Planning a family holiday can sometimes feel like you need another holiday just to recover from the planning itself. But a trip to the Sussex coast? That’s where the magic happens. At My Getaways, we believe that a Brighton beach holiday should be all about making memories, not managing meltdowns.
Whether you’re visiting for the pebble beaches, the pier attractions, or the famous fish and chips, here is your practical guide to enjoying a stress-free seaside escape with the kids.
1. The Best Family-Friendly Beach Spots
Brighton’s shingle beach is iconic, but we know that little legs prefer sand. The good news? You don’t have to travel far.
- Brighton Beach (East of the Pier): While the main beach is pebbles, head slightly east towards Brighton Marina or the Yellowave Beach Sports Venue. There are patches of sandier terrain, and it’s generally quieter than the packed area directly under the pier.
- Hove Lawns: A short stroll west along the promenade takes you to the Hove border. Here, the beach becomes a mix of sand and shingle, and the grassy Hove Lawns are perfect for a picnic or a game of tag without getting sandy feet.
- Rottingdean Beach: If you have a car or fancy a short bus ride (the 12, 12A, or 13 bus runs frequently), head to the village of Rottingdean. This is a designated “quiet beach” with a lovely tidal pool (great for paddlers) and a family-friendly pub right on the seafront.
Top Tip: Bring sturdy beach shoes or crocs for the kids. The pebbles can be tough on tiny feet (and adult feet!) when walking to the water’s edge.
2. Arcades and Attractions (When You Need a Break from the Sun)
Let’s face it, building sandcastles is exhausting. When you need a change of scenery, or if the British weather decides to make an appearance, Brighton’s attractions are a lifesaver.
- Brighton Palace Pier: You can’t miss it. It’s loud, it’s bright, and the kids will love it. The pier is packed with traditional seaside arcade games, from 2p penny falls to the latest racing simulators. Don’t forget to grab a doughnut from the stall on the pier—it’s a rite of passage.
- Brighton i360: Europe’s tallest moving platform, an amazing way to see Brighton from 450ft in the sky!
- Yellowave Beach Sports: If you have older kids or teenagers, this is a fantastic spot. It’s a dedicated beach sports venue right on the sand where you can hire a court for beach volleyball, football, or rounders.
- Peter Pan’s Playground: Tucked away just west of the pier (near the Volks Railway), this is a long-standing favourite. It’s a free, gated playground with equipment suitable for toddlers and younger children, right on the seafront.
3. Kid-Proof Restaurants (That Adults Will Enjoy Too)
Gone are the days when “family-friendly” meant questionable chicken nuggets. Brighton is a foodie city that welcomes little ones with open arms.
- The Basketmakers Arms: A classic Brighton pub in the North Laine. It’s incredibly welcoming to families, serves hearty Sussex grub, and the staff are used to the chaos of little ones.
- Bill’s (North Road): The original Bill’s cafe is a wonderland for kids. It’s a converted warehouse filled with quirky products and plants. The menu is extensive, and they are brilliant with high chairs and colouring sheets and check out their fun breakfasts too! (PS: we don’t work with them, just we like them!)
- Chilli Pickle: Feel like something spicier? This award-winning Indian restaurant in the North Laine is surprisingly family-friendly during lunch hours. They offer a “Little Pickle” menu with milder curries and popadoms—a great introduction to world foods for curious kids.
- The Beachfront Kiosks: Sometimes, the easiest option is the best. Grab fish and chips from Bankers or a wood-fired pizza from Purezza (on the seafront) and eat al fresco on the beach. No one cares if the kids drop chips on the pebbles.
4. What to Look For in a My Getaways Holiday Rental
Where you stay makes or breaks a family holiday. At My Getaways, we have a range of properties across Brighton and Sussex, but when you’re packing for a tribe, here are the features we recommend you filter for:
- The Garden or Terrace: Look for properties listed with outdoor space. A secure garden means the kids can burn off energy while you enjoy a morning coffee in peace.
- Parking: This is the golden ticket. Brighton is a busy city, and lugging suitcases and pushchairs from a car park several streets away is a stress we want to eliminate for you. Check out our Free Parking holiday homes in Brighton and Sussex.
- Washing Facilities: Let’s be real: kids and sand result in mountains of laundry. A property with a washing machine (or even better, a dryer) means you don’t have to take a week’s worth of sandy clothes home with you.
- Proximity to the Bus Route: If you’re staying slightly out of the centre (like in Kemptown or Rottingdean), being near a bus route that takes the famous Volks Railway or the 12/12A buses is a game-changer for tired legs.
The My Getaways Promise
A family holiday to Brighton doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. It should be about ice cream for breakfast (just once!), the shrieks of delight on the pier, and falling asleep to the sound of the waves.
Browse our collection of family-friendly holiday lets today and find the perfect home away from home for your next Sussex adventure.