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Romantic Things To Do In Brighton

Brighton is one of Britain's most popular seaside resorts - and with so much to see and do together, it's a wonderful place for a romantic break.


© Blanch House

Brighton's only a short trip from London as well - it's only around 50 miles away - that's about an hour on the train, or a couple of hours by car (allowing for the traffic).

So if you're looking for a break from the capital with your significant other, let us suggest some romantic things to do in Brighton:

The Lanes

North Laine
North Laine © www.visitbrighton.com / Adam Bronkhorst

One of Brighton's best known and most distinctive features are The Lanes - an area of narrow streets positively bursting with unique and quirky independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

North Laine
North Laine © www.visitbrighton.com / Adam Bronkhorst

As you explore the narrow alleyways together, you'll find something interesting around every corner, including antique shops, galleries, jewellers and plenty of fashion boutiques with their own distinctive styles.

North Laine
North Laine © www.visitbrighton.com / Adam Bronkhorst

You'll soon work up an appetite - so you can stop at one of the intimate cafes or restaurants for a bite to eat, and perhaps enjoy some live music from one of the many buskers who play in the area.

http://www.visitbrighton.com/shopping/the-lanes

Royal Pavilion
Royal Pavilion © www.visitbrighton.com / Adam Bronkhorst

Royal Pavilion

Long Gallery, Royal Pavilion
Long Gallery, Royal Pavilion © Brighton Museums

Of course you won't be the first visitors to consider Brighton an ideal escape from the big city - the town's most famous and exotic landmark was constructed for just this purpose.

Royal Pavilion
Royal Pavilion © Brighton Museums

The Royal Pavilion was built by Prince George (later King George IV), with the architect John Nash, and has a unique and exotic style blending British Regency architecture with ideas from India and China.

South Gallery, Royal Pavilion
South Gallery, Royal Pavilion © Brighton Museums

The result is a palace like no other - gaudy and ornate, yet beautiful and surprising - it's sure to be a highlight of your visit.

http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/

Royal Pavilion Gardens
Royal Pavilion Gardens © Brighton Museums

Brighton Museum

If your visit to the Pavilion has inspired you to find out more about Brighton's past, you won't have far to travel to Brighton Museum which is located in the Pavilion's beautiful gardens.

Brighton Museum
Brighton Museum © Brighton Museums

There are lots of fascinating collections in the museum - as well as the history of Brighton, you can explore artefacts from Ancient Egypt, a stunning fashion collection, and a superb collection of paintings.

Brighton is sometimes called the gay capital of the UK, and the museum reflects this with its recently updated LGBTQ trail, highlighting certain objects and exploring their stories.

http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/brighton/what-to-see/

Brighton Pier

For a more contemporary experience of Brighton, you're sure to enjoy a visit to Brighton Pier. Dating from 1899, today the pier offers an exciting mix of funfair rides, (of both traditional and white-knuckle varieties), and places to eat and drink.

Brighton Pier
Brighton Pier © Brighton Pier

Don't miss the famous Palm Court Restaurant, which Heston Blumenthal has called "The spiritual home of Fish and Chips".

You can buy a wristband for unlimited rides - and what could be more romantic than sharing a horse on the traditional Carousel?

http://brightonpier.co.uk/

Brighton Wheel

Brighton Wheel
Brighton Wheel © Brighton Wheel

One of Brighton's newest attractions is the 50m high Brighton Wheel - situated right on the beach and offering superb panoramic views across the town.

Brighton Wheel
Brighton Wheel © Brighton Wheel

Increase the romance by booking an exclusive capsule for you and your loved one, complete with a glass of champagne!

http://www.brightonwheel.com/

Brighton Wheel
Brighton Wheel © Brighton Wheel

Romantic Activities

Romantic Walk Along the Beach

Sometimes the simplest things are the most romantic - and what could be better than a long walk along the beach together, hand-in-hand.

Beach Panorama
Beach Panorama © Shutterstock / Matt Gibson

With more than 5 miles of shingle beach to explore, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy each other's company.

Brighton Scenic Air Tours

If you want to impress your partner with something really memorable, how about a sightseeing flight, with spectacular views?

