Family

Sealife

SEALIFE Brighton is the oldest operating aquarium in the world and is a fantastic family day out. With a huge collection of species, including sharks, seahorses, rays, piranhas and Lulu and Jersey the two giant turtles. Walk through the underwater tunnel, take a trip through Amazonia and jump aboard the UK’s first glass bottomed boat.

SEALIFE Brighton, Marine Parade, Brighton • 01273 604 234 • www.sealife.co.uk

Ghost Walk of the Lanes – with Rob Marks

Are you brave enough join master story teller Rob Marks on a chilling ghost walk around Brighton’s famous Lanes? With snippets of history thrown in and gruesome facts to keep you engrossed (or just grossed!), it’s great for all ages.

The Ghost Walk of The Lanes runs every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday,
starting at 7.30pm outside the Druid’s Head Pub, Brighton Place, Brighton

Adults £8, Children £4, Seniors and Students £5 Family (2 adults, 2 children) £20

• 07522 605 524 • www.ghostwalkbrighton.co.uk

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

Booth Museum of Natural History

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

Water Tours

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. Plus this year sees the new Power Boat Ride – a 25 minute tour for the more adventurous – be warned though as you could get splashed and it can get bumpy!

07836 262 717 • www.watertours.co.uk

Nymans Gardens

Set in the High Weald with splendid views, Nymans features a series of experimental garden designs with spectacular planting and beauty all year round. Springtime sees the bluebells woods explode in a sea of blue, Summer is a exuberant display of colour, Autumn sees rich yellows and fiery orange and Winter is filled with the scent of daphnes. Don’t miss the ancient woods and take a tour around the gothic mansion, half of which is now romantic ruins.

Pop into the garden centre where you can snap up plants propagated from Nymans nursery and refuel in the restaurant serving up delicious home-cooked food.

Nymans • Handcross, Near Haywards Heath • 01444 405 250 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-nymansgarden2

Hove Museum & Art Gallery

Admire the fabulous Indian gateway on your way in and then marvel at one of the finest craft collections in the country and the fantastic toy collection in the Wizard’s attic. Hove pioneered the film industry in the 1890s so don’t leave without checking out the film gallery.

19 New Church Road, Hove, BN3 4AB• www.virtualmuseum.info

Breeze up to Devil’s Dyke on the 77 bus!

Breeze up the Devil’s Dyke and see the stunning South Downs, take in the dramatic views, go for a stroll, have a beer or two… Always a double-decker, the number 77 runs every hour – every weekend throughout the autumn and winter (that’s Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays except 25 December).  Get on board at the bus stop on the seafront just west of Brighton Pier – or opposite Brighton Station (outside the Queen’s Head pub).  It’s only £5 return and two kids per adult travel free! 

www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/breezebuses  01273 292480

Brighton Fishing Museum

Discover Brighton’s fishing history and heritage through photographs, artefacts and restored traditional Sussex clinker fishing boats. Afterward, stroll across to the smokehouse and sample some of the freshly caught fish and winkles.

Kings Road Arches, Brighton • www.brightonfishingmuseum.org.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 The Go Wild! playground and don’t forget to take a ride on Thomas the Tank engine too!

Alfriston just off A27 Lewes – Eastbourne Road, approximately 12 miles from Brighton • 01323 874 100 • www.drusillas.co.uk

Preston Manor

Preston Manor is decorated in Edwardian style with many original features and exhibits and has over 20 rooms to visit. The question that everyone asks is: Is Preston Manor haunted? Checkout the website for special events and Ghost tours.

Preston Drove, Brighton, BN1 6SD• www.virtualmuseum.info

Breeze up to the Downs!

Escape the bustle of the city any Sunday and breeze up to Devil’s Dyke or Ditchling Beacon on the #77 or 79 bus which run hourly from central Brighton. At just £5 return, including up to 2 children free, its the perfect way to blow away the cobwebs!

Also, from 27 June and right through July and August, the 77 route will run seven days a week – normally with open top buses.  During this High Summer period, there will be later buses to Devil’s Dyke, with the last bus back from the Dyke leaving at 8.30 pm:  ideal for a summer evening stroll!

