With quirky outlets to browse, some nice locations to eat, good boutique resorts and a complete string of points of interest, I’ve had some massively enjoyable weekend breaks in each sunshine and wet days in Brighton with youngsters.
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In truth, someway I’ve discovered myself visiting Brighton in winter extra typically than summer season, regardless of being one among my closest stretches of seaside. But it surely hardly issues: as a result of whereas town is thought for its quirky, edgy type, I like visiting Brighton with youngsters.
Most of those concepts of the very best issues to do in Brighton with youngsters will work year-round (relying on the climate!) – I’ve centered on points of interest in Brighton itself, however you’ve received Hove on the doorstep in addition to some pretty countryside together with the South Downs, historic buildings and extra Sussex days out simply exterior town, in addition to some implausible 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 quite a lot of totally different underwater habitats, stamp path, behind-the-scenes tour, and many extra to find together with the UK’s first glass-bottom boat inside, actions for teenagers and the now compulsory underwater tunnel.
One of the uncommon sections is the particular Day and Evening space exhibiting how the oceans change over the course of 24 hours, together with a bioluminescent seaside.
Get a reduction for those who e-book on-line upfront. Simply among the best issues to do in Brighton with toddlers in addition to older youngsters.
Brighton i360
With its statement pod rising to 138m up the 162m excessive tower, the Brighton i360 is the nation’s highest statement tower exterior London.
Set proper on the seafront searching to the outdated West Pier, there’s additionally a beachside cafe at its foot.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 town’s the very best views for the reason that Brighton ferris wheel was closed.
E-book free cancellation tickets right here or it’s also possible to purchase tickets together with afternoon tea.
The Kings Street playground can also be a stone’s throw from the bottom of the i360 for some added enjoyable afterwards (or for one guardian 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 purchase a youngsters’ path for a small price (50p after 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 will be prebooked or purchased on the door (reserving upfront is really useful at standard instances), with free return visits for a yr included in a typical ticket. There are additionally household tickets obtainable.
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, vogue, artwork, reveals about Brighton itself and an LGBTQ path, so there’s one thing to seize everybody’s consideration.
Additionally they run particular household classes at half-term and in class holidays, so there may be all the time one thing new on for household days out in Brighton too.
Tickets will be booked on-line or purchased on the door, and also you get free return entry for a yr with commonplace admission.
Hit the seaside
Whether or not you’re planning to paddle, chill out within the solar or go for a stroll alongside the surf, a go to to the seaside is one among my favorite issues to do with youngsters in Brighton.
The shingle seaside may not lend itself to sandcastles but it surely’s nice for wandering alongside, even in winter – and also you’ll nonetheless discover individuals promoting ice cream.
Promenade alongside the promenade or uncover among the sudden seaside huts, seafood stalls, artist outlets and the Brighton Fishing Museum amongst different surprises alongside the seafront.
Preserve a watch out for the Mechanical Reminiscences Museum at 250c Kings Street 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.
Good for reliving a little bit of the old school seaside earlier than heading again out to the ocean.
For the greatest 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 positively not simply old school enjoyable although, with updates like VR headsets to put on on the Tornado, for instance. Or for those who’re visiting Brighton with youthful youngsters, there’s an enormous four-storey mushy play space for youngsters 90cm and taller to discover – plus a toddler space for little ones beneath 0.9m as properly.
Purchase your wristbands on-line upfront, 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 every thing 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 pals.
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 to be the hull of a ship.
Out there for age 8+ (so long as you’re 1.3m tall), it takes round 45 minutes and you will need to put on closed-toe sneakers.
Wander the Lanes
A wander previous among the quirky outlets is ideal for those who’re visiting with teenagers (or tweens) however there’s one thing for pre-schoolers within the Lanes too.
Between the homewares, vogue, classic and boutiques, the Portray Pottery Cafe is open to all ages – you’ll be able to choose up your creations after 10 days (generally slightly sooner), or have them posted to you for a price.
Or take a look at the most recent occasions at Komedia, which incorporates some nice Brighton youngsters’ exhibits 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 it’s essential to bribe/reward smaller family members. Take a look at Brass Monkey ice cream and Boho Gelato amongst others.
There are many locations to eat across the Lanes too – sadly Rock Ola, one among our favourites with its retro American vibe and pancakes has shut, though for those who 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 for those who’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 pressured to shut quickly throughout lockdown, trains shall be operating once more from Easter 2024.
No have to prebook tickets, and canine are additionally welcome on board.
Sales space Museum of Pure Historical past
Based as a Victorian collector’s non-public museum, the Sales space Museum is a kind of barely eccentric collections that the UK appears to concentrate on – infinite 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 may discover it a bit creepier.
