Hunt for vintage treasures at Snooper’s Paradise (and beyond)
Snooper’s charm is in its chaos. This indoor flea market is often busy, and always bursting with curiosities. There are more than 90 independent stalls across two floors – perfect for seasoned vintage hunters and casual browsers. Come to snoop, stay for hours rummaging through retro clothes, toys, magazines and crockery that wouldn’t look out of place in your great aunt’s house.
Like this? There’s plenty more to love on Brighton’s vintage scene. Try Mammoth Vintage for ’70s threads, Petit Pays for kidswear and Vine Street Vintage for the kind of homeware that has interiors buffs drooling. But if you’re willing to sacrifice a little glam for more rummaging and more pocket-friendly finds, work your way along London Road’s charity shops, or make a Sunday morning of it at Brighton Marina Carboot – it’s free entry, amazing views from the tip-top of a multistorey car park, and best to arrive early for the good stuff.
Address: Snooper’s Paradise, 7/8 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL
Website: snoopersparadise.co.uk
Step inside Artists Open Houses
Every year Artists Open Houses transforms Brighton into one sprawling free gallery – for four weekends in May (in line with the Brighton Festival), and over the festive period (usually the end of November to early December). It’s the largest event of its kind in the UK, when hundreds of artists throw open their homes and studios. This isn’t just for art collectors, it’s a big warm welcome to anyone who loves creativity, meeting makers and perhaps fancies a one-of-a-kind souvenir – be it in the form of painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles and more.
What’s especially good about Artists Open Houses is that participating homes and venues are peppered throughout the city. You could spend all day (all weekend, even) doing a dot-to-dot of them or easily pop into two or three as you go about the rest of your itinerary.
Address: city-wide; this interactive map helps you plan your trail
Website: aoh.org.uk
Reach for the sky in the i360 viewing platform
Get the seagull’s eye view from this space-age observation tower. You’ll find it on the former entrance to Brighton’s burnt-out West Pier, though it’s impossible to miss, rising 162m into the sky. From the all-glass (and fully accessible) viewing pod, you can soak up panoramas from the South Downs, across the channel to the Isle of Wight – though we love spotting rooftops decorated by local graffiti artists.
The full journey up and down takes about 25 minutes, and you’ll be joined by the South Coast’s highest bar should you want to raise a glass of Sussex sparkling over the horizon. We suggest booking a time slot in advance to avoid queues. And do check the ‘what’s on’ for special trips themed around stargazing, roller discos and yoga.
Address: Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
Website: brightoni360.co.uk
i360 Viewing Platform
