children stood outside colourful sheds
children stood outside colourful sheds

Our Hove Village parents give their suggestions on the best outdoor spaces, restaurants and activities for families in Brighton & Hove.

Brighton & Hove Recommendations from Real Parents.

No one knows more about raising a family in Brighton & Hove than the parents at Hove Village. That’s why we reached out to them to find out their favourite outdoor spaces, restaurants and other top tips.

“Keep discovering new areas, take a picnic and go for a walk”

Sienna – Hove Village Parent

Brighton & Hove Top 5 Family Parks

When you think of Brighton & Hove you probably first picture the beach, but the city is also full of incredible green spaces perfect for family picnics, learning to walk, run and ride a bike, or getting amongst nature and wildlife. Below are our parents’ top five outdoor spaces:

  1. Hove Park – This spacious park is big enough to fit a children’s playground, basketball court, climbing wall and miniature railway, yet never feels overcrowded. A perfect destination for any family looking to get closer to nature.
  2. Hove Lagoon – Little ones can enjoy the outdoor lido in the summer while older children can learn to sail, wakeboard, windsurf and more.
  3. Wish Park – Situated right behind Hove Village Day Nursery, this is a favourite amongst our children and is where we regularly hold outdoor P.E. classes and Rugbytots.
  4. Stanmer Park – The city’s largest and most visited park, an idyllic place to get lost on a sunny day.
  5. Stoneham Park – This hidden gem just off Portland Road features two playgrounds for children and lovely shaded areas for those seeking some peace and quiet.

Special mentions: 

  • Three Corner Copse – the largest woodland in Hove.
  • Mile Oak Farm - Pop by to say hello to Albert, their famous donkey!
  • St Ann’s Well Garden – Some call this park “an unexpected paradise in the city”. Located less that a kilometre inland from the beach, tucked behind houses, this park is brimming with wildlife for the children to discover.
  • Hove Lawns – A short walk from our Nursery at Hove Library, these lawns are perfect for a run around and family sports before enjoying a picnic or ice-cream on the beach.

Brighton & Hove Top 5 Family Restaurants

Taking your family out to a restaurant can sometime be a daunting experience, especially if you are new to the area. But don’t fear, you will be spoilt for choice for great places to eat in Brighton & Hove. From dining beachside at Rockwater or Barefoot CafĂ©, to getting great organic plates at Six. Here are some of our Hove Village parents’ recommendations for their favourite restaurants to visit with the family.

  1. Fatto a Mano - With three pizzerias in Brighton & Hove you’re never too far from delicious pizza the whole family can enjoy.
  2. Modelo Lounge - A restaurant that understands how to cater for your children, or ‘little loungers’ as they call them. With fun activities to keep them busy and a tasty kids’ menu.
  3. Flour Pot - Born and bread (excuse the pun) in Brighton & Hove this is a local favourite for all things artisanal. There are other Flour Pot locations across the city, including on the promenade in central Brighton.
  4. The Big Beach Café (on Hove Lagoon) - Formerly owned by Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills and now owned by Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim, the Big Beach Café is everything a café by the beach should be with added playground and paddling pool!
  5. Jo & Co - Inspired by travels in Australia and New Zealand, a family brunch doesn’t get much better than the ones served here. Did we mention build your own pancakes?!

Special mentions:

  • The Hummingbird at Shoreham airport where you can watch the planes while you eat (they also filmed an episode of Poirot there).
  • Wish Park CafĂ© – Staff and parents can be seen queuing for a yummy lunch at this cafĂ© located a stone’s throw away from our New Church Road Nursery.
  • Richardson Road – Overlooked by many, this quaint side street is where you’ll find locals in-the-know buying the best seasonal produce from independent grocers, family butchers and florists. When not shopping you can catch up with friends over at Drury Tea & Coffee.
Fatto A Mano

Hove Village Parents Favourite Thing About Brighton & Hove

There’s no surprise in what our parents said was the number one best thing about living in Brighton & Hove.

“Make the seafront and beach part of your life” - Fionnuala, Hove Village Parent

  1. The seaside – One of the UK’s most famous Blue Flag beaches, the 4-mile promenade buzzes with life year-round. Lined with unique sculptures, cafĂ©s, bars and more, you’ll never get bored. As a resident you can get discounts on the pier, the i360 and the Sea Life centre, or simply enjoy sitting on the pebbles and watching the sunshine sparkle off the water.
  2. Fresh air and plenty of space
  3. Family friendly communities
  4. South Downs
  5. Great shops and restaurants on your doorstep

More Hove Village parent Brighton & Hove tips:

“There's lots of brilliant things to see and do, clubs to take part in, pop-up cafĂ©s and shops, and community-driven stuff to get involved in. The best way to find these are social media and word of mouth, so get involved with groups and don't be afraid to ask what's happening!” – Alex, Hove Village Parent.

“King Alfred pool has squeaky frog swimming lessons for toddlers” – Diogo, Hove Village Parent

“You can get a reduction on the pier & i360 if you’re a local resident” – Caroline, Hove Village Parent

“The Raising Brighton Facebook group is a Brighton parents’ group and is a brilliant resource for ideas” – Emilie, Hove Village Parent