With over 9 million tourists visiting each year, Brighton is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations. The best thing about this Sussex city is that it has so many tourist attractions which are ideal for the kids. Some of the attractions are indoor, so you don’t need to worry about the unpredictable British weather and some are outdoors. When it’s sunny, the beach is the perfect place where you can have a relaxing time with your family.
I have handpicked some of the fun things you can do with your kids while enjoying your holidays in Brighton.
Toy And Model Museum
Every kid loves toys and I am sure your kids will surely love a huge collection of over 10, 000 exhibits right in front of their eyes. The museum is situated under the Brighton railway station and contains tourist information point as well. This is the only place in the world with a huge collection of teddies, soft toys, railway collections, puppets, boats, and planes under one roof.
The kids can also get to be a part of various events held throughout the year including – Frank Hornby Week. This is a week full of fun talks and different activities specially dedicated to the model train creator, the kids also get to explore the model train collection as well.
Brighton Museum And Art Gallery
This gallery is a must-visit if you have older children and teenagers. The entry to the gallery is free and the kids can be a part of various talks & tours and there are various workshops organised especially for the kids. Enjoy exploring the beautiful city of Brighton in ‘Exploring Brighton’ and ‘Images of Brighton’ galleries. ‘Fashion and Style’ gallery gives you an opportunity to explore how the fashion changed through the ages.
The kids can also explore three galleries dedicated to fine art along with a huge collection of world art. ‘Performance Gallery’ is a major draw amongst the kids as it brings you the celebrations from different parts of the world with creative masks, colourful costumes, different musical instruments, and puppets. The gallery also has a café, museum shop, and education facilities. Expanding access to its services and collections, the museum has collaborated with different community groups, a Hindu Shrine in the Word art Gallery and oral histories of the people are some of the examples of the collaborations.
King’s Road Playground
The kids will surely have a great time playing in the pool with mushroom spout and water pads or climbing different castles and toys. This facility is located next to the beach and according to me, it is a perfect alternative for the kids than the main beach.
There is a plenty of space where you can enjoy a picnic with your whole family while your kids enjoy in the playing area with a sand pit with toys. The best thing about King’s Road Playground is that it is safely enclosed from all sides. Moreover, this place is also quite near to Toy Museum and Sea Life Centre, so you don’t need to bother travelling too much. You can enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, ice cream, and chips.
Volk’s Electric Railway
Built in 1883 by Magnus Volk, it is Britain’s oldest railway. Both adults and kids will surely have a great time riding this electric railway for one and a quarter mile from Aquarium Station to the Marina. The railway is operated as a historical seaside tourist attraction and it is not functional during the winter months and during windy conditions. It can only carry 80 passengers. At each station, there is a facility for the disabled tourists and there are public toilets as well.
Booth Museum Of Natural History
Founded in 1874, this museum was opened by Edward Thomas Booth (a famous naturalist and collector). A visit to Booth Museum of Natural History can be a unique experience for the kids. Edward Booth was beguiled by all kinds of creatures and this is the place where you and your kids will have the opportunity to witness wonderfully preserved fossils, birds, different types of butterflies. With hands-on experience, the kids will have ample opportunity to get involved.
The museum certainly offers an educational experience for the whole family. There is a huge collection of over 650 types of colourful butterflies. You will also find skeletons of animal species including primates, whale, and various other extinct species such as – woolly rhinoceros and dodo. There is a Discovery Gallery, where the kids will surely love to get hands-on with the natural history.
Q Leisure
This spectacular 800 metres Go Karting track is pure adrenaline. This track also offers some of the finest facilities in the UK making Q Leisure a must-visit. This racing track is suitable for the older children (9-12) and teenagers (13-18). Here, the fast and exhilarating track offers you different challenges and the track is equipped with –
- 270cc Sodi RT8 Karts
- 200cc Biz Evo Karts
- 120 cc Biz Cadet Karts
Various other features of this Go Karting track are – flood lights, friendly staff, and advanced timing system. One thing making this place special is that they have a collection of race formats for every occasion – Team Endurance Races, Arrive & Drive, Corporate Karting Packages, and Arrive & Drive. The archery section and Clay Pigeon shooting give an opportunity for the kids to do something different. The instructors are quite friendly and approachable.
Lewes Castle
This Norman Castle is more than thousand years old. You need to climb the spiral staircases to reach the top of the castle offering a picturesque view of Sussex. This is a perfect place to click a perfect family picture. Barbican House Museum is next door, here you get to explore the archaeological history of the Sussex and there is a little cinema which tells the story of Lewes and the castle. The main highlights of Lewes Castle are – animal skulls & tusks, human skeleton, and Anglo Saxon jewellery and clothing. There is an archaeological bookshop on the ground floor as well.