& HOVE | NOVEMBER 24 - FEBRUARY 25
What's On THIS WINTER Franky
It's Christmas time and Professor Frankenstein feels lonely. She has no friends, and the local villagers won’t even speak to her. The Prof thinks a baby might change things, and so one snowy winter's night with a flash of lightning and the help of her robot Igor, she creates ... FRANKY!
Although the ‘baby’ might not be exactly what Prof was hoping for, Franky, with the help of his new pal Annie, wins over the hearts of the villagers at the Christmas Fair with the hottest and latest dance craze 'The Franky Walk’.
Come along to this comedy adventure, with music, dancing and festive fun that will be sure to brighten up your Christmas and the whole family will enjoy. From Fideri Fidera, the company who brought you Oskar's Amazing Adventure and Will Tell and the Big Bad Baron.
Book NOW and get a whopping 20% off all tickets with our Early Bird offer!* 21st, 23rd, 24th and 27th - 30th December. komedia.co.uk / 01273 647100.
All ages (Recommended 3+)
Reviews for Fideri Fidera:
"A cracking show. the adults were laughing as much as the kids”
Edinburgh Life With kids
“Theatre Fideri Fidera doing what they do best, making children laugh”
Get Your Coats On
*Early bird tickets subject to availability
Antler Airways - A Trip to Village Noël
We’ve been to Santa City, now our next stop... Village Noël! Prepare for the magic of an Artpod Christmas as we invite you and your family to join us for an unforgettable holiday experience. Hosted at Streetfunk CIC Studios in Hove, Antler Airways will transport you to a festive wonderland where snow-covered forests, bustling markets, and cheerful elves await.
On this exciting journey, you’ll help power Antler Airways with jingle bells and Christmas carols, ensuring Santa receives his letters in time! Explore seven immersive stops, from the enchanting Nordic Forest to the twinkling lights of Bauble Hall. With festive games, shopping, crafts, and a special visit with Santa himself, there’s holiday fun for everyone!
More than just a Christmas adventure, this event is also a fundraiser for Artpod People CIC. Your ticket supports vital programs for children and families facing social and economic challenges, helping fund free workshops and arts programs year-round. By joining us, you're investing in our community’s future.
With limited spaces and 176 free spots for families on benefitsrelated free school meals through the BHCC HAF program, tickets are selling fast! Don’t miss your chance to make magical memories with your loved ones while supporting creativity and inclusion in our community.
Book your family’s adventure today and spread the holiday cheer!
www.artpodbtn.com/artpod-events/
GREENER CHOICE
Refill Store / Market
Harriet’s Of Hove, plastic-free, refill store, harrietsofhove.com (see waste-free Christmas tips)
Kindly of Brighton, 10-114 Dyke Rd, Seven Dials BN1 3TE + 2021 York Place, Brighton BN1 4GU <new> (at former HISBE), refill store, loose veggies & fruits, vegan, kindlyofbrighton.com
Store Brighton, 253E Ditchling Rd, Brighton BN1 6JD, refill store, plastic-free household/toiletries, storebrighton.co.uk
The Sussex Peasant, farmers market, local food, Thu-Sun, various locations, check website: thesussexpeasant.co.uk
Tackling Food Waste
Olio Mobile App, giveaways, lending borrowing things to reduce food and household waste, olioapp. com/en/
The Real Junk Food Project: Hub, Bevedean BN2 4LW, pay-asyou-feel, Mon-Fri pm.
Pop-Up Cafe, pay-as-you-feel:
►The Fitz Cafe BN2 1AP, Mon-Fri, lunch 12-2pm, Tue-
►St Luke’s Church BN1 5DD, lunch Mon & Fri, 12.30-2pm; Coffe Tue-Fri from 10am.
►Hollingdean Community. Centre BN1 7BH, Thu 12.30-1.45pm
FB: @realjunkfoodbrighton
Too Good to Go App, connecting customers to restaurants/stores that have surplus unsold food, toogoodtogo.com
“Households in the UK are estimated to throw away 66 items of plastic packaging per week on average. This means that 1.85 billion plastic packaging items are thrown away each week across all UK households, equating to almost 100 billion items a year.” [Statista, August 2023]
Gift a refilled jar this Christmas!
Rather than the over-packaged and wasteful norm
By Harriet Dean-Orange of Harriet's of Hove
Ever felt frustrated by all that plastic packaging, that seems to impede onto Christmas time and hangs around into the new year? Well, at Harriet's of Hove we encourage circular packaging and not buying new...just refill!
Most people would love a packet of chocolates, Epsom salts or nut butter at Christmas.
We fully encourage an edible gift, for sure. But what if you could refill an old jar, creating that truly sustainable gift with a special twist??
Pop into Harriet's of Hove and choose from an array of yummy, fun and luxurious products to refill into your unwanted jars. A little bit of saved tissue paper and a rescued bow from last year's wrapping - you're heading towards a truly waste free and repurposed gift.
Why bother? Easy! Your loved one will receive something they really want. You can tell them the story how their present hasn't impacted the planet. And!... you'll be supporting an impactful small eco-business all at the same time. So many conscientious wins.
Also, who knows! You may just receive the same jar back next year, with some vegan pick and mix, organic hand lotion or a chocolate cookie mix, ready for you to bake. The possibilities are endless!
Feel positive about your waste-free gifting this year and bring your empties into Harriet's of Hove.
Don't Buy, Borrow/Rent! Tool/Supplies
Brighton & Hove Library of Things, Castle Square BN1 1EE, tool library, rental, Tue-Sat, participate. libraryofthings.co.uk/brighton
Brighton Borrowers, community library of things, order online, donation welcome, brightonborrowers.co.uk reuse-a-bowl, stop the single use & hire your kid’s party plates, cups, cutlery & bowls, FB: @reuse-a-bowl
GREENER GIFTS
Goodmoney, gift vouchers supporting the local businesses, goodmoney.co.uk
Brighton & Hove Calendar, celebrating unique spirits of the city, brightoncalendar.com
Danielle Brooks Illustration, Hovebased illustrator & window artist, online shop with locally inspired prints, illustrated maps, Christmas deco, etsy: @danielleBrooksStudio (see front cover, p.7 + competition here)
Gomi Design, Brighton-based, unique power banks, portable speakers made of 100% waste & repairable, gomi. design
It’s Our Planet Too, award winning eco activity & subscription boxes for children, itsourplanettoo.co.uk
Kemptown Bookshop BN2 1EE, books, stationery, toys & games, baby-changing & café, 01273 Playpress Toys a Sussex based, eco-friendly buildable connectable playsets, playpresstoys.co.uk
ReuseWRAPPINGGIFT wrapping paper Upcycle brown paper Use your kids' drawings Go for the FuroshikiJapanese style!
Fix & Reuse!
Brighton Bike Hub, 6b St Martin’s PlaceBN2 3LE, bike repair space, 2nd hand bike shop, Facebook: @BrightonBikeHub Brighton Repair Café, St George’s Hall, Moulsecoomb BN1 9JG, 10am -12pm, 1st Sat of the month, Facebook: @Brighton Repair Café Community Repair Café, Bristol Estate Community Hub BN2 5DJ, monthly Tue pm, check FB: @Bristol Estate Community Hub
Hollingdean Repair Café, Hollingdean Com. Centre BN1 7BH, 10am-12pm, 1st Sat of the month, FB: @Hollingdean Repair Café
Prestonville Repair Café, Exeter Street Hall, Brighton BN1 5PG, 2nd Sun of the month, 10am-12pm, exeterstreethall.org/event/ MPB, buy, sell or trade used camera & video kit, www.mpb.com/en-uk Tech-Takeback & Revaluit [online], sustainable solution for unwanted electronics & sale of refurbished tech, techtakeback.com
Beach Clean
Leave No Trace Brighton, Community Beach clean usually, spring/summer, check FB for info: @Leavenotracebrighton
Surfer Against Sewage Brighton Beach Clean, 3rd Sun of the month, various locations, check Instagram: @sasinbrighton
The Deans Beach & Environment Volunteers Beach Clean, 1st Sun of the month, 11am-12.30pm, check FB for info: @thedeansvolunteers Giveaways
Freecycle, network for giving away or getting free things, freecycle.org
Freegle Shop, drop small unwanted items & pick what you need, Planet Brighton, Fri & Sat, ilovefreegle.org/ communityevent/159365
Freegle App, online dating app for free stuff, ilovefreegle.org/mobile
Other Green Businesses
Plastic Free Baby, eco-friendly online shop, website: plasticfree.baby The Washable Nappy Company, free demonstrations & trial kits, 07833 927210
Zedify, green cycle courier, same & next day deliveries, zedify.co.uk
Find more online, scan the QR code.
