7 Must-See Free, or Low-Cost Things to Do in Brighton

We’re all feeling the squeeze, so we’ve put together some great ideas to keep you entertained without breaking the bank.

Here at Clarity Property Management, we know this much is true: if you’re studying and living here in Brighton and Hove it’s likely that you love the place so much you’ll want to stay here.

Anecdotally, we hear that graduate students hang around after they’ve finished their degrees, quite literally. Surely the best City in the whole of the UK (yes, we’re biased) it’s easy to understand why you wouldn’t want to leave. Brighton is lively, vibrant and boasts a whole host of things to see and enjoy.

Not only are there wonderful music venues and theatres, there are also restaurants galore, and quirky independent shops with things that have “buy me” attached to them.

But.

It’s expensive living here.

And, if you’re a student with limited resources, there’s only so much TV you can watch, and a limit on how many nights in you want to have with your friends. Faced with a rate of inflation that’s not coming down any time soon, life has become much more costly than you may find comfortable. Yet, you suffered a great deal in lockdown – unable to make the most of being a student, and being stuck indoors isn’t something you necessarily want to repeat.

Let’s get out and about without spending too much money. The things we’ve suggested here may be obvious, but they’re either free, or low cost. You don’t have to spend money in Brighton and Hove to have a good time.

Actually, as a business based in Brighton, we’re really rather energised by this list, and plan to become tourists again in our own City as soon as we can.

Where’s great in Brighton?

The Beach

We’d venture to suggest that the beach offers a rather fabulous bucket and spade opportunity, which it sort of does, but it’s a stony beach so you may find making sandcastles somewhat of a challenge. No matter. It’s deeply wonderful. Find your ideal spot either side of the pier to enjoy it in all its kiss-me-quick glory.

Clean and well looked after, just stock up sun cream, a sturdy beach umbrella and take a picnic or a good book. Beware the seagulls. They have been known to swoop down on unsuspecting picnickers with surprising skill and steal food in one smooth movement.

The Pier

Brighton’s pier is iconic.

Generally considered one of the finest piers in the UK, it was built in 1823 and is as popular now for a promenade or two as it was in Victorian times. Quite simply, it has loads of attractions; from places to get affordable fish and chips, to a surprisingly scary ghost train, dodgems, and even a karaoke bar, it will most certainly pass a pleasant hour or two.

You’ll get hit by the cacophony of the slot machine arcade as you enter the pier, but strangely will cease to notice it, should you fritter away the odd 10 pence or two in one of those far too compelling coin pushers. Just one more go…

Head right to the end of the pier for peace and quiet and a lovely view of the sea. With seagulls, naturally.

Brighton and Hove Museum & Art Gallery

Do make a special trip to this place. You’ll find it in Pavilion Gardens and entry is free.

It covers everything relating to the history of Brighton and Hove, and has all sorts of exhibits such as toys, cinema and art. There are changing exhibitions, and an interesting local history gallery, too. Tip: invest in a restorative cup of tea in the café, and they have real leaf tea.

The Royal Pavilion

The Pavilion is a bit marmite; people love it or hate it. Why? Because it’s not exactly backward in coming forward in the décor stakes. We love it of course, and think that it’s just about one of the most over the top, stylish places in the whole of the South East. You may already know that it was built as a pleasure palace for the Prince Regent (as was), later George IV and goodness me, he clearly had excessive tastes.

Combining high-end Regency grandeur with the stunning styles of India and China, it was designed by the famous architect John Nash.

If you’re a resident of Brighton and Hove, take along proof of where you live to be admitted for £10. OK, so it’s not free, but well worth the small investment for a great way to while away a Sunday afternoon.

Pavilion Gardens

Literally right in front of the Pavilion, as you would expect, the gardens are a mighty fine space, with carefully looked after stretches of grass and gardens full of flowers. Here, you have the perfect Brighton vibe, a great environment to sit with your friends and do some people watching.

In the warm, summer months there’s nearly always something good going on – often live music.

The Lanes

You’ll find the Lanes easily, signposted at the lower end of North Street on one side, and East Street and Ship Street on the other. This part of Brighton has history seeping out of its every pore. And, you can feel it. The area that is now the Lanes was part of the original settlement of Brighthelmstone, with the structures that we would recognise today being built during the late 18th century.

The Lanes are full of quirky (but expensive) shops, narrow, twisty alleyways and one or two squares that you suddenly stumble upon.

There are lovely cafes, too.

Stanmer Park

On a Saturday or Sunday, head out of Brighton on bus route 78 to escape to woodland trails, grazing cattle and rolling hills. Plus, deer, badgers, kestrels and lots of other must-spot. One of Brighton’s hidden gems, Stanmer Park really is rather lovely. Take your trusty picnic and your walking boots for a weekend treat that’s a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the City.

So, there you are. Only seven?

No, there are so many more amazing sights and sounds in Brighton and Hove we could simply keep going. Why not check these out, and compile your own list? Don’t forget: whilst finances are tight, there’s no need not to enjoy London by the Sea as much as you can.