Discover Brighton's best outdoor havens...
Forget the cliché of just the beach and candy-striped rock—Brighton boasts more than just seaside allure. Amidst its vintage stores, galleries, and vegan cafés, lie lush green oases waiting to be explored. Step away from the beaten pier and into somewhere leafier as we unveil Brighton's best parks and gardens...
Preston Park
Preston Rd, Brighton BN1 6SD
Preston Park, Brighton's verdant playground and the largest urban park in the city, where you can pitch up for a day of fun-filled escapades or simply bask in the glory of a sunny afternoon. There's always ample space for your troupe, whether you're kicking around a football or indulging in a leisurely picnic. Sporting enthusiasts will find their haven amidst the tennis and basketball courts, while the little ones can frolic to their heart's content in one of Preston Park's largest adventure playgrounds—guaranteed to tire them out for a peaceful night's sleep. And let's not forget the manor house, which plays host to concerts, fairs, and circuses, adding a touch of whimsy to this green oasis. But the real gem? Wander beyond the manicured lawns to discover an enchanting wildflower meadow, where vibrant blooms rival the hues of Brighton's iconic bathing boxes.
Dyke Road Park
197 Dyke Rd, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN1 5AS
Dyke Road Park boasts an open-air theatre that hosts everything from Shakespearean soliloquies to ABBA Mania, ensuring summer evenings are filled with theatrical splendor. Wander through Edwardian gardens adorned with meticulously tended flowerbeds, or take a stroll along the well-maintained paths winding through ornamental shrubs and herbaceous borders. With six tennis courts, a children's playground, and access to Brighton Open Air Theatre, Dyke Road Park is the heart of community leisure, providing a green haven for all ages.
Withdean Park
36 Peacock Ln, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 8NA
Popular among dog walkers and green-thumbed enthusiasts, this park is a horticultural haven with its extended woodland walk and charming lily pond garden. As you amble along the winding paths bordered by woodland, take a moment to pause and soak in the beauty of nature's canvas, with the South Downs providing a breathtaking backdrop. With a fenced-off area ensuring added safety and serenity away from roads, Withdean Park is the paw-fect spot for a leisurely stroll or a game of fetch with your pup.
Queen's Park
1 West Dr, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 0QU
As you wander through the leafy gardens and admire the central pond, keep an eye out for the quirky wildlife garden planted by a local herbalist, adding an extra touch of whimsy to this picturesque park. And if you find yourself in need of refreshment, look no further than the industrial-chic Lady Marmalade café, where you can fuel up with a flat white and a sultana scone before continuing your explorations. Whether you're seeking relaxation or recreation, Queen's Park promises an enchanting experience for all.
Hove Park
Goldstone Cres, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 6BG
With its sprawling lawns, vibrant flower beds, and majestic trees, Hove Park offers the paw-fect backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a spirited game of fetch. But that's not all—adventure awaits around every corner with an abundance of sports and play facilities, including a 3G football pitch, tennis and basketball courts, and even an outdoor gym to pump up those muscles. For a dash of whimsy, hop aboard the miniature steam railway or get lost in the Fingermaze, a quirky piece of public sculpture that's fun for all ages. And don't forget to pay homage to the park's claim to fame—the Goldstone, a massive rock steeped in Druidic lore, rumored to bear the imprint of a human face if you look closely enough.
Blakers Park
30 Cleveland Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 6FG
Tucked away in the charming Fiveways area, this petite park packs a punch with its array of attractions, including a newly spruced-up playground, inviting tennis courts, and a cozy café serving up cups of joe and camaraderie. Despite its modest dimensions, Blakers Park boasts a vibrant energy and a Victorian clocktower that stands tall as a testament to its timeless allure.
Stoneham Park
2 Stoneham Rd, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 5FS
Fuel your adventures with a pitstop at the community-run café, where you can refuel with a cup of joe and a slice of community camaraderie. And let's not forget about the TalkShop support center, providing a vital lifeline to the local community. Fun fact: Did you know that part of the land on which Stoneham Park now stands was once a gravel pit? Yes, indeed—pigs once roamed this very ground, courtesy of the Duke of Portland! In 1906, the Duke generously bequeathed this area to the people of Hove as a recreational haven, a legacy celebrated by the charming pigs sculpture adorning the park.
St. Ann's Well Gardens
Somerhill Rd, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3
Not far from Hove seafront, this verdant paradise beckons visitors of all ages with its enchanting array of native and exotic trees, providing a tranquil retreat for both wildlife and person alike. Immerse yourself in the park's conservation efforts, with designated areas dedicated to nature preservation and a scented garden designed for the visually impaired. And when hunger strikes, be sure to refuel at The Garden Cafe, where delicious treats await. Fun fact: Did you know that St Ann's Well Gardens is one of eight parks in the city recognized by the prestigious Green Flag Award Scheme? With its accessible pathways, volunteer opportunities, and bat-friendly lighting, this park truly offers something for everyone.
The Level
Union Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4ZN
This beloved community park received a major makeover in 2013, thanks to a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund. Now boasting a plethora of attractions and facilities, The Level offers something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a skateboarding savant shredding it up at the skatepark, or a nature lover exploring the sensory play garden, there's no shortage of excitement to be had. Plus, with opportunities to volunteer and get involved in community-led activities, you can truly make your mark on this vibrant green oasis. And let's not forget about the café and hiring venue, perfect for small community gatherings and well-deserved refreshments.