Volk's Electric Railway
About 1.5 miles one way ·
About
Volk's Electric Railway opened in 1883 and is the oldest operating electric railway in the world, running along the seafront from near the Palace Pier out to Black Rock. It is a genuinely fun, slow, open-sided ride rather than a serious way to get anywhere, which is exactly the point for families with young children. It runs a seasonal timetable, roughly from Easter through the end of September, so it is not a year-round option, and it is worth checking the current season before planning around it. Dogs and under-fives ride free, which makes it an easy add-on rather than a big commitment.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓The oldest operating electric railway in the world, opened 1883
- ✓Open-sided carriages along the seafront
- ✓Under-fives and dogs ride free
- ✓A halfway station option for a shorter, cheaper ride
Tips
- →It only runs seasonally, roughly Easter to the end of September, so check dates
- →Buy a return if you plan to ride both ways, it is cheaper than two singles
- →A good short activity to pair with the beach and Sea Life
Best Season
More Family Activities
Brighton Beach and Seafront
Brighton's famous pebble beach and lively seafront, free to enjoy, with swimming best in the lifeguarded summer sections.
Sea Life Brighton
The world's oldest working aquarium, built into Victorian seafront arches, with sharks, rays and an underwater tunnel.