48 Hours in Brighton with a Baby: Seaside Slow with Style
TRAVELFOOD & DRINK
Brighton isn’t just for stags, students or second-hand shoppers — it’s quietly becoming a top destination for young families looking for a refreshing but low-effort break. With its flat terrain, open air, and relaxed cafés, Brighton invites a different pace — one that suits life with a baby.
From beachfront buggy walks to baby-friendly brunches, here’s how to spend a satisfying 48 hours in Brighton with your little one in tow — no stress, no schedule pressure, and absolutely no soft play required.
Day One: Arrival & Seaside Settling
Check In: Artist Residence, Regency Square
Design-forward and unfussy, the Artist Residence nails the balance of style and comfort. Book one of the larger rooms or suites for space to unpack baby kit, or opt for a sea-facing view and soak in those sunset colours post-bedtime. Staff are laid-back and happy to help with cots, warming bottles or extra blankets.
Late Morning: Seafront Stroll
Start easy: a pram-friendly walk along the promenade, from Hove Lawns toward the Palace Pier. There’s space to roam, sea air to breathe, and plenty of benches for bottle breaks. The i360 may not be baby-focused, but the nearby pebble beach is surprisingly calming — and there's something grounding about just watching the waves.
Lunch: Lucky Beach Café
Right on the beach and beloved by locals, Lucky Beach is known for sustainable food and relaxed service. There’s outdoor seating (with shade), decent baby changing, and a menu that delivers — think sweetcorn fritters, sourdough toasties, and local juices. Go early for a pram-accessible table.
Afternoon: North Laine Browsing
If baby naps well in the pram, use the time to explore the independent shops of the North Laine. Skip the big-name brands in favour of Magazine Brighton, Workshop (for thoughtful homeware), or Babaa for elevated basics. Most shops are used to prams and take a relaxed approach to small visitors.
Dinner: Early at Flint Owl Bakery (or Takeaway Pizza from Fatto a Mano)
For something ultra easy, grab sourdough pizzas from Fatto a Mano and eat back at your accommodation — no judgement, no highchair battles. Or, if energy allows, Flint Owl Bakery offers a more wholesome, early-evening dining option with bakes, light salads, and space for a baby seat.
Day Two: Green Space, Good Coffee & Family Calm
Breakfast: Marmalade, Kemptown
Head slightly east to Kemptown for breakfast at Marmalade, a sunny neighbourhood café with strong coffee and an easy welcome for families. There’s space for buggies, and the poached eggs and pastries are worth the detour.
Morning: Undercliff Walk or Queen’s Park
If the weather holds, walk the Undercliff Path — a dramatic stretch of coastline that’s completely flat and perfect for prams. Alternatively, stay local and head to Queen’s Park, where there’s a duck pond, playground, and calm lawns ideal for laying out a baby blanket.
Lunch: Wild Flor, Hove
Elegant but unfussy, Wild Flor is perfect for a low-key but grown-up lunch with baby in tow. Go for a midday booking when the dining room is quieter, and enjoy refined British cooking without the pretense. Alternatively, Etch (from MasterChef’s Steven Edwards) offers weekday lunches in a relaxed setting if you fancy something special.
Afternoon: Nap & Brighton Pavilion Gardens
Back in central Brighton, the Pavilion Gardens offer a soft spot to pause. There’s room to stretch, feed, or just sit. If you can, take turns popping into the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery — surprisingly good and fully pram accessible.
Dinner: Plant Room at Shelter Hall
Brighton’s food hall on the beach, Shelter Hall, is surprisingly baby-friendly. Sit at the Plant Room end for more space, and enjoy a casual, scenic meal with everything from tacos to wine bar nibbles. Sunset view included.
Practical Notes for Brighton with a Baby
Transport: Brighton is best on foot. Trains run regularly to London, and most pram routes are flat.
Changing Facilities: Found in most cafés, museums and beach public toilets — not always glamorous, but usually clean.
Feeding: Brighton is open-minded — breastfeed freely in cafés or parks; bottle warming is rarely an issue.
Buggy or Carrier?: A lightweight pram is ideal — Brighton is flat, but streets can be narrow when busy.
Final Thoughts
Brighton with a baby isn’t about squeezing in sights or keeping pace with big city breaks. It’s about small pleasures: a beachside coffee, a nap-friendly walk, or a gallery visit split between partners. The sea softens everything, the cafés are kind, and the whole city seems to understand the value of slowing down.
You won’t be chasing FOMO — you’ll be reclaiming rest.