Local parks and gardens
There are several parks and gardens close to North Laine. Some are a short walk, others a bit further but worth a visit.
The Level
Part of the Valley Greens corridor, between Ditchling Road and Lewes Road. For parents with children there are lots of swings, a slide, a sand play area, seating, picnic benches, a café and public toilets. There are also weekly events such as Buggy Bootcamp (Tuesdays, term-time (weather permitting) 10.30am to 11.15am. For those a bit older, there is a skate park, and pétanque games area, table tennis, rose walk and sensory garden.
Preston Park
The largest urban park in the city, next to Preston Road, with a wide range of sports facilities, including four football pitches, eight tennis courts, two basketball courts and a children’s playground. The park also holds a weekly park run. The Rotunda Café is open throughout the week.
Pelham Square Garden
A small, pretty garden in Pelham Square, tucked away at the bottom of Trafalgar Street within North Laine. It has benches, grass and trees. Sometimes used as a picnic spot and quiet area for workers in their lunch breaks.
Brighthelm Garden
Another green space in the heart of the city, this North Laine amenity area has trees, shrubs, grass and flowers. It also has street food stalls every Friday where you can buy many different hot meals to take away or enjoy in the garden if the weather is good enough. There is a new mural depicting flowers on a wall of the garden.
St Anne’s Well Gardens
A bit further away, St Anne's Well Gardens in Hove is great too. For young mums with children there are lots of swings (so no queuing necessary here). The Garden Cafe is great and they have a baby change facility in the cafe WC. There are eight tennis courts, a fish pond, sensory garden and a conservation area.
