Planning a family trip to Brighton and Sussex is an excellent idea, and aligning it with the UK school holidays ensures you can make the most of your time. The school year is structured around several main breaks, providing perfect windows for a memorable coastal getaway.
📅 UK School Holidays & Term Dates for 2026
School holidays in the UK are set by local authorities, so dates can vary slightly. The following table provides the key holiday periods for England, but Scotland varies significantly from this, for example. Always double-check with your specific school or local council for the final dates.
Key Tip for Planning: The summer holidays are the longest break, offering great flexibility but also the busiest travel period. The half-term weeks (especially in spring and summer) are ideal for shorter, focused trips and may be less crowded than the peak summer weeks.
🎡 Family Adventures in Brighton
Brighton is bursting with attractions perfect for school-age children. Here are some top ideas to build into your itinerary.
- Iconic Pier Fun: No visit is complete without time on the Brighton Palace Pier. It’s a classic seaside experience with arcade games, fairground rides for all ages (from gentle carousels to thrilling roller coasters), and plenty of spots for fish and chips or sweet treats.
- Marvel at Marine Life: Step into the underwater world at Sea Life Brighton, one of the world’s oldest operating aquariums. The walk-through underwater tunnel is a unforgettable highlight where sharks and rays glide overhead.
- Active & Outdoor Thrills: For adventurous families, the Brighton Zip offers a 300-metre dual zip wire along the seafront. Alternatively, try a round of neon-glowing adventure golf at GLOBALLS in the Brighton Marina.
🌿 Exploring Beyond Brighton: Family Days Out in Sussex
Using Brighton as a base, you can easily explore the wider county of Sussex, which is packed with fantastic family attractions.
- Award-Winning Wildlife Park: Just a short drive away, Drusillas Park near Alfriston is renowned as one of Europe’s best small zoos. It’s a full day out with hundreds of animals, fantastic play areas, and fun rides like the Safari Express train.
- Wild Play in a Beautiful Garden: Explore Wakehurst, a stunning botanic garden where kids can run free in natural play spaces like the Treetrunk Trek. They also run a programme of family-friendly events throughout the year.
- Creative & Cultural Stops: For a change of pace, visit the Hove Museum of Creativity, noted as one of the most family-friendly and accessible museums in the region. Over in Lewes, you can catch a family film or event at the independent Depot cinema.
Planning Your Brighton & Sussex Getaway
To make your trip planning smoother, here are a few final tips:
- Accommodation & Travel: Book accommodation well in advance, especially for the summer and Easter holidays. Brighton is well-connected by train from London and major cities and you can find our list of amazing family holiday rentals here.
- Weather Preparedness:Â The south coast seaside weather is changeable. Pack layers, waterproof jackets, and sunscreen – you might need them all in one day!
- Mix and Match:Â Balance iconic, busy attractions like the Pier with quieter, nature-based days out in Sussex to create a holiday with variety for everyone.