Things to do in Brighton. An Alternative Day Out by Black Cat Treasure Hunts.
Posted on: 07/11/2025By Tim Carter (Owner of Black Cat Treasure Hunts)
There are lots of articles on things to do in Brighton, although many of them will naturally focus on the `classic` attractions of the city. The Royal Pavilion, the beach, the Pier, The Lanes to name a few. As someone who takes a lot of time checking routes and questions for my treasure hunts, by walking across Brighton, here are some different things that have caught my eye.
My current favourite is an original activity guide for families called, Discover Brighton with Kika. It is a beautifully produced booklet that combines routes, interactive ideas, history, games and suggestions for things to do in Brighton on a day or weekend out. There are even star stickers! What`s not to like? With Easter holidays next month, it`s a suitable time to get one of these to ensure you are fully prepared in advanced. Oooh and did I say there is a Black Cat treasure hunt around The Lanes in this booklet too?!
One of Black Cat`s preferred choices for a treasure hunt meeting point is the beautiful Brighton beach bandstand. It has fantastic views out to sea and along the coast. This venue does get into quite a few of the things to do and see in Brighton reviews that I mentioned at the start of this article though. So, if you look westerly towards the Angel of Peace statue you will see a Petanque court. This boules type activity is a fun one to do especially alongside the inspiring sounds of the sea. Not sure how to have a go then let me put you in touch with the brilliant Connected Brighton who organise a vast range of things to do in Brighton for members and non-members alike.
Coming more centrally along the seafront, I suggest taking time to look at the interesting things on your left (as you walk towards the Pier maybe) before heading on the beach with your fish and chips! The Brighton Fishing Museum (free) is worth 20 minutes of your time for sure. I have even guided some personalised treasure hunt groups in there for some great clues. A little further on from there are several, small art shops. Definitely take a browse. Brighton has a vibrant street art scene that many people reference, but this artist's quarter complements that.
Heading away from the seafront and of course the Royal Pavilion is a real draw. Any self-respecting Instagrammer will need to spend time here even if you are not going inside. However, this is not the venue I wanted to bring your attention to in this part of Brighton. The Brighton Museum and Art gallery has an excellent, rotating programme of displays and time limited attractions. It is clearly the `forgotten child` of the things to do in Brighton blogs! Not here though. In-between the Pavilion and the museum is the perfect, tree lined place for a picnic if you want to slow the pace a little. The Pavilion Gardens Cafe at the top is of a high standard with a pleasing amount of outdoor seating if you forgot to bring that picnic. It also has an elephant made out of hedge next to it. I think that makes it a worthy `to do` contender.
A prime area for treasure hunts I must say along here. Brighton Theatre Royal, now free of scaffolding and looking impressive has a fantastic range of shows. Around the corner is The Dome, where ABBA broke onto the music scene by winning Eurovision for Sweden with `Waterloo`. Did you know (or does your mother know -ABBA connected joke!) that Anni-Frid was actually from Norway rather than Sweden. As a treasure hunt writing pro I need to know information like that as I have a group of 25 Norwegians visiting soon and they will definitely know that. I am safe now in directing them to a blue plaque about ABBA`s achievement back in 1974.
Talking about blue plaques there is one for Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, in the heart of the vibrant, North Laine district, along Kensington Gardens. Snoopers Paradise, which featured on The Apprentice, is usually mentioned on `to do lists` but here I suggest popping into `Resident Music` too. It is an excellent independent, vinyl record shop selling all genres of music and has mini, live concerts in the venue too.
A Brighton treasure hunt should always come up to this part of the city if possible. I also look to work alongside other local activity providers when I can and if appropriate. This was the case at the end of last year when I teamed up with Pier Pressure, the top Escape Room company in Brighton. One of their rooms is on Gloucester Road, also part of the North Laine. An end of term treat for a nearby school was a combination of escape room and treasure hunt. How come I never got to do anything that fun when I was young?!
As you head towards the train station after this alternative and fun filled day in Brighton you could finally stop for a bit of sit down creativity at Paintpots. It is what it says...painting pottery. You need to make an appointment for this, but it will be well worth the effort as there is fun for all ages as they say.
On the outside of Paintpots is a measuring stick for all sorts of celebrities and one or two lesser-known characters. It can be a good question site for a personalised birthday treasure hunt to see who you are as tall as.
One of my favourite testimonials was one that said a trip to Brighton isn`t complete unless you have been on a Brighton treasure hunt organised by Black Cat Treasure Hunts. Obviously, I endorse that feeling, so next time you are reading a `Things to do in Brighton` article, please contact me in advance on info@blackcattreasurehunts.co.uk or call me (Tim or Black Cat if you prefer) on (01323)655346.
Talking about blue plaques there is one for Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, in the heart of the vibrant, North Laine district, along Kensington Gardens. Snoopers Paradise, which featured on The Apprentice, is usually mentioned on `to do lists` but here I suggest popping into `Resident Music` too. It is an excellent independent, vinyl record shop selling all genres of music and has mini, live concerts in the venue too.
A Brighton treasure hunt should always come up to this part of the city if possible. I also look to work alongside other local activity providers when I can and if appropriate. This was the case at the end of last year when I teamed up with Pier Pressure, the top Escape Room company in Brighton. One of their rooms is on Gloucester Road, also part of the North Laine. An end of term treat for a nearby school was a combination of escape room and treasure hunt. How come I never got to do anything that fun when I was young?!
As you head towards the train station after this alternative and fun filled day in Brighton you could finally stop for a bit of sit down creativity at Paintpots. It is what it says...painting pottery. You need to make an appointment for this, but it will be well worth the effort as there is fun for all ages as they say.
On the outside of Paintpots is a measuring stick for all sorts of celebrities and one or two lesser-known characters. It can be a good question site for a personalised birthday treasure hunt to see who you are as tall as.
One of my favourite testimonials was one that said a trip to Brighton isn`t complete unless you have been on a Brighton treasure hunt organised by Black Cat Treasure Hunts. Obviously, I endorse that feeling, so next time you are reading a `Things to do in Brighton` article, please contact me in advance on info@blackcattreasurehunts.co.uk or call me (Tim or Black Cat if you prefer) on (01323)655346.
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