With quirky retailers to browse, some nice locations to eat, good boutique lodges and a complete string of sights, I’ve had some vastly enjoyable weekend breaks in each sunshine and wet days in Brighton with youngsters.
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Actually, in some way I’ve discovered myself visiting Brighton in winter extra usually than summer time, regardless of being considered one of my closest stretches of seaside. But it surely hardly issues: as a result of whereas the town is thought for its quirky, edgy fashion, I really like visiting Brighton with youngsters.
Most of those concepts of the most effective issues to do in Brighton with youngsters will work year-round (relying on the climate!) – I’ve centered on sights in Brighton itself, however you’ve received Hove on the doorstep in addition to some beautiful countryside together with the South Downs, historic buildings and extra Sussex days out simply outdoors the town, in addition to some unbelievable sandy seashores in Sussex.
Brighton Sea Life Centre
The world’s oldest working aquarium, it’s solely a shell’s throw away from the ocean itself with greater than 150 creatures to see at Sea Life Brighton.
Set in a hanging Victorian constructing, there are common particular exhibitions, in addition to a wide range of totally different underwater habitats, stamp path, behind-the-scenes tour, and lots extra to find together with the UK’s first glass-bottom boat inside, actions for youths and the now compulsory underwater tunnel.
Some of the uncommon sections is the particular Day and Night time space displaying how the oceans change over the course of 24 hours, together with a bioluminescent seaside.
Get a reduction should you e-book on-line prematurely. Simply among the finest issues to do in Brighton with toddlers in addition to older youngsters.
Brighton i360
With its remark pod rising to 138m up the 162m excessive tower, the Brighton i360 is the nation’s highest remark tower outdoors London.
Set proper on the seafront looking to the previous West Pier, there’s additionally a beachside cafe at its foot. On a transparent day you’ll be able to see for miles alongside the coast, with the town’s the most effective views for the reason that Brighton ferris wheel was closed.
E book free cancellation tickets right here or you may also purchase tickets together with afternoon tea.
The Kings Highway playground can also be a stone’s throw from the bottom of the i360 for some added enjoyable afterwards (or for one dad or mum to amuse youthful youngsters in the event that they don’t fancy hovering as much as the heavens).
The Royal Pavilion
One of many symbols of Brighton, this flamboyantly iconic royal constructing is definitely nice for visiting with youngsters. You should buy a youngsters’ path for a small price (50p once we visited) recognizing among the animals dotted all through the opulent rooms, or simply amuse your self discovering all of the dragons on the Royal Pavilion.
And workers will actively encourage you to have a lie down on the carpet within the music room to see the chandelier rising to the gold patterned ceiling.
Or you’ll be able to marvel on the ornate ornament, the lavish eating desk and all the opposite splendid indulgences dreamed up by the Prince Regent, the long run George IV.
Tickets could be prebooked or purchased on the door (reserving prematurely is really helpful at fashionable occasions), with free return visits for a 12 months included in a normal ticket. There are additionally household tickets accessible.
Purchase particular person or household tickets with free cancellation right here
Brighton Museum & Artwork Gallery
Within the Royal Pavilion’s gardens, the museum has Historic Egyptian mummies, trend, artwork, displays about Brighton itself and an LGBTQ path, so there’s one thing to seize everybody’s consideration.
Additionally they run particular household periods at half-term and in class holidays, so there’s at all times one thing new on for household days out in Brighton too.
Tickets could be booked on-line or purchased on the door, and also you get free return entry for a 12 months with normal admission.
Hit the seaside
Whether or not you’re planning to paddle, loosen up within the solar or go for a stroll alongside the surf, a go to to the seaside is considered one of my favorite issues to do with youngsters in Brighton.
The shingle seaside won’t lend itself to sandcastles but it surely’s nice for wandering alongside, even in winter – and also you’ll nonetheless discover folks promoting ice cream.
Promenade alongside the promenade or uncover among the surprising seaside huts, seafood stalls, artist retailers and the Brighton Fishing Museum amongst different surprises alongside the seafront.
Maintain an eye fixed out for the Mechanical Recollections Museum at 250c Kings Highway Arches – the UK’s oldest established classic penny arcade, there are nonetheless round 50 classic penny slot machines to play, some courting again to the early 1900s – and Outdated Time Amusements close by.
Excellent for reliving a little bit of the old school seaside earlier than heading again out to the ocean.
For the most effective sandy seashores in Sussex, we’ve additionally explored alongside the coast to trace down some sandcastle-friendly favourites
Go to Brighton Pier
There’s a mixture of conventional rides, just like the carousel and dodgems, in addition to rollercoasters for older youngsters on Brighton Palace Pier.
It’s undoubtedly not simply old school enjoyable although, with updates like VR headsets to put on on the Tornado, for instance. Or should you’re visiting Brighton with youthful youngsters, there’s an enormous four-storey comfortable play space for youngsters 90cm and taller to discover – plus a toddler space for little ones below 0.9m as properly.
