It’s probably not accurate to say anything in Brighton is truly hidden but you could spend a lifetime exploring Brighton and still not unearth all the fabulous nooks, crannies and unusual gems. But once you tire of the town’s main attractions, why not grab yourself a good guidebook and go in search of the off the beaten track places. In our search to discover hidden Brighton treasures, this is what we’ve found (so far):
St Nicholas Church
A short walk uphill from Western Road and Churchill Square and you come to this Medieval church, thought to date back to the 14th and maybe the 13th century. Check opening times so that you can stick your head inside. The church is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and fisherman and is ornately decorated (the work was done in 1892 after the roof was removed to create more space). There are also a number of 19th century stained glass windows.
To Brighton came he, Came George III’s son.
To be bathed in the sea, By famed Martha Gunn.
Head outside, and take a moment to have a look at some of the gravestones. Having read so much about Martha Gunn (1726-1815), all time feisty lady and famous Brighton “dipper”, I was delighted to find her gravestone here. A dipper was a bathing machine operator who helped lady bathers in and out of the sea. There are a few other notable graves here including that of Nicholas Tattershall, Captain of the ship in which the future Charles II returned to exile in 1651.
Burial Vaults
Cross Dyke Road to the Rest Gardens and you will find a series of mysterious looking burial vaults. You enter the gardens through a splendid (and listed) 1840 archway and you’ll see the 14 vaults designed in 1841 by architect, Amon Henry Wilds. They were made from rubble in a semi Gothic style although only 14 are actually occupied.
Anna’s Museum
Walk down to Upper North Street at the bottom of the Rest Gardens and you’ll see Anna’s Museum. This is one of two museums on our journey into hidden Brighton that you can only view through the window. It’s a private collection of natural history finds displayed by a local taxidermist.
The Dog and Bone Gallery
From Upper North Street, turn right up Montpellier Street until you come to Powis Square.
Here you’ll find your second no entry museum in the shape of two phone boxes. Originally refurbished by Sam Toft they show tiny art by local artists.
The Juggler
You’re heading west now to the Hove Museum of Creativity via Church Road but try and go via Hove Town Hall, we’re you’ll find an unusual statue of a juggler. Then head up Norton Road to the Sacred Heart Church. Check opening times so that you can have a quick look at its incredible ceiling.
Hove Museum of Creativity
The museum is worth a visit in its own right but in the grounds you’ll see the Jaipur Gate. It was donated to Hove Museum in 1926 and was originally commissioned in 1886 for the Colonial and Indian Exhibition held in London.
It marked the entry to the Rajputana (now Rajasthan) section of the exhibition and is rather gorgeous. You’ll also find the Constellation which was the inaugural sculpture for the Hove Plinth from 2018 to 2023.
Hangleton
If you’re in this part of the world, you might want to head over to Hangleton. Here you will find the St Helen’s Church which dates back to the 11th century.
There are some 11th to 15th century frescoes inside and in the grounds, you’ll find the ornately decorated marble tombstone of the remarkable Edward Kenealy. A short walk from the church is Hangleton Manor, the oldest secular building in Brighton and Hove.
West Blatchington Windmill
As you start to make your way back into Preston Park and Brighton, stop at West Blatchington Windmill (one of a number of windmills in the area). A Grade II listed smock mill built in the 1820s, it stopped operating in 1897 after storm damage but is now open for visits (check opening times).
St Peter’s Church Preston
This 13th century church has a series of remarkable 13th and 14th century wall paintings. The church is also ornately decorated. Celia Holloway who was murdered in Lovers Walk can be found in the churchyard. As you leave, stop at the Pet Cemetery in the walled garden at the back of Preston Manor.
Trees and waterfalls
The Preston twins were a pair of famous elm trees. They were planted in about 1613 and were believed to be among the oldest and largest English elm trees in the world. However, when Dutch elm disease struck one, it was turned into a piece of local art. The Gilded Elm was created by Elpida Hadzi-Vasileva and is now a black and gold monument opposite its twin.
Just across the way is Preston Park Rockery landscaped by Captain B Maclaren in 1935, and the largest municipal rock garden in the UK. It has Brighton’s only waterfall, rockpools, secret paths and little spots to sit and reflect.
London Road Viaduct
Whilst the Ouse Valley Viaduct often gets lots of press, let’s not forget its sister viaduct on the way into Brighton. Built in 1845-6, it has 26 round arches thirty feet wide and is the largest engineering work on the London and Brighton railway branch to Lewes.
The Flint Grotto
The Flint Grotto is on the beach as you head out towards the marina. It was created by Rory McCormack, a local fisherman and includes a number of distinctive figures.
Kemptown’s Secret Garden
Finish your journey at this beautiful walled garden in Kempton. Open throughout the summer, it exhibits different sculpture by various artists. Volunteer run, they also have some excellent cake on offer and the garden itself has a fascinating history.
If you’ve enjoyed this post about hidden Brighton, you may also like:
