Why am I the best person to tell you what to do in Brighton with kids? Well, my husband and co-blogger is from Brighton, and so we’ve visited this cool city countless times with our daughters to visit his family (who still live there).
And, as a family, we’ve done all of the activities and eaten at all of the restaurants listed below. So, I’m writing from personal experience!
Brighton is easily the most famous coastal city in England, and it may be the most fun, too. I mean, there’s heaps to do here as a family, like riding the funfair rides on the famous Brighton Pier and seeing the marine life at the Sea Life Centre.
After spending lots of time in Brighton together as a family, I’ve come up with what my daughters’ favourite things to do here are.
9 BEST Things to Do in Brighton With Kids
1. Brighton Pier
No visit to Brighton is complete without a trip to the iconic Brighton Palace Pier. Stretching out into the English Channel, this Victorian-era pier is a wonderland of fun. My girls are always thrilled with the array of amusement rides, from the traditional carousel to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters (although they are a little too young for the roller coaster still).
Definitely try your luck at the slot machines on the Pier. Yes, waste away an hour or so playing the slots, riding the dodgems/ bumper cars at the permanent funfair here, and spoil your lunch with a head-sized stick of candyfloss or freshly made doughnuts. And be sure to snap some family photos in front of the famous Brighton Pier sign.
Would you believe, Brighton Pier is made up of over 60,000 light bulbs – imagine their electricity bill!
Note, there is now a small fee to access the Brighton Pier of £2 – this is only applicable during the busier months of March to September!
2. Brighton i360 tower
You could also check out the huuge Brighton i360 tower while you’re here – some people will tell you it’s overrated for the price (around £20 per person) but if it’s a clear day and it’s your first time in Brighton, then I reckon it’s worth the ride. It opened in 2016 (and closed for a time in 2024/2025), and it stands at an impressive 162 meters tall.
As you can guess, you’ll get panoramic views from the top (of the surrounding Sussex countryside, the English Channel, and on clear days, as far as the Isle of Wight).
3. Brighton Sea Life Centre
The Brighton Sea Life Centre on Marine Parade is the world’s oldest aquarium. It first opened its doors way back in 1872.
Located near the pier, SEA LIFE Brighton offers an underwater adventure that captivated our eldest daughter especially (our youngest was just 1 when we last visited). We wandered through the mesmerizing glass tunnel and marveled at the vibrant sea creatures swimming overhead.
The interactive rock pool experience was a firm favourite with us, as you can get up close with starfish and crabs. Regular talks and feeding sessions provide educational insights into the aquatic world, making it a perfect blend of fun and learning.
4. Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion – easily one of the most beautiful homes ever built. It took over 20 years to be built for Prince George IV. It is often commented on how similar it looks to the Taj Mahal. And a surprising fact is that the prince never visited India; he was just drawn in by the unique style of Indian palaces.
We recommend spending around an hour and a half here – most tourists spend most of their time in the gorgeous Royal Gardens, but the interior is well worth a visit too. A fascinating fact we learned during our visit is that during World War I, the Royal Pavilion was used as a hospital for Indian soldiers. My husband didn’t know this, and he’s from Brighton!
Entry to the Royal Pavilion costs from £19, but the ticket is valid for a year! Yep, with any standard ticket, you can return for free for a whole year from the date of issue!
5. Spend an afternoon on Brighton Beach
Okay, it’s a stony beach (not a sandy one), but still Brighton Beach is iconic, and it stretches for miles. It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny day in Brighton. If you’re after a more uncrowded vibe, head for the section of beach closer to Hove. This section is where you can see the famous Brighton Beach Huts, which are perfect for a family photo opportunity.
The beachfront promenade is great for a family bike ride, with plenty of ice cream stops along the way. It’s around 8 km long and stretches from Hove Lagoon to Brighton Marina.
6. Stroll through the lanes
Brighton’s famous Lanes and North Laine districts are a shopper’s paradise, filled with quirky shops, cozy cafes, and street performers. While it might seem more suited for adults, our daughters still enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and unique street art.
Stop by The Duck House on 4 Union Street – in this fun store, you’ll find over 300 different types of imaginative rubber ducks. And grab a hot chocolate from Knoops on Market Street – it’s probably the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tried and it started in nearby Rye. The area is also dotted with independent toy shops like Daisy Daisy and Whirligig Toys where your kids can find unique souvenirs to remember their trip.