Purchase your wristbands on-line prematurely, and it can save you as much as 20% in comparison with paying on the day, with totally different choices for youngsters of various heights.
Plus you’ll additionally discover eating places serving the whole lot from whelks to doughnuts, fish and chips and pizza plus Brighton rock (naturally).
Fly on the zip line
Zoom above the seaside and seafront on the longest and quickest zip line on the south coast of England – because the Brighton Zip is a twin zip line, you’ll be able to even race your loved ones and associates.
After climbing to the 30 metre excessive platform close to Brighton Pier, you’ll be able to pace above the shingle on the 300m lengthy zipwire to the touchdown stage on the seaside itself – designed to appear like the hull of a ship.
Out there for age 8+ (so long as you’re 1.3m tall), it takes round 45 minutes and it’s essential to put on closed-toe sneakers.
Wander the Lanes
A wander previous among the quirky retailers is ideal should you’re visiting with teenagers (or tweens) however there’s one thing for pre-schoolers within the Lanes too.
Between the homewares, trend, classic and boutiques, the Portray Pottery Cafe is open to all ages – you’ll be able to choose up your creations after 10 days (typically a bit of sooner), or have them posted to you for a price.
Or try the newest occasions at Komedia, which incorporates some nice Brighton youngsters’ reveals among the many performances.
Half the enjoyable is simply strolling and shopping although, with loads of kitsch among the many stylish… to not point out a complete string of locations to seize an ice cream if you should bribe/reward smaller family members. Try Brass Monkey ice cream and Boho Gelato amongst others.
There are many locations to eat across the Lanes too – sadly Rock Ola, considered one of our favourites with its retro American vibe and pancakes has shut, though should you head again in direction of the seafront, JB’s American Diner has the same really feel.
Volks Electrical Railway
Inbuilt 1883, the Volks Electrical Railway is Britain’s oldest electrical railway and runs for simply over a mile alongside the beachfront, from the Pier to Brighton Marina – good for small drained legs.
This one isn’t year-round should you’re visiting in winter, though usually you’ll be able to usually experience the Volks Electrical Railway from round Easter to the top of September.
After a significant renovation mission in 2018, and being compelled to shut quickly throughout lockdown, trains will probably be operating once more from Easter 2024.
No have to prebook tickets, and canines are additionally welcome on board.
Sales space Museum of Pure Historical past
Based as a Victorian collector’s personal museum, the Sales space Museum is a kind of barely eccentric collections that the UK appears to concentrate on – limitless circumstances of birds displayed of their pure setting (full with eagles pouncing on lambs) plus skeletons and dinosaur bones.
Youthful youngsters will most likely be fascinated by it, together with the 2 bears on the entrance, older ones would possibly discover it a bit creepier.
The Discovery Lab is enjoyable with youthful youngsters who wish to get arms on relatively than simply trying in glass show circumstances although, and there’s extra emphasis on conservation today as properly.
Free to enter, though it’s a must to stroll by the small present store on the way in which out and in.
Brighton Toy Museum
With a whopping 4 thousand sq. toes dedicated to toys and fashions, there are greater than 10,000 within the assortment on the Brighton Toy Museum.
Sitting below the town’s station, there’s loads of mannequin trains for mini practice spotters, plus basic teddy bears, Dinky automobiles and puppets.
Excellent for reliving your individual childhood on the identical time. The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so should you’re visiting on the weekend, be certain it’s first in your checklist.
Tickets could be prebooked on-line or purchased on arrival.
The Outdated Police Cells
One for older youngsters, the combination of native police memorabilia and tales of extra ugly crimes sits alongside among the previous cells themselves below Brighton’s City Corridor.
You usually have to affix a guided tour to go to the Outdated Police Cells – at the moment these are anticipated to restart in Spring 2024, and beforehand ran at 10.30 and 11.30 on Saturdays. Larger teams may additionally have the ability to e-book by appointment.
There was additionally a household pleasant path launched in 2023, together with displays on ladies in policing.
The Upside Down Home
One among a number of Upside Down Homes throughout the UK, it’s big enjoyable watching everybody apparently standing on the ceiling or in any other case defying the legal guidelines of gravity.
Straightforward to pop into, on the seafront reverse West Pier, seize a number of pictures within the weirdest positions you could find – stretch out to seize a cup, bounce off the partitions or glue your self to the ceiling alongside the way in which.
There are two flooring to discover (the bottom ground is accessible however there are stairs to the higher ground)
Tickets could be prebooked on-line, and you’ve got 20 minutes inside (no re-entry) so it’s properly value testing among the pictures on-line for inspiration earlier than you go.
You may also get joint tickets for the Brighton i360 and the Upside Down Home with free cancellation
The Cauldon
Add some magic to your day trip in Brighton with youngsters with a go to to The Cauldron, the place you’ll be able to refuel with a spot of potion making.
After a welcome drink poured by magic wand, you’ll even be geared up with a wand of your individual to brew up two extra molecular cocktails – non-alcoholic variations additionally included.
The potion making expertise is ready inside a wizard-themed bar and restaurant and is barely appropriate for youths aged 5+, with particular weekday and Sunday time slots accessible for households.
