There’s plenty to keep the kids busy in Brighton and the surrounding area. Scream if you wanna go faster on world-class thrill rides on Brighton Pier, take a journey under the sea at SEA LIFE, explore the city’s family friendly museums (we love the snoozing wizard at Hove museum!), or head out into Sussex for castles, gardens & penguins!
Brighton Marina is a great choice no matter what your age, boasting numerous restaurants to cater for all tastes from fine dining to chilled out cafés. There’s Italian fare a plenty: try Pizza Express, The Brasserie (which boasts the very best of fresh food and wine), Zizzi, Strada, Prezzo, Bella Napoli and Pizza Hut, and not forgetting the yummiest homemade pastries and ice-creams at Zingarella Pasticceria / Gelateria. Fine dining aficionados will appreciate the Seattle, it’s airy and spacious with floor to ceiling windows that make this a spectacular venue, serving the very best of modern British cuisine. Fish lovers step up to Brasserie Fish & Grill offering great seafood in a dining room split over two floors. Meanwhile families should give Frankie & Benny’s a whirl as kids are very welcome, as they are in Café Rouge where they’re handed an activity pack to keep them busy. Many restaurants overlook the boardwalk, so you can pretend you’re on the Spanish Costas, and dream of being the proud owner of a posh yacht!
If you do fancy sailing off into the sunset, it’s all possible – head down to Pontoon 5 and join Ross Boat Watertours for a 45 minute pleasure trip for panoramic views of the City and the famous piers. Alternatively try your hand at mackerel fishing - you even get to take your booty home for supper! For serious sailors there’s luxury yacht cruising and yacht racing tasters with SailnetUK.
For family fun at the Marina practice your bowling skills at the Bowlplex, where there’s 26 lane ten pin bowling. It’s great for all ages from toddlers through to seniors with American pool to keep dad happy and a bar for mum to relax in. Over the road there’s a Cineworld multiplex cinema boasting 8 screens, including one 3D, offering a huge choice of films. Kids will also love the trampolines at Fun Play Leisure, depending on the weather, it’s a real fun way to let of steam and exercise at the same time. For the more adventurous, why not hire bike from Go Cycle Bike Hire and take the Undercliff path all the way to Brighton pier or take the easterly route to Saltdean via Rottingdean.
Entertainment doesn’t stop there – it may be wet and windy outside but you can still play some of the world’s greatest golf courses over at Sim Lounge. They cater for complete golf novices to seasoned pros, and shortly they’ll be introducing more simulator experiences including Formula 1 racing. Or why not dress up and treat yourself to a night out at Rendezvous Casino, with two floors of gaming and live entertainment plus four bars, a great restaurant serving local meat, fish and produce, it’s a winner.
Of course a trip to the Marina would not be complete without indulging yourself in a spot of shopping. There’s loads of stores with savings of up to 50% off high street prices, try designer Calvin Klein, Bijoux for sparkles and jewels, Pilot for hot fashion and Pavers shoes. Plus, every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday the Mermaid market hosts over 50 stalls packed with arts, crafts, alternative gifts and foods, plus live entertainment. For the brave pop along to the Fiery Foods shop and try the hottest chilli in the world, if you dare! And don’t forget the Sunday Boot market, where you can rummage to your heart’s content and see if you can spot that vintage bargain.
Bowlplex
This is the perfect venue for the whole family, from tots to teens, mums & dads and grandparents. Have fun at ten pin bowling, grab a snack and a drink, dad can even try his hand at the American pool tables.
Bowlplex, Brighton Marina • 01273 818 180 • www.bowlplex.co.uk
Las Iguanas
Choose Las Iguanas - it's a fun family restaurant, as you would expect from South America! Kids have their own fabulous menu, and are armed with crayons and colouring sheets to keep them busy. This is tasty, fresh and authentic Latin American food that's affordable and with a huge range to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice (also don't forget Happy Hour for the adults)
Las Iguanas, 7-8 Jubilee Street 01273 573 550 • www.iguanas.co.uk
Bottle
For cool mums and dads, there's no need to compromise on style because you've got kids - take them to Bottle, the café/bar at MyHotel. Kids are welcome up until 9pm (what a treat), so sit back and enjoy a drink, a snack and the chilled out vibe here with DJs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.
