Brighton – the family favourite

Brighton is probably the ultimate family destination in the UK, and whatever your age, the hotels in Brighton will make your stay a truly memorable one. Brighton attracts around eight million visitors a year, and offers something for everyone, so you will never be short of something to do.

Brighton Pier opens at 10.00am every day, and is famous for its funfair and amusements. The fair is open from midday until 7.00pm and features a variety of rides that are suitable for children and families of all ages. For older ones there are thrills to be had, including the jaw-dropping Super Booster – described as the ultimate thrill ride – which is over 125 feet tall and features a 60mph drop! For amusements on the pier, look no further than The Palace of Fun, which has arcade games for all the family and some great prizes on offer. The Family Entertainment Centre also features arcade games, slot machines and a very family-friendly food-court.

The resort holds a Blue Flag Beach Award for cleanliness and quality of bathing water, making it an ideal destination for a family holiday, and visitors can rest assured that there are plenty of family-friendly hotels in Brighton.

The beach is a shingle-beach, although it does become sandy in places leading down to the sea. Along the seafront there are many more attractions, arcades and restaurants. A visit to Brighton Marina is a day out in itself, with shops, restaurants, cafes, and plenty to see and do, including the opportunity to take a sightseeing boat trip.

If however the weather looks dubious, The Sea Life Centre is located in Madeira Drive, and is the oldest functioning aquarium in the world. It features over 150 species including sea turtles and sharks. Lost in Amazonia is a mirror maze with piranhas, stingrays and tropical fish, all set against an enchanting rainforest backdrop.

For a bit of culture and a break from all things aquatic, the Booth Museum of Natural History, situated in Dyke Road, is always a family favourite. This is a wonderful and unique museum exhibiting half a million specimens, including butterflies, birds, a whale and the remains of dinosaurs. It is open every day except Thursdays. Alternatively, Brighton Toy and Model Museum is located in Trafalgar Street, close to Brighton Station. This magical museum is crammed with toys and games from days gone by and is guaranteed to entertain visitors whatever their age. It is open from Tuesday-Saturday.

Another must-see is The Royal Pavilion. This is one of Brighton’s most famous landmarks and is centrally located, close to many of the popular attractions and hotels in Brighton. Families can take part in a number of entertaining and educational activities. These could include acting as a guest of King George IV, learning to write in hieroglyphics in the Ancient Egypt Galleries or visiting the wizard at the Toy Gallery. The Pavilion’s Families Programme also offers a range of interactive family activities including art workshops, storytelling and costume workshops.