31 Things To Do With Teenagers in Brighton

Brighton is a fantastic destination to take teenagers for a break away.

There are so many things to do in Brighton for every teen whether they are a thrill seeker, love shopping or are more interested in history and culture.

From fair rides to vintage shops, zip wires to the beautiful Royal Pavilion, cycling to the cinema on the beach, this cool town has everything teenagers need to keep them happy.

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Brighton Beach

A trip to Brighton’s pebble beach is a must with teens. If they enjoy paddling, sunbathing and skimming pebbles on the sea, it’s a winner. Swimming is also great if the weather is good – the beach has been awarded blue flag status. If they like to be more “entertained” there is so much to do around Brighton beach, it’ll keep them occupied for days.

Top Tip: If it’s a sunny day, the beach at Brighton can get busy. If you want something quieter, head out of town, towards Rottingdean which is past the marina. The beach is nicer and slightly quieter. It’s also perfect for rockpooling.

Zipwire on the Beach

The zip wire is about 300m long, the longest on the south coast. It runs alongside the beach. If you can, book online before you go as the queues can build up.

i360

Teens will love the sky high views from the i360 which is situated right next to the beach. Step inside a glass viewing pod and travel slowly up the 450 feet tower.

Book Your Brighton i360 ticket.

The Palace Pier

Many teens will love the buzz around the pier. There is an arcade on the front of the pier, entry is free and they have lots of family fun arcade games such as 2p slot games.

At the end of the pier there is a fun fair with lots of rides and attractions. There are a wide variety from traditional fairground favourites to fast and furious adrenaline filled rides. Thrill seeking teens will love the Turbo Coaster and being spun around on the Booster. Many of the rides are undercover.

You can also get VR headsets for riding on the Twister which enhances the experience. With a VR headband, riders are entitled to one Twister VR experience only.

You can buy wristbands on the website before you go or on the day from one of the kiosks.

You’ll never play crazy golf anywhere else like Globalls. It’s a 12 hole golf course and games experience in UV light. Lots of fun!

It’s suitable for children over 12 years with adult consent. Learn how to control a jetski from your instructor, then hit the open seas and speed past Brighton Piers.

Paddleboarding at Hove Lagoon

For the teenagers who love the water, a trip to Hove Lagoon is fun. Try a paddle boarding on the sea during a taster day.  Taster days are also provide the opportunity to try windsurfing and wakeboarding. 

There are kids taster days (aged 8 to 14 years old), adult taster days (14 years plus) and family taster days to choose from. 

For teen shopaholics

The Lanes – The Lanes are narrow alleys and hidden squares which are full of quirky independent shops. They are a 10 minute walk from Brighton station and five minute walk to the Palace Pier.

North Laine – is a vibrant, colourful hub of independent restaurants, pubs, cafés, shops and outdoor stalls.

Snooper’s Paradise – Situated in North Laine Bazaar, Snoopers Paradise is a flea market with over 90 different stalls offering a wide range of antiques, collectables, jewellery, vintage and retro clothing.

Churchill Square – this is the main shopping centre. Find popular high street chains such as Primark and H&M located here and in the surrounding areas.

For the active teen consider hiring a bike. The Brighton Undercliff Walk is a 3 miles/ 5 km long uninterrupted walkway between Brighton Marina and Saltdean. You can use it to cycle to Ovingdean, Rottingdean or Saltdean. You are allowed to cycle and scoot along the path although be aware that pedestrians have priority.

There are plenty of options for bike hire. Brighton beach bikes is a great bike shop. Or you can also hire a Beryl Bike.

There are also guided bike tours.

Get an overview of Brighton with a hop on and off bus tour. You can get on and off at designated points. The tour provides an audio commentary along the way so you can learn more about Brighton as you travel.

Book Your Hop On / Hop Off Bus Tour

Located right next to Brighton beach, the upside down house is a great place to get some fun pics to put on Instagram or share with your friends. 

Walk on the ceiling, hang upside down and take some unusual photos in an experience unlike any other. 

Book online before you go. 

Sea Life Centre

Photo by Dominic Simpson / Flickr Creative Commons

The sea life centre is the oldest operating aquarium in the world. Teenagers will love the interactive rock pool where you can touch a starfish or sea anemone. Experience a coral reef as it moves through day into night. Walk through the tunnel to get up close to black tip sharks and turtles.

Book Sea Life Admission Tickets

Take an open top bus to Devil’s Dyke

Just a few miles out of town, you’ll find Devil’s Dyke, a beauty spot on the South Downs. You can catch an open top bus there on weekends and public holidays. Catch the bus by the pier. Then walk around Devil’s Dyke. and get an ice cream at the top.

