Brighton Parks and Gardens

(Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, England, UK)

Very much a seaside resort with all of the attractions that you would expect, Brighton is also home to a number of attractive gardens and large parks, offering pleasant surroundings away from the sunbathing tourists. Families may like to head next door to Hove, where St. Anns Well Gardens comes with woodland pathways, a huge concentration of wildlife and a very exciting Spring Festival, with live entertainment drawing visitors by the thousand.

Relatively close to central Brighton is Preston Park, which is to be found close to Preston Village and covers just over 60 acres / 24 hectares. Preston Park has been owned by the city since 1883 and officially opened to the public a year later, after the initial structure had been laid out. During the course of the year, many significant local events are often based here, such as the Marathon, the Pride Parade and the Brighton Festival, while just a stroll away, look out for the UK's biggest municipal rock gardens.

Preston Park

Address: London Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1, England
Preston Park, on the western side of the city centre, features some rather spectacular gardens. With colourful flower borders, mature trees and shrubs, pathways, seating areas, tennis courts, manicured bowling greens, skateboarding ramps and the impressive Preston Manor House, Preston Park is also home to many other local activities.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

South Downs Park

Address: Eastbourne to Winchester, Near Haywards Heath, East Sussex, England
Located to the north of Brighton, South Downs Park is one of the most important parklands in East Sussex. South Downs recently gained the prestigious title of 'National Park' and covers a vast area. Visitors will find many scenic walks, local landmarks, areas suitable for picnics, cycling trails and plenty of open spaces.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

St. Anns Well Gardens

Address: Nizells Avenue, Hove, Brighton, East Sussex, BN3, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 773134
St. Anns Well Gardens, in the Hove area of Brighton, has much for active tourists to enjoy. With tennis courts, immaculate bowling greens, a playground area for children, woodlands, gardens and a popular café, St. Anns Well is particularly popular with locals and is located close to Hove's train station. Nearby points of reference include the Furze Hill College, Wick Hall and the Progressive Synagogue.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to dusk
Admission: free

Drusillas Park

Address: Alfriston Road, Polegate, Seaford, East Sussex, BN26 5QS, England
Tel: +44 (0)1323 874100
Nearby Drusillas Park is located to the east of the city, where it is one of the area's oldest and dates back to the early 1900s. Attractions here include a playground for children, a small zoo - which is home to many friendly animals, such as monkeys, lemurs, meerkats, penguins and crocodiles, a train, gardens, colourful flower borders, a café and a gift shop.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00, closes at 17:00 in winter
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, children three years old and under are free

Queens Park

Address: Egremont Place, Hanover, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 2GA, England
Queens Park, in the Kemp Town area, is conveniently close to Marine Parade and comfortably under a ten-minute walk from the beachfront, via the Upper / Lower Rock Gardens Road. Next to the city centre, Queens Park has many attractions, such as a playground, large expanses of grass, tennis courts, mature trees, benches, picnic areas, a lake with ducks, fun seasonal festivals and a café area.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free