside town from Kiki’s Delivery Service of Studio Ghibli fame. Book now for a unique, magical experience featuring storytelling, themed cocktails and a three-course feast inspired by Kiki and Jiji! Immersive, feel-good and thoroughly delightful. Book here.
8. Staycation Dining
Let’s not pretend we’re not dreaming of long, lazy summer holi-daze – we all are. But here’s the good news:
- We live in one of the UK’s top tourist destinations – pretty cool huh!
- Anytime we need a ‘getaway’, we can dine our way there. Seriously – food is a passport.
Start with this year’s #1 BRAVO for International Cuisine, Il Bistro, which is hosting a Sicilian Tasting Menu Supper on 17 July. Or for that elevated BBQ flavour, a taste of holidays without any of the fuss, try the mouthwatering new menu at Embers, and don’t sleep on the cocktails. Check out our Top 20 BRAVO Checklist for International Cuisine.
9. Your perfect pride
Pride Month is over – but not for us South-Coasters! Worthing Pride kicks things off 4–5 July, with the Beach House serving special Pride cocktails and burgers from their sunny seafront terrace. But the big one is just around the corner – Brighton Pride, the UK’s biggest (and the world’s loudest), takes over the city 1–3 August.
Plan your Pride with our Special Guide (updated for 2025), and don’t miss Torsten’s guest-edited newsletter on Thursday 31 July for last-minute tips to take your weekend next-level.
10. Summer Masterclasses
Nobody loses when you decide to level up your home-cooking game – so book in for one of these amazing summer cooking classes and make the magic happen! This July is jam-packed: from fresh pasta and Korean favourites to macarons, cocktails, and not-so-humble loaves, there’s something to inspire everyone, whatever your level of expertise.
Check out our Event Guide to see what’s coming up, and read our round-up of top summer cooking classes right here.
Photo credit: Brighton and Hove Community Kitchen
