Family in:site into Brighton
This story happened on: 04/02/2015
Family In:site
Brighton has long been the seaside escape for Londoners and that's exactly what we did. After a hectic week in London, staying at the popular Crystal Palace site we headed south for some sea air. Back in the Victorian times, a visit to Brighton was medicinal; doctors claiming the saltwater was good for health. We didn't venture into the sea (this time) but did enjoy the salubrious seafront architecture dating from the Regency period and beyond.
The Brighton Caravan Club site is ideally located in the middle of a small park and a short walk from the seafront in the East of Brighton. Although you aren't far from shops and houses, the site is tucked at the back of a park, hidden from view. Ten minutes walk away is the large Brighton marina, a popular "village", one half of which comprises of shops and entertainment venues and the other half highly valued properties on the seafront, looking over moored yachts and fishing vessels.
There is plenty to do in and around Brighton and a week is certainly not long enough. Here are a few family friendly suggestions that we tied and would recommend:
- Play on the site and nearby park playgrounds
The caravan site has a small, centrally located playground but 5 minutes away in the park there is plenty of open space and more playground equipment to explore. Don't forget to take a football and some tennis rackets for a couple of games on the nearby courts.
- Brighton undercliff walk
Under the cliff between the marina and the next village of Rottingdean is a paved path by the seawall. A walk there and back is roughly 6 miles and should provide some lovely sea views. The kids can enjoy dodging any crashing waves that splash onto the walkway. We walked along the cliff to Rottingdean and back via the undercliff route. Be warned, on a sunny day it can get quite busy.
- Brighton Pier
This iconic pier is one of the main attractions in Brighton. You can see the old pier sitting in the water to the west. The new Palace pier offers all the typical seaside resort attractions: amusements, fairground rides, donuts, candy-floss, face cut-outs from silly picture boards. The kids will love to spend a bit of time (and money) here.
- Brighton beach
You can't leave Brighton without spending some time on the beach. No matter what time of year, a walk along the pebbles is a must. Why not do a beach clean while you're there. We managed to collect two bin bags full of plastic in an hour.
- Pavillion and Brighton museum and art gallery
The Brighton and Hove city council logo shows the silhouette of the Pavillion with its Indian influenced architecture. This building is an impressive sight - well worth a photo if not a visit inside. The museum next door is highly recommended. Split into smaller rooms, each covering different topics or periods of history, it's a fascinating journey. Highlights for us included the Egyptians room, the Asian shadow puppets and the Ocean's Blue exhibition about plastic pollution in the ocean. The last exhibition had a real impact on us, hence the beach clean. We have been aware for a while about the impact of plastic in the world's oceans but we were once again appalled at the facts. If you don't make it to the museum, at least watch this...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7MtuG2I_f0
- Wander around North Laine
North Laine is a shopping and residential district in Brighton not far from the Pavillion. The streets are lined with quaint, individual shops and cafes. The area is well worth a visit.
- South Downs way
There are plenty of walking opportunities near Brighton. The South Downs National Park extends for hundreds of miles over chalky hills. One popular walk takes in the National Trust site, Devil's Dyke and the surrounding area.
- Rottingdean to visit Kipling's gardens.
Rottingdean is the next village to the east of Brighton. It is famous for its ties with Rudyard Kipling, who lived in a cottage in the village from 1897 - 1902. It was here that he wrote some of his famous Just So stories. Why not take along some Kipling cakes to enjoy while reading some of the stories. You'll have an exceedingly good time ;)
- Beachy Head
Beachy Head is a chalky headland to the east of Brighton, near Eastbourne. It's actually the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain and boasts some beautiful views. There are plenty of walking opportunities as well as impressive picnic spots.
- Drive to Battle and visit the English Heritage museum and battlefields of 1066.
About 40 miles away, is the village of Battle, a very quaint village steeped in history. The Abbey is an English Heritage site and contains the battlefields where the infamous 1066 battle took place. English Heritage present the information wonderfully both through plaques around the site but particularly well through the audio tour - one aimed at children and one aimed at adults.
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