You are here: Trip Ideas > Find your... Hidden Gem

You may think you know Brighton - you’ve visited the Royal Pavilion, got lost in The Lanes and played games on the Palace Pier but there is so much more to explore!
Our quirky city-by-the-sea is home to a wealth of hidden gems; there are nostalgic museums, grassroots venues, independent shops, intimate restaurants and bougie boutiques. Step away from the city centre, peel back the layers and reveal a side of Brighton you never knew existed.
Suggested time at location: 1 hour

Tucked away in one of the arches under the train station is this gem of a museum, a treasure trove of delights for any nostalgia nut. Whether you’re a Lego lover, a Meccano maniac or Barbie bonkers you will adore this collection of over 12,000 toys & models.
Find out more about the Brighton Toy & Model Museum

Brighton Toy & Model Museum - Pen to Paper - See on map

Walking: 4 mins

Suggested time at location: 1 hours
.jpg)
In this digital-age many of us miss the simplicity and beauty of the written word. If you have a passion for paper and a penchant for pens then head to Pen to Paper, treat yourself to some gorgeous stationary and write a letter to a loved one.
Find out more about Pen to Paper

Pen to Paper - Blue Man - See on map

Walking: 2 mins

Suggested time at location: 2 hours

The North Laine may be well-known to shoppers as a haven for vintage lovers but there are also a host of fantastic places to eat & drink including The Blue Man. This intimate venue specialises in Algerian street food serving a mix of small plates including their infamous tagines.
Find out more about the Blue Man

Blue Man Brighton - Brighton Open Air Theatre - See on map

Walking: 26 mins

Public transport: 13 mins

Suggested time at location: 3 hours
.jpg)
You won’t need a lifejacket to see a show at BOAT as instead of the open seas you’ll be heading to the Brighton Open Air Theatre. In the Seven Dials area of the city is Dyke Road Park home to an amphitheatre which hosts an array of live events including comedy, theatre, music, dance and family shows.
Find out more about Brighton Open Air Theatre

Brighton Open Air Theatre - The Bootlegger - See on map

Walking: 28 mins

Public transport: 18 mins

Suggested time at location: 2 hours

Prohibition is over but the speakeasy style of the 1920s is going strong at The Bootlegger cocktail bar and live music venue. Selecting a cocktail may take a while as there are over 90 concoctions to choose from, including several inspired by the Prohibition era.
Find out more about The Bootlegger

The Bootlegger - Luxury Townhouse - See on map

Walking: 25 mins

Public transport: 17 mins

Suggested time at location: overnight

Heading away from the mainstream doesn’t mean you miss out on comfort. Far from it as this hidden gem is a luxury townhouse with a private cinema! Treat yourself to a night of luxury in this opulent Regency residence.
Find out more about Luxury Townhouse
Travel between Luxury Townhouse - Brighton Open Market - See on Map
Suggested time at location: 2 hours

On London Road you’ll find The Open Market, an undercover market with over 50 local producers and creators. There’s fresh food, locally-made fashions, handmade jewellery, clothes, home wares and more.
Find out more about Brighton Open Market

Brighton Open Market - The Lift Escape Room - See on map

Walking: 7 mins

Public transport: 6 mins

Suggested time at location: 1.5 hours

Try your hand at The Lift Escape Room’s Comic Chaos and become a superhero, saving the world from the nefarious Dr Riddlesworth as he tries to drain the world of colour. Can you solve the clues to escape his lair, or will you be locked in monochrome forever?
Find out more about The Lift Escape Rooms

The Lift - UnBarred Taproom - See on map

Walking: 3 mins

Suggested time at location: 2 hours
.jpg)
After all that work, you’ll be feeling undone so let UnBarred restore you. The Brighton brewery’s taproom is a warm & welcoming place and in addition to their impressive range of beers you can also order in a delicious pizza from Fatto a Mano, we also love the rosemary-coated fries.
Find out more about UnBarred Taproom

UnBarred Taproom - Green Door Store - See on map

Walking: 8 mins

Suggested time at location: 3 hours
.jpg)
The Green Door Store is a grassroots music venue that has something going on every day of the week. This is the place to catch the star’s of tomorrow as acts to perform here have included Sam Fender, Idles, The 1975 and The Last Dinner Party.
Find out more about Green Door Store

Green Door Store - The Ceramic House - See on map

Walking: 36 mins

Public transport: 23 mins

Suggested time at location: overnight

The Ceramic House is a boutique guesthouse offering unique accommodation and a rare chance to experience staying in a living artwork. The creation of architectural ceramicist Kay Aplin, who has covered her house and garden with ceramic installations.
Find out more about The Ceramic House
Travel between The Ceramic House - One Garden Brighton - See on Map
Suggested time at location: 2 hours

Just outside of the city centre is Stanmer Park which is not only an access point for the South Downs National Park, but it is also home to One Garden Brighton. Ater wandering the pretty gardens pop into One Market to pick up a local souvenir of your trip.
Find out more about One Garden Brighton
Don't forget when planning your trip to Brighton, our website is full of ideas of Things to Do, Places to Stay, Where to Eat, Drink & Shop as well as the latest What's On listings.
© Visit Brighton 2025. All Rights Reserved
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.