Brighton Palace Pier is a classic British seaside pier offering a vibrant mix of traditional and modern entertainment. Families can enjoy a range of amusement rides, including a carousel, roller coaster, and Dodgems, as well as a large arcade packed with games for all ages. The pier also features numerous food stalls serving classic seaside treats like fish and chips, ice cream, and candy floss.
Highlights:
- Free admission
- Rides suitable for toddlers to teens
- Indoor arcades for rainy days
- Stunning sea views
Practical tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially in summer. Bring cash for arcades and rides. The pier is wheelchair accessible and has baby-changing facilities. Nearby attractions include Brighton Beach and the Sea Life Centre.
At a glance
Cost
Moderate
Setting
Outdoor
Ages
0–18+
County
East SussexCountry
England
Rainy day
Great for rainy days
Travel tips
Location
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🗼Brighton i360
Brighton i360 is a 162-metre observation tower on the seafront, offering panoramic views of the coast and the South Downs. The futuristic glass viewing pod glides slowly up and down, giving a smooth, family-friendly experience. Families with kids will love: - The glass floor section – see the ground far below. - Interactive displays and telescopes on the pod (free to use). - The 'Sky Ride' tea and cake package for a special treat. - Free children's activity sheets available at the base. Practical tips: buggy-friendly (lift access), baby-changing facilities, and a gift shop. The pod is fully enclosed and heated, making it a great rainy-day option. Under-4s go free. Allow 30-45 minutes for the entire ride (ascent, dwell at top, descent).
🐠Sea Life Brighton
One of the world's oldest operating aquariums, Sea Life Brighton offers an immersive underwater journey perfect for families. Highlights include the 150-metre underwater Ocean Tunnel where you walk surrounded by sharks, rays, and sea turtles, the interactive Rockpool where kids can touch starfish and anemones, and the Seal Island exhibit with rescued seals. There are daily talks and feeding demonstrations. - **Ages**: Suitable for all ages, with particular appeal to toddlers and primary school kids. Pushchair-friendly paths and baby-changing facilities available. - **Facilities**: Cafe, gift shop, cloakroom, and accessible toilets. On-site parking is limited; use public transport or nearby car parks. - **Practical Tips**: Book online in advance for cheaper tickets and time slots. Allow 2–3 hours. The aquarium is entirely indoors, making it an excellent choice for a rainy day.
🚋Volk's Electric Railway
Volk's Electric Railway is the world's oldest operating electric railway, running along Brighton's seafront from the Aquarium to Black Rock. It offers a charming, nostalgic ride with stunning sea views that kids love. - Highlights: Short, scenic 1.5-mile journey; vintage carriages; museum at the depot - Ages: Fun for all ages, especially toddlers and young children who enjoy train rides - Facilities: Pram-friendly; wheelchair accessible; small gift shop; snacks available at stops - Practical tips: Buy a return ticket for best value; combine with a beach day; runs seasonally (check website) Families appreciate the gentle pace, the seaside setting, and the educational value of riding a historic railway. It's a low-cost, outdoor activity perfect for a sunny day.
🏛️Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is a family-friendly museum located in the heart of Brighton, within the Royal Pavilion Gardens. It offers a diverse range of galleries including fashion, fine art, world cultures, and local history. Families particularly enjoy the interactive 'World Stories' gallery, where kids can dress up in costumes from around the world, and the 'Fashion and Style' gallery with colorful displays. There are also hands-on activities, trails, and a dedicated under-5s area called 'Sensory Box'. - Highlights: Dressing-up area, Discovery Areas, themed trails, temporary exhibitions. - Facilities: Baby-changing, buggy parking, café, shop, accessible toilets. - Practical tips: Entry is free (donations welcome); some special exhibitions may have a small charge. The museum is open daily 10am-5pm. It's a perfect rainy-day destination as it's entirely indoor. Nearby attractions include the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Beach, and the Sea Life Centre.
📚Jubilee Library
Jubilee Library is Brighton's flagship public library, housed in a stunning modern glass-and-steel building. For families, the library offers a dedicated children's section with a large collection of books, audiobooks, and DVDs for all ages, as well as comfortable seating and play areas. Regular free events include story time sessions, craft workshops, and author visits, making it a great destination for rainy days. - Highlights: children's library, free Wi-Fi, public computers, study spaces, café. - Ages: suitable for children of all ages (0+). - Practical tips: free entry, no booking needed for general browsing; check events calendar for special activities. Step-free access and baby-changing facilities available.
🎭Brighton Dome
Brighton Dome is a historic performing arts venue in the heart of Brighton, comprising the Concert Hall, Corn Exchange, and Studio Theatre. It offers a diverse programme of family-friendly shows, including theatre, dance, music, and children's performances. Highlights include interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, and sensory-friendly events designed for younger audiences. The venue is accessible with baby-changing facilities, step-free access, and a café. Practical tip: check the 'Families' section on their website for age recommendations and early booking discounts. Recommended for ages 2-12 for most family shows, though some events cater to teens and adults.
🏖️Brighton
1.5 hours by tram/train - can visit sea life centre, upside down house, i360, pier
🌳The Level
A popular public park in Brighton, The Level offers a large playground with modern equipment, a skate park, and extensive green spaces perfect for picnics and games. Families love the splash pad in summer and the friendly cafe for refreshments. The park also features a bowling green and tennis courts. - Highlights: playground, skate park, splash pad (seasonal), cafe, open lawns. - Ages: all children, toddlers to teens. - Facilities: public toilets, benches, nearby parking. - Practical tip: great for a sunny day; arrive early for parking on weekends.
🏖️Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is a classic British seaside destination on the south coast, famous for its pebble shoreline and lively promenade. Families love the iconic Palace Pier, which offers amusement rides, arcade games, fish-and-chip shops, and panoramic sea views. Kids can hunt for shells and crabs in the rock pools at low tide, or enjoy a donkey ride along the beach. - Attractions: Brighton Palace Pier (rides, arcades), British Airways i360 (observation tower), Sea Life Brighton (aquarium), and Volks Electric Railway (oldest electric railway). - Facilities: Public toilets, beach huts for hire, deckchair rentals, and numerous cafes/restaurants along the seafront. Lifeguards patrol in summer. - Practical tips: Bring sturdy footwear for the pebbles. The beach is tidal, so check tide times for sand exposure. Sun protection is essential. Parking is limited; use Park & Ride or train.
🦴Booth Museum of Natural History
A classic Victorian natural history museum with stunning bird dioramas, dinosaur skeletons, and thousands of specimens. Kids can explore hands-on discovery drawers, follow a family trail, and see the giant ichthyosaur fossil. Free entry makes it a budget-friendly rainy-day outing. Facilities include baby-changing, a small shop, and nearby cafe at the park. - Highlights: Bird gallery with over 300 species, dinosaur fossils, butterfly collection, and taxidermy displays. - Activities: Family activity sheets, craft sessions on some weekends, and a 'touch table' with real bones and shells. - Ages: Best for 3-12 years, but younger toddlers can enjoy the visual displays. - Practical tips: Allow 1-2 hours. Free parking on nearby streets. The museum is on two floors with a lift. Accessible toilet available.