Living in a city can often mean a lack of green spaces, however this isn’t true for Brighton. There are many parks and green spaces within the city. Having a child who likes to get outdoors and play means that we have explored a lot of the parks in Brighton and Hove. During the lockdown we also decided to get out an explore a bit more.
One of the best spots we recently discovered was walking to Green ridge windmill and the three cornered copse. If you walk up to the top of Hove Park, on the left, and cross over the road at the mini roundabout you can get to the three cornered copse. This is an excellent green space on it’s own. You start walking through some trees and then you come to the green area. It’s surrounded by trees so it’s great for families, picnics and just enjoying the sunshine.
If you head out the top you arrive at the A27 and the Hilltop Cafe which I can highly recommend if you need a snack break. There is a gate just past the cafe which will lead you to the windmill and Coney Woods. If you are feeling adventurous you can walk through the woods or you can just walk to the windmill and around the grassy area near it.
Best Parks and Green Spaces in Hove
- Hove Park – popular with dog walkers, runners and families this is the biggest park in Hove. The park features a mix of large areas of open grass, mature trees, flower beds. Facilities include a miniature railway, childrens play area, tennis courts, cafe, climbing rock and outdoor gym equipment.
- Stoneham Park – features a children’s playground, basketball hoop, football court and a community run café called The Snug. I can highly recommend stopping here for a coffee, snack or lunch. The food is excellent.
- Wish Park – also known as Aldrington Rec. Large grass area and childrens play area.
- Davis Park – a quiet oasis of green and rose bushes. There isn’t any play equipment but it’s a great little spot for a picnic.
- St Ann’s Well Gardens – There is a wide range of native and exotic trees giving the gardens their unique character. Nature conservation is important in the park – there are designated fenced off areas, a scented garden for the visually impaired and a well stocked pond with a biological filter system. There is also a large play area.
- Hove Lawns – grassy areas along the seafront. Throughout the Summer various events take place along here including food festivals, circus and shows.
Brighton
- Queens park – Set in a sheltered valley, Queens Park is perfect if you want to take a short stroll and relax. There is a children’s play area, wildlife garden and a pond at its centre. There is also a grade two listed clock tower, built in 1915 from Redbrick and Portland stone. Around the pond area are several different types of birds, please do not feed them bread. It is not good for the the birds and it also encourages the local gulls to scavenge.
- The Level – one of the largest central Brighton parks. Features include a skate park, water play fountains, children’s play areas and several community game areas. If you are visiting Brighton for the day this is one of the easiest parks to access.
- Stanmer Park – the park is next to Sussex University so not in the city centre. It is set within the South Downs. With its beautiful woodland walks and extensive open lands, Stanmer is just as perfect for a family picnic as it is for a kickabout with your friends or a bracing walk over the Downs.
- Preston Park – the largest park in the city. Whether you want to take part in sports or sit and enjoy a picnic on a summer’s day, Preston Park is the perfect place to go. Due to its size and location the park is also used as a venue for concerts, fairs and other large events. Brighton Pride takes over the park for a weekend at the beginning of every August.
During lockdown did you get out and explore your local area? Did you find any great hidden gems?