Puzzle Bored, 27 New Rd, Brighton BN1 1UG, selling puzzles featuring local artists, café & puzzle space, puzzlebored.co.uk
The Book Nook, Hove, independent specialist children’s bookshop, booknookuk.com
Other Gift/Toys Shops
Artpod, Rottingdean, art & science shop, artpodbtn.com (see event p.4)
Bluebelle & Co, 80 Trafalgar St, kids' clothing & homeware, 01273 685026
Daisy Daisy, toys, fancy dress etc, 6 Gardner St, 01273 875638
Wigwam Toys 140 Preston Drove, quirky, traditional, design-led toys & gifts, 01273 505504 GREEN CHRISTMAS Plastic-freeorDIY Christmascrackers, giftarefilledjar(see above!).Buywhat isneeded,getan experienceora voucher!
Timeless Toys, Hove, plastic free, planet friendly wooden toys, timeless-toys.co.uk
LOCAL BUSINESSES • CONTENT
To find out more about JUST GO FAMILY TRAVEL, the solution to hassle-free holidays! Scan the QR code:
Greg Stone Flooring, carpet & flooring shop, Unit 2, 1-3 William St, Portslade, Brighton BN41 1PZ, www.gregstoneflooring.co.uk
Just go Family Travel, independent travel agent & parent, take the hassle out of booking family travel, Instagram: @just_go_familytravel or 07875 693967 (see advert)
Oven Wizards, oven cleaning services, contact your local Oven Wizard: Ben Moser for Brighton & Hove, 07779 430292 (see advert) Simplify + Style, local professional organising, decluttering and home styling services, 07771 788324, simplifyandstyle.co.uk (see advert)
To find out more about Ben Moser, your Brighton & Hove Oven Wizard, scan the QR code:
To find out more about Simplify + Style, Interior Designer, Home Organiser, and Declutter, Scan the QR code:
WRAP Coworking, meeting, event rooms with flexible nursery all under one roof, 01273 359349 www.wrap.space, (see advert p.13)
A-Z of Sport & Leisure 19 - 21
Welcome to our WINTER 2024/25 issue, which is filled with ideas to take you through to Christmas and into the new year. We have added some useful information to help you navigate this busy period, such a list of Primary School Open Days (p.17), if your little one is starting school in 2025, as well as a few tips for having a Greener Christmas (p.6).
In this issue we are featuring 5 competitions to win some amazing prizes: a family ticket to the magical ROYAL PAVILION ICE RINK, a family day out to KNOCKHATCH, and to SPRING LIVE!, happening in April at the South of England Showground, plus a family weekend ticket to ELDERFLOWER FIELDS FESTIVAL, taking place end of May. Last but not least, you will get the chance to win an A4 print of our front cover ILLUSTRATION by DANIELLE BROOKS. THANK YOU to our wonderful advertisers. Please continue to support these hardworking local businesses, and don’t forget to mention that you have heard about them through the FAMILY GRAPEVINE!
Our SPRING 2025 MAGAZINE will come out in early March, so keep your eyes peeled and follow us on social media!
| 01444 443068 BTNFamily Grapevine brightonhovefamilygrapevine www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/brighton-hove
16, 23
COMPETITIONS
The front cover artwork is by Danielle Brooks - a Hove-based illustrator and window artist with a warm, colourful and relatable style. You can buy this artwork online at her Etsy store, along with more locallyinspired prints, illustrated maps and Christmas decorations.
www.daniellebrooksillustration.co.uk Instagram: @daniellebrooks_illustrator Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/DanielleBrooksStudio
Party Entertainment, Venues & Supplies - more online
Party Entertainment
Animazing, parties, talks & displays with reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, owls & mammals, Reg: AW047, animazing.co.uk (see advert)
Balance Kids Yoga parties, 2-16yrs, 07584 208913 balancekids.co.uk/
Cartoons & drawing parties + face painting with Lesley Harvey, 5yrs+, within 10 miles of Seaford, 07722 236741
Hartbeeps, sensory music parties for 1 year old up to pre-school, 07786 446119 (see advert p.9)
House of Culture, art birthday parties, Brighton, Sat pm, 5-11yrs, houseofculturebrighton.org
Miss Sparklefun, the Magical Fairy Godmother: magic, fairy dust, balloons, games, dancing, 07944 301948 (see advert)
Mr Pineapple Head, family clown show & children’s entertainer, silent slapstick to music, 01273 473913
Pelotas Circus Workshops, balloon modelling, glitter tattoos & face painting parties, 07765 604556
Preston Park Soccer School, parties for all ages, 07921 842274
Family + Parenting Support
Beat, Eating Disorders Association helpline, 0808 801 0711 (youthline)
Brighton Women’s Centre, supporting women, 01273 698036
Dad-La-Soul, support group for dads, monthly events Brighton/ Worthing, dadlasoul.com
Dyslexia Inspire, dyslexia assessments & specialist tuition, Hove, 07886 258534
Front Door for Families, central BHCC service inc. all family support agencies in the city, 01273 290400
Mediation Plus, supporting separating couples, young people & neighbours in dispute, volunteering opportunity, 01424 446808 (see advert)
Mothers Uncovered: creative support network for mothers & workshops, some free, mothersuncovered.com
Sew Fabulous, Studio 10, Brighton Open Market, all ages, 07897 275200
The Outdoors Project, Nerf games, bushcraft, Harry Potter, circus skills, etc., 01273 933781
The Skate Club parties, portable skate park adjusted to skill level, 5-12yrs, www.theskateclub.com (see advert p.21)
Party Venues/Hall Hire
Artpod, Rottingdean, Art & Science bespoke parties, Sat 3-5pm, Tue & Thu 3-6pm, 5yrs+, artpodbtn.com (see event p.4)
Blue Lagoon Warm Water Centre Brighton, The Hyde BN2 4JE, play room for hire, 80m2, 01273 077119 (see advert pp.12 & 20)
High Sports Climbing Centre, Withdean Sports Complex, bouldering, rock box & roped climbing, 4yrs+, 0345 3631177 (see advert p.19)
Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham, farm, indoor/outdoor playground (see competition p.16)
Family Support • Special Needs
Rainbow Families, informal social group supporting LGBTQ info@rainbowfamilies.org.uk
Relate Brighton, 58 Preston Rd BN1 4QF, 01273 697997
RISE, helps people affected by domestic abuse with practical solutions, 01273 622828
Sophie Thwaites, OT, helping children to read, write, coordinate their bodies, 07584 857861
Teenage Meditation 13-19yrs & calm, confident tweens 9-12yrs, Tree of Life Hove, 07967 824596
Triple P Parenting Courses, 01273 294471
Children with Disabilities + Additional Needs
Amaze, support & advice for parents of children with special needs & disabilities, 0-25yrs, 01273 772289 (9.30am-2.30pm)
We provide Family Mediation between adults going through separation or divorce. Faster and more cost effective than going to court.
£500 voucher for child-related family mediation available.
Aspens; support services for those with autism & other complex needs, 01892 822168
WRAP, space available for hire, event rooms with multi-level soft play, catering, entertainment, max 35 children, 01273 359349 wrapnursery.com/parties, (see advert p.15)
Silent Disco
Hush Beats Silent Disco kit for your party (home or away), family sized or larger events, Facebook: @hushbeatsdisco (see advert)
Sports & Leisure for SEND, go to p.19. Find lots more information online - scan the QR code.
