The Level, Brighton

The Level is an urban park in central Brighton, on the south coast of England. A triangle of about 3.3 hectares (8 acres), it sits among busy city streets and works as an everyday space for walking, sport and meeting friends. For visitors it is an easy green pause between the station and the seafront.

Where is The Level and how do you get there?

The park is bounded by Union Road to the north, Richmond Terrace (A270) to the east and Ditchling Road (A23) to the west. It lies where several Brighton neighbourhoods meet and is an easy walk from the city centre. Paths lined with trees cross the lawns from several entrances.

What is the history of the park?

The land was once a marshy, open area. From the mid 18th century until 1822 it served as a cricket ground, used by the Prince of Wales among others. It also hosted large outdoor dinner parties marking big occasions, such as the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte and the coronation of Queen Victoria.

In 1822 the park was formally laid out to a design by A. H. Wilds and local botanist and landscape gardener Henry Philips. The elm avenues that still shape its character date from 1844. A children's playground with a boating pool, designed by Captain Bertie Hubbard MacLaren, followed in 1927. Today the pool has been replaced by a much smaller paddling pool.

What can you do here?

• Skate park. A large skate park appeared in the late 1980s. After the park's restoration in 2013 a new facility opened, and it still draws skaters and riders.
• Playground and paddling pool. A good stop for families, especially on warm days.
• Walking and picnics. Broad lawns and tree-lined paths invite a slow break outdoors.
• Events. The park is a popular venue for outdoor events. Past gatherings include May Day celebrations, the Brighton Urban Free Festival and a peace camp in 1983.

Is there a market nearby?

Yes, the Open Market stands next to the park. The Rose Walk area once held a food market that, according to one source, ran from around 1914 until 1926, when it moved to the site of today's Open Market.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for The Level? No, it is a public city park.

Is it good for children? Yes. There is a playground and a paddling pool, and the lawns give plenty of room to play.

Does it have a skate park? Yes, a new skate park opened in July 2013 after the park was restored.

How long should I plan for a visit? An hour or two is usually enough for a stroll and a rest, longer if an outdoor event is on.

When is the best time to visit? On warm, sunny days, when the lawns are lively and events are often held.

The Level shows how an English city can keep a large green space within dense streets. The park links its past with modern sport and family use, so it is worth a stop while exploring Brighton, especially if you want a break from the crowded seafront and the busy cafe streets.