Brighton & Hove’s Top Beach Alternatives
With the pubs shut and the weather warming up, Brighton & Hove’s beaches have never been more popular. They’re pretty busy at the best of times, but with no beer gardens to pick up the slack, you’d better get down there early if you want to nab a good spot.
If that sounds a bit too much like hard work, why not explore some of the other outside spaces our unique city has to offer?
Do yourself a favour — grab a good book, and maybe some refreshing beverages, and find yourself some (green) space at one of these.
St Ann’s Well Gardens and Hove Green
These parks offer some calm in the middle of the dense residential areas that cluster around Seven Dials.
With its tall trees, tennis courts and plenty of secluded quiet spots, St Ann’s Well Gardens is a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city.
The Garden Cafe, which sits in the centre, serves up drinks, ice creams and snacks. Last year, local club promoters Black Octopus put on several sold-out parties there — might be a while until they’re back on the menu, though.
If it’s big green open spaces you're looking for, head a little further north to Hove Green and the beautiful Dyke Road Park. A notable attraction is the Open Air Theatre, which, while closed now, is cautiously taking bookings for this summer.
Wild Park and Stanmer Park
A little out of town, but worth the trip, you’ll find picturesque views, huge open spaces and hillside woods aplenty at these two beauty spots.
The trails up the side of Wild Park take you to the edge of the South Downs, where you can soak up some of the best sights of the city. Pack some lunch though — it’s a long way to the top.
Even further north, just before you hit Sussex University, you’ll find Stanmer Park. You might have been there before without realising, as one of the thousands who spent a messy day at Shakedown or Boundary Festival in years gone by. If so, do yourself a favour and head there with a clearer head this time to enjoy the scenes, or take a long walk through the copses and into the surrounding hills.
Not fussed about open spaces? Check out Falmer Village Pond - stop off at the Park Farm Shop on your way to grab some bird food to lob at the ducks.
Preston Park
A favourite with locals is Preston Park. It’s the largest urban park in Brighton & Hove, with plenty of shady spots to enjoy some time out of the sun when you want to.
This is the spot where Pride is usually held each year. It also plays host to comedy shows (Sean Lock, Sara Pascoe and plenty others sold out at the Comedy Garden last year), fireworks, funfairs and loads of one-off events.
This summer, however, you’re more likely to find friends and families sinking tinnies and smashing through BBQs. It’s a lovely spot to spend a warm evening as the sun goes down.
Shoreham Harbour Beach
I get it — sometimes, it’s just nice to be beside the seaside. Instead of battling the boozers hanging out by The Arch, or the furloughed workers who’ve made Hove Lawns their new home, try heading further west instead.
Walk (or maybe cycle — depending on how much time and energy you have) a little past Hove Lagoon, and you’ll find the relatively quiet beaches beside Shoreham Harbour. It might seem like you’re just heading into an industrial estate, but stick with it! There’s a reason plenty of paddleboarders and windsurfers choose to launch here.
There’s even a small cafe, Carats Cafe, that sells everything from lunches and soft drinks, to roast dinners and Maxibons. On the way back, stock up on delicious treats from The Cheese Man and locally caught fish from Brighton & Newhaven Fish Sales. Yummy.
Hove Park and Three Cornered Copse
Plenty of Brightonians have enjoyed a stroll around Hove Park, but few people have ventured out to the Three Cornered Copse — a woodland corridor that links Hove Park to the South Downs.
While it might seem like you’re in the middle of nowhere, you’re actually surrounded by some of the priciest properties in the city. A perfect day out for your inner nosy neighbour.
Brighton Borough Cemetery
I know, I know — why would you want to hang out in a cemetery on the weekend? Surely there are nicer spots?
I lived on Lewes Road for ages before I decided to take a walk to the top of the hill — until then, I had no idea how huge this place is. At 150 years old, the cemetery offers plenty of history, nature trails and picnic areas dotted around the site. If you’ve ever sat on the number 25 bus on the way into town and wondered what’s beyond that huge gate, now is the perfect time to find out.
Luke has lived in Brighton for over 10 years but still feels like a cheat calling himself a local. Think he’s missed a spot? Let him know on Twitter here.
