Top Family Attractions

Take a pleasure boat trip from Brighton Marina and see Brighton from a different perspective.

Brighton is famous for its large pebbly beach which attracts people in their thousands.  Families can enjoy it throughout the year as kids love to throw pebbles into the sea, and run up to the waves and back again before they get wet!  Attractions are open all year round, although there are fewer in the Winter.  And of course there are restaurants and bars with outdoor seating, and galleries and shops. 

In the Summer, especially on hot days, the beach gets very crowded.  There are lifeguards, with the additional use of a patrol boat, who look after the public.  They can help with finding lost children and administering first aid.

Access to the beach is from the promenade and there is a choice of steps or slopes.  From the bottom of West Street you can get to the beach via an underground tunnel (it goes under the coast road, and the kids think its great fun to run through it!).

There are a host of things for families to do at Brighton's Marina.  There is a cinema complex, tenpin bowling, outdoor rides, restaurants, pubs and shops.  Why not hire bikes and cycle along the seafront? Or simply take a walk along the boardwalk and take in the sea air and watch the boats.

Situated next to the Royal Pavilion in the heart of Brighton this museum is well worth a look. In 2002 it benefitted from £10 million investment. Rich and diverse local and national collections can be viewed for free. Shop and café.  Disabled access.  Look out for special activities for children.

Free entrance

Kids love the Pier.  They find it really exciting to be walking over the sea!  There are so many attractions, including games, the fun fair, arcades, side stalls and a fish and chip restaurant.

Giant turtles, razor toothed piranhas and sharks are just a few of the 150 species to be found at the Brighton Sea Life Centre.  The kids will enjoy seeing the creatures from the ocean and learn from the 57 displays that inform them of life in the sea. 

Situated underneath the arches at Brighton Railway Station you will find over 10,000 toys and models.  Amongst this vast collection there are model trains dating back to the 1860s and antique toys.

Why not take a bus up to Devil's Dyke?  During the Summer (until 31 August) the buses are usually open top so you really to admire the views as the bus works its way through Brighton and up onto the downs.  Check out special deals which enable children to travel free.

The no. 77 bus can be boarded at Brighton Pier as well as other places throughout the city.  See the link below for further details.

From Devil's Dyke you get spectacular views across the Downs, as well as sea views to the south.  It is the biggest dry valley in the country and is a very popular place for families.   It's a good place to fly kites, enjoy the wildflowers and butterflies or simply watch the hang-gliders.  Visit the Dyke to admire the views or take a walk along the South Downs Way.   

Restaurant, toilets and an ice cream van. 

Beach sports on Brighton's only sandy beach!

Visit this spectacular Edwardian home which contains many original exhibits and features and is decorated in the style of the early 20^th century.   Learn about the influential Edwardian Stanford family whose home this was for over 130 years.

Half price admission price for adults resident in Brighton and Hove (proof of address has to be provided), and up to four accompanying children free.

One of Brighton's best known landmarks, the Royal Pavilion is well worth a visit.  Families are well catered for with the provision of audio tours for children aged six and over, which take the children back to the time of the Regency to meet the Prince Regent, his footman and chef!  There are also guided tours aimed specifically at children. 

A gift shop, baby changing facilities and child friendly tea room.

Free entrance for children living in Brighton and Hove, adults half price (proof of address must be supplied)

Kids will love to take a ride on this Victorian railway, the oldest operating electric railway in the world.  You can board at the Aquarium and travel along the seafront as far as the Marina, or catch it at any of the stops in between.  CLOSES FOR THE WINTER.  Please check their website for opening times.