Hove Park Brighton & Hove
Large public park in Hove with playground and miniature railway.
Brighton has some genuinely good parks. Preston Park is the largest with a proper playground, the Rockery, and a cafe. The Level in the city centre has a water play area and skatepark. Queen's Park is the locals' favourite on the east side. Hove Park has a miniature railway in summer. Wild Park in Moulsecoomb has a brand new adventure playground built for older kids, with an outdoor gym alongside. Further out, Hollingdean Park has an impressive inclusive playground refurbished in 2023, and Carden Park's four-level play area with zip wire draws families from across the city. Withdean Park is a quieter alternative in north Brighton with botanical gardens and woodland walks. Most playgrounds are fenced and several have equipment for different age ranges.
Brighton & Hove has over 100 parks and green spaces. We cover the main family-friendly parks here. For the full list including smaller recreation grounds, see the council parks map .
Most Brighton parks have paved paths suitable for pushchairs. Preston Park, Hove Park, and The Level are all flat. St Ann's Well Gardens is hillier but manageable.
All parks welcome picnics. Preston Park and Queen's Park have the most open space for spreading out. The Level has benches near the playground.
Public toilets are available at Preston Park (near the cafe), Queen's Park, Peter Pan Playground, Kings Road Playground, and Stanmer Park playground. Hove Park has facilities near the cafe. Check opening hours as some close seasonally.
The Level and Peter Pan Playground suit all ages. Preston Park has separate toddler equipment. St Ann's Well Gardens and Blakers Park are better for younger children.
Large public park in Hove with playground and miniature railway.
Hove's favourite park with gardens, courts and a cafe
Surprisingly wild South Downs woodland and meadows on Brighton's doorstep
Brighton's biggest park with 63 acres, a legendary 1930s rockery and a proper playground.
Victorian hilltop park with room to breathe.
Victorian town park with bowling greens, cafe and beach access
Botanical gardens with the world's second-largest lilac collection and woodland walks in north Brighton.
Neighbourhood park on Cleveland Road with a playground, tennis courts and a cafe.
Tranquil Green Flag park in Portslade with walled garden, cafe and natural fitness stations.
Public park on Dyke Road, Hove, with a playground and bowling green.
Climbing frames, see-saws and serious energy-burning in Stanmer Park
Popular 12-acre park in west Hove with playground, cafe and brand new outdoor gym.
Green Flag park in Hove with two play areas, community cafe and heritage pig sculptures.
Fenced playground for all ages in St Ann's Well Gardens
Public green space along Hove's seafront, free to visit.
Children's playground in Blakers Park.
Refurbished playground and seasonal paddling pool on Lewes Road.
Fenced city centre playground with climbing frames, sand play, swings, and see-saw
Large public park in east Brighton with sports pitches and playground.
Hillside park with Iron Age hillfort, refurbished playground and panoramic views over Brighton.
Free seafront playground and seasonal paddling pool next to the i360.
Village recreation ground with refurbished inclusive playground, tennis courts and car park.
Refurbished playground, skate park and outdoor gym next to the Grade II-listed Saltdean Lido.
Bespoke adventure playground for older kids in Moulsecoomb, free and open to all
Free children's play area in The Level park.
Inclusive hillside playground with lighthouse tower, skate park and panoramic city views.
Public gardens between North Street and the seafront.
Multi-level inclusive playground with zip wire, community cafe and South Downs views.
Brighton's well-used central park near London Road.
Preston Park, The Level, Queen's Park, Hove Park, St Ann's Well Gardens, Blakers Park, Wild Park, Hollingdean Park, Carden Park, Stoneham Park, Wish Park, Easthill Park, and Saltdean Oval all have playgrounds. The Level and Preston Park have the most equipment. Hollingdean Park and Carden Park have the most inclusive equipment for children with SEND. Wild Park's adventure playground is designed for older children.
Most Brighton parks have paved paths suitable for buggies. Preston Park, Hove Park, The Level, Stoneham Park, and Wish Park are all flat. Queen's Park has some slopes but is manageable. St Ann's Well Gardens and Hollingdean Park are hillier but the main paths are paved.
Preston Park has both a cafe and public toilets. Hove Park has a cafe. Queen's Park has a cafe and toilets. St Ann's Well Gardens has a small cafe. Stoneham Park, Wish Park, Easthill Park, and Carden Park all have community cafes. Public toilets are also available at Peter Pan Playground, Kings Road Playground, and Stanmer Park playground. Saltdean Oval and Rottingdean have public toilets.