7. Brighton Toy and Model Museum
Located beneath Brighton’s main railway station, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum is a bit of a hidden gem here. With an extensive collection of vintage toys, model trains, and intricate dollhouses, it offers a nostalgic journey through the history of play. Your kids will be fascinated by the detailed model railway layouts, while parents can reminisce about toys from their own childhoods.
8. Go for a walk in Cuckmere Haven
Cuckmere Haven – a riverfront beach about a 30-minute drive from Brighton is an idyllic setting for a family walk with kids. The area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring the iconic meandering Cuckmere River, rolling hills, and the dramatic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters.
One of the most iconic photo spots here is the Coastguard cottages overlooking the Cuckmere River, with the Seven Sisters in the background. Walk just above the cottages on the path to get the best shot.
Our favourite family-friendly walking route starts at the Seven Sisters Country Park Visitors Centre. The trail is relatively flat and easy, making it suitable for children of various ages. Along the way, kids can enjoy spotting wildlife such as birds and butterflies. And the walk can also serve as an educational experience, allowing children to learn about the area’s unique geography and history, including its role during World War II.
Then, it was the Operation Sea Lion Defense (Defence Area 14). In 1940, the valley was transformed into a fortified battleground. Troops constructed extensive anti-tank ditches, earthen banks, walls, and rows of concrete blocks known as “anti-tank pimples” to block vehicle movement.
9. Brighton Hop On Hop Off Bus
If your kids aren’t big fans of walking (my youngest wants to be carried all the time!) a hop-on, hop-off bus tour may be a good shout as it avoids walking between the city’s top sights.
You can either opt for either a 1-day or 2-day ticket and set off on an incredible sightseeing journey through Brighton! You have the freedom to hop on and off at any of the conveniently located tour stops along the route, like Brighton Marina, Brighton Pier, Old Steine, Imperial Arcade, and many more at your own pace. You’ll get to enjoy panoramic views of the city, including stunning sea vistas along certain stretches of the route, while benefiting from the bus’s on-board English tour commentary!
Where to eat in Brighton with kids:
Brighton has the most restaurants per capita than anywhere else in England – there’s approximately one restaurant per 250 people.
If you’re in Hove, we suggest grabbing some amazingly authentic wood-fired pizzas at Fatto o Mano! And for a family-friendly, authentic Italian, we love Pinocchio’s on New Road – we’ve been here countless times, and my husband has been coming here since he was young. We’ve also been to Pho Brighton on Black Lion Street a few times with our daughters to meet friends.
If it’s just the good old-fashioned fish & chips you’re after for dinner. Then you can’t go wrong with local-favourite Captain’s on Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive (across from the beach). Get your grub to go and enjoy it on the beach; just watch out for the seagulls. As the locals will tell you, the seagulls in Brighton can be very aggressive!
Where to stay in Brighton (with kids):
We loved the super-famous and luxurious The Grand on the seafront if you fancy splurging. It’s undoubtedly THE most famous hotel in the city. And the rooms are stylish and some come with sea views. Plus, the breakfast is one of the best we’ve ever had in England!
If you still want to stay along the seafront but are on a budget, then consider The Old Ship Hotel, which offers stylish and comfortable rooms as well as a great bar on-site. Ask for a sea-facing room here.
We’ve also stayed at Leonardo Royal Hotel in the past and really enjoyed our stay. The lobby area is very cool and the staff are super friendly. It’s also located on the waterfront and the rooms here are very spacious.
All available Brighton hotels here –
Getting to Brighton:
From London:
Getting from London to Brighton is pretty easy and you’ve got a few options to choose from. The most popular way is by train, with regular departures from London Victoria or London Bridge stations. The train ride usually takes about an hour, making it a quick and scenic trip to the seaside. We use Trainline for booking our train tickets!
If you prefer driving, you can take the M23 and A23 highways; it’ll take you around one and a half to two hours, depending on traffic. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, we recommend Discover Cars to search and book the best and cheapest car rental deal. For a cheaper option, there are coach services available, though they might take a bit longer (between 2-3 hours). Fares start from £3.50.
From elsewhere:
The train is a convenient option for getting to Brighton from other nearby cities and towns, with regular direct services running from various towns in East and West Sussex, such as Crawley, Worthing, Horsham, and Chichester, directly to Brighton. The train journey usually takes between 20 and 50 minutes. Plus, there are bus services available, although these may take longer than driving or taking the train.
Thanks for Reading!
Brighton is a quirky, fun seaside city that’s perfect for families. Our daughters especially loved Brighton Pier, the Sea Life Centre and the Duck Shop in the lanes.
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Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by snaphappytravel