Brighton Scenic Cessna
Brighton Scenic Cessna © Brighton Scenic

BrightonScenic offer a range of routes with flight times from 20 minutes to over an hour. They can even arrange cold Champagne or fresh flowers for that extra touch of romance.

http://brightonscenic.co.uk/

South Downs

If your walk along the beach has whetted your appetite for a longer excursion, then it's not far to the South Downs, which offers lots of beautiful unspoiled countryside to explore together.

The famous beauty spot "Devil's Dyke", only 5 miles North of Brighton is the largest "Dry Valley" in the UK and offers spectacular views.

Devils Dyke
Devils Dyke © Mischa Haller

According to local legend, the Devil himself dug the huge chasm to drown the parishioners of the Weald! The famous landscape painter John Constable called it "The grandest view in the world" so it's certainly worth a look!

Once you've explored the area, you'll be ready to find something to eat, and the Hikers Rest cafe at Saddlescombe Farm is just the ticket, offering a range of traditional organic refreshment.

Saddlescombe Farm
Saddlescombe Farm © Mischa Haller

The area is easily accessible by the number 77 "Devil's Dyke" bus from Brighton, which is an open-top service in the summer months.

http://www.southdowns.gov.uk/

Picnic in the Park

Brighton has a number of beautiful parks and open spaces you can enjoy together. If the weather's good, why not take a picnic?

Preston Park Rock Garden
Preston Park Rock Garden © Brighton City Parks

Preston Park is the biggest park within the city, and is a perfect place to relax together and enjoy a sunny day. It has a walled garden, a rockery, and even a manor (Preston Manor) to explore.

Stanmer Park offers woodland walks and large open spaces to enjoy.

The Level park has recently been completely restored, with events areas, children's playground and pavilion, dancing fountains and Le Velo Cafe.

Fountains at The Level
Fountains at The Level © Brighton City Parks

 http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/leisure-and-libraries/parks-and-green-spaces/parks-and-countryside

Wine Tasting at Ten Green Bottles

If you and your loved one enjoy a nice bottle of wine, then going to an organised Wine Tasting is a fun activity to enjoy together.

Ten Green Bottles
Ten Green Bottles © Ten Green Bottles

Ten Green Bottles on Jubilee Street has a great ambience, and a relaxed atmosphere. They offer private wine tastings for two, where you can sample six different wines, with a qualified member of staff with a passion for fine wines who will answer any wine-related questions you might have.

A great way to learn a bit more about wine - and perhaps a good chance to discover a new favourite wine that you can enjoy together for years to come, and remember your romantic trip to Brighton!

http://www.tengreenbottles.com/

Events

Brighton Festival

If you're planning your romantic break in Brighton in May, then you can enjoy the Brighton Festival - a three week long celebration of the arts including music, film, art, theatre and lots more.

With diverse events scheduled at venues right across the city, you're sure to find lots to enjoy together.

Brighton Pride Festival

This flamboyant celebration of diversity which is held in the summer, has lots of fun things to watch and join in.

Pride Parade
Pride Parade © ChrisJepson.com

There is the colourful LGBT Community Parade, a Music Festival in Preston Park (including a funfair, community village and family area), and an Arts and Film Festival showing the best films and art events with an LGBT theme.

Pride Music Festival
Pride Music Festival © ChrisJepson.com

Brighton Fashion Week

Brighton is always a vibrant and fashionable city - especially in October when Brighton Fashion week is held.

Brighton Fashion Week
Brighton Fashion Week © Malcolm Tam Photography

A celebration of fashion and the fashion industry, with catwalk shows, debates and lectures, if you're into fashion you won't want to miss it.

http://www.brightonfashionweek.com/

Brighton Fashion Week
Brighton Fashion Week © Malcolm Tam Photography

Burning the Clocks

If you're in Brighton just before Christmas, don't miss the spectacular Burning the Clocks event on 21st December (the shortest day of the year). Burning the Clocks celebrates the fact that the days will start to lengthen, by parading paper and willow lanterns through the town before setting fire to them on Brighton beach.

Burning The Clocks Latern Parade
Burning The Clocks Latern Parade © Jeb Hardwick

A huge fire sculpture is ignited, and there are fireworks and music. Although it seems like an ancient ceremony, Burning the Clocks was started in 1994 - but it's grown into a big event with more than 2,000 participants and 20,000 spectators.

