11 Top Tips for Visiting Brighton with Kids

Brighton is somewhere I have always wanted to visit (I blame watching too many Location, Location, Locations in my early 20s). I am so pleased that we finally made a trip in July 2019 with our children aged 8,10 and 12. It's a place that really lived up to my expectations and somewhere we will definitely return to at some point. I just wish it wasn't so far away from us here in Northumberland. Today I am sharing 11 top tips which I hope will help you to plan a trip of your own.

1 - Watch out for high parking charges

We made the mistake of just following the signs for city centre parking and ended up paying £32 for 7 hours in NCP Central. Ouch! I'd recommend using Brighton Park and Ride and buying a Family Network Saver ticket for £9 or check out the best parking location/price on this website before setting off.

2 - Visit the world's oldest working aquarium

I've visited plenty of SEALIFE centres and aquariums in my life and they are pretty samey. SEALIFE Brighton however, is something special. It's the world's oldest working aquarium and such a stunning building. The way the sealife is displayed is fantastic and even if you think you're done with aquariums, I would definitely recommend popping by. SEALIFE Brighton is fairly expensive so keep your eyes peeled for 2for1 vouchers. You can gain 2for1 entry when you travel by train, there are often deals on Groupon, you can use Tesco vouchers and check out this page on Money Saving Expert before your trip which will list any current deals. We visited using our Merlin Annual Pass. Once you have paid your admission, you can come and go as you please so maybe visit in the morning and pop back for an animal talk later in the day.

3 - (ad) Enjoy the best views from the British Airways i360

The British Airways i360 should be booked in advance for the best prices. The 30-minute 'flight' will allow you to walk on air 450ft in the sky and take in the very best 360-degree views of Brighton. My three loved buying ice cream from the Nyetimber Sky Bar and practising their selfies as we towered above the beach and streets below. 

The lovely crew will take photos for you when you're at the highest point too (with your own camera - there's no hard sell for official photos). I'd recommend downloading the free app to get the best out of your flight and make sure you walk around the entire capsule so you can see Brighton from all angles. A flight is a perfect way to end your visit to Brighton as you can point out all of the places you've visited from a birds-eye perspective. 

4  - Enjoy seaside treats on the beach

Don't let the fact that Brighton Beach is a pebble beach put you off, it is actually fairly comfortable and great for skimming stones in the sea or enjoying an ice cream. In Summer 2019 the beach carousel was charged at £2.50 and hook a duck was £3. My three can never resist this and Heidi won two soft toys to add to her ever-growing collection.

There is a charge to hire deck chairs on the beach but you can hire a deck chair completely free of charge on Brighton Palace Pier - simply pick one from the stack and relax.

5 - Don't miss the beachside playground & pool

You'll find a rather fabulous paddling pool and children's play park right by the beach just behind Brighton i360 on the west end of the prom. Open from 10am-7pm daily, it is FREE to visit and there are kiosks selling food and drinks nearby.

Credit - Freedom Leisure 

6 - Head to Lucky Beach for the best burgers in town

My boys are all about their burgers and a little bit of research brought up Lucky Beach Cafe on the seafront as home to the best burgers in Brighton. You can't book ahead and it doesn't look like much from the outside but they really do know how to serve up a proper burger. They were fantastic! Voted as the UK's favourite restaurant (2017-18) and only using fresh, local and sustainable meat, Lucky Beach also share their profits with their Rwandan Coffee Farmers. Brilliant!

7 - Shop for quirky gifts in 'The Lanes'

The Lanes is the perfect spot to pick up a quirky gift. From record stalls to Vegan shoes, comic shops and handmade jewellery - you'll definitely find a unique gift to treasure here and wandering around The Lanes certainly beats your local Primark.

8 -  Book a Brighton Greeter Tour - they're FREE

If you'd like to see Brighton through the eyes of a local, why not book a Brighton Greeters Tour? They are completely free and a brilliant way to start your visit, get your bearings and ask any burning questions or recommendations. Find out more and book online here. 

9 - Pre-book a FREE Old Police Cells Tour

Free tours of the Old Police Cells in Brighton take place at 10:30am Tuesday-Saturday from April-October. I really wanted to do this but it just wasn't practical for us to definitely be there for that time. The free tours need to be booked in advance (see here for details) and are packed with fun stories, props and costumes - perfect for older children. The tour lasts just over an hour.

10 - Chill outside of Brighton Pavillion

Brighton Pavillion is gorgeous! If you don't have time (or the funds) to visit, there is plenty of green space outside and beautiful gardens to walk through at no cost. I'd recommend packing a picnic to enjoy in the grounds here or picking up a few takeaway drinks from a nearby cafe and taking in the ambience and beautiful architecture. 

11 - Head to Brighton Palace Pier for Traditional Seaside Fun

Brighton Palace Pier is free to visit and a fab place to enjoy some free/low-cost family fun. There are lots of traditional seaside boards you can pose behind, free deckchairs to lounge on and plenty of places to stop for a seaside snack. You can buy a wristband for unlimited rides from £12 or spend your 2ps in the amusement arcades.

Have you ever visited Brighton or is it on your bucket list? 

Check out our other town and city break ideas and tips below: 

• A day trip to Whitby
• How to spend 24 hours in Liverpool with tweens
• A day trip to Carlisle
• A short stay in Windsor with kids
• A morning in Padstow with kids
• A half day tour of Stratford Upon Avon

Pin Me For This