01273 292 480 • www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/breezebuses

Brighton Lions Fireworks Display 2010

Brighton Lions Fireworks Display 2010
The city’s largest Bonfire Night party featuring a huge firework display that will amaze. All proceeds go to local charities.
Gates from 6pm, display 7.30pm • Tickets £10 adults, £5 children • Sussex County Cricket Ground, Eaton Road, Hove, BN3 3AN

National Museum of Penny Slot Machines

Tucked away under the seafront arches near Brighton Pier you’ll find the hidden gem that is the National Museum of Penny Slot Machines. This small but perfectly formed arcade is packed with old time slot machines, curiosities and even a ‘What the Butler saw’. Change your modern day cash for a bag of old pennies and enjoy some good old fashioned fun!

250 Kings Rd Arches • 01273 608 620

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

The Big Switch-On

The Big Switch-On
Unique Brighton turns on the city centre Christmas lights across the Lanes, North Laine and North Street. Join the party in East Street with music, entertainment and kids fun.

• 5pm • East Street, Brighton • www.uniquebrighton.com

Tuk Tuk

Here’s a novel way to see the sights and sounds of Brighton & Hove… hop on a tuk tuk! The Brighton Tuk Tuk company operates a small fleet of private hire vehicles that are available to book in advance for private tours, parties, weddings… you get the idea! We were recently treated to a zip around the seafront to much amusement. Elvis and Marilyn come as optional extras!

For more info or to book call Mark on 01273 233 953 or visit www.brightontuktuk.co.uk

Coral Brighton & Hove Greyhound Stadium

For a great afternoon of evening of entertainment for the whole family that’s affordable, check out the deals that are on offer to save £££s. There’s the fabulous Skyline restaurant where you can have a 3 course meal, which is a family favourite for Sunday lunch.

Nevill Road, Hove • 01273 204 601 • www.brightonandhovegreyhoundstadium.co.uk

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

‘From Sickert to Gertler: Modern British Art from Boxted House’ celebrates the colourful character of Boxted House in Essex, the distinctive home of a remarkable couple, Bobby and Natalie Bevan, which played an important role in post-war British culture.

The show consists of over 100 items, virtually all of which had a personal link to Bobby and Nathalie, as well as their guests – artists, writers and politicians – for whom Boxted House was a gathering place during the 1950s and 60s.

Notable artists featured in this major new exhibition include Augustus John, Paul Cézanne, Francisco de Goya and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Entrance to the museum is free • Exhibition £5 adults, £3 concessions • Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton BN1 1EE • 03000 290 900 • www.brighton.virtualmuseum.info

Healthwalks

Healthwalks are a great way to be more active, get out in the fresh air, explore the city and meet local people. They are ideal for those who want to start exercising in a gentle and safe way, as well as those who want to walk regularly, but don’t have the time to attend longer walks.

There are sixteen regular walks across the city, and lengths range from under a mile (average walking time: 20-30 minutes) to three-four miles (average walking time one and a half to two hours walking time).  They are all free, led by trained Volunteer Walk Leaders and are also accessible by public transport.

Walks are held at different times every day of the week • For a full list of free walks visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/healthwalks

Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina is short hop on the bus or a stroll along the seafront and offers a wealth of entertainment, shopping and restaurants and bars for all the family. There’s a weekend market, fair trade stalls, discount designer shops, the UK’s first dedicated Chilli Shop, opportunities to try sailing, take a pleasure boat trip, a fitness centre, a multiplex cinema, a casino and a multitude of fantastic restaurants and bars to choose from, many on the waterfront.

www.brightonmarinashopping.co.uk

VBites – Informal dining/vegan

Wilderness Wood

Wilderness Wood is a 2,000 year-old 62 acre family run, sustainable woodland.  The visitor centre offers workshops and seasonal activities, plus a Barn Cafe, dishing up homemade food that’s locally sourced and organic where possible. Take a magical walk through the woods or for the more adventurous you can  hire a woodland shelter and sample wild camping!

www.wildernesswood.co.uk

Stanmer Park

Stanmer Park is located on the very edge of the city, and is popular with locals looking for a breath of country air. Centred around the historic Stanmer House, you’ll find many miles of walks through woodland, parkland and farmland. There’s also the quaint Stanmer Village to explore, and there’s a great tearooms where you can rest your weary legs.

Stanmer Park, off A27 • www.stanmerpark.co.uk

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

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

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

Burning the Clocks

Burning the Clocks

Brighton’s annual celebration of the Winter Solstice sees a procession of lanterns from the city centre clock tower to Madeira drive for music, fireworks, dancing and a huge beachfront bonfire. Produced by local arts company Same Sky, without doubt this is one of the highlights of the Brighton calendar year.

From 6.30pm • Madeira Drive, Brighton • This event is free but please show your support and donate to the charity bucket collectors • www.burningtheclocks.co.uk