Brighton is a fantastic city to visit with children, with a range of attractions for everyone. If you’re looking to make it a truly memorable day as a single parent, here are the places we think should be part of any Brighton itinerary and include fun stuff for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens.
Visit the Sugar Gliders at the Cuddly Colony
Like most seaside towns, Brighton has a lovely beach, arcades, yummy food, and popular attractions. But where else can you find a colony of flying possums? Given the animals’ delicate skin and the sensitive nature of their eyes, flash photography is not allowed, plus there is an over-16s age restriction. So this Brighton attraction is something for holidays with teenagers.
The little flying and leaping possums, with their gorgeous large eyes and distinctive markings, will make any teenager’s eyes light up and create the most amazing memories. These lovable little critters are more than happy to be held or glide around the room, making a truly unique visitor experience, especially for the more sensitive souls.
Stroll Around Brighton’s Lanes
The pedestrianised historic Lanes are a must on any Brighton itinerary, especially if you and your teens love quirky shops. Around the corner from the Cuddly Colony, this network of narrow alleyways is filled with cafés, art galleries, and unique little shops that offer everything from vintage goods and antiques to jewellery and art. Allow some time to browse and shop before popping into a café or the famous Oyster Bar for lunch.
Pop into North Laine Bazaar
Just a few streets further, you will find North Laine Bazaar, another exciting place for young artistic types, jewellery lovers, and collectors to get lost in. From comics to retro clothing, homewares to photos and paintings – this place is an adventure in its own right, whether your children want to buy something or not. You can use the Matterport 3D map on the website to have a look around before visiting to see what’s there.
See Brighton from High Up
Having done the backstreets of Brighton, it’s time for a bird’s eye view of the city so you can get your bearings. One of the big-ticket tourist attractions is the i360 tower. Europe’s tallest platform gives phenomenal views over the city and surrounding East Sussex countryside and out to sea – weather permitting.
Booking is essential, especially if you are after one of the special experiences, like the sky walk or a climb up the tower itself! If you are not thrill seekers or have young kids, you can simply enjoy the stunning views or add a drink at the Sky Bar afterwards to make it more of an experience.
If you don’t want to pay for tickets, you could also jump on a train or bus to Seaford and take a walk along the beautiful chalk cliffs and view the magnificent Seven Sisters Cliffs for a more organic view from high up.
Experience Brighton’s Best Musicians
If your children like music, then you can head from the tower to Brighton’s Music Hall by the beach. You will find the best local artists performing here. Head over between 11 am and 8 pm on weekdays and from 5 pm until late at weekends for free entertainment, including every kind of music and DJs acts.
Take the Historic Train Along the Beachfront
If your kids’ feet are getting tired, but you want to stay out in the fresh air, hop on the Volk’s Electric Railway, the oldest electric railway in the world. There is plenty to see whilst you rest your feet. The railway started operating on 4 August 1883 and today runs up and down the beachfront between Brighton Palace and Black Rock station.
Eat Out in Brighton
Brighton has an excellent restaurant scene, and there are numerous options for single parent families and kids hungry after a busy day of travel and exploring. Among the top Brighton restaurants for early risers is Bill’s Restaurant, which is open from 8 am. It offers a range of great all-day breakfasts, including pancake stacks, eggs and much more. You can book a variety of Brighton restaurants quickly and conveniently on OpenTable.
For vegan or vegetarian families, Food for Friends has a veggie kid’s menu with pasta, pizza, a halloumi burger and a free ice cream. All fantastically priced, it makes a wonderful way to enjoy a good restaurant vibe without the children’s meals costing a fortune.
If your kids love boats and ships, then head a few miles west to Carats Café Bar on the beach, which offers indoor and outdoor dining, all day breakfasts and a seasonal restaurant menu. Located next to the canal and docks, there’s obviously plenty of aquatic stuff going on here, such as the Watersports Lagoon just down the road on the way back to the heart of the city.
Back on Brighton’s beach, a new quality restaurant has opened: The Winkle is a charming restaurant, perfect for an unpretentious quality lunch or dinner, whether you fancy seafood, a vegetarian bite, or a chicken schnitzel.
Feeling nostalgic? Give your kids a sense of classic beach holidays by visiting The World’s End pub (kids welcome until 8 pm), where you will find a number of remote-control car racing and 80s arcade games. On the menu are hot dogs, burgers, wings, and loaded fries to keep everyone happy, making this an ideal destination for both young kids teenagers.
Brighton: A Perfect Single Parent Holiday Destination
Brighton is a vibrant cultural destination, perfect not just for a day out or weekend away but also for holidays with teenagers and young children. With so many famous Brighton attractions, things to do, and places to eat in and around Brighton, you can easily fill a whole week. You could spend a day alone on the beach, another exploring Brighton’s famous Pier, with its thrilling fairground rides, and not to forget, visit some of Brighton’s many museums. Whilst the famous Booth Natural History Museum is currently closed for refurbishment, you can still check their events page for drop in days. We hope our Brighton itinerary has helped you plan your next visit. Just be prepared to be sidetracked with all sorts of artistic and exciting events that can divert young and old visitors alike.