Antenatal/Postnatal • Babies • Baby Groups
SAVVY SLEEP COACH
Baby & Child Sleep Consultant
“Holistic & Gentle Approach”
savvysleepcoach.co.uk
savvy.sleep.coach
savvysleepcoach@gmail.com 07833 762321
Antenatal & Postnatal Groups + Support
Acupuncture for mental health, chronic illness, fertility and pregnancy, katybradshaw.com
Angie Bowles, private midwife, uncomplicated, complex pregnancy & pregnancy loss, 07974 729566 Brighton & Hove Maternity Voices, bsuhmaternityvoices.co.uk
First Embrace Birth and Baby, active birth antenatal, pregnancy yoga, hypnobirthing, 07917 418279
Georgie Brookes Sports Therapy, c-section scar massage & postnatal Pilates, georgiebrookessportstherapy.com
Helen Taylor, gentle, Chiropractic care for pregnancy, birth & baby, Brighton, 07718 208743
Mother Nurture, unique 10-week therapeutic postnatal group for new mums & their babies, eleaseforwomen.org.uk
NCT Brighton & Hove, workshop, baby group, find on Facebook, @NCTBrightonHove
Positive Reasons-Hypnobirthing, full antenatal & relaxation programme, 07956 573713
Resolve Birth Trauma Therapies, support service for women, birthing people & those who have experienced birth trauma, www.resolvebirthtrauma.co.uk
Breast Feeding
Brighton Breastfeeding Drop-in, Hanover CCentre Brighton BN2 9UD, every Tue 10.30am-noon, @NCTBrightonHove
mamatime, postnatal workouts with in-room baby support, feel strong & empowered, 07706 889229, www.mamatime.co.uk (see advert)
Mum On The Run, pre/postnatal fitness classes; 1:2:1 training; running coaching, Fri 11am: Preston Park, book via Happity: @mumontherun, mumontherunbrighton.com (see advert)
Private pregnancy yoga, Brighton, affordable rates, tailored to your needs, 07879 638286
Baby Groups
Baby Brain Pub Quiz, Northlaine Brewhouse, Brighton BN1 4AA, 1st Thu, 12-2pm, 0yrs+ (nonwalker), 07931 719944
Baby Time Group, Peacehaven Family Hub, drop in/all year round, Mon 11.15am-12.15pm, 0-12mths, free, 01273 336930
National Breastfeeding Helpline, 9.30am-9.30pm,0300 100 0212 NHS Milk Clinic, Mon pm: Hangleton, N-Portslade & Whitehawk; Tue pm: Moulsecoomb; Thu pm: Conway Court; Fri am: Tarner, 01273 266000
Baby Sleep Problems
Savvy Sleep Coach, certified holistic sleep consultant for 0-10yrs, 07833 762321 (see advert)
Antenatal & Postnatal Exercise
Blissful Bumps, Pre & postnatal aqua-yoga, help pregnancy aches, pains, relax, 07926 274616
Hypopressives, postpartum pelvic floor restoration, bodyzenpilates.com
LushTums pregnancy, postnatal & women’s yoga, 07908 949419
Please
Balance Kids Yoga, parent & baby yoga, Luna Wave Studio, Brighton, Fri 11am, 07584 208913 balancekids.co.uk
Become a Baby Scientist with the Sussex Baby Lab! Fun activity for 2-8mths, sussex.ac.uk/babylab
Blue Lagoon Warm Water Centre Brighton, The Hyde BN2 4JE, swim school, swim 30-60min, softplay, 01273 077119 (see advert pp.12 & 20)
Brighton Sling Babies, Blue Lagoon BN2 4JE, monthly 3rd Fri, free, book, 10am-noon, find on Facebook
Hartbeeps, sensory music classes for babies, Brighton: Tue at Brighton Girls Prep School, Wed at Yellowave & Fri at Yellowave & Blue Lagoon Warm Water Centre; Hove: Thur at St George's RC Church; Southwick: Mon at Southwick Comm. Centre; Shoreham: Thu at the Shoreham Centre, 07786 446119 (see advert)
Little Dippers, baby swimming, Upper Gardner Street, Brighton BN1 4AN, 01273 229390 (see advert)
Lucy’s Angels, baby massage, Loft Studio, Upper Gardner St, Tue & Thu, lucysangels.co.uk
KANGA + ROO MOVES, babywearing dance class, The Loft, Brighton, 6wks-3yrs, 07308 570467
Puddle Ducks, baby & pre-school swimming, Hilton Metropole, Brighton & Herons Dale PS, Shoreham, 01892 617246
Singing Mamas & Papas, ACT Brighton, bring your baby (up to 2yrs) and learn to sing, Tue am, 01273 818266
Community Toddler Groups & Dads' Group
Community Toddler Group usually operate term-time only & generally drop-in groups for which the cost varies between FREE to about £6
For more structured classes see Pre-School Activities on p.11.
Monday am
Blue Bird Parent & U3yrs Group, Central United Reformed Church, Hove BN3 3YF, 9.3011.30am, 01273 881348
First Steps Group, Peacehaven Family Hub, drop in/all year round, 9.15-10.30am, 1-3yrs, free, 01273 336930
Kids Session, Puzzle Bored, Brighton BN1 1UG, colouring, puzzles craft 10am-12pm, 3yrs+, puzzlebored.co.uk
Little Boat Playgroup, Stay & Play, Old Boat Corner, Hollingbury, 9am-noon, 01273 540779
Mini Mondays Softplay, Out of Bounds, Angmering, GBP 4, dropin 9.30am-1pm, U5s (term time only), out-of-bounds.co.uk
Rascals, St Cuthman’s, Whitehawk Way BN2 5HE, 0-4yrs, 10.30am-noon, katie.malabar@ stcuthmanswhitehawk.org
St Matthias Play Café Brighton, community café, 9.30-12pm, 01273 239999
Storytime at your local library 10.15am: Hove, Jubilee, 2nd Mon in Rottingdean, 01273 290800
Teddy Bears, Southwick Methodist Church, Southwick St BN42 4NA, 10-11.30am, 01273 596374
The Hive Playgroup, drop-in & play, Portslade Village Centre, Windelsham Close, 10amnoon, 07814 685159
Wadurs Swimming Pool, parent & baby/toddler drop-in sessions, 10.30-11.30am, 01903 905050
Monday pm
Little Fishes, All Saints Church, Eaton Rd, Hove, 1-3pm, 01273 733331
Tuesday am
Arts & Crafts or Baking at Funplex, Bevendean, 11am12pm, normal admission price, 01273 690888
Baby & You, Hangleton Family Hub, 0-crawling, 10.30am12pm, 01273 293545
Baby Walk, Talk & Play, Crew Club, Whitehawk BN2 5QW, 9.3010.30am, 01273 608607
Blue Bird Parent & U3yrs, see Mon. Caterpillars active drop-in play group, Woodingdean Community Centre, 14mths-5yrs, 9.4511.15am, 01273 293545
Fledglings Toddler Group, Holland Rd Baptist Church, Hove BN3 1JN, 10am-12pm, 01273 732111
Hippy Kids, South Portslade Com. Centre, messy play, art, drama & yoga,10-11.00am, 07957 432586
Jungle Run play & stay, Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre, soft play, giant games, U2s free, 9.30-11.30am, 01273 622266 Little Boat Soft Play, Old Boat Corner, Hollingbury, 9am-noon, 01273 540779
Little Fishes, 9.30-11.30am, see Mon
Mini Mee’s play group, role play, Elim Church, The Fountain Centre BN1 8HG, 9am-12pm, Instagram: @mini__mees
Parent & Toddler Group, Patcham Methodist Church, Ladies Mile Rd, 9.15-11.15am, 01273 554953
Play & Learn, Moulsecoomb Family Hub, fun speech & language activities, 15mths+, drop in 10-11.30am, 01273 293545
Rainbow Plus, Friendship Centre, Peacehaven BN10 8SP, 9.3011.30am, 01273 587352
Rhymetime, Shoreham Library, 10.15 & 11.15am, 01273 467966
Soft Play, King Alfred Leisure Centre, 9.30am-12.30pm, 01273 980892
St Martin’s Family Playgroup, St Martin’s church hall, Brighton BN2 3HQ, 9-11.30am, 01273 707114 (see advert p.15)
St Matthias Play Cafe, see Mon. Stay & Play, Exeter Street Hall, off Dyke Rd BN1 5PG, 9.3011.30am, 01273 561149
Storytime at Jubilee & Hove library, 10.15am, 01273 290800
Tuesday pm
Gateaway Stay & Play, The Gateaway Hub, Fishergate BN41 1PR, 12-2pm, 0845 0524793
Kemptown Koalas, parent & toddler group, St Mary’s Church Hall BN2 1PR, 2.30-4pm, 01273 698601
Penhill Playgroup, Stay & Play session, Lancing BN15 8HA, 12.30-2.30pm, 01903 767513
Wednesday am
Baby Boogie, Jubilee Library, 10.15am, 01273 296960
Baby Rhythm & Rhyme, Crew Club, Whitehawk BN2 5QW, 1011am, 01273 608607
Hanover Playgroup, Hanover Com. Centre, 9.30-11.30am, find on FB Jump for Joy active drop-in play group, Whitehawk Family Hub, 14mths-5yrs, 9.15-11am, 01273 293545
Jungle Fun Session, Stanley Deason Leisure Centre, 9.3011am, 01273 694281
Junior Jivers, Holy Cross Church Hall,Hove, music/Christian themes, 10.30-11.30am, book at: hrhowarth1@gmail.com
Kids Session, Puzzle Bored, see Mon Little Angels Playgroup, drop in, St Michael’s place BN1 3FU, 9.30-11am, 07813 098049
Little Boat Soft Play, see Tue Little Lambs, singing & story group, Holy Cross Church hall, Woodingdean, 10.30-11.30am, FB:@LM PersonalTutoring Mini Mee’s play group, see Tue Multi-lingual Group, Tarner Family Hub, 12.30-2pm, 01273 293545