Bottle/Cup @ MyHotel, 17 Jubilee Street • www.companyofcooks.com
Donatello
One of Brighton's most famous family restaurants is Donatello, and it’s easy to see why. Situated in the heart of the Lanes, this Italian family run pizza and pasta emporium has a real buzz no matter what time of the day or night you drop by. With a huge range of dishes on the menu including lots of seafood and veggie options (and all at very reasonable prices), it’s a Brighton experience not to be missed.
1-3 Brighton Place • 01273 775 477 www.donatello.co.uk
Anchors away!
We say: Based at Brighton Marina, Water Tours offers you the chance to sample life on the ocean waves (and be home in time for tea). Their incredibly popular mackerel fishing trips allow budding sea-dogs of all ages and abilities 90 minutes of fishing (rod hire is available or you can bring your own). Alternatively take a Pier Pleasure Trip - a 45 minute cruise through the Marina, out to sea and then on to see both piers as never before. Memorable private hire cruises are available for groups of up to 60.
07836 262 717 • www.watertours.co.uk
Drusillas
Drusillas features all kinds of animals from penguins to gibbons and beavers to meercats, plus there’s also loads of energy-burning activities for the kids including a massive playground and the chance to see if you can run as fast as a cheetah. Oh, and you can take a ride on Thomas the Tank engine too!
Drusillas Park, off A27 (Lewes-Eastbourne road), near Alfriston • 01273 874 100 • www.drusillas.co.uk
Bluebell Railway
Train and history buffs should head to the Bluebell Railway (Sheffield Park or a short bus ride from East Grinstead station) for a steam train ride through the countryside - a great way to see the seasons Autumn colours. As well as daily services, there are loads of themed trips on the railway so check the website for details.
www.bluebell-railway.co.uk • 01825 720 825
Middle Farm
Nestling at the foot of Firle Beacon on the South Downs in Sussex, Middle Farm is a 625 acre working family farm. Kids will love meeting the many animals in the open farm area then burning off some energy in the hay play barn, whilst grown-ups can indulge themselves in the massive farm shop and the National Collection of Cider & Perry.
A27 at Firle near Lewes • 01323 811 411 • www.middlefarm.com
Enjoy all the fun of the fair at Brighton Pier
Brighton Pier is the world-famous icon of the city, and is constantly ranked as one of the top visitor attractions in the UK. Enjoy traditional slots and side shows alongside the latest white knuckle rides, plus a wide range of dining and drinking options.
Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN1 1AD • 01273 609 361 • www.brightonpier.co.uk
The need for speed at Race-A-Way
This unique attraction features five giant Scalextric tracks based around famous British circuits, including Brands Hatch and Silverstone, plus a street circuit of Brighton. Each circuit can accommodate up to four players with each race being 8 minutes long. Suitable for children aged 8 upwards (and we know that big kids can’t get enough either!)
5 Hove Street • 01273 734 385 • www.raceaway.co.uk
Booth Museum of Natural History
Kids will love this quirky museum featuring over half a million specimens, natural history literature and data extending back over three centuries are housed in this fascinating museum, including hundreds of British birds displayed in recreated natural settings. Plus butterflies, skeletons, a whale and dinosaur bones. Closed Thursdays.
194 Dyke Road • 01273 290 900 • www.booth.virtualmuseum.info
Bowl yourself over at Bowlplex
It can be a struggle finding evening entertainments that will keep the kids out of trouble but also allow mum and dad to have a relaxing drink. Enjoy 10 pin bowling, arcade, bar, snacks and American pool, all within a self-contained environment (there’s also a Cineworld multiplex cinema opposite). Booking recommended on Fri/Sat evenings.
