St Ann's Well Gardens
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St Ann's Well Gardens

4.6
·807 reviews·Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom

A compact city park offering a sensory garden, playground, and peaceful woodland walks amidst mature trees.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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St Ann's Well Gardens

St Ann's Well Gardens

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A compact city park offering a sensory garden, playground, and peaceful woodland walks amidst mature trees.

4.6
(807 reviews)

"Lovely gardens, mature trees. Lovely cafe with food & drinks. Lovely just to sit and enjoy nature."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧺 Bring a Picnic

Cafe prices are high. Pack your own food and enjoy it on a blanket in the lovely gardens.

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Some woodland paths can be uneven. Wear comfy shoes for exploring the different areas.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scented Sensory Garden

Scented Sensory Garden

A delightful escape with fragrant plants designed to engage your senses. Perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Playground Fun

Playground Fun

A vibrant play area for kids, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors. Great for families.

Woodland Walks

Woodland Walks

Explore charming wooded paths surrounded by mature trees, offering a tranquil natural setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Picnic Power-Up

The cafe can be pricey, especially for simple items. Pack a picnic and blanket to enjoy the gardens without breaking the bank. Grab a coffee or ice cream from the cafe if you fancy a treat.

Accessibility Check

While beautiful, some woodland paths have inclines, making them challenging for the elderly or those with mobility issues. Consider sticking to the main, flatter areas if this is a concern.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Enjoy the gardens in full bloom
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Any advice for a mid 40's couple visiting this weekend?

🧺 Bring a Picnic

Cafe prices are high. Pack your own food and enjoy it on a blanket in the lovely gardens. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Some woodland paths can be uneven. Wear comfy shoes for exploring the different areas. Reddit

reddit.com

Loud cheering near St Ann's Well gardens?? What is it?

reddit.com

Need to know some good spots

🐿️ Feed the Squirrels

The squirrels are very friendly and accustomed to visitors. Bring some nuts if you want to make some furry friends! Reddit

🌸 Scented Garden Bliss

Don't miss the sensory garden; it's a unique and calming experience for all ages. Reddit

reddit.com

Favourite activities/places in Brighton?

Tips

from all over the internet

🧺 Bring a Picnic

Cafe prices are high. Pack your own food and enjoy it on a blanket in the lovely gardens. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Some woodland paths can be uneven. Wear comfy shoes for exploring the different areas. Reddit

🐿️ Feed the Squirrels

The squirrels are very friendly and accustomed to visitors. Bring some nuts if you want to make some furry friends! Reddit

🌸 Scented Garden Bliss

Don't miss the sensory garden; it's a unique and calming experience for all ages. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(807 reviews)

Reviews Summary

St Ann's Well Gardens is a beloved city park praised for its diverse attractions, including a sensory garden and playground. While many enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, the on-site cafe receives mixed reviews, with some finding it overpriced. Visitors often recommend bringing a picnic to maximize enjoyment and value.

"Cafe is still serving take away drinks. Lovely range of hot chocolate 'winter warmers' too. The counter is out doors so it feels pretty safe and the staff are obviously social distancing and taking propw safety measures."

Sam Elfer

"Always a pleasure to spend time here. It would be nice to see a new more benches does along the woodland paths as it's quite difficult for the elderly and infirmed with the inclines.
Despite being small, there are lots of different areas to explore. We enjoyed the scented sensory garden, the newts in the pond, the play park, feeding the many squirrels, watching the tennis. The only problem was the garden Cafe which is a criminal rip off with its£7 for two pieces of bread and one slice of cheap thin bacon. We've been double charged too many times for it to be an incident mistake too.
So bring a picnic and a blanket and just nip to the cafe for the odd coffee or icecream"

bits

"Went to the kids festival here 2022. Brilliant! Where else do you get everything from live music to face painting, archery to house DJ's, sequined salsa dancers to medieval self defense demonstrations. Food and drink a plenty and local arts and crafts. The most eclectic festival I've ever been to..."

