Urban Secrets

Alan Cumming tours Brighton’s lesser‑celebrated sights, visiting a toy museum and a boutique that specialises in unusual headgear. He also receives a behind‑the‑scenes look at the historic Royal Pavilion, highlighting the city’s off‑beat attractions and hidden cultural gems for curious visitors.

The programme follows actor Alan Cumming as he sets out to showcase Brighton’s hidden attractions. Rather than focusing on the city’s well‑known landmarks, the episode shines a light on the places that rarely make the tourist brochures, giving viewers a fresh perspective on the seaside town. In this instalment Cumming wanders through a modest toy museum, pointing out the quirky collections on display and sharing a few personal observations. He then steps into a small boutique that deals in eccentric headgear, where he examines the unusual hats and caps on offer, commenting on their design and the stories behind them. The journey continues with a behind‑the‑scenes visit to the Royal Pavilion. Cumming is granted access to areas normally closed to the public, allowing him to explore the interior spaces and discover details that most visitors never see. Throughout the tour he offers a relaxed, conversational narration, making the experience feel like a personal guide rather than a formal documentary. Overall, the episode blends Cumming’s witty commentary with a tour of Brighton’s lesser‑known sites, from the toy museum and the head‑gear shop to the private corners of the Royal Pavilion, providing a concise yet engaging glimpse into the city’s off‑beat side.