Noah’s Ark, Hounsom Memorial Church Hall BN3 7NG, 0-5yrs, 9.30-11.30 am, 01273 551926
Play & Learn Group, Tarner Family Hub, 10-11.30am (booking required), 01273 293545
Play & Learn, North Portslade Family Hub, The Rise BN41 2PY, 9.30-11am, 01273 293545
St Matthias Play Café, see Mon Storytime at your local library, 10.15am: Coldean, Hove, Moulsecomb monthly last Wed, Portslade monthly 1st Wed, 01273 290800
Toddler Storytime at The Book Nook, stay & play in the pirate ship, 10am, booknookuk.com
Toddler Time at Duke of York’s Picturehouse, BN1 4NA, 11am, see website
Wednesday pm
Jump Start Stay & Play, Moulsecoomb Family Hub BN2 4SE, 18mths-5yrs, 1.15-2.45pm (not 1st Wed), 01273 290458
Just Play, Peacehaven Family Hub, 1-2.30pm, 0-5yrs, free, 01273 336930
Thursday am
Creative Cow at The Circular Space, Shoreham BN43 6GA, , 10.30am-12pm, 07717 413710
Dragonflies Toddlers, Knoyle Hall, Preston Park, 10am-noon, book at: dragonfliesbrighton@gmail.com
New England Rd Playgroup, Emmanuel Church, 10-11.45am, find on FB
Oasis, St Luke’s Church, BN1 5DD, 10am-noon, 01273 557772
Ovingdean Playgroup, Ovingdean Village Hall BN2 7BB, 0-6yrs, 9.45-11.30am, 07899 945117
Play & Learn, stay & play, Hollingdean Family Hub, 15mths5yrs, 10-11.30am, 01273 293545
Play Café at St Peter’s Church, Brighton, 9.30-11.30am, 01273 698182
Play Café at St Richard’s, 10am12pm, FB: @strichardshollingdean St Matthias Play Café, see Mon Stay & Play, St Nicolas’ Parish Church, Slatdean, 8.45-11.15am, 07726 460765
Storytime, Jubilee Library, 10.15am
Tearaway Tots, Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, BN2 1RL, 9.30 & 11am, 01273 605502
Tikes & Trikes, Peacehaven, Ascension Church Hall, BN10 8HR, 18mths-4yrs, 9.30-11.30am, 01273 588419 Toddlers Gym, Portslade Sports Centre,Thu 9am-1pm, 01273 411100
Friday am
Baby Boogie, Hove Library, Fri, 10.15am Fideri Fidera Story Magic, Komedia, story telling & fun, 10am & 11am, 9mths-4yrs, fiderifidera.com
Get Creative in Brighton, Tango Tots, Patcham Peace Gardens, 1-5yrs, 10-10.45am, 07967 633438
Howl choir, drop-in adult choir where your pre-school children are welcome, Hove, Fri 10.30am, howl.org.uk (see advert)
Lamb’s Tales, Church of Good Shepherd, Shoreham, U4s, 9.3010.45am, cogssundayschool10@gmail.com
Parents & Tots Meditation Class, Hove BN3 1DN, 0-4yrs, 10.3011.15am, 07787 183668
Rhymetime, Peacehaven Library, 11-11.30am, 0345 6080196
Soft Play, King Alfred Leisure Centre, 9.30am-1pm, 01273 980892 St Matthias Play Café, see Mon Storytime, Jubilee Library, 10.15am Storytime, Shoreham Library, 11.15am, 01273 467966
Tea and Tots, St Peter’s Church, Hove BN3 7LQ, 0-4yrs, 9:3011am, find on Facebook
Teddy Bears, Southwick Methodist Church, 10-11.30am, TeddyBearsSMC@outlook.com
Tots Till 12, Holy Cross church hall, Woodingdean, U5s, 9am12pm, see church website Friday pm
Polka Tots, Hove Methodist Church, 1.30-3.30pm, 01273 324600 (am)
Saturday/Sunday
Freeplay, Puzzle Bored, Brighton BN1 1UG, colouring, jigsaw puzzles; quiet room, 9.30-10.30am, 3yrs+, puzzlebored.co.uk
Craft session, Saltdean Library, monthly, 9am-12pm, see website Jungle Run, Portslade Sports Centre, (check times), U5s, Sat & Sun, 01273 411100
Dad’s Groups
Dad-La-Soul, support group for dad, monthly events with/without kids, Brighton & Worthing, dadlasoul.com
Dad’s Baby Boogie, Jubilee Library, 3rd Sat 10.15-10.45am, 01273 296960
Dads Group (SEND support group), Stoneham pub function room, Hove, last Thu 7.30-9.30pm, dads@amazesussex.org.uk
Pre-School Activities for U5's - more online
Creative Dance Club
Engaging classes for children aged 2-12 years Movement, Play and Exploration
creativedanceclubbr@gmail.com creativedanceclubbrighton.com
Dance + Drama
Brighton Ballet School, baby ballet & tap, 3-4yrs, 07595 303180
Creative Dance Club, creative dance classes, Exeter Street Hall, Brighton BN1 5PG, 2yrs+, creativedanceclubbrighton.com (see advert)
Dance Art Studio, Fiveways/Preston Park: ballet, tap, modern, classical, jazz, contemporary, street dance, 3yrs+, 07709 324160 (see advert p.19)
Diddi Dance, funky pre-school dance classes for girls & boys, Brighton & Lancing, 07730 576597
Get Creative in Brighton, Drama Tots, Mon 9.30-11am, Patcham Methodist Hall, 18mths5yrs, 07967 633438
Italia Conti Performing Arts, ‘Introduction to the Performing Arts’, Sat am, 3yrs+, 07956 890307 JustDance Academy, Southwick,3yrs+, 07777 692632 Leap & Bound Dance School, Little Leapers 2yrs+, Hanover CC; Shoreham Centre; ACT Brighton/ Hove, 07817 398215
Please
Sian Ballet, parent & baby ballet, The Loft, North Laine BN1 4AN, Fri 11.30am, 16 mths-2yrs, sian_ ballet@hotmail.com
South East Dance, The Dance Space, Project Female: Mini, Sat am, 4yrs+, southeastdance.org.uk
Stagecoach Performing Arts Hove, Fri pm, Sat & Sun am, 4-6yrs, 07910 193695 - Discovery Day on the 4th January 2025 (see advert)
Story Moves, Creative Movement classes, Patcham, Mon am, 18mths-5yrs, katharineleroux.co.uk Pre-School Music
Hartbeeps, sensory music classes for toddlers, Brighton: Tue at Brighton Girls Prep School, Wed at Yellowave & Fri at Yellowave & Blue Lagoon Warm Water Centre; Hove: Thur at St George's RC Church; Southwick: Mon at Southwick Comm. Centre; Shoreham: Thu at the Shoreham Centre, 07786 446119 (see advert p.9)
Music for Aardvarks, weekly, year round, drop in classes with live original music, Brighton Unitarian Church, Thu & Fri 10am, 6mths4yrs, book on happity.com, 07886 927081 (see advert)
Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, just call or email: 0345 313 0421 helen@rugbytots.co.uk
Sport + Gym
4-Corner Football, development programme, boys & girls, Wish Park Hove, 1-4yrs, 07964 785511
I-star Academy, gymnastics, Southwick, 3-4yrs, i-staracademy.co.uk
Junior Tennis, Queen’s Park Tennis Club Brighton, Wed, Fri, Sat, 3yrs+, qptc.co.uk
Ninja School at The Samurai Centre, New England St, Brighton, 3½yrs+, 01273 570940
Rugbytots, weekly play sessions in Brighton, Hove, Worthing & Lewes for boys & girls 2-5yrs, 0345 3130421 (see advert)
Withdean Sports Complex, Didi Tennis, coached parent & child club, 3-5yrs, 01273 542100
Swimming
Blue Lagoon Warm Water Centre
Brighton, The Hyde BN2 4JE, swim school, swim 30-60min, softplay, 01273 077119 (see advert pp.12 & 20)
King Alfred Leisure Centre, swimming lessons 4mths+; parent/ toddler fun swim, Mon/Wed-Thu am, U5s,01273 980892
Little Dippers, baby swimming, Upper Gardner Street, Brighton BN1 4AN, 01273 229390 (see advert p.9)
Yoga
Balance Kids Yoga, yoga for U5s, All Saints Church, Hove, Tue 2pm, Fri 12.30pm, 2-5yrs, 07584 208913, balancekids.co.uk
Daycare + Pre-School Nurseries
Daycare Nurseries
Acorn Nursery, The Rise, Mile Oak, 3mths-5yrs, 01273 293980
Apple Tree Montesorri Nursery School, 2-5yrs, 01273 271969:
- Hove, Connaught+New Church Rd
- Whiteway/Park Rd, Rottingdean - Saltdean, Oval Park
Brighton College Nursery, Eastern Rd, Brighton BN2 5JJ, 3-5yrs, 01273 704343 (see advert p.3)
Cherry Pie Day Nursery, Kemptown BN2 0AG, 3mths5yrs, cherrypiedaynursery.co.uk
Cromwell Road Day Nursery, 44 Cromwell Rd, Hove BN3 3ER, 3mths-5yrs, 01273 442354 (see advert p.13)
Each Peach Childcare, 42 Wilbury Villas, Hove BN3 6GD, 3mths5yrs, 01273 323199
Happy Learners Day Nursery, Edward Ave, Hove BN3 6WL, Nordic-inspired setting, curriculium, learnersdaynursery.co.uk
Hillbury House Day Nursery, 81 Denmark Villas, Hove BN3 3TH, birth-5yrs, 01273 730004
Hopscotch Children’s Nurseries: West Hove, Hove Station, Seven Dials, Brighton, Peacehaven, Seaford & Worthing, 01273 385577 (see advert)
Hove Village, 126-128 New Church Rd, Hove BN3 4JD, 3mths-5yrs, 01273 358589
La Casita, bilingual Spanish-English nursery, 43 Lawrence Rd, Hove BN3 5QE, 6mths-5yrs, 01273 323431
Little Lambs Kindergarten, Stapley Road, Knoll Park, Hangleton BN3 7FG, 0-4yrs, 01273 933631
Nanny’s House, Easthill House, Easthill Park, Portslade BN41 2FA, 6mths-4yrs, 01273 422422
Orchard Day Nursery, Queens Park Rd, Brighton BN2 OGL, 6mths5yrs, 01273 622883
