Family Fun in Brighton

Family days out create lasting memories but can sometimes be costly! To help combat this, did you know that you can get 2FOR1 tickets on certain attractions around London, Brighton and Cambridge when you travel there by rail with Thameslink and Great Northern?

But what is there to do in Brighton?

I lived very close to Brighton throughout my childhood and teens and have fond memories of strolling along the beach, skimming pebbles through the sea and playing in the arcades on Brighton Pier. Of course that was a good few years ago but now I love to take my kids to visit family locally and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

One of our favourite places to visit is SeaLife Brighton which has the UK’s first glass-bottom boat & over 150 marine creatures including the Giant Pacific Octopus and hundred’s of species of fish to admire.

The Sea Life Centre is set right next to Brighton Pier where you can join with activities and events such as restaurants, the arcade, kids games and the fun fair – I dare you to try the rollercoaster at the end of the pier which makes you feel like you are going to fly off into the sea.

A newer attraction and one I am keen to do is the Brighton Wheel which is sits 50m above sea level and offers you breathtaking, panoramic views of the city’s famous landmarks and stunning coastline. A commentary of the heritage of Brighton & Hove accompanies the sensational city views unfolding before your eyes, by day and by night.

One of my favourite things to do is a wander around the Lanes, although this is better if you have older children and teens as it offers a shopper’s paradise of independent shops and boutiques with quaint and wondrous shops and funky restaurants and cafes to rest your weary feet in.

If being in the great outdoors is your thing, then six of Brighton and Hove’s parks have been awarded the Green Flag, which means they have achieved high environmental standards, contribute to the local community, are clean and well maintained, secure and safe, well-managed and support conservation and our heritage. Or if a longer walk is in order, Devils Dyke is a legendary beauty spot on the South Downs owned by the National Trust and well worth a visit for a spot of kite flying.

Being the UK, the weather doesn’t always play ball, so if the weather does turn on you Brighton Marina is a great place to visit as there is bowling and a cinema, plus lots of restaurants overlooking the boats where you can sit outside if the weather is kinder. There is also a fun and friendly Toy Museum just outside Brighton Station.

A trip to Choccywoccydoodah has been recommended for my next visit by TheMiniMesAndMe as they love to see the huge creations in the shop and pop upstairs for some tasty treats too.

Thameslink operates train services to and from the heart of London, between Bedford and Brighton via Luton and Gatwick Airport, and St Albans and Wimbledon. Great Northern connects King’s Lynn, Cambridge and Peterborough, via Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City with London King’s Cross. Metro services run to and from Moorgate weekdays, late evening and at weekends.

Kids travel for just £2 when accompanied by an adult on our great value Off-Peak tickets, plus get 2FOR1 offers to heaps of attractions when you travel by train: thameslinkrailway.com/spring

I’d love to hear how you manage to have your own great day out using the train with your family.

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