Brighton: Family trips with kids

Brighton offers an effortless and memorable seaside escape from London, perfect for families with kids seeking fun and adventure.

Brighton

Just an hour from London, Brighton is the UK's most accessible coastal city for a family getaway, blending classic pier entertainment with unique historical and natural attractions. From thrilling rides and fascinating marine life to scenic railway journeys and relaxing pebble beaches, there’s something to delight every age. Explore the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, delve into the underwater world at SEA LIFE Brighton, or enjoy panoramic views from the i360, all while creating cherished family memories by the sea.

Attractions

Brighton Palace Pier

An iconic Victorian pier packed with traditional fairground rides, arcade games, and food stalls, great for all ages.

Hint: half day

  • Enjoy classic fairground rides like the Booster and Crazy Mouse
  • Challenge each other in the amusement arcade
  • Try fresh fish and chips with a sea view
Theme parks & passes (Klook)

SEA LIFE Brighton

The world's oldest operating aquarium, offering an immersive journey through marine habitats and conservation efforts, good for 3-12.

Hint: $25 pp

  • Walk through the ocean tunnel surrounded by sharks and turtles
  • Discover local marine species in the rockpools
  • Attend feeding talks and creature encounters
Theme parks & passes (Klook)

Volk's Electric Railway

Britain's oldest electric railway offering a charming open-air ride along the seafront between Brighton Pier and Black Rock, perfect for all ages.

Hint: 1h

  • Enjoy scenic views of the coastline
  • Ride the historic carriages
  • Visit the visitor centre at Aquarium Station
Theme parks & passes (Klook)

British Airways i360

A unique vertical cable car offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Brighton, the South Downs, and the coastline, suitable for all ages.

Hint: $20 pp

  • Ascend 162 meters in the glass viewing pod
  • Spot famous Brighton landmarks from above
  • Enjoy drinks or snacks from the Sky Bar
Theme parks & passes (Klook)

Royal Pavilion Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful and historic gardens surrounding the exotic Royal Pavilion, offering plenty of space for kids to run around, good for all ages.

Hint: free

  • Admire the unique Indo-Saracenic architecture of the Pavilion
  • Enjoy a picnic on the grass
  • Discover the various trees and flower beds
Theme parks & passes (Klook)

Hove Lagoon

A fantastic watersports centre with a shallow paddling pool, playground, and wide-open spaces, ideal for young children and active families.

Hint: half day

  • Let kids splash in the paddling pool (summer)
  • Enjoy the adventure playground
  • Try watersports like wakeboarding or stand-up paddleboarding (older kids)
Theme parks & passes (Klook)

Hotels

Travelodge Brighton Seafront

Offers convenient and affordable family rooms right on the seafront, perfect for easy access to attractions.

Area: Seafront

  • Family rooms
  • Sea views (some rooms)
  • On-site restaurant
Check rates on Booking.com

My Brighton

A stylish hotel with a quirky design, offering interconnecting rooms and a central location close to shops and dining.

Area: North Laine

  • Interconnecting rooms
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Close to Pavilion
Check rates on Booking.com

Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront

Features an indoor pool, family-friendly dining, and a prime seafront location overlooking the Palace Pier.

Area: Seafront

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Family rooms
  • Seafront location
Check rates on Booking.com

The Grand Brighton

An iconic Victorian hotel offering spacious family suites, a kids' club during holidays, and elegant beachfront living.

Area: Seafront

  • Family suites
  • Kids' club (seasonal)
  • Luxury spa
Check rates on Booking.com

Hilton Brighton Metropole

Provides large family rooms, an indoor pool, and a convenient location near the i360 and beach.

Area: Seafront

  • Large family rooms
  • Indoor pool
  • On-site dining
Check rates on Booking.com

Restaurants

The Regency Restaurant

A traditional Brighton institution serving fresh fish and chips with highchairs available and a lively atmosphere perfect for families.

Cuisine: Seafood

  • Fish and Chips
  • Grilled Seafood Platter
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Pizza Pilgrims Brighton

Offers delicious Neapolitan pizzas in a casual setting, with a dedicated kids' menu and highchairs.

Cuisine: Pizza

  • Margherita Pizza
  • Nduja Pizza
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Bill's Brighton

A popular choice for families, offering a diverse menu from breakfast to dinner with a dedicated kids' menu and crayons for entertainment.

Cuisine: Modern European

  • Buttermilk Pancakes
  • Fish Finger Sandwich
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Brighton Burger

Serves gourmet burgers and milkshakes in a relaxed diner setting, appealing to kids and adults alike with smaller portions available.

Cuisine: Burgers

  • Classic Cheeseburger
  • Sweet Potato Fries
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The New Club

A stylish American-style diner on the seafront, offering brunch, burgers, and a great atmosphere with kids' options and highchairs.

Cuisine: American Diner

  • Huevos Rancheros
  • Smoked Brisket Burger
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