From Friday 28th to Saturday 31st May, Gandeys Circus will be held at Preston Park, transforming Brighton’s largest urban park into a vibrant entertainment site for all the family.
Set in the heart of the city of Brighton, in beautiful Sussex, Preston Park is the perfect place to enjoy live events while making the most of its open grounds, gardens and family-friendly facilities. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know — including what there is to do, parking information, and answers to common questions about Preston Park Museum and Butterfly World.
What Is There to Do?
Preston Park offers a wide range of activities year round, making it a good place to explore before or after Gandeys’ world-class circus shows.
As the main park in this part of Brighton, it provides:
- Expansive open land ideal for picnics and games
- A popular children’s playground for younger visitors
- Sports pitches and a well-known velodrome
- Tree-lined pathways perfect for walking
- Beautiful rose gardens filled with colour and summer perfume
The park’s open appearance
makes it especially suited to large-scale events like Gandeys Circus. Families can enjoy the fresh air, bring a picnic, and spend quality time together before heading under the big top.
Unlike the Preston Park located in Stockton-on-Tees, which is home to Preston Park Museum and the largest municipal rock garden in the country, Brighton’s Preston Park focuses more on green open space, sports facilities and community events. It’s important not to confuse the two locations when searching online for information.
That said, both parks share a reputation as a perfect place for visitors and families alike.
Do You Pay for Parking at Preston Park?
Yes, parking charges typically apply at Preston Park in Brighton.
As it is located close to the city centre and is a popular site for major events, parking can be busy — especially during a Saturday or Friday performance of Gandeys Circus. Charges vary depending on the time and duration of your stay, and it’s always wise to check the local council website for the most up-to-date information before you visit, or use the official Gandeys Circus contact details if you have ticket-related questions.
Many visitors choose to use public transport instead. Preston Park railway station is nearby, and the park is well connected to the south of the city. Arriving early can save both time and money, particularly during peak hours.
How Much Is Preston Park Museum?
This is one of the most common questions — and it’s where confusion often arises.
There is no Preston Park Museum in Brighton.
The well-known Preston Park Museum & Grounds is located in Stockton on Tees, not in East Sussex. That museum features immersive museum galleries, a recreated Victorian Street where costumed characters are presented, and the largest municipal rock garden — often referred to as the rockery — with winding pathways and streams, making it a very different day out from the open-air excitement of Gandeys Circus in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Admission prices
there are typically assessed at around £5–£8 for adults, with discounts for children, schools, and members. Under 5s often enter free, and annual passes are available for purchase. Opening times may vary in January or during periods of repair work.
However, if you are visiting Preston Park in Brighton for Gandeys Circus, you will not find a museum on site.
How Much Is It to Get Into Butterfly World Preston Park?
Again, this attraction is not located in Brighton.
Butterfly World is situated within the Preston Park grounds in Stockton, home to tropical species and exotic displays. Prices there usually range between £6–£8 for adults, with family tickets available. Visitors joining the experience are treated to butterflies, reptiles and other creatures in a warm indoor centre area, which offers a very different atmosphere from the seaside setting of Gandeys Circus in New Brighton.
There is no Butterfly World at Preston Park in Brighton.
When planning your visit to Gandeys Circus, be sure you are looking at the correct location to avoid confusion.
Why Preston Park Brighton Is the Perfect Location for Gandeys Circus
Brighton is a city known across the country for its creative energy and vibrant outdoor culture. Hosting Gandeys Circus at Preston Park enhances that reputation, just as Gandeys Circus in Southport brings a festival atmosphere to the North West coast.
The park offers many of the same ingredients that make Gandeys Circus in Birmingham such a success:
- Open grounds suitable for large-scale entertainment, similar to the spaces used by Gandeys Circus in the West Midlands
- Strong transport links that make it as easy to reach as Gandeys Circus events in Birmingham
- A central location opposite residential areas, while adults looking for a different style of show might enjoy the dedicated Gandeys Night Circus in Jersey
- Plenty of space for families to enjoy the day, whereas some locations host the adults-only Gandeys Night Circus in Smethwick
Whether you’re interested in sport, relaxation, or live performance, Preston Park offers something for everyone. It’s a good place to spend time outdoors and enjoy Brighton’s lively atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
When Gandeys Circus comes to Preston Park from 28th–31st May, families across Brighton and the surrounding south coast will be treated to a spectacular experience.
While attractions like Preston Park Museum, the Victorian Street, the rock garden and rose gardens belong to the Stockton on Tees location, Brighton’s Preston Park stands out for its open space, sporting facilities and ability to host exciting events.
So gather the children
plan ahead, check parking information online, and enjoy everything this fantastic park has to offer. Whether you’re coming just for the circus or making a full day of it, Preston Park in Brighton is ready to welcome visitors for a memorable family outing. 🎪
