40 of the best things to do in Brighton

Brighton Music Hall is a good bet in summer or winter, as it has Britain's largest heated beach terrace for when it's chilly. Head there in the summer to lap up the festival feel and live music. Otherwise, for a pint in a pub that resembles an upside-down boat, try the Fortune of War, Brighton's oldest seafront pub, or the The Tempest Inn; a lovely foodie pub with views out to sea, with a dozen grottoes which divide into rooms for an intimate evening of wine, beer and cheese. 

As you'd expect from a seaside town, there's no shortage of ice cream parlours, shops and vans around here. Marroccos is one of the oldest ice cream shops in Brighton (serving up cones since 1969) and Boho Gelato has more than 300 flavours (including vegan-friendly) options.

Westfield has one shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush and another at Stratford, and you'll find the major high street labels, along with designer outlets at both venues, along with huge food courts and restaurants like Wahaca and The Real Greek. At the Stratford site you'll also find a 17 screen cinema, with large comfy seating, as well as a bowling alley and casino.

When it comes to veggies and ethical food trends, Brighton has long led the way. Food for Friends is one of the town's oldest vegetarian restaurants, and has won countless awards for its commitment to ethical eating and great value. For a quick bite try one of the fast veggie food cafes like Ideya, or for fine dining and indulgence desserts, Terre à Terre continues to win rave reviews for its plates that are almost works of art. Otherwise, check Restaurants Brighton for the latest openings and reviews.

The Regency on the promenade is one of Brighton's most famous fish and chip restaurants and has outdoor seating - without the premium prices. Its celebrity fans include chef Rick Stein.

The Regency on the promenade is one of Brighton's most famous fish and chip restaurants and has outdoor seating - without the premium prices. Its celebrity fans include chef Rick Stein.

Hire a court at Yellowave, a permanent sports beach club on Madiera Drive (they supply the ball), and you and up to 12 friends can battle for beach supremacy.

Let an expert guide you round the town, and learn about the Prince Regent and Georgian Brighton. Or come more up-to-date by touring the haunts of Peter James's Brighton-based detective, Roy Grace. See Blue Badge Brighton walking guides for a list.

Unleash your inner Andy Murray and pay as you play at places like Preston Park, which has eight courts. See full list and locations here: Brighton public tennis courts.

Housed in a former department store, this independent covered market uses its labyrinth location to pack in memorabilia, furniture, clothes, jewellery and pretty much anything else you can imagine. Celebrating Brighton’s diverse culture, this is definitely the place to bag a retro bargain.

The biggest ping pong bar in town is Bounce near Chancery Lane, and this super-swish club has 17 tables to play at, including table service for drinks and food. A few pubs are also getting in on the act - you can hire a table at the Old China Hand, Nordic Bar and The Book Club. Book ahead at some of the smaller venues where possible

During the summer, the Luna Beach Cinema heads down to Brighton for a month-long residency. Check out their website for more details.

The Original World Famous Brighton Punch and Judy Show has been a seaside staple for decades. You and the kids will be in the safe "hands" of Prof. Glyn Edwards, who has been performing for more than 50 years. The outdoor summer season starts in June and runs to the end of August.

The Brighton Bandstand (built in 1884) underwent a major facelift in 2009 to restore it to its former Victorian glory. Now every summer Sunday afternoon (June, July and August) you can hear bands playing there.

If you want some cheeky seaside humour - you can't go wrong at Proud Cabaret Brighton, with its mix of burlesque and variety performances.

Children (and adults) have been riding on Volk's Electric Railway (Association - now called VERA) since August 1883. It's a gentle way to explore the seafront in Brighton - return journeys take 30 minutes.

Housed in four Victorian arches underneath Brighton Station is the Brighton Toy and Model Museum which has a priceless model train collection all laid out. The larger exhibits include a quarter-scale radio-controlled Spitfire suspended from the ceiling, and there are plenty of antique teddies and puppets to give it the cute factor.

Brighton is flanked by the English Channel on one side and the South Downs National Park to the north. So take a short bus (or car) ride to Castle Hill, famous for its chalk grassland, rare orchids and the numbers of butterflies. Views aside, you'll be able to hear the grasshopper and cricket colonies as well as see some birds of prey in the sky.