Alternatively book a Seven Sisters and South Downs tour from Brighton. This tour includes a stop at Devil’s Dyke.

Royal Pavilion

The Pavilion is a fantastic palace in the middle of town. The decor is breathtaking and it has been beautifully restored. It’s inspired by Indian and Chinese architecture, it’s amazing to see an exotic building like this in the middle of Brighton.

If your teenager loves beautiful places and history, the Pavilion should be on your to do list. Having said this, it’s not going to be for every teen – some might find it boring.

One thing non history loving teens might like is the pop up ice rink that is there during the Winter.

Book Your Royal Pavilion Admission Ticket

Level Skatepark

The Level is a green space in the centre of town. It’s a nice space for walking around. Teens who love skating or scootering will enjoy the skatepark here. It’s a 1400m sq concrete skatepark. Teens can partake or just watch!

Museums

There are plenty of museums in Brighton that teens might be interested in. Check out a few below.

Booth Museum of Natural History

This is a wonderful museum to see natural history. Many will be enthused by skeletons of animals, creatures in jars and stuffed animals.

Find out more at the Booth Museum of Natural History

Toy museum

The toy museum is a fun way to spend an hour or so. You can see all kinds of exhibits. Play 10p machines including one that allows you to see how a puppet show worked (have some 10ps ready!). There are model trains that work by pressing a button, a lego collection, dinky cars and lots more.

Old Police Cells Museum

The Old Police Cells Museum charts the history of policing in Sussex. If your teen is interested in crime and policing, this is the museum for them. The tours are delivered by retired police officers so you get to hear their perspective which is very interesting.

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Royal Pavilion garden. They normally have some very interesting exhibitions here so it’s well worth checking the website to see what’s on.

Brighton Powerboat Ride

Another fast paced attraction for teenage adrenaline seekers is to take a high speed boat ride along Brighton coastline. Experienced and qualified instructions take charge to give an experience teens won’t forget.

Book your Brighton Powerboat Ride. 

Watch a film on the beach

For a month during summer, you can watch a film on the beach. Check out Luna Beach cinema for more information.

Escape Rooms

There are a number of Escape Rooms in Brighton which are ideal for a rainy day or evening activity. Two to check out are Pier Pressure Escape rooms and Bewilder Box Escape rooms. Pier Pressure have escape rooms with storylines based around local landmarks like the Royal Pavilion and The Lanes. Bewilder Box has more sci-fi themed games.

Outdoor Go Karting

Brighton Karting is an outdoor go karting on an all weather track. The 800m circuit is about 20 minutes away from Brighton town centre.

Lazerzone

The Lazerzone is a great place to play lazer tag. It’s located in the City Centre, 2 minutes from Brighton Beach so perfect for rainy days.

Dice Saloon Board Game Cafe

Dice Saloon is one of the UK’s largest gaming centres, incorporating a shop, board-gaming café and a war-gaming space over 6,000 square feet. There are loads of different board and card games in the library. The cafe offers drinks, cake and pizza where you can sit and play.

Volks Electric Railway

This one is for all the family, great if you have younger kids as well. Hop on the Volk’s electric railway and travel up and down the seafront. it’s about 30 minutes each way.

Cinema

If you fancy a visit to the cinema in Brighton, why not visit one of Britain’s oldest working cinemas? The Duke of York’s Cinema has been a cinema since 1910. This Grade II listed building hosts Brighton’s film festival and is a specialist arts cinema.

Self Guided Treasure Trail

A treasure hunt is a great way to get teens walking and exploring Brighton. Get clues sent to your phones and follow a route highlighting Brighton’s most popular landmarks as well as some hidden gems.

Book your Brighton self guided city sightseeing treasure hunt. 

Book Popular Brighton Tours and Tickets at Get Your Guide

Where To Stay With Teenagers in Brighton

Brighton has a variety of hotels and other accommodation, great for families with teenagers.

For a luxurious experience try The Grand Brighton. It’s in a great location, right on the beach. There are interconnecting rooms which are perfect for families with teenagers.

If you want a swimming pool and gym, the Leonardo Brighton Waterfront is ideal. It’s located on the seafront and also has interconnecting rooms.

The YHA Brighton is great for families on a budget. Located in the heart of the city, you’re close to Brighton’s main attractions. The hostel has private rooms for families.

Alternatively why not book an Airbnb or private residence on Booking.com? Find a home away from home, with the added bonus of a kitchen and living space. There are plenty of options, from apartments to entire houses. Check out this 2 bed house in the heart of Brighton

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