Go on a treasure hunt
In case your youngsters get bored simply wandering round a metropolis, the Treasure Map Trails assortment makes a very enjoyable option to discover, serving to them spot quirky particulars alongside the way in which.
The Brighton Pavilion map has a enjoyable robotic theme as you hunt for 11 digital treasures across the Royal Pavilion and close by Gardner road, from statues and sculptures to mosaics and fashions.
Get 10% off utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS.
Take a donut tour
What’s higher than a strolling tour of Brighton with youngsters? A strolling tour which leads you from donut retailer to donut retailer, whereas studying extra concerning the metropolis.
The Underground Donut tour proves there’s extra to Brighton’s doughnuts than the standard seaside snack, together with vegan donuts, and a route main you through the seafront to North Laine and the Lanes, previous murals and must-visit retailers, with guides mentioning a number of hidden gems as you go.
With tales concerning the historical past of Brighton and an introduction to the town’s distinctive vibe alongside the way in which, the one difficult half is deciding which donuts you’re going to decide on.
An effective way to take in some historical past and deal with your self. Simply be ready for the sugar rush and crash!
Brighton Bike Tour
Set off on one of many Brighton Bike Excursions, which takes you previous the sights and alongside the seafront, with a information to point out you the most effective cycle routes and let you know all concerning the metropolis.
The common tour lasts round 2 1/2 hours should you’re visiting with older youngsters (tickets could be reserved prematurely, then pay nearer to the time with free cancellation choices too).
Or contact them straight for personal household tour choices, which have to be booked prematurely. There’s additionally bike rent should you fancy exploring solo, in addition to Brighton’s Beryl e-bike scheme should you’ve received older youngsters.
Brighton Bus Tour
Open-top bus excursions are at all times possibility should you’re visiting with youthful youngsters – good for seeing among the highlights whereas saving your vitality for extra exploring later.
The Metropolis Sightseeing tour of Brighton runs from April to October, together with the hop-on hop-off bus tour in addition to limitless bus journey on all Brighton and Hove bus companies if you wish to discover additional afield.
There’s an audio information to provide you extra background on the stops alongside the route, with greater than 10 locations to hop on and off, ranging from Brighton Pier and passing the Royal Pavilion alongside the way in which.
You may e-book tickets with free cancellation, together with choices with one or two day validity, or get a reduction utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6 should you e-book by this hyperlink.
Take a ship journey to the Seven Sisters
Pace alongside the Sussex coast on a Seven Sisters boat tour that’s appropriate for youths aged 2+.
Departing from Newhaven relatively than Brighton itself, it’s solely round half-hour by automobile or practice, for a 90 minute boat journey recognizing native wildlife – should you’re fortunate you may see something from seals and porpoises to a kittwake colony.
There are tales from the world’s historical past alongside the way in which, together with tales of smuggling, in addition to an opportunity to soak within the views of the chalk sea cliffs generally known as the Seven Sisters. If the climate is nice sufficient (and also you’re courageous sufficient), you’ll be able to actually have a swim!
Preston Park
Whereas the seafront is without doubt one of the metropolis’s largest sights for households, should you’re in search of some inexperienced house throughout your journey to Brighton with youngsters, Preston Park is the most important in Brighton.
A 15-minute bus journey from the centre (or round 10 minutes by bike), it’s considered one of eight award-winning Inexperienced Flag parks, and infrequently hosts occasions together with circuses, gala’s and live shows plus different household actions.
However everytime you go to, save a while to discover The Rockery, with walkways main by the streams and waterways – simply throughout the highway from the primary park.
And don’t miss recognizing the final of the ‘Preston Twins’ over in direction of Preston Manor within the north of the park. Thought-about to be the most important and oldest elm tree in Europe, its twin, sadly, fell sufferer to illness a few years in the past however has since been changed into a murals and reunited with the surviving tree.
The Open Market
After a giant redevelopment, the historic market on London highway now homes greater than 50 native companies for an opportunity to seize some nice meals or snaffle a memento.
It’s a enjoyable possibility should you’re in search of locations to eat in Brighton with youngsters – mini foodies will love the selection, with the whole lot from Korean and sushi to falafel, Greek and Bangladeshi, together with conventional faves for extra choosy youngsters like sausage rolls.
Alongside the way in which there’s natural chocolate, a French patisserie, artwork and crafts, classic trend and collectibles.
For extra issues to do in Sussex with youngsters, try my high picks, together with extra concepts for east Sussex
**First printed 2015, up to date 2024**
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN BRIGHTON WITH KIDS
Disclosure: I’ve beforehand acquired free entry to the Sea Life Centre but additionally paid to go to: all decisions for this checklist of issues to do in Brighton with youngsters and opinions stay my very own. This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Photographs: Deckchairs, aquarium exterior, Pavilion, the other way up home and promenade courtesy of Depositphotos; i360 courtesy of VisitBritain; Preston Park courtesy of Picfair; all others copyright MummyTravels
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