48 Hours In Brighton – VIVA Kids City Guide

THIS summer, are you are planning on visiting any of the UK’s greatest town and cities?

Will you have the kids in tow and are you feeling slightly worried, that the best part could end up being you drinking the contents of the hotel mini bar, after spending 48 hours, sharing only one room with your loved ones?

If the answer is yes, then our VIVA Kids, family weekend break guides, are just for you!

This summer for VIVA Magazine and for you, I will be dragging the family around to help me road test some of the UK’s favourite towns and cities, sharing with you my lessons learnt and any child friendly tips.

Brighton is famously known for the place that Zoella and Alfie live, or so my kids, tell me. Apparently, they were on the beach just before we arrived!

It is also a town known for its nightlife, arts scene, shopping and festivals. A five hour drive from Manchester, means my first tip is; to bring along, snacks, magazines, and in car entertainment to avoid the dreaded …’Are we there yet?’

Sleep

The city offers a great range of hotels. The Hotel Du Vin, Hotel and Restaurant can be found in the quaint narrow cobble-stoned alleyways of The Lanes, the oldest part of the city. Surrounded by antique shops, galleries, boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants. They offer a one child 12 years old or younger stays free, when occupying the parent or guardian’s room, using existing bedding, and for larger families the property has connecting/adjoining rooms. (Subject to availability)

On the high streets, you will find the usual chain hotels, such as the Travelodge and Premier inn, both offering good value for money, and free kids breakfast.

Another hotel which looks absolutely amazing is the Artist Residence a 23-bedroom townhouse hotel with 2 restaurants, 2 buzzing cocktail bars and a ping-pong room centrally located in historic Regency Square with sea-views over the iconic West Pier. They say that children are welcome, but no room for extra beds, so choose the correct occupancy room when booking.

Eat

If it’s a kid friendly alternative to the usual happy meal you are looking for, then look no further than BeFries! Who were voted ‘Best Bites on a Budget’ in the Brighton restaurant awards. They are the masters of the saucy chip, bringing you the delicious, double cooked, Belgian fries with a huge range of homemade sauces, such as satay, jerk and even a chocolate and caramel combo – ‘Chocomel’!

If the kids are in need of a sugar rush, and you are desperate a few shots of coffee, you must visit Dum Dum which are an artisan bakery bringing you the ‘cro’ a  doughnut / croissant doughnut. Made with only natural ingredients, Dum Dum offer beautifully baked (not fried) handmade doughnuts. We tasted the galaxy donut, the Strawberry cream, and The Zebra…Delish!

There are also over 20 fooderies to choose from at Brighton Marina which is just a short drive up the seafront.

Do

You can’t visit Brighton without spending a day at the beach, whilst the kids play you can people watch a plenty, as its busy with families, hen parties and locals. Brighton has a lovely beach and right across the sea front there is so much going on, from the fairground rides on the pier, to the water sports.

Also worth a visit but not so great for prams and buggies are the Laines, Brighton’s famous and historical shopping area. In the mile between the Pavilion and Brighton station you will find 100’s of quirky shops, independent cafes, pubs, theatres and a world-class museum.

Brighton definitely gets a VIVA Kids thumbs up from us. There was enough to entertain, both younger children and teens, and plenty for the adults to enjoy too. It does get very busy in the evening, with the party crowd so finding somewhere child friendly for an evening meal out was important. There was so much going on, and many parks and places we didn’t get to visit in only 48 hours, so we plan to go back again (maybe for girls holiday next time).

For more information go to https://www.visitbrighton.com/