What To Do For Fun In Brighton When You’re Broke AF
As the weather starts to warm up, Brighton starts to buzz; but if your purse is feeling a little on the lighter side you may be left wondering what fun activities there are to do in the city. Never fear though, because below is a list of 15 fun things you can do in Brighton, no matter what your budget.
1. Have a picnic at the pavilion
There’s no better place to chill out in Brighton than in the pavilion gardens. Bring your own picnic for a budget-friendly alternative to going out for a meal, and enjoy live music provided by one of the buskers that normally play their music there.
2. Watch movies under the stars at the Brighton Big Screen
If you feel like going to the cinema but want to save money, then the Brighton Big Screen is the perfect way to do both. Bring pillows, blankets and snacks, get comfy on the beach and watch whatever movie they’re showing that night. The attraction usually brings in throngs of visitors every time a screening happens, so be sure to book in advance.
3. Take a tour of Brighton on one of the sightseeing buses
The sightseeing buses are a great way to explore the whole of Brighton. They’re open top so best for when the weather is good, and they’re hop on and hop off so you can get off anywhere that takes your fancy.
4. Go on one of the rides on Brighton Pier
The rides on the pier are pretty cheap, and you can buy day passes that mean you can go on unlimited rides all day. If rides aren’t your thing, they also have trampolines which are always hours of fun.
5. Chill out on on the beach
You’re obviously going to want to check out Brighton’s stunning beach, which is usually packed when the weather’s warm. Enjoy an ice cream from one of the vans dotted along the seafront, or if you can stretch it, treat yourself to a fancy flavour infusion from Boho Gelato. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
6. Soak up the sun on Hove Lawns
If sitting on the pebbles isn’t your vibe, take a stroll a bit further up the seafront and park yourself on Hove Lawns. Sunbathe, have a barbecue or try and make friends with some of the cute dogs that people usually walk in this area. If you want to keep your Instagram feed on fleek, then be sure to take a shot of the brightly-coloured beach huts.
7. Visit Stanmer House
Stanmer House is an oasis of peace and tranquility on the edge of busy Brighton. Take a stroll around the grounds and marvel at the nature.
8. Enjoy a meal from Pompoko
Fancy a meal but want something that’s not going to break the bank? Brighton’s best-kept secret, Pompoko, is a Japanese restaurant that provides cheap, fast food to have in or take out, and usually has a queue going out the door and down the street.
9. Experience culture at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery
Free admission means that anyone can enjoy the art on display here, and the exhibits change regularly so you can keep on coming back and seeing what’s new. If you’re interested in film, then the museum side gives insight into the history of film-making in Hove.
10. Take in the atmosphere in the Laines
There’s always something new to see and do in the Laines, Brighton’s bizarrest, but funkiest hang-out. Your Instagram feed will thank you for the arty shots of graffiti, including the famous mural of the two policemen kissing, and the wall of dogs.
11. Play the penny machines on the pier
If you hate carrying around coppers in your purse, get rid of them by feeding them into slots of the penny machines on the pier. There’s usually sweets or kitschy keyrings to be won if you can push the pennies over the edge, as well as earning tickets that can be reclaimed for prizes. If you don’t have any pennies to spare, then there are plenty of other arcade-style games to get stuck into on the pier.
12. Take part in Brighton’s famous Gay Pride march
One of Brighton’s greatest attractions, its Gay Pride March, brings together the whole city and attracts thousands of visitors across the UK. It’s definitely a sight to see, with a parade of floats, impressive costumes and music and dancing in the streets. Buy a ticket to gain full access to the festival, or just stroll around and be a part of this world-famous celebration of pride and love.
14. Have a play in Hove Park
For free entertainment, you can’t beat a playground and Hove Park has all the best things to play on including a zip wire, a roundabout, outdoor gym equipment that’s surprisingly fun to mess about on, and a climbing frame. There’s also tennis courts and a basketball court, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
13. Snap up a bargain in Beyond Retro
Like a charity shop, but only the best of the best is selected to be re-sold at Beyond Retro in Brighton. Browse the aisles of the enormous, warehouse-style shop for one-off pieces or once-in-a-lifetime deals on both high street and designer items including clothes, shoes and bags.
15. Strip off and go for a swim
Splash about by the pier if the flag is flying and lifeguards are on duty to watch over you. You can still join in if you’re not brave not go swimming; just paddle in the shallows for unbeatable refreshment after a day in the baking hot Brighton sun.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Brighton that won’t break the bank! So get out and explore this beautiful city and start ticking off some of the things on this list.
Do you have any other suggestions for fun things to do in Brighton on a budget?! Share in the comments below!
Featured Image: Instagram
