13th April 2017
The evenings are getting longer and the weather’s getting brighter, showing Brighton and Hove in its best light. It’s time to throw open the patio doors, venture down to the shoreline, and remind yourself why you’re so lucky to live beside the seaside.
Here are ten of our top activities for spring days in the city. Whether you’re introducing visitors to your hometown, or visiting yourself with an eye to buying property, you’ll soon be swept away by the variety that Brighton and Hove has to offer.
1. Brighton Festival
With 51 years of art, music, theatre and spoken word under its belt, the Brighton Festival is a classic city-wide celebration of culture across various locations in Brighton and Hove. Poet, novelist, musician and playwright Kate Tempest at the helm this year, with a festival highlighting the ‘everyday epic’ and exploring art’s place in day-to-day life.
2. Brighton Fringe
As if one festival of the arts wasn’t enough, the Brighton Fringe will bring circus, cabaret, comedy, drama, literature and more to the heart of Brighton and Hove. Characterised by its two unmissable temporary stage areas, the Spiegeltent and the Warren, the Fringe feels like a month-long party with food, drink and entertainment aplenty across the city.
3. Artists Open Houses
Spring is the perfect time to get to know new areas of Brighton and Hove. Combine a stroll around some of the city’s hidden gems with an innovative art exhibition, and you’ve got yourself a perfect weekend. The Artists’ Open Houses festival offers work from over 1,200 artists across over 180 homes and venues, all grouped into local walkable trails.
4. London 2 Brighton Challenge
If you were inspired by the Brighton Marathon, there’s still time to sign up for the 100km London to Brighton run, which welcomes runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and abilities to challenge themselves. If you don’t quite fancy the hike, you can enjoy cheering the hardy heroes on as they make their way into Brighton Racecourse.
5. Explore the Undercliff walk
You don’t have to walk 100km to get a good leg stretch in Brighton and Hove. Grab your bike, skates, scooter or dog and trek down the chalk cliff-lined path from Brighton Marina to Rottingdean. Stop in at the Ovingdean Gap Cafe for an ice cream on your way, or save yourself for one of Rottingdean’s many charming pubs.
6. Brighton Foodies Festival
Fancy a bite to eat? Indulge yourself at Hove Lawns with the UK’s largest food and drink festival, complete with live music, a vintage tea tent and a chilli eating contest. Whether you’re keen to attend a workshop from top international chefs, or simply want to chow down on delicious street food, you’ll leave the Brighton Foodies Festival stuffed and inspired.
7. Enjoy a picnic
Take advantage of a sunny evening and enjoy your own foodie celebration with a picnic in one of Brighton and Hove’s many open spaces. Take a short bus ride to the Devil’s Dyke to get away from it all, or cozy up in the Pavilion Gardens for a spot of people-watching. Or how about taking a blanket and a bottle of bubbly down to the beach to toast the sunset? The options are endless.
8. Mini Run
Madeira Drive is known for its various London to Brighton car runs, and the Mini Run in May is easily one of the city’s most quirky and iconic motoring events. Stroll by the seaside to the sound of vintage engines, admire Minis from across the decades, and enjoy live music and market stalls. See why over 2,100 Mini owners like to be beside the seaside!
9. Try the i360
Controversial though it may be, the i360 remains a truly unique way to see the city - and after months of grey clouds and sea fog, what better way to reacquaint yourself with Brighton and Hove than with an aerial view? Come for the record-breaking ride, stay for a bite to eat at the adjoining Belle Vue restaurant.
10. Mackerel fishing
If you fancy getting out on the open sea and trying something a little different, you’re in luck. Springtime sees daily mackerel fishing trips departing from Brighton Marina. Experience Brighton seafront from the water, and try your hand at sea fishing while drinking in the fresh sea air.
Learn more about the variety of culture and community that Brighton and Hove has to offer with our helpful area guides, or get in touch with us to discuss your dream coastal property.