Portslade Day Nursery, 221-223 old Shoreham Rd, Portslade BN41 1XR, 3mths-5yrs, 01273 442354
WRAP Nursery, full time flexible setting, onsite coworking, over 2s spaces available now, babies register for 2025, wrapnursery.com, 01273 359349 (see advert p.15)
Daycare + Pre-School Nurseries -
Pre-School Nurseries
Amigos Multicultural Preschool, Cornerstone Community Centre, Hove, 2-5yrs, 07835 635955
Brighton Girls Preschool, Montplier Rd, Brighton BN1 3AT, 3-4yrs, 01273 280200 (see back cover)
Dolphins Pre-School, The Pavilion, Nevill Playing Fields, Hove BN3 7QD, 2-5yrs, 01273 500513 (see advert)
Hollingbury Park Pre-School, Tennis Pavilion, Ditchling Rd BN1 7HS, 2-5yrs (ext. hours available), 01273 551847 (see advert p.14)
Just Like Home Childcare, St Philip’s Hall, 71 New Church Rd, Hove & Welbeck Avenue, 3mths4yrs, 01273 808618
Kipling Lions Pre-School, Downs Valley Road, Woodingdean BN2 6RH, 2-5yrs, 01273 309352
Lancing College Preparatory School at Hove BN3 6LU, PreSchool, 3-4yrs, 01273 503452 (see advert p.18)
Little Forest Nursery, St Ann’s Wells Gardens, Hove BN3 1RP, 2-5yrs, 01273 770638
Royal Spa Nursery School, Park Hill, Brighton BN2 OBT, 2-5yrs, 01273 607480
Shoreham College Little Lions Nursery, Shoreham BN43 6YW, mixed, 3-5yrs, 01273 592681 (see advert p.18)
Southwick Pre-School Playgroup, Southwick Com Centre, BN42 4TE, 2-5yrs, 07931 104403
St Anthony’s Pre-School, St Peter’s Community Hall, Holmes Ave, Hove BN3 7LQ, 2-5yrs, 07763 651764 (see advert)
St Martin’s Primary School Nursery Class, Hartington Rd, Brighton BN2 3LJ, 3-4yrs, 01273 707114 (see advert)
Please tell our fantastic advertisers that you saw them in the Family Grapevine!
Primary Schools • Language + Tutoring
Primary Schools
Aldrington CE Primary School, Eridge Rd, Hove BN3 7QD, 01273 542656
Balfour Primary School, Balfour Rd BN1 6NE, 01273 507722
Benfield Primary School, 255 Old Shoreham Rd, Portslade BN41 1XS, 01273 916540
Bevendean Primary School, Heath Hill Avenue, Lower Bevendean, Brighton BN2 4JP, 01273 681292
Bilingual Primary School, The Droveway, Hove BN3 7QA, 01273 916212
Brackenbury Primary School, Locks Hill, Portslade BN41 2LA, 01273 418850
Brunswick Primary School, Somerhill Rd, Hove BN3 1RP, 01273 711816
Carden Primary School, County Oak Avenue, Brighton BN1 8LU, 01273 916606
Carlton Hill Primary School, Sussex Street, Brighton BN2 9HS, 01273 604966
City Academy Whitehawk, Whitehawk Rd, Brighton BN2 5FL, 01273 681377
Coldean Primary School, Kenwards, Brighton BN1 9EN, 01273 094911
Coombe Road Primary School, Milner Rd, Brighton BN2 4BP, 01273 077130
Cottesmore St Mary Catholic Primary School, The Upper Drive, Hove BN3 6NB, 01273 555811
Downs Infant School, Ditchling Rd, Brighton BN1 6JA, 01273 099854
Downs Junior School, Rugby Rd, Brighton BN1 6ED, 7-11yrs, 01273 558422
Elm Grove Primary School, Elm Grove, Brighton BN2 3ES, 01273 708004
Fairlight Primary School, St Leonards Road, Brighton BN2 3AJ, 01273 601270
Glebe Primary School, Church Ln, Southwick BN42 4GB, 01273 592163
Goldstone Primary School, Laburnum Avenue, Hove BN3 7JW, 01273 077110
Hangleton Primary School, Dale View, Hove BN3 8LF, 01273 916213
Hertford Primary School, Lynchet Close, Hollingdean, Brighton BN1 7FP, 5-11yrs, 01273 557341 Hove Junior School, Portland Rd BN3 5JA & Holland Rd BN3 1JY, Y3-Y6, 01273 916609 (see advert p.17)
Middle Street Primary School, Middle Street, Brighton BN1 1AL, 01273 323184
Mile Oak Primary School, Graham Avenue Portslade BN41 2WN, 01273 077114
Moulsecoomb Primary School, The Highway, Lewes Rd, Brighton BN2 4PA, 01273 605700
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, The Green, Rottingdean BN2 7HA, 01273 306980
Patcham Infant School, Highview Ave South BN1 8WW, 01273 509766
Patcham Junior School, Ladies Mile Rd BN1 8TA, Y3-Y6, 01273 087513
Peter Gladwin Primary School, Drove Rd, Brighton BN41 2PA, 01273 916592
Queen’s Park Primary School, Park Street, Brighton BN2 0BN, 01273 686822
Rudyard Kipling Primary School & Nursery, Chalkland Rise, Woodingdean BN2 6RH, 01273 303328
Saltdean Primary School, Chiltington Way BN2 8HB, 01273 303358
St Andrew’s CE Primary School, Belfast Street, Hove BN3 3YT, 01273 770082
St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Preston Rd, Brighton BN1 6UT, 01273 553813
St John the Baptist RC Primary School, Whitehawk Hill Rd, Brighton BN2 0AH, 01273 607924
St Joseph’s RC Primary School, Davey Drive, Hollingdean BN1 7BF, 01273 556607
St Luke’s Primary School, Queens Park Rise, Brighton BN2 9ZF, 01273 675080
St Margarets CofE Primary School, Whiteway Lane, Rottingdean BN2 7HB, 01273 303109 - open days 6 Nov, 4 Dec, 8 Jan (see advert & open days p.17)
St Mark’s CE Primary School, Manor Rd, Brighton BN2 5EA, 01273 605588
St Martin’s CE Primary School, Hartington Rd, Brighton BN2 3LJ, 01273 707114 (see advert p.15)
St Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Primary School & Nursery, Spring St, Brighton BN1 3EF, 01273 327533
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Church Rd, Portslade BN41 1LB, 01273 418416
St Nicolas CE Primary School, Locks Hill, Portslade BN41 2LA, 01273 418026
St Paul’s CE Primary School, St Nicholas Road, Brighton BN1 3LP, 01273 721001
Stanford Infant School, Highcroft Villas, Brighton BN1 5PS, 01273 555240
Stanford Junior School, Stanford Rd, Brighton BN1 5PR, 7-11yrs, 01273 565570
West Blatchington Primary School, Hangleton Way, Hove BN3 8BN, 01273 770777
West Hove Infant School, 2 sites: School Rd Site BN3 5JA & Holland Rd Site BN3 1JY, 01273 733386 (see advert & open days p.17)
Westdene Primary School, Bankside, Brighton BN1 5GN, 01273 916618
Woodingdean Primary School, Warren Rd, Brighton BN2 6BB, 01273 680811
Head to page 17 for Primary School OPEN DAYS - Intake 2025
Education Information
Education Otherwise - information on Home Ed, 0845 4786345
School Admissions Team, 4-16yrs, 01273 293653
Language Classes
BonjourKidz, French classes full of games, arts & crafts, some cooking & forest school, 01273 921821
China Special, Brighton, creative Chinese Mandarin tuition, groups or 1-1, 3yrs-adult, 07796 210160
Franglophones, weekly French classes in Hove & Haywards
Heath for French speaking children, lesfranglophones.co.uk
French, Italian & English as a foreign language tuition, all ages & abilities, Hove, 07748 937036
Little Dragon Mandarin, classes, holiday workshops, 1 2 1, adult classes, 07909 521899
Poncho Spanish, online Spanish classes, from beginners classes to GCSE exam support, Home Ed, after school classes, 7yrs+, ponchospanish.com (see advert)
Private German tuition in person or online, Language Garden, Brighton/ Falmer, language-garden.co.uk
SRCC Kalinka, Russian speaking language classes & cultural events, adults & children, kalinka.org.uk
Tutoring
Brighton Expert Tutors, specialist 1:1, warm & nurturing environment, incl. therapy dogs, 4-14yrs, 07800 952078
Elite Tutors Sussex, one-to-one tailored tuition from the comfort of your home or online, 07387 954693
Kumon Hove, Portland Rd, maths & English, TueThu,Sat, 07748 398265
MagiKats, afterschool Maths & English tuition from EY to GCSE, Hove BN3 5QJ, Mon-Thur 3:506:10pm, 01273 468650
Portslade Kumon, Eastbrook Manor CCtre BN41 1QH, additional support in numeracy & literacy, 3yrs+, kumon.co.uk/portslade
Russell Lower Tuition, maths & science, 1:1, 20+ years’ experience, KS2 to A-Level, 07962 455774
After School Tuition, Lancing College Prep, Worthing, small group, subject specific sessions, open to all, YR5-6, 4-5pm, 01903 201123
The Learning Room, 215 Preston Rd,Brighton BN1 6SA, 4-16yrs, maths & English, MonSat, 01273 505046
Primary School OPEN DAYS - September 2025 Intake
Primary School OPEN DAYS
For parents & carers of children starting school in Sep 2025 [please double check the school's respective websites for days and times]
Brighton Primary Schools BN1 area
Balfour 5 Nov | 14 Nov | 20 Nov | 26 Nov. Please book.