Burning The Clocks on the Beach
Burning The Clocks on the Beach © Ray Gibson

http://www.samesky.co.uk/events/burning-the-clocks

Music and Shows

Brighton Dome

The Brighton Dome started out more than 200 years ago as the Prince Regent's stables - but has since been transformed into "The South Coast's premier multi-arts venue".

Brighton Dome
Brighton Dome © Matthew Andrews

With more than 600 events each year, there's plenty to choose from, whether you both like comedy, live music (both classical and contemporary), ballet or theatre, Brighton Dome will probably have a show you'll enjoy together.

http://brightondome.org/

Brighton Dome
Brighton Dome © Hugh Fox

Duke of York's Picture House

Couples have been enjoying a kiss and a cuddle in the back row of the Duke of York's Picture House since 1910 - it's the oldest cinema in continuous use in Britain.

Duke of Yorks Picture House
Duke of Yorks Picture House © Duke of Yorks Picture House

Duke of York's Picture House offers a range of films, from mainstream blockbusters to more niche and art house productions, so there's something for every taste in this beautiful building.

https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Duke_Of_Yorks

Eating Out

The Gingerman Restaurant

The Gingerman on Norfolk Square, close to the seafront, is a great choice for that special romantic meal. The Gingerman offers imaginative dishes and great service.

Gingerman Restaurant
Gingerman Restaurant © Gingerman Restaurant

If you'd prefer a less formal atmosphere, the same group runs The Ginger Dog pub in the Kemptown area, serving traditional pub food made from the finest ingredients - they also have a private dining room upstairs.

http://gingermanrestaurant.com/

Gingerman Restaurant
Gingerman Restaurant © Gingerman Restaurant

The Chilli Pickle Restaurant

If you both enjoy a taste of India, then the Chilli Pickle restaurant on Jubilee Street might fit the bill.

Chilli Pickle
Chilli Pickle © Chilli Pickle

This award-winning restaurant showcases the skill of chef Alun Sperring who has prepared Indian-inspired food in many top hotels and even at The Cinnamon Club in London, so you're sure to enjoy your meal at The Chilli Pickle.

http://thechillipickle.com/restaurant/

Chilli Pickle
Chilli Pickle © Chilli Pickle

Choccywoccydoodah

Everyone loves chocolate, so why not drop in to Choccywoccydoodah, a unique cafe and chocolaterie on Meetinghouse Lane.

Choccywoccydoodah Cafe
Choccywoccydoodah Cafe © Choccywoccydoodah

To make it extra special, you can even book a secret room where you and your loved one can sample their sensational chocolate creations together.

Coccywoccydoodah Shop
Coccywoccydoodah Shop © Choccywoccydoodah

Alternatively you could just enjoy browsing the amazing collection of chocolate treats in their tempting shop.

https://www.choccywoccydoodah.com/locations.html

Romantic Places to Stay

Blanch House

Blanch House is a lovely boutique hotel, situated in a beautiful Regency town house in Kempton. Just a stone's throw from the beach, and an easy walk into the town centre, it's an ideal base for your romantic stay in Brighton.

Blanch House Hotel
Blanch House Hotel © Blanch House

The hotel offers Romantic Break packages which include bubbly, cream tea, a bouquet of flowers and even breakfast in bed!

http://www.blanchhouse.co.uk/

Cocktails for Two at Blanch House
Cocktails for Two at Blanch House © Blanch House

Hotel du Vin Hotel and Bistro

Hotel du Vin Bistro
Hotel du Vin Bistro © Hotel du Vin

Superbly situated within The Lanes, is Hotel du Vin Brighton. Created from a jumble of buildings which were built by a wine merchant in 1695, the hotel boasts a vine covered pergola, wine cellar, cafe du vin and distinctive bedrooms complete with roll top baths.

https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/brighton/

Hotel du Vin
Hotel du Vin © Hotel du Vin

There are so many romantic things to do in Brighton, that you'll be spoiled for choice - but hopefully you've been inspired to find out more and create your own perfect romantic break in this exciting seaside city.

Check out our other article on Brighton:

Things to do in Brighton

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