The Discovery Lab is enjoyable with youthful youngsters who need to get palms on reasonably than simply trying in glass show circumstances although, and there’s extra emphasis on conservation nowadays as properly.
Free to enter, though it’s a must to stroll via the small reward store on the best way 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 beneath town’s station, there’s loads of mannequin trains for mini practice spotters, plus traditional teddy bears, Dinky vehicles and puppets.
Good for reliving your individual childhood on the identical time. The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so for those who’re visiting on the weekend, be certain it’s first in your listing.
Tickets will be prebooked on-line or purchased on arrival.
The Outdated Police Cells
One for older youngsters, the combo of native police memorabilia and tales of extra ugly crimes sits alongside among the outdated cells themselves beneath 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. Greater teams may additionally have the ability to e-book by appointment.
There was additionally a household pleasant path launched in 2023, together with reveals on ladies in policing.
The Upside Down Home
Certainly one of a number of Upside Down Homes throughout the UK, it’s large enjoyable watching everybody apparently standing on the ceiling or in any other case defying the legal guidelines of gravity.
Simple to pop into, on the seafront reverse West Pier, seize a couple of photographs within the weirdest positions yow will discover – stretch out to seize a cup, bounce off the partitions or glue your self to the ceiling alongside the best way.
There are two flooring to discover (the bottom ground is accessible however there are stairs to the higher ground)
Tickets will be prebooked on-line, and you’ve got 20 minutes inside (no re-entry) so it’s properly price trying out among the photographs on-line for inspiration earlier than you go.
It’s also possible to get joint tickets for the Brighton i360 and the Upside Down Home with free cancellation
The Cauldon
Add some magic to your time out 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 teenagers aged 5+, with particular weekday and Sunday time slots obtainable 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 approach to discover, serving to them spot quirky particulars alongside the best way.
The Brighton Pavilion map has a enjoyable robotic theme as you hunt for 11 digital treasures across the Royal Pavilion and close by Gardner avenue, 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 normal seaside snack, together with vegan donuts, and a route main you by way of the seafront to North Laine and the Lanes, previous murals and must-visit outlets, with guides declaring a couple of hidden gems as you go.
With tales concerning the historical past of Brighton and an introduction to town’s distinctive vibe alongside the best way, 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 indicate you the very best cycle routes and inform you all concerning the metropolis.
The common tour lasts round 2 1/2 hours for those who’re visiting with older youngsters (tickets will be reserved upfront, then pay nearer to the time with free cancellation choices too).
Or contact them straight for personal household tour choices, which should be booked upfront. There’s additionally bike rent for those who fancy exploring solo, in addition to Brighton’s Beryl e-bike scheme for those who’ve received older youngsters.
Brighton Bus Tour
Open-top bus excursions are all the time a superb choice for those who’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 best way.
You’ll be able to e-book tickets with free cancellation, together with choices with one or two day validity, or get a reduction utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6 for those who e-book via 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 teenagers aged 2+.
Departing from Newhaven reasonably than Brighton itself, it’s solely round half-hour by automobile or practice, for a 90 minute boat journey recognizing native wildlife – for those who’re fortunate you could possibly see something from seals and porpoises to a kittwake colony.
There are tales from the realm’s historical past alongside the best way, 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 sweet sufficient (and also you’re courageous sufficient), you’ll be able to also have a swim!
Preston Park
Whereas the seafront is without doubt one of the metropolis’s largest points of interest for households, for those who’re on the lookout for some inexperienced area 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 one among eight award-winning Inexperienced Flag parks, and sometimes hosts occasions together with circuses, festivals and concert events plus different household actions.
However everytime you go to, save a while to discover The Rockery, with walkways main via the streams and waterways – simply throughout the highway from the principle 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 of to be the biggest and oldest elm tree in Europe, its twin, sadly, fell sufferer to illness a few years in the past however has since been become 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 choice for those who’re on the lookout for locations to eat in Brighton with youngsters – mini foodies will love the selection, with every thing from Korean and sushi to falafel, Greek and Bangladeshi, together with conventional faves for extra choosy youngsters like sausage rolls.
Alongside the best way there’s natural chocolate, a French patisserie, artwork and crafts, classic vogue and collectibles.
For extra issues to do in Sussex with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks, together with extra concepts for east Sussex
**First revealed 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 in addition paid to go to: all decisions for this listing of issues to do in Brighton with youngsters and opinions stay my very own. This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Photos: Deckchairs, aquarium exterior, Pavilion, the wrong way up home and promenade courtesy of Depositphotos; i360 courtesy of VisitBritain; Preston Park courtesy of Picfair; all others copyright MummyTravels