Carden 13 Nov | 14 Nov | 21 Nov. Please book.
Hertford 14 Nov | 18 Nov | 20 Nov. Please book.
Patcham Infants 12 Nov | 13 Nov | 14 Nov | 25 Nov | 26 Nov. Please book.
St Joseph's Please call to book a personal tour.
St Mary Magdalen'sPlease call to book a personal tour.
Stanford Infants 7 Nov | 9 Nov (tour + Stay & Play) | 11 Nov | 14 Nov | 18 Nov | 21 Nov | 26 Nov | 9 Jan. Please book.
Brighton Primary Schools BN2 area
Carlton Hill 13 Nov (full) | 20 Nov | 8 Jan. Please book.
Coombe Road 9 Nov (Stay & Play)| 15 Nov | 4 Dec (Stay & Play) | 5 Dec. Please book.
Elm Grove 6 Nov (full) | 13 Nov | 18 Nov |8 Jan. Please book.
Fairlight 7 Nov | 18 Nov | 4 Dec | 11 Dec. Please book.
Moulsecoomb 7 Nov | 14 Nov | 19 Nov | 29 Nov. Please book.
Rudyard Kipling 14 Nov | 20 Nov. Please book.
St John the Baptist5 Nov | 14 Nov. Please book.
St Luke's 5 Nov | 6 Nov | 28 Nov. Please book.
St Margaret's, Rottingdean (see advert) 6 Nov, 9.30am | 4 Dec, 9.30am | 8 Jan, 9.30am. Register online.
St Mark's Please call to book a personal tour.
St Martin's (see advert p.15) 5 Nov, 11am | 11 Nov, 5.30pm | 13 Nov, 2pm | 28 Nov, 11am. Please book.
Woodingdean Every Tue until the 14th Jan. Please book.
Hove Primary Schools BN3 area
Aldrington 20 Nov. Please register.
Bilingual 13 Nov | 27 Nov | 4 Dec | 9 Jan. Please book
Brunswick 7 Nov (outdoors Stay & Play) | 12 Nov | 14 Nov (outdoors Stay & Play) |19 Nov | 9 Jan. Please book.
St Andrew's 6 Nov | 21 Nov | 22 Nov | 9 Jan. Book online.
West Hove Infant (see advert)
[School Rd] Mon 11, 9.30 & 10.45am | 13 Nov 9.30 & 10.45am | 20 Nov, 5pm | 13 Jan, 9.30am
[Holland Rd] Tue 12 Nov, 10.45am | 14 Nov, 10.45am | 21 Nov, 6.15pm | 9 Jan, 10.45am. Please book.
Portslade Primary Schools BN41 area
Benfield Tues, Weds, Thurs. Brackenbury Please call to book a personal tour.
Mile Oak 5 Nov | 16 Nov | 2 Dec | 12 Dec | 8 Jan. Please book.
Peter Gladwin 12 Nov | 20 Nov | 8 Jan. Please book.
St Mary's 7 Nov. Please book.
St Nicolas 19 Nov | 23 Nov | 4 Dec | 4 Jan. No need to book. Admission closing date: 15 Jan 2025 & National Offer Day: 16 April 2025
Independent Schools
Independent Schools
The Drive Prep School, 101 The Drive, Hove BN3 6GE, 7-16yrs, 01273 738444
The Montessori Place, 45 Cromwell Rd, Hove BN3 3ER, 18mths18yrs, 01273 773764
Windlesham School & Nursery, 190 Dyke Rd, Brighton BN1 5AA, 3-11yrs, 01273 553645
Bartholomews Tutorial College
Brighton (aka ‘Barts’), small independent 1:1 college, GCSE, A levels, bartscollege.co.uk
Brighton & Hove Montessori School, 67 Stanford Avenue, Brighton BN1 6FB, 2 1/2-12yrs, 01273 702485
Brighton College Nursery & Pre Prep School, Eastern Rd, Brighton BN2 5JJ, 3-7yrs, 01273 704343 (see advert p.3)
Brighton College Prep, Walpole Rd, Brighton BN2 0EU, 8-13yrs, 01273 704343 (see advert p.3)
Brighton College, Eastern Rd, Brighton BN2 0AL, 13-18yrs, 01273 704200
Brighton Girls Preschool & Prep School, Montpelier Rd, Brighton BN1 3AT, 3-11yrs, 01273 280200 (see back cover)
Brighton Girls Senior School & Sixth Form, Montpelier Rd, Brighton BN1 3AT, 11-18yrs, 01273 280280 (see back cover)
Burgess Hill Girls, Keymer Rd, Burgess Hill RH15 OEG, 2½-18yrs, 01444 241050
Hove Micro-School, bespoke primary education for up to 6 children per class, Hove BN41 1DF, 5-11yrs, 01273 459022
Hurst College, Hurstpierpoint BN6 9JS, Pre-Prep, Prep & Senior School, 4-18yrs, 01273 833636
Kings Brighton, 27-33 Ditchling Rd, Brighton, BN1 4SB, GCSE’ A Levels, art foundation, revision, 01273 443403
Lancing College Preparatory School at Hove BN3 6LU, mixed 3-13yrs, 01273 503452 (see advert)
Lancing College Preparatory School at Worthing BN14 8HU, mixed 3-13yrs, 01903 201123 Lancing College, Lancing BN15 0RW, 13-18yrs, 01273 452213 Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton BN2 5RQ, girls 11-18yrs, 01273 667500
Shoreham College, St Julian’s Lane, Shoreham BN43 6YW, mixed, 3-16yrs, 01273 592681 (see advert)
SML College, West Rd, Fishersgate BN41 1QH, offering an alternative to schooling for 9-16yrs, 01273 987629
Sompting Abbotts Prep School, Church Lane, Lancing BN15 0AZ, 2-13yrs, 01903 235960
St Christopher’s Prep Hove, a Brighton College School, New Church Rd BN3 4AD, boys & girls 4-13yrs, 01273 735404 (see advert p.2)
A - Z of Sport & Leisure for 5 years old to Teens
Arts + Crafts
Art-K Hove, Portland Rd BN3 5QU, after school, weekend clubs, holiday, 6-16yrs, 07826 152206
Artpod, Rottingdean, art supplies, out of school & holiday art classes, 5yrs+, artpodbtn.com (see event p.4)
House of Culture, after school club, holiday, Home Ed, parties, Brighton, 5-11yrs, houseofculturebrighton.org
Luna Moon Mosaic, parent & child mosaic classes, Stanmer Park, weekends, 07760 228501
Sketchup Art Club, Brighton, after school & holidays, 7-12yrs, 07947 333540
The Scrap Space, Shoreham, redistributes donated waste for art, craft, DIY at low cost + events, @thescrapspace
Badminton
At your local Leisure Centre:
- King Alfred: from 4-5pm, 12-16yrs, - Longhill: Tue pm, Y3-5/6-7+ & pay & play
- Moulsecoomb, Junior Badminton Mon pm, 12-16yrs & casual bookings
-Stanley Deason, casual bookings
Basketball
Brighton Phoenix Sparks Basketball, Old Boat Corner BN1 8GN, Sat am, 5-11yrs, 07809 105300
Mini Ballers, basketball, Manor Gym, Whitehawk BN2 5EA, Thu 5-6pm, girls only 6-7pm, 7-11yrs, communitybasketball.org
Peacehaven Leisure Centre, basketball, Tue pm, 5-10/10-15yrs, 01273 588858
Climbing
Boulder Brighton, Portslade, tasters, clubs courses & parties, 7-15yrs, family sessions, 01273 422408
High Sports Climbing Centre, Withdean Sports Complex, indoor climbing activities for everyone, 4yrs+, 0345 3631177 (see advert)
Cycling
Brighton & Hove Cycle Map, create your own customised cycle map of the city, find online
Brighton Beach Bikes, bikes for hire by the pier, weather permitting, guide rides, 01273601863
VC Jubilee Brighton Excelsior Youth Development Cycling Club, 6-18yrs, contact@vcjubilee.co.uk
Dance & Drama
ACT, professional theatre training & kid’s drama school, Kemptown, Sat am, 6-17yrs, 01273 818266
Brighton School of Samba, dance, drumming & percussion, all ages, info@brightonschoolofsamba.org.uk