Marcus Thomlinson

What People Like

Beautiful gardens
Playground
Sensory garden

What People Dislike

Expensive cafe

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St Ann's Well Gardens is easily accessible by public transport in Brighton. Several bus routes stop nearby. If driving, there is limited street parking available in the surrounding residential areas, but it can be competitive. Reddit

Parking directly at the gardens is very limited. Street parking in the surrounding residential streets is the primary option, but be prepared for it to be busy, especially on weekends. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great option. There are usually places to lock up bikes near the entrances. It's a pleasant ride through Brighton to reach the gardens. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, St Ann's Well Gardens is a public park and entry is free for everyone. You can enjoy the gardens and its facilities without any admission cost. Reddit

The gardens are generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific opening and closing times can vary slightly with the seasons, but it's typically accessible throughout daylight hours. Reddit

While the gardens themselves are free to enter, they do host various events, such as festivals. Information on specific events and booking would be available through local event listings or the Brighton & Hove City Council website. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The gardens offer a playground for children, a scented sensory garden, ponds with newts, mature trees for woodland walks, and a cafe. There are also tennis courts available for use. Reddit

Public toilet facilities are usually available within the gardens, often located near the cafe or playground area. It's advisable to check locally for their current operational status. Reddit

Absolutely! The playground is a major draw for families. The open spaces, friendly squirrels, and ponds also provide plenty of entertainment for children. Reddit

Dogs are generally welcome in St Ann's Well Gardens, but it's always a good idea to keep them on a lead, especially in areas with playgrounds or where people are picnicking, to ensure everyone's comfort. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Reviews for the cafe are mixed. Some praise it for good food and sensible prices, while others find it a 'criminal rip off' for simple items like bacon sandwiches. It's recommended to bring your own picnic. Reddit

While specific menus can change, cafes in public parks often offer a range of options. It's best to check with the cafe directly for their current vegetarian and vegan offerings. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is highly encouraged! There are plenty of grassy areas and benches where you can enjoy your own food. Bringing a blanket is a great idea. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The scented garden offers beautiful close-ups of flowers. The mature trees create lovely dappled light for portraits, and the ponds can provide scenic reflections. Reddit

Yes, with its variety of plants, mature trees, and pond life (like newts), it's a good spot for capturing local flora and fauna. The friendly squirrels are also popular subjects. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St Ann's Well Gardens is a fantastic spot for families. The well-equipped playground is a major draw, ensuring hours of fun for children. Beyond the playground, the friendly squirrels are a hit with kids, and the ponds with newts offer a touch of nature exploration. Reddit

It's highly recommended to pack a picnic as the on-site cafe can be expensive for family meals. Reddit This allows for a more budget-friendly and relaxed dining experience amidst the beautiful surroundings. The open spaces are perfect for running around, making it an ideal destination for a family day out.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, St Ann's Well Gardens is a gem. Entry is free, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful city park without any cost. Reddit The biggest money-saver here is to bring your own picnic. Reviews consistently mention the cafe being overpriced for simple items, so packing your own lunch and snacks is key to keeping costs down. Reddit

You can spend hours exploring the different sections of the garden, from the scented areas to the woodland paths, all without spending a penny. It's a perfect way to experience a slice of Brighton's natural beauty on a shoestring budget.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The St Ann's Well Gardens Cafe: A Tale of Two Reviews

The cafe at St Ann's Well Gardens is a point of contention among visitors. Some reviews highlight it as a great spot with 'good food & event refreshments, all at very sensible prices,' making it a 'great start to your day.' Reddit These visitors appreciate the convenience and quality offered.

However, a significant number of reviews express dissatisfaction with the cafe's pricing, with one calling it a 'criminal rip off' for items like bacon sandwiches. Reddit This suggests a disparity in perceived value. For those on a budget or seeking more substantial meals, bringing a picnic is strongly recommended, with the cafe being a better option for a quick coffee or ice cream. Reddit

Despite the cafe's mixed reception, the gardens themselves are consistently praised. The ability to enjoy the natural beauty, playgrounds, and unique sensory garden makes it a worthwhile visit, even if you opt to dine elsewhere. Reddit

Navigating the Gardens: Accessibility and Enjoyment

St Ann's Well Gardens offers a diverse landscape, from manicured areas to more natural woodland paths. While the gardens are generally welcoming, visitors with mobility concerns should be aware of the terrain. Some of the woodland paths feature inclines, which can be challenging for the elderly or those with infirmities. Reddit It's advisable to stick to the main, flatter routes if accessibility is a primary concern.

Despite these challenges, the gardens are compact enough to explore a good portion without extensive walking. The presence of benches along some paths offers opportunities for rest. Reddit The variety of attractions, including the playground, scented garden, and ponds, ensures there's something for everyone, making it a pleasant outing for most visitors. Reddit

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