Brighton Marina • 01273 818 180 • www.bowlplex.co.uk
Brighton Toy & Model Museum
Through a small doorway under the bridge that runs below Brighton Station’s forecourt, you’ll find this fascinating museum that is packed to the rafters with toys from yesteryear. Much loved trains, planes, puppets, teddy bears, cars and every other toy and model imaginable will entertain kids of all ages. Closed Sunday and Monday.
52-55 Trafalgar Street • 01273 749 494 • www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk
Kids just love Paradise Park
Located on the edge of Newhaven, approximately 6 miles along the coast from Brighton, Paradise Park is a family owned and operated pleasure gardens that will delight and educate all ages. Featuring all manner of exhibits, a dinosaur park, miniature train ride, and themed gardens, there’s plenty to see and do for all ages. Our roving reporters were really impressed not only by the activities on offer but also the great value for an entire afternoon out - a mere £70 for 10 people including entrance and little extras such as fish food and the 20p arcade.
Avis Road, Newhaven • 01273 512 123 • www.paradisepark.co.uk
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SEALIFE Brighton is one of the city’s foremost attractions and a place of discovery and fun for all ages. First opened as the Brighton Aquarium, way back in 1872, the building has retained much of it’s beautiful architecture and, as the oldest operating aquarium in the world, is widely considered to be the best. It offers a fascinating insight into the aquatic world, with a fantastic collection of species from sea turtles to sharks.
On descending the broad expanse of steps, which lead to the entrance, your immediately consumed with a feeling that you’re venturing below sea level. Once inside, for all intents and purposes, that is exactly where you are! This seems like the world of Jules Verne and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The mysterious wonders of aquatic life greet you amidst the imposing Victorian splendour of vaulted ceilings and ornate pillars. All around are huge aquariums of exotic tropical creatures, each offering an intriguing glimpse into the strange and enthralling undersea world.
This is just a mere sample of the delights to come. Deep within the cavernous heart of this mesmerising vault of marine life is the underwater tunnel which runs through the Tropical Reef. This fantastic glass subway permits you to truly enter the wonders of the deep. Sharks swim freely around about with dark eyes glaring menacingly and razor-edged teeth glistening from their gaping jaws.
The latest attraction is the UK’s first glass bottom boat, floated atop SEALIFE’s huge ocean tank. Step aboard and you’ll discover even more underwater treasures, including the giant sea turtles Lulu and Jersey, without even getting your feet wet.
SEALIFE is a truly magical place for families, parties and school groups, whatever the weather. Furthermore, it offers facilities for private events and entertaining in its enthralling surroundings whilst also catering for children’s parties, which offer a tour, birthday meal and gifts for everyone.
Don’t just sit in a deckchair and wonder what goes on beneath those mysterious waters, visit SEALIFE and see for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!
SEALIFE Brighton, Marine Parade, Brighton
01273 604 234 • www.sealife.co.uk
The Brighton Visitor team enjoyed a brilliant day out at Drusillas this April. Drusillas is regularly voted as one of the best family attractions in the UK – in fact The Times voted it #1 great family day out in February 2010. In addition to the squillions of cutesy animals ranging from meerkats to penguins, there’s a number of huge adventure playgrounds for your little monkeys to enjoy including Go Wild, Go Bananas and the indoor Amazon Adventure. You can even hop on Thomas the Tank Engine for a ride through the park! Our sample group thoroughly enjoyed exploring the new Eden’s Eye maze... especially the squirty frogs! If you’re visiting Brighton with kids for longer than a day then Drusillas is unmissable.
Drusillas park and zoo is open daily from 10am • Located at Alfriston just off A27 Lewes - Eastbourne Road, approximately 12 miles from Brighton • 01323 874 100 • www.drusillas.co.uk
