Brighton with a teen

[swizzlestix]

I'm taking my 14 year old daughter and a friend for their first time for the day in a few weeks as a bday treat.
Are there any gems to visit shop wise other than The Lanes, any cool places to eat ( not fancy posh food). Any other gems we should know about that your teens have liked? Thank you

I'm watching this with interest... taking our 15 year old for a weekend soon

lachoza.co.uk/gloucester-rd/
Nice Mexican street food. In the north laines

Artbox Cafe

If they like vintage clothing, Beyond Retro and To be worn again are both good. Urban outfitters also popular. Agree la Choza is good. Great ice creams from Boho Gelato too. Lots of nice places to eat: what sort of things do they like?

Fabrica Gallery is often worth a peep.

If she’s a teen, North Lanes. The South Lanes are more touristy.

Donatello is a well known Italian in the lanes, which may fit the bill for you food wise.

donatello.co.uk/

In terms of shops, Brighton is a bit a tale of two halves. You've got the Churchill square which is the main shopping centre and in there and in the surrounding area you have all the well known 'big' shops like H&M, Primark etc which they may want to visit. And then there's the Laines area and large surrounding area which is mainly full of quirky independent shops, so it really depends what kind of shopping they want to do.

Echo what others have said. North Lanes is much better than the touristy lanes bit. They'll have a great time!

The upside down house is great fun. ......

The Ivy is so so beautiful and food is amazing x

If your DD has any interest in the Royal Family, then go to the Brighton Pavilion.

Lucy and Yak is a brilliant clothes shop. My DDs also love Yum Yum oriental supermarket for all the Tik Tok inspired foodstuffs. Pearls Bubble tea also great. All in North Laine area.

Former resident here: The North Laines are the best, my eldest DC loves the vibe there (as do I although it's scrubbed up a lot more with all the regeneration around Brighton Library, Jubilee Street).

Loads of independent and quirky shops, great cafés, street dining (people watching) and restaurants. The Dorchester used to be an excellent vantage point if you could get an outside table.
If you don't know the area it's off of North Street and down Bond St, Gardener St, Kensington Gardens and Sydney Street with all the connecting roads in between - there are free standing signposts that point you in the right direction. Eventually you'll end up in Trafalgar St which going uphill takes you back to Brighton Central Station.

There used to be a Saturday market and antiques fair which was held on one of the parallel streets but with COVID-19 I don't know if this still happens - loads of vintage clothing, jewellery and ephemera.

If it's a sunny day it's heaving but it adds to the magic.
Have a wonderful time!

I think you mean the Dorset! Perfect people watching place.

On the seafront the new Shelter Hall is a small food market where you can eat nice food from pop-ups. And again a good people watching place. And of course the pier!

If you fancy a treat the sauna box on the beach is lush. But would definitely need to be booked.

Preloved clothes shops are good and Jackamo and beyond retro in the North Laine are recommended

At that age she'd likely love "The Family Store" for interesting tee shirts, hoodies etc

The new Shelter Hall on the sea front for food

There used to be a great PhotoBooth shop in the North Lanes with loads of props and things, my teen DD and I got some fab pics.

What is she into OP? Interests, clothes styles, food preferences etc.

I'm very familiar with Brighton and it's got a lot of variety, there's something for everyone so it mother be easier to suggest specifically with a bit more info.

Wow such helpful suggestions, thanks all so much for taking the time to reply.

She loves clothes, skate boarding, the beach, sweets, jewellery so sounds like there will be plenty to do.

Next question where is the best place to park to be central please?

She'll enjoy sitting & watching the level skate park then too. Just be aware it can be a bit "druggy central" but some incredibly skilled skate boarders to watch in a lovely park

Next question where is the best place to park to be central please?

That's a question & a half as parking is a big problem. We think the parking near to the Law Courts & John is the cheapest, but not long stay & you'd need to keep going back. Streets are almost all residents permit parking these days & car parks expensive & if you can avoid bringing a car, I'd definitely recommend that

John Street 🤦‍♀️

If they’re into their food I recommend The New Club for brunch. It’s all pancakes/waffles/trendy things. They also might enjoy Coppa Club if you can get an igloo booking. The Ivy has gone seriously downhill, not worth it for the price anymore and I’m not sure it would appeal to 14 year olds.

Also, it’s touristy but if it’s a clear day I really recommend the i360. We did it at sunset last summer and it was brilliant.

Churchill square car park or North Laines car park are both convenient.

If you go to the Level skate park there's a nice little cafe opposite that does fancy vegan donuts.

Thanks so helpful again. So parking could be tricky! Was considering the train but it's a bit of a faff and would be limited as would need to book a specific train back to guarantee a seat.
I was wondering what that scheme is where you can hire a parking space on someone's drive, is that worth looking into??

Justpark.com is good as parking in Brighton NCP car parks is hellishly expensive.

Browns restaurant is one of my favourites.
North Laines for Indy shops

Churchill Square is a very expensive place to park. Try Regency Square. Its council run, very central and cheaper. I pre booked when I went. www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/parking-and-travel/parking/regency-square-car-park