Top 10 date ideas in Brighton

Brighton might be small, but it packs a serious punch when it comes to unforgettable nights out and romantic escapes. Whether you’re looking to impress a first date or just try something new with your usual partner-in-crime, here are ten brilliant ways to spice up your next date night in Brighton.

1. Do time together at Alcotraz Brighton (Cell Block One-Three)

Alcotraz Brighton is a unique Brighton cocktail bar and immersive experience where you’re the inmate. Don an orange jumpsuit, sneak in your own liquor, and smuggle it inside with the help of our crooked guards to deliver to our inmate bartenders, who’ll mix you up custom drinks based on your tastes. Whether you’re looking for first date ideas in Brighton or you’re out with your long-term partner, there’s something hilarious and slightly illicit about spending time together behind bars in the middle of a cocktail heist! 

And what’s more, you’ll have the chance to fully immerse yourselves in our interactive storylines. What better way to truly get to know each other than by solving missions and acting as bootleggers in a realistic prison setting?

2. Paint, sip, repeat at Pinot & Picasso

Pinot & Picasso Brighton is all about getting messy with a brush in one hand and a glass in the other. The vibe is inclusive and energetic, so it’s good if you’re up for something light-hearted that still lets you show off your artistic side (or just laugh at each other’s questionable “masterpieces”). 

3. Get it to go at Yo! Sushi School

Who says date night can’t be delicious and educational? YO! Sushi School in Brighton gives you hands-on lessons in the fine art of sushi rolling. Expect fresh ingredients, lots of laughs, and probably a few rice explosions. Again, it’s low pressure (making it fantastic for those searching for fun date ideas in Brighton that keep it casual), so don’t take yourself too seriously if you can’t nail rolling authentic temaki!

4. Get lost in the Lanes

The Lanes are Brighton’s maze of hidden alleyways, quirky shops, cosy pubs, and indie cafés – like a choose-your-own-adventure for a date. There’s no set route or agenda here: just get a drink, explore a few boutiques, maybe stumble into a tarot reading or vintage vinyl shop, and see where the evening takes you. There’s something inherently romantic about meandering through candlelit lanes and ducking into odd little corners of the city no one else seems to know about.

5. Catch something unexpected at Brighton Fringe

If your date lands during the Brighton Fringe, you’ve hit the jackpot. This annual festival takes over the city with comedy, cabaret, immersive theatre, and all sorts of weirdness. From rooftop performances to secret basement gigs, there’s always something to stumble across – kind of like the Lanes. The best part? Most of it’s affordable, making it one of the best cheap Brighton date ideas!

6. Crack the code at Bewilder Box

Perched above The Brunswick pub, Bewilder Box escape rooms blend puzzle-solving with comedy and a touch of sci-fi. It’s fast paced, it’s fun, and there are plenty of chances to bond over the puzzles. Great for couples who love a challenge or just want something different from the usual dinner-and-drinks routine. And when it’s over, the pub downstairs is perfectly placed for a celebratory pint.

7. Escape to Devil’s Dyke

Need a breather from city noise? Just a few miles from Brighton, Devil’s Dyke offers epic views and rolling hills, like something out of a romantic landscape painting. It’s ideal for low-key day-to-evening date ideas in Brighton: bring a blanket, pack some snacks, and find a quiet spot to watch the sunset. You’ll feel a million miles away from traffic and inboxes.

8. Dive into Sea Life Brighton

Brighton’s Sea Life centre is older than the Eiffel Tower, believe it or not. Victorian arches meet glowing tanks filled with sharks, rays, and curious jellyfish. It’s not just for kids: the surreal lighting and immersive layout make it surprisingly atmospheric for grown-up dates too. If your idea of romance includes wandering through glowing tunnels and staring wide-eyed at neon sea creatures, this place will absolutely deliver.

9. Sweat it out at Beach Box Spa 

If you’re into offbeat wellness experiences (or just want to see your date in swimwear), Beach Box Spa offers wood-fired saunas right on Brighton Beach. There are three unique sauna cabins to try, plus plunge pools, sea dips, and the salty breeze to cool you down between rounds. It’s relaxing, fun, and makes for a genuinely different kind of date night idea in Brighton (especially in winter, when the steam and the sea spray hit just right).

10. End on a high at The Secret Comedy Club

Tucked away in The Lanes, The Secret Comedy Club is one of Brighton’s many hidden gems. The venue is small, intimate, and stacked with talent from across the UK scene – often including surprise drop-ins from big names testing new material. If you can’t make a date work by taking them somewhere where they sit laughing for an hour, that’s on you.

Why pick Alcotraz for your next date night in Brighton?

Whether you’re planning a first date or want to add some excitement to your usual outings, Brighton offers a fantastic mix of date ideas for every couple. From creative experiences to scenic seaside strolls, these date ideas in Brighton promise unforgettable moments and quality time together.

Out of all the date night ideas Brighton has to offer, none of them mix fun, big laughs and cocktails quite like Alcotraz. Give it a go: you won’t be disappointed!

Alcotraz Brighton is an activity bar and immersive cocktail experience that you and your partner will love. With its secret cocktail-making, dramatic prison setting, and engaging atmosphere, it’s no surprise Alcotraz is one of the top date ideas in Brighton.