Brighton Theatre Group Youth, musical theatre productions, Facebook: @Brighton Theatre Group (see next production p.23)
Comedy Workshop, Komedia Productions, CCtre, 11 Downsman Ct, Brighton, Mon pm, 10-16yrs, komediaproductions.org.uk, Free Creative Dance Club, creative dance classes, Prestonville/ Seven Dials, 2-11yrs, creativedanceclubbrighton.com (see advert p.11)
Dance Art Studio, Boys Beat, tap, street dance & combined jazz lesson for boys, Preston Park, Fri pm, 5yrs+, 07709 324160 (see advert)
Dance Art Studio, ballet, tap, modern, classical, jazz, contemporary, street dance, Fiveways/Preston Park, 3yrs+, 07709 324160 (see advert)
Irish Dancing classes, Brighton & Hove, all levels, free taster class, 3yrs+, rince-ryan.com
Mucambo Capoeira Angola Brighton, capoeira for kids, Hanover BN2 9HS, Sat, 6yrs+, capoeiraangolabrighton.com
South East Dance, Project Female Fusion: Streetdance/Contemporary, Mon 12yrs+ & Sat 7yrs+11yrs+, southeastdance.org.uk
Stagecoach Performing Arts Hove, Fri pm, Sat & Sun am, 4-18yrs, 07910 193695 Discovery Day Saturday 4th Jan 2025, 4-6yrs
(see advert p.11)
ThirdSpace Theater, actor training & youth theatre company, Hove & Brighton venues, 5-21yrs, 07932 776114
Fitness & Exercise
Junior Gym (12-15yrs) at your local leisure centre: Portslade; King Alfred weekdays 4-5/5-6pm & Sat/ Sun am; Moulsecoomb Mon-Thu 3.30-5pm, Sun 9am-3pm; Prince Regent; Withdean, daily
Sea Beasts Fitness, Brighton, term time, Sun am, 6-8yrs/9-12yrs, seabeastsfitness@hotmail.com
Leisure + Sport for Children with SEND All Terrain Beach Wheelchairs, Seafront Office, 141 King’s Rd Arches, 01273 292716
Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation, disability football sessions, 01273 668590
Brighton Pebbles, Manor Gym, weekly session for children with severe disabilities & their families, 07506 105265
Compass Card, leisure card for 0-25yrs offering free or discounted entry eg swimming, fitness, cabs, 01273 772289
Create Music, Orchestra 360, inclusive, creative music group for children & their family, 5-18yrs, createmusic.org.uk
Creative Dance Club, creative dance classes, Exeter Street Hall, Brighton BN1 5PG, 6yrs+, creativedanceclubbrighton.com (see advert p.11)
Inclusive Fun Days, Moulsecoomb Com.Leisure Centre, last Sun of the month, 10am-12pm, 01273 622266
Inclusive Swim, St Luke’s Swimming Pool, 9ZE, 01273 602385
Inflatable Aqua Run, Prince Regent Swimming Complex BN1 1YA, 1st Sat 4.30-5.15pm, 8-16yrs, 01273 685692
Pedal People, provides accessible cycle ride for anyone living with disability or health challenges, www.pedalpeople.co.uk
A - Z of Sport & Leisure for 5 years old to Teens
The Skate Club
Music
Create Music, music lessons, orchestras, bands, ensembles, choirs, createmusic.org.uk
Go Kid Music, Online Ukulele Class, 4-8yrs, gokidmusic.com
Howling choir, informal, drop-in youth choir, new song each week! Hove, Wed 5 -6pm, 10yrs+, howl.org.uk (see advert)
Toga Creative: Small group instrument & vocal learning, Brighton BN1 4GH, 7-16yrs, 01273950206 (see advert)
Violin, piano & music theory lessons. Peacehaven, in person & online, 01273 580250
Rugby
Rugbytots, weekly play sessions in Brighton, Hove, Worthing & Lewes for boys & girls 5-7yrs, 0345 3130421 (see advert p.11)
Try Tag Rugby Juniors sessions, Hove Green (BASVIC), Tue 5-6pm, 7-11yrs, 07788 478340
Skateboarding
The Skate Club, after school & holiday club, Loxdale Centre, Portslade, 5-12yrs, theskateclub.com (see advert)
Swimming & Scuba
Aqua Swim, Surrenden pool, Brighton, 2yrs-adult, Fri, Sat, Sun classes, 07702 075091
Blue Lagoon Warm Water Centre
Brighton, The Hyde BN2 4JE, swim school, swim 30-60min, softplay, 01273 077119 (see advert pp. 12 & 20)
Yoga
Balance Kids Yoga, kids yoga, Luna Wave, Brighton, Tue 4.15pm: 9yrs+; Thu 4pm: 4-8yrs, 07584 208913, balancekids.co.uk
Places to Visit in & Brightonaround
Booth Museum of Natural History, Dyke Rd BN1 5AA. Quirky celebration of natural history, FREE.
Brighton i360, nr the West Pier, 162m tower with viewing pod up to 138m, 360° views of the Sussex coastline up to 26 miles, Christmas events.
Brighton Fishing Museum, Kings Road Arches BN1 1NB. Sussex fishing boat, plus prints, photos & fishing memorabilia, FREE.
Brighton Footgolf, Hove BN3 8EB, game involving kicking a football into a hole, 9- or 18-hole available, 3yrs+.
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery BN1 1EE. History of Brighton, pottery, fashion & more (FREE for Brighton/Hove residents).
Brighton Sea Life Centre Marine Parade. The world’s oldest operating aquarium with over 1,500 creatures.
Brighton Toy & Model Museum, Trafalgar St, BN1 4EB. toys, models, inc. 2 working model railways.
Brighton Zip, Madeira Drive BN2 1TB. The longest zip wire on the South Coast, boasting a 300m long run down Brighton beach, dual riders as 2 people can ride simultaneously, 8yrs+ Globalls, Brighton Marina, 12 hole indoor themed-ultraviolet crazy golf.
Hove Lagoon & Paddling Pool, enclosed playground located on the seafront, Big Beach Café, skate park & picnic tables.
Hove Museum of Creativity, Hove BN3 4AB. Toys, cinema, local history & fine art, children’s activities, cafe, FREE admission.
Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf, Madeira Drive BN2 1EN. 2 exciting 18-hole mini-golf courses, beach view, roof terrace café.
Pier Pressure Escape Rooms, Brighton’s biggest escape rooms venue with 5 top rated games to choose from, 12yrs+.
Preston Park Brighton BN1 6HN. Largest urban park, playground & cycle velodrome, large rockery, walled garden, cafés.
Places to Visit -
Puzzle Bored, 27 New Rd, Brighton BN1 1UG. Coffee shop, jigsaw puzzle space & shop selling puzzles with artwork from local artists! Open Mon-Sat 10-6pm & Sun 12-5pm, events.
Rampion Offshore Wind Visitor Centre, Kings Road Arches, east from i360. Hands-on exhibitions, interactive displays, games, videos & 360˚ VR wind farm experience, 10am-6pm, holidays activities, FREE entry. (see advert)
Royal Pavilion Brighton, built between 1787 & 1823, exotic oriental appearance inside & out.
