Things To Do In The Summer Holidays

Ah, the great British summer holiday: a whirlwind of sticky ice creams, sudden downpours and the eternal question, “what are we doing today?” When you’re balancing the excitement of freedom with the challenge of filling six long weeks, it helps to have a few local gems up your sleeve.

Luckily, Rottingdean is bursting with ways to keep curious young minds busy – and The White Horses offers the perfect seaside spot to eat, drink and unwind. From beach days to bug hunts, fairground thrills to fish spotting, we’ve rounded up ten fantastic things to do in the summer holidays with kids in and around Rottingdean. Ready to step out of the ordinary?

1. Rottingdean Beach

A classic coastal day out, Rottingdean Beach is ideal for little explorers. At low tide, rock pools reveal crabs, tiny fish and all sorts of marine marvels – perfect for a spot of impromptu marine biology. The pebbles are also great for skimming or collecting.

Just a few minutes’ stroll from The White Horses, it’s easy to pop back for lunch or warm up with some hot chocolate if the breeze picks up. Don’t forget water shoes for the kids and a bucket for their beachy treasures.

2. Undercliff Walk

Stretching from Rottingdean to Brighton Marina, the Undercliff Walk is a pram-friendly, scenic path with dramatic sea views. Whether your little ones are scootering ahead or toddling beside you, the fresh air and open space make it lots of fun for families.

3. Beacon Hill Nature Reserve

Swap screens for sheep with a visit to this peaceful nature reserve. Beacon Hill offers wide-open spaces perfect for bug hunts, nature trails and flying kites. Keep your eyes peeled for butterflies and rare wildflowers.

4. Brighton Palace Pier

No Brighton summer holidays are complete without a trip to Palace Pier. Candyfloss in hand, kids can dive into arcade games, enjoy classic fairground rides or just take in the spectacle.

Located just a 15 minute drive or bus ride from Rottingdean, the pier is a colourful riot of seaside tradition. And if you’ve got a thrill-seeker in tow, the rollercoaster and haunted house are must-visits.

5. Sea Life Brighton

For those occasional rainy family days, SEA LIFE Brighton is an underwater haven. Wander through the glass tunnel, meet turtles and rays and marvel at the UKs oldest operating aquarium – opened in 1872!

It’s educational, exciting and located right next to the Pier, making it easy to combine into a full day out. Online booking often means cheaper tickets and shorter queues.

6. Volk’s Electric Railway

Chug along the seafront on Britain’s oldest operating electric railway. Running from the aquarium to Black Rock, this charming little train is a hit with younger children and train enthusiasts alike.

The views of the sea are delightful, and there’s a lovely outdoor activity area near the eastern station at Peter Pan’s playground. Pair with a beach stop for a relaxed half-day.

7. Glowzone & LaserZone

Need to burn off energy indoors? Head into Brighton for glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Glowzone or high-energy laser battles at LazerZone. Great for older kids (and competitive parents), these venues are brilliant boredom-busters on grey days.

Located in central Brighton and walkable from the train station, they’re easy to find and guaranteed to keep everyone happy.

8. Join a local workshop or craft session

Libraries and community centres across Brighton often run fun, low-cost events for kids over the summer – from storytelling and Lego clubs to hands-on art workshops. It's worth checking out what's on at Jubilee Library, right in the heart of Brighton. Many of these events offer free entry, making them a brilliant, budget-friendly way to keep children engaged and creative.

Rottingdean Library also runs events during the holidays, and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery has family-friendly workshops too.Rottingdean Library also runs events during the holidays, and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery has family-friendly workshops too.

For a mix of culture and curiosity, how about popping into a free museum? Hove Museum of Creativity is a fantastic, child-friendly spot that the little ones will love. With vintage toys, film and photography exhibits, and interactive displays, there’s plenty to spark little imaginations. It's quieter than some of the larger attractions, making it a great option for younger kids or rainy-day exploring.

9.Visit Brighton Dome or Open Air Theatre

Catch a brilliant show the whole family will enjoy at Brighton Dome, or take in a performance at the Brighton Open Air Theatre. From puppet shows to musical acts, there’s always something to spark imaginations – young and old.

The Dome is just off North Street, and BOAT is nestled in Dyke Road Park – a great spot for a pre-show run around.

10. Cycle the coast

For active families, hire bikes and take to the coastal paths. The route from Rottingdean towards Brighton offers gentle gradients and soft sea breezes. Not ready to cycle? Walking it is just as lovely.

Look out for murals, hidden benches and great spots to stop for a snack. Several places in Brighton offer bike hire, including options for child seats and trailers.

A summer to remember

A successful summer holiday doesn’t have to mean cramming in a jam-packed itinerary. Sometimes it’s the simple things – like a bike ride by the sea or a stroll along the cliffs – that leave the biggest impression.

Rottingdean offers the perfect balance of seaside charm, exciting activities and easy access to Brighton, and The White Horses is your gateway to it all. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back lunch or a coastal stay, stories are waiting to be discovered here.

Book your stay let curiosity be your compass this summer.