Brighton with the kids
Description:
Kids and the beach go together like peanut butter and jelly. Brighton is the UK's answer to salty air and crashing waves, and while it may not have the tropical climate of Hawaii or the Caribbean, it more than makes up for it in history and personality. For a low-key weekend at the seaside, Brighton has nearly everything (okay, so it's missing schools of dolphin) you could want.Photo courtesy of Pip R. Lagenta
Author: Alexi
Day 1 - Brighton
What better way to acquaint yourself with this famous seaside resort town than to take an early morning stroll by the Brighton Marina? Let the kids ooh and aah at the UK's largest yacht harbor. Read the often-hilarious boat names. Pick out which one you'd most like to sail around the world on. Work up an appetite...
...and head to El Taco for cheap, filling and yes, delicious Mexican food. Then, if your legs are up to it (c'mon, the marina is flat!) take the little ones to Beachy Head. This iconic lighthouse and cliff is a fun scramble and provides some great photo opps. Bike, hike, and watch for wildlife or paragliders. They're equally entertaining.
For a local favorite, try Al Duomo for an Italian-themed dinner venue. Pizza for the kids, fish (and wine) for the adults.
After a day outside in the sun, you're going to be more than ready to hit the sack at one of the Brighton and Sussex cottages. They come in a variety of sizes (but all are quite charming) and they're perfect for a family. Kids won't have to worry about keeping quiet for neighbors and parents can relax knowing they've got a homebase for the duration of the stay.
1
Brighton Marina
Location:
view in google mapsMerchants Quay
BN2 5UF Brighton, United Kingdom
Phone:
+44 (0)1273 69 36362
Taco-Way (El)
Location:
view in google maps143 Kings Road Arches
BN1 2FN Brighton, United Kingdom
Phone:
+44 1273 71 00313
Beachy Head
Location:
view in google mapsBirling Farm
BN20 0AA Brighton, United Kingdom
Phone:
+44 1323 7280604
Al Duomo
Location:
view in google maps7 Pavilion Buildings
7 Pavilion Buildings
BN1 1EE Brighton, United Kingdom
Phone:
+40 7710 161 5625
Best of Brighton and Sussex Cottages
Location:
view in google maps4 Laureens Walk
Nevill Road
BN2 7HG Brighton, United Kingdom
Phone:
+44 1273 30 8779Day 2 - Brighton
Monsters live in the ocean. It's true. Prove it to the little ones with a trip to the Sealife Centre, where they can see everything from shrimp to sharks. Especially awesome is the clear observation tunnel, because you haven't really lived until a school of fish have swum over you.
For lunch, it's the famous Bill's Produce store. It's a little in the pricey side for sandwiches, but one taste and you'll forget the cost. Food here is flat-out delicious.
Continuing the animal-viewing trend of the morning, take your little ones (if they're up for it) to Drusillas Park for some adorable non-aquarium dwelling animals. There are also train rides, play areas and a small cafe. But you could always head to the beach instead...
For some mid-afternoon nourishment, take the kids to the Scoop and Crumb, locally famous for it's pastries and ice cream. It's not vacation until you've got melted ice cream on your chin.
Jacco's Steak and Pizza House, while not the most gourmet choice, is sure to have something that will please everyone for dinner. The perfect place to end a day on your feet,
1
Sealife Centre
Location:
view in google mapsMarine Parade
(opposite Brighton Pier)
BN2 1TB Brighton, United Kingdom
Phone:
+44 1273 60 42342
Bill's Produce Store
Location:
view in google maps100 North Road
The Depot
BN1 1YE Brighton, United Kingdom
Phone:
0872 148 62473
Drusillas Park
Location:
view in google mapsAlfriston
BN26 5QS Brighton, United Kingdom
Phone:
+44 1323 87 41004
Scoop and Crumb
Location:
view in google maps5 & 6 East Street
BN1 1HP Brighton, United Kingdom
Phone:
01273 202 5635
Jacco's Steak & Pizza House
Location:
view in google maps14 East Street
BN1 1HP Brighton, United Kingdom
Phone:
+44 1273 20 6554Day 3 - Brighton
A great breakfast place, frequented by locals, is Dumb Waiter. The atmosphere is relaxed, the servers are college kids and the decor is interesting. All in all, a great place for breakfast with the kids.
For your last day in Brighton, you're heading... out of Brighton. Hove is a neighboring town, a little bit smaller, quainter and more relaxed than Brighton. While it has many attractions, one that children will especially appreciate is the Hove miniature Railway. Take time to explore all of Hove Park, but be sure to spend time watching this little gem. Whenever you're done with Hove, end the afternoon, or evening at the famous Pilgrims. While known for their tea and scones, The Pilgrims offers other dishes all made from local produce. One of its most attractive features? The fact that it's housed in a 15th century building.
Drive back to modern civilization tonight or tomorrow morning. Can you still taste the sea salt on your lips?
1
Dumb Waiter
Location:
view in google maps28 Sydney Street
BN1 4EP Brighton, United Kingdom
Phone:
+44 1273 60 25263
Hove Park Miniature Railway
Location:
view in google mapsWoodland Drive, Goldstone Crescent,
North-end of Hove Park
BN3 7QA Brighton, United Kingdom
Phone:
+44 906 711 2255