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink Seasonal ice rink, ice powered exclusively by green energy, with the backdrop on the Royal Pavilion, open until 5th Jan 2025. (see competition p.23)
Stanmer Park, Falmer. Park, walks, football pitches, village, home to Earthship Brighton & One Garden, Christmas events. Undercliff Walk just over 5km from Brighton Marina to Saltdean. Yellowave Beach Sports, Brighton Beach, beach volleyball/ soccer, tag rugby, clubhouse for hire & private parties, 6yrs+.
Places to Visit further away
Ashdown Forest Centre Wych Cross, RH18 5JP. Once a Norman deer hunting forest, now free public access space & the ‘home’ of Winnie the Pooh
Bedgebury Pinetum Goudhurst TN17 2SJ. 2,000-acre forest with numerous walks, cycling trails, mountain bike & dirt jump area, adventure play trail, café, Christmas event.
Borde Hill Garden Haywards Heath RH16 1XP, 17-acre garden, walks, playground, zip wire & Christmas family trail/events.
British Wildlife Centre Surrey RH7 6LF. Over 40 British animals inc. red squirrel, otters, foxes, deer.
Butterfly Gardens at Middleton Common Farm, Ditchling. Free flying butterflies from all over.
Cuckmere Valley & Seven Sisters Country Park. Chalk cliffs, stunning views on the Seven Sisters & the river valley, rock pooling, cycling to the beach. From there walk to or visit Burling Gap
Friston Forest Exceat, walks, biking, play area.
Drusillas Park off the A27, BN26 5QS. Zoo, ride, adventure playgrounds, splash park, cafes. Christmas event.
Knockhatch Adventure Park Hailsham BN27 3GD. Animals, falconry, soft play’, outdoor playgrounds, splash park & more, Christmas event. (see competition p.16)
Lewes Castle & Barbican House Museum. 1,000 year old Norman Castle, museum of Archaeology.
Nymans House & Gardens NT, Handcross, RH17 6EB. Natural play trail,lovely walks in the Millennium Wood, holiday trails.
Peacehaven Big Park, BN10 8RH. Skate park, playgrounds, climbing wall, café, links to the South Downs.
South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, Chichester (satnav PO19 8AE). educational outlet, group shows as public shows - check website for dates.
Sheffield Park & Garden NT, TN22 3QX. 18c. garden laid out by ‘Capability’ Brown, family activities & woodland play trail, Christmas Trail. (see advert p.5)
The Novium Museum Chichester PO19 1QH. Built over the remains of a Roman bathhouse, fantastic exhibitions, admission FREE. Wakehurst Gardens & Millennium Seed Bank nr Haywards Heath (Metrobus 272). ‘Kew in the Country’, botanic gardens, walks, natural play spaces, restaurant, café, dog-friendly areas. Glow Wild Christmas lantern trail.
Woods Mill Nature Reserve Henfield BN5 9SD. Sussex Wildlife Trust HQ, nature reserve, woodland, meadows & reedfringed lake. Free.
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre BN18 9PB, nature reserve, guided boat safari, adventure playground, children’s activities, visitor centre & café, family trails & events during the holidays and all year round, Christmas events. (see advert above)
Soft play centres
Baby Glow Play Centre Hastings TN34 1JN. Fully immersive sensory experience & play centre for the early years (0-5yrs), open Mon-Sat.
Funplex, Bevendean BN2 4JE, indoor soft play centre & laser tag parties, toddler activities.
Froggies Indoor Soft Play at Knockhatch (see above) all ages with U3yrs toddler area. (see competition p.16)
High Places, The Triangle, Burgess Hill RH15 8WA, 16 fun themed climbing experiences.
JumpIn Inflatable Fun, Burgess Hill RH15 9TL, soft play & parties.
Level Up, Withdean Sports Complex BN1 5JD. Indoor soft play for all ages + 40 other individual play features, toddlers area.
Magic Castle Soft Play, U10s, Peacehaven Leisure Centre, MonFri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm.
Tiny Tim’s U9s, Hangleton CCtre BN3 8BW, soft play on 3 levels.
Wild Wonderland Lancing, Lancing BN15 8FB, variety of play equipment, multi-storey play frame, slides, ball pit, toddler area, crawlers area & sensory room, safe, secure and stimulating play environment for children 0-12yrs.
WHAT'S ON This WINTER -
November
PRIMARY SCHOOL OPEN DAYS
Sep 2025 Intake, see p.17
Until the 22nd December
Bloomin' Brilliant: The Life & Work of Raymond Briggs, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft.
Until 5th January
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, stunning setting, ice-powered by green energy, child-friendly, penguin skate aid for children
U1.2m (see competition above)
Until the 23rd February
The Mechanical Circus, Hove Museum of Creativity, circusthemed automata. Free entry. Until the 16th March
Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.
16 November
Brilliant Brighton Festive Afternoon, Christmas lights, 2-6pm.
17 November
Brighton Girls Pre-pep Drama & Dance Stay & Play | Rec 25 Intake, 9.30-11.30am. (see back cover)
19 November - 2 January
Christmas Mice, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, find the mice hiding in the museum.
23 - 24 November
Winter Fair, South of England Showground, Santa's Grotto+more.
23 November - 5 January
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, xmas at Nymans NT.
24 November
Inclusive Fun Day, monthly last Sun, Moulsecoomb Community Leisure Centre, 10am-noon.
28 November - 1 January
Glow Wild, Wakehurst, magical winter lantern trail.
30 November - 24 December
Meet Father Christmas, Royal Pavilion, selected days.
30 November - 12 January
The SnowmanTM, Sheffield Park & Garden NT, festive walk (see advert p.5)
December
1 December
Rottingdean Festive Beach Clean, The Deans Volunteers, monthly 1st Sun, 11am-12.30pm.
5 & 15 December
Short Stories, Tall Tales: The Night Before Christmas | 0-4yrs, Ropetackle, Shorehamby-Sea, stories brought to life through live performance and interactive, creative play.
7 December
howl Charity Christmas Concert, Central United Reformed Church, Hove, proceeds to The Clock Tower Sanctuary & RISE. (see advert pp.10 & 21)
Christmas Open Day, Cromwell Road Day Nursery & Pre-School, Hove, fun filled day with Christmas activities, 12pm-4pm (see p.13)
Wed 19 - Sat 22 February 2025
17 December - 5 Jan
101 Dalmatians - The Musical | 5yrs+, Royal Theatre Brighton. 19 - 30 December
Sleeping Beauty - Pantomime, at the Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. 20 - 22 December
Starchitects Save Santa! | 8yrs+, Brighton Dome, intergalactic Christmas Story, circus (see advert p.5)
7 - 8 & 14 -15 December
Sail To Santa, WWT Arundel, Wetland, meet Santa & grotto (see advert p.22)
7 - 8 & 11 - 23 December
The Brighton Lights, ONE Garden, Stamner Park, winter light trail.
15 December
The Snowman, Brighton Dome, classic animation with live orchestra (see advert p.5)
16 December
Big Christmas Singalong, Brighton Dome, the Choir with No Name.
17 - 24 December
Antler Airway: A trip to Village Noel, Streetfunk CIC Studios, Hove, Artpod Christmas festive wonderland, meet Santa (see advert & box p.4)
Let It Be A Tale, Brighton Dome, folk stories from around the world (see advert p.5)
21 December
Burning The Clocks 24, turning of the year celebration.
21 - 30 December
Franky | 3yrs+, Komedia, a Christmas show for all the family (see advert & box p.4)
28 - 31 December
Afrique en Cirque, Brighton Dome, Studio Theatre, circus with a difference (see advert p.5)
4 January
Discovery Day at Stagecoach Performing Arts Hove | 4-6yrs, Hove, 9-10am (see advert p.11)
10 January
Brighton College - Nursery & Reception Open Morning | 3-5yrs, register online (see advert p.3)
13 January
Brighton Girls Pre-prep Space Stay & Play | Rec 2025 Intake, 10-11.30am (see back cover)
31 January
St Christopher Prep, Hove Open Morning | 4-13yrs, 9.30am-12pm,register online (see advert p.2)
1 February
Brighton College - Nursery, Prep school Open Morning | 3-13yrs, register online (see advert p.3)
Shoreham College Whole School Open Morning | 3-16yrs, 10am-12pm (see advert p.18)
19 - 22 February
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, presented by the Brighton Theatre Group, Royal Theatre Brighton (see advert)
26 - 27 April
Spring Live!, South of England Showground, Ardingly (see competition p.9)
10 May
Lancing Prep Hove Open Morning | 3-13yrs, 10am (see advert p.18)
23 - 26 May
Elderflowers Fields Festival
Ashdown Forest, family festival (see competition p.11).
Based on the novel by ROALD DAHL
Book by David Greig Music by Marc Shaiman Lyrics by Scott Wittman Marc Shaiman
Songs from the Motion Picture by LESLIE BRICUSSE and ANTHONY NEWLEY
